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Tidewater 10-K 2009 Documents found in this filing:Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsUNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 ¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to .
Commission file number: 1-6311 Tidewater Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (504) 568-1010 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsIndicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x As of September 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $2,837,437,107 based on the closing sales price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange of $55.36. As of May 5, 2009, 51,699,791 shares of Tidewater Inc. common stock $0.10 par value per share were outstanding. Registrant has no other class of common stock outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement related to the Registrant's 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsForm 10-K For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsA Caution About Forward-looking Statements In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the company notes that this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information incorporated herein by reference contain certain forward-looking statements which reflect the company’s current view with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and the company’s future results of operations could differ materially from its historical results or current expectations. Some of these risks are discussed in this report and include, without limitation, fluctuations in worldwide energy demand and oil and gas prices; fleet additions by competitors and industry overcapacity; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for offshore exploration, development and production; changing customer demands for different vessel specifications, which may make some of our older vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; instability of global financial markets and difficulty in accessing credit or capital; acts of terrorism and piracy; significant weather conditions; unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest and governmental actions, especially in higher risk countries of operations; foreign currency fluctuations; and enforcement of laws related to the environment, labor and foreign corrupt practices. Forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified by the use of such terminology as “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “believe,” “think,” “could,” “continue,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” and similar expressions contained in this report, are predictions and not guarantees of future performance or events. Any forward-looking statements are based on current industry, financial and economic information, which the company has assessed but which by its nature is dynamic and subject to rapid and possibly abrupt changes. The company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments that affect us will be those that we anticipate. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk factors listed above and discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Management disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect new information, future events or developments. In addition, in certain places in this report, we refer to published reports of analysts that purport to describe trends or developments in energy production and drilling and exploration activity. The company does so for the convenience of our stockholders and in an effort to provide information available in the market that will assist the company’s investors in a better understanding of the market environment in which the company operates. However, the company specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such information and undertakes no obligation to update such information. ITEM 1. BUSINESS General Tidewater Inc. (the “company”), a Delaware corporation, provides offshore supply vessels and marine support services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of the world’s largest fleet of offshore marine service vessels. Tidewater Inc. is one of the most internationally diverse companies in the offshore energy industry with over five decades of international experience. The size and composition of the company’s vessel fleet includes vessels that are operated under joint ventures, as well as vessels that are stacked or have been withdrawn from service. At March 31, 2009, the company had a total of 430 vessels, of which 10 were operated through joint ventures, 61 were stacked and 11 had been otherwise withdrawn from service. Please refer to Note 1 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report for further explanation of stacked vessels and vessels withdrawn from service. The company operates in most of the world’s significant oil and gas exploration and production regions and provides services supporting all phases of offshore exploration, development and production, including: towing of and
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsanchor handling of mobile drilling rigs and equipment; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover and production activities; assisting in offshore construction activities; and a variety of specialized services including pipe laying, cable laying and 3-D seismic work. The company operates in two reportable segments: United States and International. The company’s customers include major oil and natural gas exploration, development and production companies, foreign government-owned or controlled organizations and companies that explore and produce oil and natural gas, and companies that provide other services to the offshore energy industry. Financial information regarding the company’s reportable segments appears in Item 7 of this report and in Note 13 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. The company’s worldwide headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 601 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, and its telephone number is (504) 568-1010. The company was incorporated in 