LONDON, Dec. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Navigator Holdings Ltd. ("Navigator") (NYSE: NVGS), today announced that the previously announced sale by funds managed by WL Ross & Co. LLC ("WL Ross") of their approximate 39.1% equity interest in Navigator to BW Group Limited ("BW Group") closed on December 22, 2020 (the "BW Group Sale"). In connection with the BW Group Sale, Navigator has entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with BW Group, which provides BW Group with the right to designate two members of the board of directors of Navigator (provided that BW Group maintains certain shareholding thresholds) and with limited registration and informational rights. The agreement also provides that, until May 18, 2022 and subject to certain exceptions, BW Group will not acquire common shares that increase its current voting power in Navigator.

Navigator also announced that Andreas Beroutsos has joined its board of directors with effect from December 22, 2020, as a designee following the BW Group Sale. Mr. Beroutsos is the Managing Director, Investments, and the senior group executive for strategic new businesses, at BW Group, a position he has held since 2020. Mr. Beroutsos was a member of the board of OSX-listed BW LPG, an energy transportation company associated with the BW Group, from 2013 until 2020. In his 13 years as a private equity investor, Mr. Beroutsos has been the executive vice president and senior portfolio manager for private equity & infrastructure at Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ), a leading Canadian institutional investor that manages public and para-public pension plans and insurance programs. At CDPQ, Mr. Beroutsos served on the management committee, client committee, and cross-asset-class investment-risk committee; and was the chair of the private equity and infrastructure investment committees. Subsequently, Mr. Beroutsos was a partner at HRS Management LLC. Prior to CDPQ, Mr. Beroutsos led private investments at multi-strategy fund Eton Park Capital Management. Earlier in his career, Mr. Beroutsos spent 17 years at McKinsey & Co., where he was a senior partner. Mr. Beroutsos has been a member of the board of directors of PetSmart, Inc., a pet supplies company and parent of NYSE-listed Chewy (CHWY), since 2015 and of HIG Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: HIGA) since 2020. In 2013, Mr. Beroutsos was selected by European and Greek authorities to serve as an Independent Member on the Board of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund, overseeing the recapitalization of Greek banks. He holds M.B.A. and B.A. degrees from Harvard University.

Also as of December 22, 2020, Harold L (Hal) Malone has resigned from Navigator's board of directors and its nominations committee following the closing of the BW Group Sale. Mr. Malone is the Head of Transportation at WL Ross. Mr. Malone's resignation was not the result of a disagreement with Navigator on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices.

David Butters, Executive Chairman, commented: "We look forward to welcoming Mr Beroutsos to the Navigator board and have every confidence that his industry and financial experience will provide valued contributions." Mr Butters also thanked Mr Malone for all his contributions over the past three and a half years and wished him well in the future.

For further information:

Investor Relations Department
investorrelations@navigatorgas.com

David Butters
Executive Chairman
Tel.: +1 212 355 5893

Harry Deans
Chief Executive Officer 
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7340 4850

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SOURCE Navigator Gas

LONDON, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights

• Navigator Holdings Ltd. (the "Company", "we", "our" and "us") (NYSE: NVGS) reported operating revenue of $81.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $75.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
• Net income was $1.5 million or an earnings per share of $0.03 for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to a net loss of $2.9 million or a loss per share of $0.05 for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was $31.9 million for the for the three months ended September 30, 2020, comprising $27.5 million from the operations of the vessels and $4.4 million from our 50/50 joint venture (the "Export Terminal Joint Venture") relating to the ethylene export marine terminal at Morgan's Point, Texas (the "Marine Export Terminal"). This compared to $29.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
• Fleet utilization decreased to 78.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 84.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
• On August 4, 2020, we amended our Terminal Facility to provide for a total availability of $69.0 million and to enable the immediate drawdown of $34.0 million for general corporate purposes.
• On September 10, 2020, issued new senior unsecured $100 million 5-year bonds at a fixed coupon of 8.00% per annum to refinance the 2017 Bonds that were scheduled to mature in February 2021.
• On September 17, 2020, entered into a new $210 million revolving credit facility to refinance one of its secured credit facilities which enabled the Company to borrow an additional approximate $30 million for general corporate purposes.
• Following the execution of the above facilities, our cash and undrawn amounts available from our loan facilities has increased significantly during the quarter, to approximately $120.0 million at September 30, 2020, with no further loan maturities until April 2022.
• We have achieved a record of 714 days without a Lost-Time-Incident (LTI) across our in-house technical managed fleet of 17 vessels.

The Company's financial information for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 included in this press release is preliminary and is subject to change in connection with the completion of the Company's quarter-end close procedures and further financial review. Actual results may differ from these estimates as a result of the completion of the Company's quarter-end closing procedures, review adjustments and other developments that may arise between now and the time such financial information for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 is finalized.

Ethylene Marine Export Terminal

The ethylene Marine Export Terminal continues to be operational although throughput has been affected by hurricane Laura, which disrupted power supply to nearby ethylene crackers, reducing the availability of ethylene to export. The 30,000 ton storage tank, which will increase the terminal's throughput capacity, is currently being commissioned and is on schedule to be operational in December. Thereafter the committed offtake agreements, which have minimum terms of five years, are expected to result in approximately 940,000 tons of annual throughput.

The Company contributed $7.5 million to the Export Terminal Joint Venture during the third quarter of 2020 with a draw down on the Company's Terminal Facility. In addition, since September 30, 2020 the Company has contributed a further $2.0 million to the Export Terminal Joint Venture, also drawn from the Terminal Facility. To date the Company has contributed $142.5 million of our expected share of the approximate $146.5 million towards the capital cost of the Marine Export Terminal.

