Aegean Marine Q2 2009 Results, Sales up 21.6%

Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. (NYSE:ANW) announced financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

The company recorded net income of $16.3m, or $0.38 basic and diluted earnings per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Net income, adjusted for a $4.2m gain from sale of vessels, was $12.1 million, or $0.29 basic and $0.28 diluted earnings per share. For purposes of comparison, the Company reported net income of $9.9 million, or $0.23 basic and diluted earnings per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2009 were 42,576,830 and 42,728,588, respectively. The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were 42,495,020 and 42,644,708, respectively.

Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2009, decreased by 26.8% to $542.6 million compared to $741.0 million for the same period in 2008. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, sales of marine petroleum products decreased by 27.1% to $538.2 million compared to $738.6 million for the year-earlier period. Net revenue, which equals total revenue less cost of goods sold and cargo transportation expenses, increased 13.2% to $47.2 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $41.7 million in the year-earlier period.

Results for the second quarter of 2009 were primarily driven by a 9.2% increase in the gross spread on marine petroleum products to $42.9 million compared to $39.3 million for the same period in 2008. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, the volume of marine fuel sold increased by 21.6% to 1,498,937 metric tons compared to 1,232,438 metric tons in the year-earlier period, as sales volumes improved in Gibraltar, the U.A.E., and Singapore. Furthermore, results for the second quarter of 2009 included sales volumes from Aegean's new markets in the North America (July 2008) and Trinidad and Tobago (June 2009). During the three months ended June 30, 2009, the gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold decreased to $28.0 per metric ton, compared to $31.7 per metric ton in the year-earlier period.

Recurring operating income for the second quarter of 2009 was $13.4 million, excluding a $4.2 million non-recurring gain on sale of vessels, compared to $12.4 million for the same period in 2008. Operating expenses, excluding the cost of fuel and cargo transportation costs (both of which are included in the calculation of gross spread on marine petroleum products explained above), increased to $33.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $29.3 million for the same period in 2008. This increase was principally due to the expanded logistics infrastructure during the second quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter of 2008.

E. Nikolas Tavlarios, President, commented, "Our strong results for the second quarter demonstrate management's continued success in building a leading brand for the worldwide supply of marine fuel as we remain focused on increasing Aegean's global market share. During the quarter, sales volumes increased 21.6% compared to the year-earlier period despite the challenging economic environment. While we believe market conditions have seen an improvement, we continue to actively manage counterparty risk to best serve shareholders."

Tavlarios added, "We continued to strengthen our industry leadership during the quarter. Specifically, we drew upon our considerable financial strength to grow our high-quality logistics infrastructure with the acquisition of three double-hull bunkering vessels. We also launched operations in Trinidad and Tobago and expect to enter Tangiers, Morocco in the current quarter, increasing our presence to 14 markets worldwide. By once again expanding our global marine fuel platform, we have significantly enhanced our ability to meet the demand for Aegean's integrated services and increase the company's earnings power."

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the company recorded net income of $20.7 million, or $0.49 basic and diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $17.4 million, or $0.41 basic and diluted earnings per share, for the year-earlier period. The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the six month period ended June 30, 2009 were 42,565,254 and 42,565,254, respectively. The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2008 were 42,483,292 and 42,629,293, respectively.

Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 decreased by 28.7% to $908.0 million compared to $1,273.0 million for the same period a year ago. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, sales of marine petroleum products decreased by 29.1% to $899.2 million compared to $1,269.0 million for the same period in 2008. Net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $87,728.0 million as compared to $75,002.0 million in the year-earlier period.

Results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were led by a 10.5% increase in the gross spread on marine petroleum products to $78.4 million compared to $71.0 million for the same period a year ago. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the volume of marine fuel sold increased 22.5% to 2,808,974 metric tons compared to 2,292,572 metric tons in the year-earlier period. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold decreased by $3.4 to $27.4 per metric ton, compared to $30.8 per metric ton for the same period a year ago.

Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $25.9 million compared to $20.9 million for the same period in 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2009, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $27.3 million and working capital of $191.8 million. Non-cash working capital, or working capital excluding cash and debt, was $204.0 million as of June 30, 2009.

Net cash used in operating activities was $63.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009. Net income, as adjusted for non-cash items, was $15.8 million for the period.

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, which was composed of $35.4 million relating to advances paid for both vessels under construction and second-hand acquisitions. These payments were mostly offset by proceeds received on the disposition of vessels amounting to $34.1 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $66.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, driven by both an increase in working capital financing and an increase in long-term debt financing relating to newbuild vessels.

As of June 30, 2009, the company had approximately $44.8 million in available liquidity to finance working capital requirements, which includes unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and available undrawn amounts under the Company's short-term working capital facilities. Furthermore, as of June 30, 2009, the Company had funds of approximately $83.6 million available under its secured term loans to finance the construction of its new double-hull bunkering tankers.

Spyros Gianniotis, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Our operating results for the second quarter of 2009 were led by improved sales volumes in Singapore, the U.A.E., and Gibraltar as well as contributions from new markets. During the quarter, management continued to closely monitor the extension of credit to our customers while maintaining our commitment to growth. Aegean boasts a strong balance sheet, including $290 million in senior secured credit facilities, and is well positioned to take advantage of the positive industry fundamentals and drive future sales volumes."

(www.ampni.com)