1956. Unless otherwise required by the context, the term “company” as used herein refers to Tidewater Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The company’s Internet website address is http://www.tdw.com. The company makes available free of charge, on or through its website, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The public may read and copy any materials the company has filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains the company’s reports, proxy and information statements, and the company’s other SEC filings. The address of that site is www.sec.gov. Information appearing on the company’s website is not part of any report that it files with the SEC. The company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Code), which it posts on its website, for its directors, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, and other officers and employees on matters of business conduct and ethics, including compliance standards and procedures. The company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements of the SEC regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code by posting such information on the same web site. The company will post any changes or waivers to the Code on its website, where they will be maintained for at least 12 months. A copy of the Code is also available in print to any stockholder upon written request addressed to Tidewater Inc., 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1900, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Areas of Operation The company’s fleet is deployed in the major offshore oil and gas areas of the world. The principal areas of the company’s operations include the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the Persian Gulf, and areas offshore Australia, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Trinidad, Venezuela and West Africa. The company conducts its operations through wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsInformation concerning revenues and operating profit derived from domestic and international marine operations and domestic and international total marine assets for each of the fiscal years ended March 31 are summarized below:
A significant portion of the company’s operations are conducted internationally. Revenues from international vessel operations as a percentage of the company’s total revenues were 87%, 84% and 78% during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The company’s international marine vessel operations are vulnerable to the usual risks inherent in doing business in countries other than the United States. Such risks include political and economic instability within the host country; possible vessel seizures or nationalization of assets and other governmental actions by the host countries; the ability to recruit and retain management of overseas operations; currency fluctuations and revaluations; and import/export restrictions; most of which are beyond the control of the company. Furthermore, the company is subject to the regulations imposed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Please refer to Item 7 of this report and Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report for further discussion of revenues, operating profit and total assets. Marine Vessel Classifications The company’s vessels regularly and routinely move from one operating area to another, often to and from offshore operating areas of different continents. Tables comparing the average size of the company’s marine fleet by class and geographic distribution for the last three fiscal years are included in Item 7 of this report. The company discloses its vessel statistical information, such as revenue, utilization and average day rates, by vessel class. Listed below are the company’s five major vessel classes along with a description of the type of vessels categorized in each class and the services the respective vessels perform. Deepwater Vessels. Included in this vessel class are large, platform supply vessels and large, high-horsepower (generally greater than 10,000 horsepower) anchor handling towing supply vessels. This vessel class is chartered to customers for use in transporting supplies and equipment from shore bases to deepwater and intermediate water depth offshore drilling rigs, platforms and other installations. Platform supply vessels, which have large cargo handling capabilities, serve drilling and production facilities and support offshore construction and maintenance work. The anchor handling towing supply vessels are equipped for and are capable of towing drilling rigs and other marine equipment, as well as setting anchors for positioning and mooring drilling rigs. Towing-Supply and Supply Vessels. This is the company’s largest fleet class by number of vessels. Included in this class are anchor handling towing supply vessels and supply vessels with average horsepower below 10,000 BHP, and platform supply vessels that are generally less than 230 feet. The
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsvessels in this class perform the same functions and services as their deepwater vessel class counterparts except they are generally chartered to customers for use in intermediate and shallow waters. Crewboats and Utility Vessels. Crewboats and utility vessels are chartered to customers for use in transporting personnel and small quantities of supplies from shore bases to offshore drilling rigs, platforms and other installations. Offshore Tugs. Offshore tugs tow floating drilling rigs; assist in the docking of tankers; tow barges; assist pipe laying, cable laying and construction barges; and are used in a variety of other commercial towing operations, including towing barges carrying a variety of bulk cargoes and containerized cargo. Other Vessels. The company’s vessels also include inshore tugs; and production, line-handling and various other special purpose vessels. Inshore tugs, which are operated principally within inland waters, tow drilling rigs to and from their locations, and tow barges carrying equipment and materials for use principally in inland waters for drilling and production operations. Barges are either used in conjunction with company tugs or are chartered to others. Revenue Contribution of Main Classes of Vessels Revenues from vessel operations were derived from the main classes of vessels in the following percentages:
Shipyard Operations Quality Shipyards, L.L.C., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, operates two shipyards in Houma, Louisiana, which construct, modify and repair vessels. The shipyards perform both repair work and new construction work for outside customers, as well as the construction, repair and modification of the company’s own vessels. During the last three fiscal years, Quality Shipyards, L.L.C. constructed and delivered three 220-foot platform supply vessels and is currently constructing two 266-foot platform supply vessels for the company. One of the 220-foot supply vessels was delivered to the company during fiscal 2007 and two during fiscal 2008. The two 266-foot platform supply vessels currently under construction, which are considered deepwater class vessels, are expected to be delivered during fiscal 2010. Safety and Risk Management The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its operations. Management regularly communicates with its personnel to promote safety and instill safe work habits through company media and safety review sessions. The company also regularly conducts safety training meetings for its seamen and staff personnel. The company dedicates personnel and resources to ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance. The company employs safety personnel at every operating location who are responsible for administering the company’s safety programs. The company’s Director of Health, Safety and Environmental Management is involved in the review of all incidents. The operation of any marine vessel involves an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disaster, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, collisions, and property losses to the vessel and business interruption due to political action or inaction. Any such event may result in a reduction in revenues or increased costs. The company’s vessels are generally insured for their estimated market value against damage or loss, including war, terrorism acts, and pollution risks, but the company does not insure for business interruption. The company also carries workers’ compensation, maritime employer’s liability, director and officer liability, general liability (including third party pollution) and other insurance customary in the industry.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe company secures appropriate insurance coverage at competitive rates by maintaining a self-retention layer up to certain limits on its marine package policies. The company carefully monitors claims and participates actively in claims estimates and adjustments. The estimated costs of our self-insured claims, which include estimates for incurred but unreported claims, are accrued as liabilities on the balance sheet. The continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility have significantly increased the risk of political, economic and social instability in some of the geographic areas in which the company operates. It is possible that further acts of terrorism may be directed against the United States domestically or abroad and such acts of terrorism could be directed against properties and personnel of U.S.-owned companies such as ours. The resulting economic, political and social uncertainties, including the potential for future terrorist acts and war, could cause the premiums charged for our insurance coverage to increase. The company currently maintains war risk coverage on its entire fleet. To date, the company has not experienced any property losses as a result of terrorism or war. Management believes that the company’s insurance coverage is adequate. The company has not experienced a loss in excess of insurance policy limits; however, there is no assurance that the company’s liability coverage will be adequate to cover all potential claims that may arise. While the company believes that it should be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates considered commercially acceptable, it cannot guarantee such with the current level of uncertainty in the insurance market. Industry Conditions, Competition and Customers The company’s operations are materially dependent upon the levels of activity in offshore crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production throughout the world. Such activity levels are affected by trends in worldwide crude oil and natural gas prices that are ultimately influenced by the supply and demand relationship for these natural resources. A discussion of current market conditions and trends appears under “Macroeconomic Environment and Outlook” in Item 7 of this report. The principal competitive factors for the offshore vessel service industry are the suitability and availability of equipment, price and quality of service. The company has numerous competitors in virtually all areas in which it operates around the world, and the business environment in all of these markets is highly competitive. The company’s diverse, mobile asset base and the wide geographic distribution of its assets enable the company to respond relatively quickly to changes in market conditions and to provide a broad range of vessel services to its customers throughout the world. Management believes the company has a competitive advantage because of the size, diversity and geographic distribution of its vessel fleet. Economies of scale and experience level in the many areas of the world in which we operate, as well as the company’s strong financial position, are also considered competitive advantages. Approximately 670 new-build support vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered to the worldwide offshore vessel market over the next four years according to ODS-Petrodata. The current worldwide fleet of these classes of vessels is estimated at approximately 2,100 vessels. An increase in vessel capacity could have the effect of lowering charter rates, particularly in the context of declining levels of exploration, development