Trends

Notwithstanding the disruptions to the global economy due to the COVID19 pandemic, the commercial environment coming into the third quarter of 2020 was relatively stable. With the Asian markets emerging from governmental lockdowns sooner than those in the West and less susceptible to further pandemic waves, arbitrage opportunities opened and remained into the summer months. The initial demand for ethylene exports from our Marine Export Terminal continued apace into July and the first half of August, including a world record for the largest ethylene cargo ever loaded – 20,000mt on Navigator Eclipse (37,500cbm / MEGC), that was delivered to China.

However, in mid-August, with predictions of hurricane Laura making landfall in Louisiana, ethylene producers initiated precautionary procedures by shutting down various crackers. Hurricane Laura's impact was considerable and long-standing in the Lake Charles area of Louisiana where approximately one quarter of U.S. ethylene production is located. Although minimal physical damage resulted from the hurricane, the local power grid was severely impacted and multiple producers had to wait for the local utility companies to re-establish electricity supply before re-starting their ethylene crackers. This reduction in U.S. domestic ethylene production lead to U.S. ethylene prices rising sharply due to reduced supply, much of which was consumed domestically with only limited volumes available for exports. Expected increased ethylene export volumes for September and October following the severe hurricane season and the impact on the Lake Charles area by hurricane Laura did not materialize, reducing throughput at the terminal as well as our expected earnings days for the ethylene fleet. Our utilization for the spot fleet reduced in September and October as a direct consequence. The ethylene vessels that were ballasting into the U.S. Gulf during this period were forced to compete with semi-refrigerated and fully-refrigerated non-ethylene petrochemical cargoes and LPG, where available.

Electricity is now restored in the Lake Charles area and the ethylene crackers have re-commenced production. U.S. domestic ethylene prices are softening and the market dynamics are returning to what we experienced during the summer months; low U.S. ethylene price creating arbitrage with the rest of the world, thus providing employment for the ethylene fleet. We expect our utilization level to rise as a result of the widening of the ethylene arbitrage for November and December.

As well as lifting the world record ethylene cargo on Navigator Eclipse, our midsize ethylene/ethane carriers had a positive quarter in the ethane market. We extended an existing time charter to a large European chemical player for a further year and concluded a new three year time charter with a large Chinese chemical producer.

Very Large Gas Carriers had a solid quarter, regaining much of the losses of the previous three months, The Baltic spot index rose by 85% during the third quarter of 2020, but in contrast the handy-size vessel twelve month charter assessment declined slightly from $620,000 pcm to $605,000 pcm reemphasizing a stable profile due to the vessels' flexibility in trading in LPG, petrochemicals and ammonia markets.  

COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 continues to affect global economic conditions that effect our business, financial condition and the results of our operations. The ultimate longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain and its future effects depend on the spread of the outbreak and the reactions of various national governments to the virus. Therefore, an estimate of the likely impact cannot be made with certainty at this time.

Crew changes remain a challenge, similar to most shipowners, although an increasing number of crew changes have successfully occurred during the quarter, with 49 crew members now with overdue leave of an average of 34 days. Drydocking vessels too has been difficult with some yards closing on short notice. However, drydockings have occurred at various dockyards around the world and the Company has completed five drydocks during the third quarter, with a further three being scheduled for later in 2020.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

The following table compares our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020:

Operating Revenue. Operating revenue was $75.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, principally the same as for the three months ended September 30, 2019. However, there were compensating differences as follows:

• a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $4.5 million attributable to decrease in fleet utilization which fell to 78.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 from 84.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2019;
• a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $0.9 million attributable to a decrease in vessel available days of 48 days or 1.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three months to September 30, 2019, primarily due to an increase in the number of dry dockings undertaken during the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019;     
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $4.1 million attributable to an increase in average monthly time charter equivalent rates, which increased to an average of approximately $696,166 per vessel per calendar month ($22,892 per day) for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to an average of approximately $652,314 per vessel per calendar month ($21,446 per day) for the three months ended September 30, 2019; and
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $1.2 million primarily attributable to an increase in pass through voyage costs, including additional canal transits for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019

The following table presents selected operating data for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, which we believe are useful in understanding the basis for movement in our operating revenue.

*   Non-GAAP Financial Measure—Time charter equivalent: Time charter equivalent ("TCE") rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenue, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters, also known as spot market charters, we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenue, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Operating Revenue to TCE rate

The following table represents a reconciliation of operating revenue to TCE rate. Operating revenue is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented.

Operating Revenue – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements. Pool earnings are aggregated and then allocated (after deducting pool overheads and managers fees) to the Pool Participants in accordance with the Pooling Agreement. Operating revenue - Luna Pool collaborative arrangements was $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, which represents our share of pool net revenue generated by the other participant's vessels in the pool. The Luna Pool, which comprises nine of the Company's ethylene vessels and five ethylene vessels from Pacific Gas Pte. Ltd., focuses on the transportation of ethylene and ethane to meet the growing demands of our customers. The Luna Pool became operational during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently there was no Operating Revenue - Luna Pool collaborative arrangements for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions, which typically vary between 1.25% and 2.5% of operating revenue, was $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, the same as for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by $1.2 million or 8.9% to $14.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Panama Canal transit costs have increased in the three months ended September 30, 2020 as a result of increased trade from the U.S. Gulf to the Far East through the Panama Canal. However bunker costs have reduced as a result of a decrease in bunker prices, although more bunkers have been consumed as the number of voyage charter days increased by approximately 18.2% during the three months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Voyage Expenses – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements. Voyage expenses – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements were $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, which represents the other participant's share of pool net revenues generated by our vessels in the pool. The net effect after deducting operating revenue – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements was that the other participant's vessels contributed $1.2 million to our vessels in the Luna Pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently there were no Voyage Expenses - Luna Pool collaborative arrangements for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses increased by 1.5% to $27.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $26.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Average daily vessel operating expenses increased by $115 per vessel per day, or 1.5%, to $7,786 per vessel per day for the three months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $7,672 per vessel per day for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by 0.9% to $19.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $19.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. Depreciation and amortization included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $1.7 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 respectively.  

