Horizon Lines Report 4th Quarter Financial Results

Financial performance reflects negative impact of multiple factors in Horizon Lines 4th quarter 2011 results

Horizon Lines, Inc. have reported financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter ended December 25, 2011.Financial results are being presented on a continuing operations basis, excluding the discontinued FSX and logistics operations.

 "Our fourth-quarter operating performance from continuing operations was relatively stable when compared with a year ago, as both container volumes and rates reflected marginal improvement on a comparable 52-week basis," said Stephen H. Fraser, interim President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our financial performance was pressured by high fuel prices, the ongoing recession in Puerto Rico, severe winter weather in Alaska, and increased expenses from incremental lift and equipment costs resulting from the expiration of certain of our Maersk agreements. Despite these challenges, our company produced adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter that nearly matched last year's performance, as we maintained our focus on disciplined cost management and customer service excellence."

As previously disclosed, Horizon Lines terminated its FSX trans-Pacific service during the fourth quarter of 2011. The service and associated operations were classified as discontinued operations, and the company recorded a pretax restructuring charge of $119.3 million. This charge includes costs to return excess rolling stock equipment, severance, facility lease expense, and vessel charter expense, net of estimated sub-charter income.