and production activity. However, the worldwide offshore marine vessel industry has a large number of aging vessels, including approximately 860 that are at least 25 years old, that are nearing or exceeding original expectations of estimated economic lives. These older vessels could potentially retire from the market within the next few years if the cost of extending the vessels’ lives is not economically justifiable. Although the future attrition rate of these aging vessels cannot be accurately predicted, the company believes that the retirement of a portion of these aging vessels would likely mitigate the potential negative impacts that new-build vessels and reduced exploration, development and production activity may have on offshore support vessel demand. Additional vessel demand should be created with the addition of new drilling rigs and floating production units over the next few years, which should help minimize the negative effects of 670 new-build support vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) being added to the offshore support vessel fleet. However, it is unknown at this time how the global recession will influence
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsthe utilization of equipment currently in existence or the ultimate delivery and placing into service of new drilling rigs, floating production units and vessels currently under construction. The company’s principal customers are major oil and natural gas exploration, development and production companies, foreign government-owned or controlled organizations and companies that explore and produce oil and natural gas, and companies that provide other services to the offshore energy industry. Over the last several years, consolidation of exploration, development and production companies has occurred which has, and will continue to have, an impact on the company’s global operations. Chevron Corporation (including its worldwide subsidiaries and affiliates) accounted for approximately 19.1% and Petroleo Brasileiro SA accounted for approximately 10.1% of revenues during the year ended March 31, 2009, while the five largest customers accounted for approximately 45.4% of the company’s revenues. Regulatory Matters The company is subject to various statutes and regulations governing the operation and maintenance of its vessels. Under the citizenship provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and the Shipping Act, 1916, the company would not be permitted to engage in the U.S. coastwise trade if more than 25% of the company’s outstanding stock were owned by non-U.S. citizens. The company has a dual stock certificate system to protect against non-U.S. citizens owning more than 25% of its common stock. In addition, the company’s charter provides the company with certain remedies with respect to any transfer or purported transfer of shares of the company’s common stock that would result in the ownership by non-U.S. citizens of more than 24% of its common stock. Based on information supplied to the company by its transfer agent, approximately 6.9% of the company’s outstanding common stock was owned by non-U.S. citizens as of March 31, 2009. The company’s vessels are subject to various statutes and regulations governing their operation. The laws of the United States require that vessels engaged in the U.S. coastwise trade must be built in the U.S. In addition, once a U.S.-built vessel is registered under a non-U.S. flag, it cannot thereafter engage in U.S. coastwise trade. Therefore, the company’s non-U.S. flag vessels must operate outside of the U.S. coastwise trade. Of the total 430 vessels owned or operated by the company at March 31, 2009, 334 vessels were registered under flags other than the United States and 96 vessels were registered under the U.S. flag. Additionally, at March 31, 2009, the company had 46 vessels under construction at several different shipyards globally, of which only two are being constructed in the United States. If the company is not able to secure adequate numbers of charters abroad for its non-U.S. flag vessels, even if work would otherwise have been available for such vessels in the United States, these vessels cannot operate in the U.S. coastwise trade, and the company’s financial performance could be affected. All of the company’s offshore vessels are subject to international safety and classification standards. U.S. flag towing-supply, supply vessels and crewboats are required to undergo periodic inspections twice within every five year period. Vessels registered under flags other than the United States are subject to similar regulations and are governed by the laws of the applicable international jurisdictions and the rules and requirements of various classification societies. Challenges We Confront as an International Offshore Vessel Company The company operates in many challenging operating environments around the world that present varying degrees of political, social, economic and other uncertainties. We operate in markets where the possibility exists of expropriation, confiscation or nationalization of our vessels or other assets, terrorism, piracy, civil unrest, changing foreign currency exchange rates and controls, and changing political conditions that may adversely affect our operations. Although the company takes prudent measures to safeguard its property and personnel against these risks to the extent practicable, it cannot be assured that the company will escape any of the aforementioned events, although the wide geographic dispersion of the company’s vessels helps substantially mitigate the impact of these risks. In some international operating environments, local customs or laws may require the company to form joint ventures with local owners or use local agents. The company’s international operations are carried out with