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased by $1.9 million or 40.9% to $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in general and administrative costs includes a loss of $0.5 million on the revaluation of an Indonesian Rupiah bank account for the three months ended September 30, 2020, relative to the three months ended September 30, 2019, additional audit and internal control related costs of $0.3 million and additional terminal insurance of $0.2 million.

Other Income. Other income was $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and consists of management fees for commercial and administrative activities performed by the Company for the Luna Pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently there was no other income for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Non-operating Results           

Foreign Currency Exchange Gain/Loss on Senior Secured Bonds. Exchange gains and losses relate to non-cash movements on our 600 million Norwegian Kroner 2018 Bonds which are translated to U.S. Dollar at the prevailing exchange rate as of September 30, 2020. The foreign currency exchange loss of $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was as a result of the Norwegian Kroner strengthening against the U.S. Dollar, being NOK 9.4 to USD 1.0 as of September 30, 2020 compared to NOK 9.7 to USD 1.0 as of June 30, 2020.

Unrealized Gain/Loss on Non-designated Derivative Instruments. The unrealized gains on non-designated derivative instruments of $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 relates to the fair value movement in our cross-currency interest rate swap and is primarily due to the strengthening of the Norwegian Kroner against the U.S. Dollar. The unrealized loss on this swap for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $5.2 million.

 Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $2.6 million, or 20.8%, to $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, from $12.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. This is primarily as a result of a reduction in 3-month US LIBOR interest rates.

Write off of Deferred Financing Costs. The write off of deferred financing costs of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 related to a portion of the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of the $290.0 million secured term loan facility that was fully re-financed prior to its maturity date. No loan refinancing occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Write off of Redemption Premium on 7.75% Senior Unsecured Bond. In connection with the redemption of the 2017 Bonds, pursuant to which we redeemed all of the outstanding principal amount in September 2020, we incurred $0.2 million in charges that were written off on such bonds on maturity which are presented within interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Income Taxes. Income taxes related to taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore and our consolidated variable interest entity ("VIE"), incorporated in Malta. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, we had a tax charge of $120,000 compared to taxes of $131,042 for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Share of result of equity accounted joint ventures. The share of result of the Company's 50% ownership in the Export Terminal Joint Venture was a gain of $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily as a result of volumes being exported through the Marine Export Terminal following the commencement of the throughput agreements during the second quarter of 2020.

Non-Controlling Interest. We have entered into a sale and leaseback arrangement in November 2019 with a wholly-owned special purpose vehicle ("lessor SPV") of a financial institution. Although we do not hold any equity investments in this lessor SPV, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this entity and accordingly, we are required to consolidate this VIE into our financial results. Thus, the income attributable to the financial institution of $0.4 million is presented as the non-controlling interest in our financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

The following table compares our operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020:

Operating Revenue. Operating revenue increased by $11.4 million or 5.1% to $236.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $225.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This increase was principally due to:

• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $1.3 million attributable to an increase in fleet utilization which rose to 85.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from 84.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019;
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $5.8 million attributable to an increase in average monthly time charter equivalent rates, which increased to an average of approximately $661,082 per vessel per calendar month ($21,733 per day) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to an average of approximately $640,685 per vessel per calendar month ($21,063 per day) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $0.7 million attributable to an increase in vessel available days of 37 days or 0.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to an increase in the number of ownership days for the leap year; and
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $3.7 million primarily attributable to an increase in pass through voyage costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The following table presents selected operating data for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020, which we believe are useful in understanding the basis for movement in our operating revenue.

*   Non-GAAP Financial Measure—Time charter equivalent: Time charter equivalent ("TCE") rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenue, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters, also known as spot market charters, we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenue, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Operating Revenue to TCE rate

The following table represents a reconciliation of operating revenue to TCE rate. Operating revenue is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented.

Operating Revenue – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements. Pool earnings are aggregated and then allocated (after deducting pool overheads and managers fees) to the Pool Participants in accordance with the Pooling Agreement. Operating revenue - Luna Pool collaborative arrangements was $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, which represents our share of pool net revenues generated by the other participant's vessels in the pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently there was no Operating Revenue – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions, which typically vary between 1.25% and 2.5% of operating revenue, marginally increased by 0.6%, to $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase in operating revenue on which brokerage commissions are based.

Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by 8.5% to $46.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $43.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Panama Canal transit costs have increased significantly in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as a result of increased trade from the U.S. Gulf to the Far East through the Panama Canal. These transit cost increases are partly off-set by reductions in bunker costs as a result of bunker price decreases, although more bunkers have been consumed as the number of voyage charter days increased by approximately 3.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019

Voyage Expenses. – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements. Voyage expenses – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements was $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, which represents the other participant's share of pool net revenue generated by our vessels in the pool. The net effect after deducting Operating revenue – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements was that the other participants vessels contributed $0.8 million to our vessels in the Luna Pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently there was no Voyage Expenses – Luna Pool collaborative arrangements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses decreased by 3.1% to $81.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $83.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Average daily vessel operating expenses decreased by $281 per vessel per day, or 3.5%, to $7,791 per vessel per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, compared to $8,072 per vessel per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This was primarily due to a general underspend in vessel operating expenses across the fleet during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as well as unexpected costs incurred for repairs and maintenance in 2019 which have not reoccurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization  increased by 1.2% to $57.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $56.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Depreciation and amortization included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $5.8 million and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased by $2.9 million or 19.9% to $17.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $14.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in general and administrative costs was primarily due to a loss of $1.0 million on the revaluation of an Indonesian Rupiah bank account for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 relative to the three months ended September 30, 2019; additional audit and internal control related costs of $1.0 million; additional insurance costs of $0.6 million for the now operational Marine Export Terminal; and the write off of previously capitalized legal costs of $0.5 million relating to the Marine Export Terminal. 

Other Income. Other income was $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and consists of management fees for commercial and administrative activities performed by the Company for the Luna Pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently there was no other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Non-operating Results           

Foreign Currency Exchange Gain on Senior Secured Bonds. Exchange gains and losses relate to non-cash movements on our 600 million Norwegian Kroner 2018 Bonds which are translated to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate as of September 30, 2020. The foreign currency exchange gain of $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was as a result of the Norwegian Kroner weakening against the U.S. Dollar, being NOK 9.4 to USD 1.0 as of September 30, 2020 compared to NOK 8.8 to USD 1.0 as of December 31, 2019.

Unrealized Loss on Non-designated Derivative Instruments. The unrealized loss on non-designated derivative instruments of $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 relates to the fair value movement in our cross-currency interest rate swap and is primarily due to the weakening of the Norwegian Kroner against the U.S. Dollar. The unrealized loss on this swap for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $3.6 million. 

 Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $4.3 million, or 11.6%, to $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from $36.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. This reduction in interest expense is primarily as a result of reductions in 3-month US LIBOR interest rates, offset by $2.4 million lower interest costs capitalized on the Marine Export Terminal for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Write off of Deferred Financing Costs. The write off of deferred financing costs of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 related to a portion of the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of the $290.0 million secured term loan facility that was fully re-financed prior to its maturity date. No loan refinancing occurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Income Taxes. Income taxes related to taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore and our consolidated variable interest entity ("VIE"), incorporated in Malta. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we had a tax charge of $456,000 compared to taxes of $305,388 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Share of result of equity accounted joint ventures. The share of result of the Company's 50% ownership in the Export Terminal Joint Venture was a loss of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily as a result of initial losses following the terminal becoming operational in December 2019 being offset by profits since June when the committed offtake agreements became effective. This compared to a loss of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which related to costs incurred prior to the Marine Export Terminal becoming operational.

Non-Controlling Interest. We have entered into a sale and leaseback arrangement with a wholly-owned special purpose vehicle ("lessor SPV") of a financial institution. While we do not hold any equity investments in this lessor SPV, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this entity and accordingly, we are required to consolidate this VIE into our financial results. Thus, the income attributable to the financial institution of $1.4 million is presented as the non-controlling interest in our financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2020:

¹ EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP (non-GAAP financial measures). EBITDA represents net income attributable to stockholders of the Company before net interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA before foreign currency exchange gain or loss on senior secured bonds and unrealized gain or loss on non-designated derivative instruments. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent and should not be considered alternatives to consolidated net income, cash generated from operations or any measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. See the table above for a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income / (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Company, our most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

Our Fleet

The following table sets forth our vessels as of November 12, 2020:

Conference Call Details:

Tomorrow, Friday, November 13, 2020, at 9:00 A.M. ET, the Company's management team will host a conference call to discuss the preliminary financial results.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1 (877) 553-9962 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0(808) 238-0669 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2071 928 592 (Standard International Dial In). Please quote "Navigator" to the operator. There will also be a live, and then archived, webcast of the conference call, available through the Company's website (www.navigatorgas.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until Friday November 20, 2020, by dialing 1(866) 331-1332 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0(808) 238-0667 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 3333 009785 (Standard International Dial In). Access Code: 11870348#

Navigator Gas

Attention: Investor Relations Department - investorrelations@navigatorgas.com

New York: 650 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022. Tel: +1 212 355 5893
London: 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. Tel: +44 (0)20 7340 4850

About Us

Navigator Holdings Ltd. is the owner and operator of the world's largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers and a global leader in the seaborne transportation of petrochemical gases, such as ethylene and ethane, liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") and ammonia. Navigator's fleet consists of 38 semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers, 14 of which are ethylene and ethane capable. The Company plays a vital role in the liquefied gas supply chain for energy companies, industrial consumers and commodity traders, with our sophisticated vessels providing an efficient and reliable 'floating pipeline' between the parties. We continue to build strong, long-term partnerships based on mutual trust, our depth of technical expertise and a modern versatile fleet. The Company also owns a 50% share, through a joint venture in an ethylene export marine terminal at Morgan's Point, Texas on the Houston Ship Channel, USA.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or economic performance, or assumptions related thereto, including our financial forecast. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements that are also forward-looking statements. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in our business and the markets in which we operate as described in this press release. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "forecast," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "propose," "potential," "continue," "scheduled," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to:

