Trico Names Non-Executive Chairman
Accelerating its strategic goal of reducing its total amount of outstanding indebtedness, Trico Marine Services, Inc. announced the appointment of Joseph Compofelice as non-executive Chairman of the Board and the retention of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal advisor. This team will assist the Company's management in exploring various alternatives including selling assets, raising additional financing and restructuring the Company's debt, including its $250 million Senior Notes due 2012. Compofelice, a director of Trico since 2003, is chairman of the Company's Audit Committee and has served as an executive of several public companies including CEO of CompX International and CFO of Titanium Metals Corporation…
Kirby Corp. Records Solid Results
Kirby Corp. has apparently had success incorporating Hollywood Marine, a move which effectively created the largest inland barge operator in the country. In February, the company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.38, versus $0.31 a year ago. While the company appears strong, poised for further growth, there are some concerns as noted in a research report from Lazard Freres & Co. LLC. Management expects the slowing U.S. economy to negatively impact transportation volumes, particularly for chemicals, as those customers project reduced demand for the year. First quarter results will also undoubtedly be touched by severe weather conditions common in the Midwest in January.
New Ship Expected To Generate More Than $30M For AMCV
The new ship to be purchased by American Classic Voyages from Carnival Corp. is expected to generate $35-40 million of cash flow for the company, and incremental earnings power could top $.50 a share, according to a report released by Lazard Freres & Co. LLC. AMCV announced last week an agreement to acquire the 1,214 berth Nieuw Amsterdam from Carnival for $114.5 million. The ship will be delivered to AMCV in October of next year, at which time the company will launch its new Hawaiian cruise service. American Classic plans to re-document the Nieuw Amsterdam as a U.S. flag vessel, with a U.S. crew, to sail the Hawaiian Islands as part of its Project America. The Nieuw Amsterdam will be the only large foreign flag cruise ship allowed to operate a domestic cruise service.