• the completion of the Company's quarter-end close procedures and further financial review with respect to the Company's financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, and other developments that may arise between now and the disclosure of the Company's final results for such quarter;
• global epidemics or other health crises such as the outbreak of COVID-19, including its impact on our business;
• future operating or financial results;
• pending acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending;
• operating expenses, availability of crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking requirements and insurance costs;
• fluctuations in currencies and interest rates;
• general market conditions and shipping market trends, including charter rates and factors affecting supply and demand;
• our ability to continue to comply with all our debt covenants;
• our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to refinance our indebtedness as it matures or obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate activities;
• estimated future capital expenditures needed to preserve our capital base;
• our expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase, the time that it may take to construct new vessels, or the useful lives of our vessels;
• our continued ability to enter into long-term, fixed-rate time charters with our customers;
• the availability and cost of low sulfur fuel oil compliant with the International Maritime Organization sulfur emission limit reductions, generally referred to as "IMO 2020," which took effect January 1, 2020;
• our vessels engaging in ship to ship transfers of LPG or petrochemical cargoes which may ultimately be discharged in sanctioned areas or to sanctioned individuals without our knowledge;
• changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
• potential liability from future litigation;
• our expectations relating to the payment of dividends;
• our ability to successfully remediate material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures;
• our expectation regarding providing in-house technical management for certain vessels in our fleet and our success in providing such in-house technical management;
• our expectations regarding the completion of construction and financing of the Marine Export Terminal and the financial success of the Marine Export Terminal and our related Export Terminal Joint Venture; and
• other factors detailed from time to time in other periodic reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in our views or expectations, or otherwise. We make no prediction or statement about the performance of our common stock. 

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navigator-holdings-ltd-preliminary-third-quarter-2020-results-unaudited-301172417.html

SOURCE Navigator Gas

LONDON, Nov. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Navigator Holdings Ltd. ("Navigator") (NYSE: NVGS), the owner and operator of the world's largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers, announced today that it will release its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 after markets close in New York on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

On Friday, November 13, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. ET, the Company's management team will host a conference call to discuss the financial results.

Conference Call Details:
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1 (877) 553-9962 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0(808) 238- 0669 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2071 928592 (Standard International Dial In). Please quote "Navigator" to the operator.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until Friday, November 20, 2020, by dialing 1(866) 331-1332 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0(808) 238-0667 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 3333 009785 (Standard International Dial In). Access Code: 11870348#

Audio Webcast:
There will also be a live, and then archived, webcast of the conference call, available through the Company's website (www.navigatorgas.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

About Us
Navigator Holdings Ltd. is the owner and operator of the world's largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers and a global leader in the seaborne transportation services of petrochemical gases, such as ethylene and ethane, liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") and ammonia. Navigator's fleet consists of 38 semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers, 14 of which are ethylene and ethane capable.  The Company plays a vital role in the liquefied gas supply chain for energy companies, industrial consumers and commodity traders, with its sophisticated vessels providing an efficient and reliable 'floating pipeline' between the parties. The Company also own a 50% share, through a joint venture, in an ethylene export marine terminal at Morgan's Point, Texas on the Houston Ship Channel, USA.

Navigator Gas
Attention: Investor Relations investorrelations@navigatorgas.com
New York:         650 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022. Tel: +1 212 355 5893
London:            10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. Tel: +44 (0)20 7340 4850

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navigator-holdings-ltd-announces-date-for-the-release-of-third-quarter-2020-results-and-conference-call-301168071.html

SOURCE Navigator Gas

LONDON, Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

(Unaudited)

Highlights

• Navigator Holdings Ltd. (the "Company", "we", "our" and "us") (NYSE: NVGS) reported operating revenue of $79.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $73.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
• A net income of $3.0 million (or an earnings per share of $0.05) for the three months ended June 30, 2020 which includes COVID-19 related foreign exchange gains of $2.5 million and a $0.2 million loss on our 50/50 joint venture (the "Export Terminal Joint Venture") relating to the ethylene export marine terminal at Morgan's Point, Texas (the "Marine Export Terminal"), resulting in a net income relating to our vessels of $0.7 million.
  This compares to a first quarter 2020 loss of $8.2 million, which comprised of foreign exchange losses of $3.7 million, a $3.0 million loss on the Export Terminal Joint Venture and a balancing loss relating to our vessels of $1.5 million and also to a net loss of $7.7 million (or a loss per share of $0.14) for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
• For the quarter, we reported a loss of $0.2 million on our share of the Export Terminal Joint Venture. However, with the commencement of the long term take or pay contracts as of the beginning of June, the terminal generated a profit for the month, although not sufficient to overcome the losses of the prior two months. It is anticipated that the terminal will remain profitable for the remainder of the year.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was $31.9 million for the for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $23.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
• Fleet utilization improved to 88.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to 85.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
• Navigator Eclipse, one of our flagship 37,500cbm ethylene carriers, successfully completed a loading of 20,000mts from our Marine Export Terminal in June 2020 - the largest ethylene parcel ever carried on a gas carrier.
• A new three year charter agreed for a midsize ethane/ethylene carrier, with another midsize vessel extended until the end of 2021. Both charters are for the transportation of ethane and both are at charter rates of well in excess of $30,000 per day.
• On August 4, 2020, amended our Terminal Facility to provide for a total availability of $69.0 million and to enable the immediate drawdown of $34.0 million for general corporate purposes.
• We have achieved a record of 622 days without a Lost-Time-Incident (LTI) across our in-house technical managed fleet of 17 vessels, while keeping vessel operating costs under control.

The Company's financial information for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 included in this press release is preliminary and is subject to change in connection with the completion of the Company's quarter-end close procedures and further financial review. Actual results may differ from these estimates as a result of the completion of the Company's quarter-end closing procedures, review adjustments and other developments that may arise between now and the time such financial information for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 is finalized.

Ethylene Marine Export Terminal

The ethylene Marine Export Terminal is fully functional and the 30,000 ton storage tank, which will increase the terminal's throughput capacity, is scheduled to be completed and in service by the end of this year. The terminal achieved a throughput in excess of 80,000 tons during the month of June 2020. The committed offtake agreements, which have minimum terms of five years, account for approximately 95% of the one million ton annual nameplate throughput capacity.

The Company contributed $7.5 million to the Export Terminal Joint Venture during the second quarter of 2020 with an initial draw down on the Company's Terminal Facility. In addition, since June 30, 2020 the Company has contributed a further $7.5 million to the Export Terminal Joint Venture, also drawn from the Terminal Facility. To date the Company has contributed $140.5 million of our expected share of the approximate $150.0 million capital cost of the Marine Export Terminal. The remaining contributions are scheduled to be contributed during 2021.

Trends

Toward the end of the first quarter of 2020, ethylene shipping slowed as Asian demand was materially impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and a general slowdown in the global economy. This trend continued into the second quarter. However, as Asian economies restarted during the latter half of the second quarter, so too did the demand for ethylene. An upsurge in U.S. ethylene export capacity from our Marine Export Terminal, drove an uptake in cargo liftings from the second half of May onwards, positively impacting handysize ethylene tonnage. June cargoes alone from the two export terminals in the U.S. totaled around 100,000 tons. July and August also kept pace as the ethylene price arbitrage remained open with charter rates and vessel utilization across the ethylene shipping fleet having improved markedly in the latter part of the second quarter.

Propylene has seen a busy second quarter. Asian pricing improved, increasing pricing arbitrage with the result that approximately 75,000 tons was fixed from the U.S. Gulf area on the spot market. Navigator's vessels lifted approximately half of these tons. The Middle East also contributed export tons, with three handysize cargoes employed on the spot market, two of which were on Navigator vessels. European petrochemical producers continued to use naphtha as feedstock throughout this period which resulted in excess butadiene availability, due to low regional demand. These volumes were exported to Asia on handysize semi-refrigerated vessels adding ton-miles to the segment.   

LPG freight rates were volatile during the quarter with the Very Large Gas Carrier 12 month time charter index falling by 36% from $1.1 million per calendar month ("pcm") at the beginning of April to $720,000 pcm at the end of June and the Baltic spot index likewise dropping by 44% during this period. The handysize vessel 12 month charter assessment in comparison declined only 5% from $650,000 pcm to $620,000 pcm showing its resilience to volatility and maintaining a stable profile due to the vessels' flexibility in trading in LPG, petrochemicals and ammonia markets.   

The Luna Pool commenced operations in April and had 13 out of the 14 designated handysize ethylene vessels operating in the pool by the end of June. The remaining vessel has since been delivered into the pool. The market participants have welcomed additional ethylene vessels to our service offering. It enables us to improve our flexibility and better meet our customers' needs especially during the ramp-up of the Marine Export Terminal, when ship availability and logistical scheduling added value to the stakeholders. 

In summary, the quarter started slow due to the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the world economy but it gradually recovered as various government restrictions were eased and consumption improved, bringing monthly utilization levels from mid 80% at the end of the first quarter to approximately 90% from May 2020 onwards, in part due to the increased activity through the Marine Export Terminal. 

COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 continues to affect global economic conditions that effect our business, financial condition and the results of our operations. The ultimate severity of COVID-19 is uncertain and its future effects depend on the spread of the outbreak, the reactions of various national governments and the duration of the effects of the virus. Therefore, an estimate of the likely impact cannot be made at this time.

Crew changes continue to be a challenge, consistent with most shipowners, although an increasing number of crew changes have successfully occurred during the quarter, with 380 crew relieved, but still leaving over 130 with overdue leave. Drydocking vessels have resumed in various dockyards around the world and the Company has undertaken three drydocks during the second quarter, with a further eight being scheduled for later in the year.

Financing

To increase liquidity, the Company entered into an agreement with the lenders of the Terminal Facility to allow an early true-up of $34.0 million, enabling those funds to be immediately drawn for general corporate purposes due to previous capital contributions for the Marine Export Terminal being paid from the Company's own resources. In addition, the company is seeking to refinance one of its vessel loans to unlock approximately an additional $30 million for general corporate purposes. This refinancing is expected to be completed during the third quarter.

The Company continues to assess the capital markets for refinancing its existing $100 million senior unsecured bond that matures in February 2021. The Company has engaged financial advisors to investigate opportunities in this regard. 

Operating Revenue. Operating revenue increased by $6.3 million or 8.5% to $79.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $73.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. This increase was principally due to:              

• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $4.8 million attributable to an increase in average monthly time charter equivalent rates, which increased to an average of approximately $657,085 per vessel per calendar month ($21,606 per day) for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to an average of approximately $606,572 per vessel per calendar month ($19,940 per day) for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $2.3 million attributable to an increase in fleet utilization which rose to 88.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 from 85.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2019;
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $0.9 million attributable to an increase in vessel available days of 52 days or 1.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months to June 30, 2019, primarily due to a reduction in the number of dry dockings undertaken during the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 as a result of local lockdowns caused by COVID-19; and
• a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $1.7 million primarily attributable to a decrease in pass through voyage costs, due to less fuel and canal transit costs for the three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019.

The following table presents selected operating data for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, which we believe are useful in understanding the basis for movement in our operating revenue.

*   Non-GAAP Financial Measure—Time charter equivalent: Time charter equivalent ("TCE") rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters, also known as spot market charters, we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Operating Revenue to TCE rate

The following table represents a reconciliation of operating revenue to TCE rate. Operating revenue is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented.

Operating Revenue – pool collaborative arrangements. Operating revenue – collaborative arrangements was $2.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, which was our share of the other Luna Pool participants revenue. The Luna Pool, which comprises nine of the Company's ethylene vessels and five ethylene vessels from Pacific Gas Pte. Ltd., focuses on the transportation of ethylene and ethane to meet the growing demands of our customers. The Luna Pool became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and consequently there was no Operating Revenue – collaborative arrangements for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions, which typically vary between 1.25% and 2.5% of operating revenue, increased by 5.8%, to $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, primarily as a result of an increase in operating revenue on which brokerage commissions are based.

Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses decreased by 10.4% to $14.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $16.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. This was primarily due to a decrease in oil prices following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequently a reduction in the price of bunkers used by our vessels. The number of voyage charter days increased by approximately 6.0% during the during the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019 but the reduction in bunker prices more than offset the increased voyage charter costs that would be attributable to this rise. These decreased voyage costs are pass through costs, corresponding to a decrease in operating revenue of the same amount.

Voyage Expenses. – pool collaborative arrangements. Voyage expenses – pool collaborative arrangements were $2.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, which was our other Luna Pool participants share of our revenue, less our Luna Pool management fees. The net effect after deducting operating revenue – pool collaborative arrangements was that our vessels contributed $0.3 million to other participants in the Luna Pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and consequently there was no Voyage Expenses  – pool collaborative arrangements for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses decreased by 3.5% to $26.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $27.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Average daily vessel operating expenses decreased by $276 per vessel per day, or 3.5%, to $7,661 per vessel per day for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $7,938 per vessel per day for the three months ended June 30, 2019. This was primarily due to a general underspend in vessel operating expenses across the fleet as costs were tightly controlled, as well as some costs being deferred to subsequent quarters as a result of COVID-19.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 1.3% to $19.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $18.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Depreciation and amortization expense included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $2.0 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 respectively.  

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs decreased by $0.7 million or 13.2% to $4.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $5.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The decrease in general and administrative costs was primarily due to a gain on the revaluation of an Indonesian Rupiah bank account as of June 30, 2020, regaining $1.0 million since March 31, 2020 following a strengthening of the Indonesian Rupiah relative to the U.S. dollar.

Non-operating Results           

Foreign Currency Exchange Loss on Senior Secured Bonds. Exchange gains and losses relate to non-cash movements on our 600 million Norwegian Kroner 2018 Bonds which are translated to U.S. Dollar at the prevailing exchange rate as of June 30, 2020. The foreign currency exchange loss of $4.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was as a result of the Norwegian Kroner strengthening against the U.S. dollar, being NOK 9.7 to USD 1.0 as of June 30, 2020 compared to NOK 10.5 to USD 1.0 as of March 31, 2020.

Unrealized Gain on Non-designated Derivative Instruments. The unrealized gain on non-designated derivative instruments of $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 relates to the fair value movement in our cross-currency interest rate swap and is primarily due to the strengthening of the Norwegian Kroner against the U.S. dollar. The unrealized gain on this swap for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $0.8 million.

 Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $1.1 million, or 8.9%, to $11.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $12.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019. This is primarily as a result of a reduction in 3-month US LIBOR interest rates.

Income Taxes. Income taxes related to taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore and our consolidated variable interest entity ("VIE"), incorporated in Malta. For the three months ended June 30, 2020, we had a tax charge of $168,000 compared to taxes of $81,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Share of result of equity accounted joint venture. The share of result of the Company's 50% ownership in the Export Terminal Joint Venture was a loss of $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, primarily as a result of initial low volumes through the Marine Export Terminal earlier in the quarter, prior to the commencement of the throughput agreements.

Non-Controlling Interest. We have entered into a sale and leaseback arrangement with a wholly-owned special purpose vehicle ("lessor SPV") of a financial institution. While we do not hold any equity investments in this lessor SPV, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this entity and accordingly, we are required to consolidate this VIE into our financial results. Thus, the income attributable to the financial institution of $0.5 million is presented as the non-controlling interest in our financial results.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

The following table compares our operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020:

Operating Revenue. Operating revenue, net of address commission, increased by $11.4 million or 7.6% to $161.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $149.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This increase was principally due to:

• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $5.3 million attributable to an increase in fleet utilization which rose to 88.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 from 85.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2019;
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $2.1 million attributable to an increase in average monthly time charter equivalent rates, which increased to an average of approximately $645,670 per vessel per calendar month ($21,228 per day) for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to an average of approximately $634,622 per vessel per calendar month ($20,864 per day) for the six months ended June 30, 2019. 
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $1.5 million attributable to an increase in vessel available days of 85 days or 1.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2020, due to an increase in the number of ownership days for the leap year and a reduction in the number of dry dockings undertaken during the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 as a result of local lockdowns caused by COVID-19; and
• an increase in operating revenue of approximately $2.5 million primarily attributable to an increase in pass through voyage costs, due to additional fuel and canal transit costs for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019.

The following table presents selected operating data for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, which we believe are useful in understanding the basis for movement in our operating revenue.

*   Non-GAAP Financial Measure—Time charter equivalent: Time charter equivalent ("TCE") rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters, also known as spot market charters, we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.

Reconciliation of Operating Revenue to TCE rate

The following table represents a reconciliation of operating revenue to TCE rate. Operating revenue is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented.

Operating Revenue – pool collaborative arrangements. Operating revenue – collaborative arrangements was $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which was our share of the other Luna Pool participants revenue. The Luna Pool became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and consequently there was no Operating Revenue – pool collaborative arrangements for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions, which typically vary between 1.25% and 2.5% of operating revenue, increased by 0.7%, to $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to an increase in operating revenue on which brokerage commissions are based.

Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by 8.3% to $32.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $29.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This was primarily due to the cost of low sulfur fuel in accordance with new International Maritime Organization regulations which came into force from January 1, 2020 requiring vessels to use fuel with a range of no more than 0.1% to 0.5% sulfur emissions depending on their area of trading and an increase in canal transits performed by our vessels during the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019. Bunker prices have reduced during the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to the drop in the oil price as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but there is still an effect from the higher prices seen in the first quarter on bunker costs within voyage expenses.   These increased voyage costs are pass through costs, corresponding to an increase in operating revenue of the same amount.

Voyage Expenses. – pool collaborative arrangements. Voyage expenses – pool collaborative arrangements was $2.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which was our other Luna Pool participants share of our revenue, less our Luna Pool management fees. The net effect after deducting operating revenue – pool collaborative arrangements was that our vessels contributed $0.3 million to other participants in the Luna Pool. The Luna Pool became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and consequently there was no Voyage Expenses  – pool collaborative arrangements for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses decreased by 5.3% to $53.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $56.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. Average daily vessel operating expenses decreased by $483 per vessel per day, or 5.8%, to $7,793 per vessel per day for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $8,276 per vessel per day for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This was primarily due to a general underspend in vessel operating expenses across the fleet during the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019 as well as unexpected costs incurred for repairs and maintenance for the six months ended June 30, 2019 which have not reoccurred for the six months ended June 30, 2020.  

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 1.3% to $38.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $37.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. Depreciation and amortization expense included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $4.1 million and $3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 respectively.  

General and Administrative Costs. General and administrative costs increased by $1.0 million or 10.2% to $11.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This increase in general and administrative costs was primarily due to additional insurance costs of $0.4 million for the now operational Marine Export Terminal and the write off of previously capitalized costs of $0.5 million relating to the same Marine Export Terminal.  

Non-operating Results           

Foreign Currency Exchange (Loss)/Gain on Senior Secured Bonds. Exchange gains and losses relate to non-cash movements on our 600 million Norwegian Kroner 2018 Bonds which are translated to U.S. Dollars at the prevailing exchange rate as of June 30, 2020. The foreign currency exchange gain of $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was as a result of the Norwegian Kroner weakening against the U.S. dollar, being NOK 9.7 to USD 1.0 as of June 30, 2020 compared to NOK 8.8 to USD 1.0 as of December 31, 2019.

Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Non-designated Derivative Instruments. The unrealized loss on non-designated derivative instruments of $7.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 relates to the fair value movement in our cross-currency interest rate swap and is primarily due to the weakening of the Norwegian Kroner against the U.S. dollar. The unrealized gain on this swap for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $1.6 million.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $1.7 million, or 7.0%, to $22.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $24.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This is primarily as a result of a reduction in 3-month US LIBOR interest rates, $1.0 million of which was offset by a lower amount of interest capitalization on the Marine Export Terminal for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Income Taxes. Income taxes related to taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore and our consolidated variable interest entity ("VIE"), incorporated in Malta. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, we had a tax charge of $336,000 compared to taxes of $174,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Share of result of equity accounted joint venture. The share of result of the Company's 50% ownership in the Export Terminal Joint Venture was a loss of $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to a loss of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, primarily as a result of initial losses following the terminal becoming operational in December 2019. However volumes of product through the Marine Export Terminal have increased during the second quarter of 2020.

Non-Controlling Interest. We have entered into a sale and leaseback arrangement with a wholly-owned special purpose vehicle ("lessor SPV") of a financial institution. While we do not hold any equity investments in this lessor SPV, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of this entity and accordingly, we are required to consolidate this VIE into our financial results. Thus, the income attributable to the financial institution of $0.9 million is presented as the non-controlling interest in our financial results.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020:

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¹ EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP (non-GAAP financial measures). EBITDA represents net income attributable to stockholders of the Company before net interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA before foreign currency exchange gain or loss on senior secured bonds and unrealized gain or loss on non-designated derivative instruments. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent and should not be considered alternatives to consolidated net income, cash generated from operations or any measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. See the table above for a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income / (loss) attributable to stockholders of the Company, our most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

Our Fleet

The following table sets forth our vessels as of August 13, 2020:

*denotes our owned vessels that operate within the Luna Pool

Conference Call Details:

Tomorrow, Friday, August 14, 2020, at 9:00 A.M. ET, the Company's management team will host a conference call to discuss the preliminary financial results.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1 (877) 553-9962 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0(808) 238-0669 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2071 928 592 (Standard International Dial In). Please quote "Navigator" to the operator. There will also be a live, and then archived, webcast of the conference call, available through the Company's website (www.navigatorgas.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until August 21, 2020, by dialing 1(866) 331-1332 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0(808) 238-0667 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 3333 009 785 (Standard International Dial In). Access Code: 11870348#

About Us

Navigator Holdings Ltd. is the owner and operator of the world's largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers and a global leader in the seaborne transportation of petrochemical gases, such as ethylene and ethane, liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") and ammonia. Navigator's fleet consists of 38 semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers, 14 of which are ethylene and ethane capable. The Company plays a vital role in the liquefied gas supply chain for energy companies, industrial consumers and commodity traders, with our sophisticated vessels providing an efficient and reliable 'floating pipeline' between the parties. We continue to build strong, long-term partnerships based on mutual trust, our depth of technical expertise and a modern versatile fleet. The Company also owns a 50% share, through a joint venture in an ethylene export marine terminal at Morgan's Point, Texas on the Houston Ship Channel, USA.