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsdue regard to the rules and regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Trading with the Enemy Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and other applicable laws and regulations. Certain international environments in which the company operates present heightened levels of governmental corruption and local customs and practices that may conflict with the requirements of U.S. law. The company has adopted policies and procedures in an effort to mitigate these risks. The company has a significant presence off the coast of Angola, where it serves several major oil and gas exploration and development companies through Sonatide Marine Services Ltd. (Sonatide), a joint venture in which the company owns a 49% interest and a subsidiary of Sociedade Nacional de Combustiveis do Angola – Empresa Publica (Sonangol), the national oil company of Angola, owns a 51% interest. To date, nearly all significant strategic and management issues regarding Sonatide have required the consent of both joint venture partners. Sonangol has recently provided a proposal to the company to increase its control over Sonatide. Discussions regarding the Sonangol proposal are continuing between the parties. Given the importance of a satisfactory relationship between the company and Sonangol to the company’s ability to compete effectively for work in Angola, the company considers its ongoing discussions with Sonangol regarding its proposal to be a corporate priority. The company has concerns, however, about transferring increased control over its Angolan operations to Sonangol or any other third party, and if those concerns are not satisfactorily addressed, then the company and Sonangol may reach an impasse, which, if it continued for an appreciable period, could be materially detrimental to Sonatide and the company. Seasonality The company’s vessel fleet generally has its highest utilization rates in the warmer months when the weather is more favorable for offshore exploration, development and construction work. The company’s business volume is more dependent on crude oil and natural gas prices and global supply and demand conditions for the company’s offshore marine services than any seasonal variation. Environmental Compliance During the ordinary course of business, the company’s operations are subject to a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with existing governmental regulations that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not had, nor is expected to have, a material effect on the company. Further, the company is involved in various legal proceedings that relate to asbestos and other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based on current information, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The company is proactive in establishing policies and operating procedures for safeguarding the environment against any hazardous materials aboard its vessels and at shore base locations. Whenever possible, hazardous materials are maintained or transferred in confined areas in an attempt to ensure containment if accidents occur. In addition, the company has established operating policies that are intended to increase awareness of actions that may harm the environment. Employees As of March 31, 2009, the company had approximately 8,500 employees worldwide. The company strives to maintain excellent relations with its employees. The company is not a party to any union contract in the United States but through several subsidiaries is a party to union agreements covering local nationals in several countries other than the United States. In the past, the company has been the subject of a union organizing campaign for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico employees by maritime labor unions. These union organizing efforts have abated, although the threat has not been completely eliminated. If the employees in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico were to unionize, the company’s flexibility in managing industry changes in the domestic market could be adversely affected.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsInternal Investigation The company has previously reported that special counsel engaged by the company’s Audit Committee to conduct an internal investigation into certain FCPA matters had substantially completed its investigation and reported its findings to the Audit Committee. The substantive areas of the internal investigation have been reported in earlier periodic filings of the company. Throughout the investigation, the company has diligently responded to special counsel’s observations and recommendations to upgrade its overall compliance posture and implement a more robust company-wide FCPA compliance and training program. During the course of the investigation, special counsel has periodically provided the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission with informational updates. As part of its continuing cooperation with these agencies, the company entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll certain statutes of limitations for a nine-month period ending on October 10, 2008. The company subsequently entered into a superseding agreement with the Department of Justice (also effective as of January 10, 2008) to reflect the current scope of special counsel’s investigation and to extend the tolling period through June 1, 2009. In addition, the company has entered into a similar agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll relevant statutes of limitations through June 1, 2009. Both agencies have requested an additional extension of the respective tolling periods through January 10, 2010, and the company anticipates that it will agree to these extensions. The agreements with both agencies expressly provide that they do not constitute an admission by the company of any facts or of any wrongdoing. The company is unable to predict whether either agency will separately pursue legal or administrative action against the company or any of its employees, what potential remedies or sanctions, if any, these agencies may seek, and what the time frame for resolution of this matter may be. From time to time, these agencies have requested certain documents and information from the company related to several of the matters covered by the internal investigation. The company has been voluntarily cooperating with those requests, and special counsel is conducting such further review as may be warranted in connection with those requests. Special counsel expects to have additional meetings with the agencies as appropriate. Based on the findings of the investigation reported to the company and the Audit Committee to date, as well as to the government authorities, the company has not concluded that any potential liability that may result from an investigation or enforcement action by the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission is both probable and reasonably estimable, and, thus, no accrual has been recorded as of March 31, 2009. Should additional information be obtained that any potential liability is probable and reasonably estimable the company will record such liability at that time. While uncertain, ultimate resolution with one or both of these agencies could have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations or cash flows. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS The company operates worldwide in many challenging and highly competitive markets. Listed below are some of the more critical or unique risk factors that we have identified as affecting or potentially affecting the company and the offshore marine service industry. You should consider these risks when evaluating any of the company’s forward-looking statements. The effect of any one risk factor or a combination of several risk factors could materially affect the company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and the accuracy of any forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K. Oil and Gas Prices Are Highly Volatile Commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas are highly volatile. Prices are extremely sensitive to the respective supply/demand relationship for crude oil and natural gas. High demand for crude oil and natural gas and/or low inventory levels for these resources as well as any perceptions about future supply interruptions can cause prices for crude oil and natural gas to rise, while generally, low demand for crude oil and natural gas and/or increases in crude oil and natural gas supplies cause prices for crude oil and natural gas to decrease. Factors that affect the supply of crude oil and natural gas include, but are not limited to, the following: global demand for natural resources; the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) ability to control
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementscrude oil production levels and pricing, as well as the level of production by non-OPEC countries; political and economic uncertainties; advances in exploration and development technology; significant weather conditions; and governmental restrictions placed on exploration and production of natural resources. Prior to mid-2008, oil and gas companies had increased their exploration and development activities in response to a very favorable pricing environment for oil and gas. During the last half of calendar 2008, worldwide demand for oil and gas dropped precipitously and energy prices sharply declined as a result of a global recession. If the global recession is prolonged, then development plans of exploration and production companies will likely continue at reduced levels. A decrease in offshore oil and gas drilling would affect global demand for offshore vessel services which, in turn, would result in a reduction in vessel charter rates and utilization rates, which would have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Changes in the Level of Capital Spending by Our Customers The company’s principal customers are major oil and natural gas exploration, development and production companies and foreign government-owned or controlled organizations. The company’s results of operations are highly dependent on the level of capital spending for exploration and development by the energy industry. The energy industry’s level of capital spending is substantially related to the demand for natural resources and prevailing prices of natural gas and crude oil. When commodity prices are low, the company’s customers generally reduce their capital spending budgets for offshore drilling, exploration and development. Other factors that influence the level of capital spending by our customers that are beyond the control of the company include: worldwide demand for crude oil and natural gas; the cost of exploring and producing oil and natural gas, which can be affected by environmental regulations; significant weather conditions; technological advances that affect energy and its usage, and the availability and cost of financing. The Offshore Marine Service Industry is Highly Competitive The company operates in a highly competitive environment. We compete for business with our competitors on the basis of price, reputation for quality service, and the quality and availability of vessels. In general, declines in the level of offshore drilling and development activity by the energy industry negatively affects the demand for the company’s vessels and result in downward pressure on day rates. Extended periods of low vessel demand and/or low day rates will reduce the company’s revenues. Excess marine service capacity likewise exerts downward pressure on charter rates. Excess capacity can occur when newly constructed vessels enter the market and when vessels are mobilized between market areas. While the company is committed to the construction of additional vessels, it has also sold and/or scrapped a significant number of vessels over the last several years. A discussion about the aging of the company’s fleet, which has necessitated the company’s new vessel construction programs, appears in the “Vessel Construction Programs and Acquisitions” section of Item 7 in this report. Failure to Attract and Retain Key Management and Technical Personnel The company’s success depends on the continued service of its executive officers and other key management and technical personnel (particularly the company’s area managers, fleet and information technology personnel) and the company’s ability to attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified personnel. The loss of the services of a number of the company’s executive officers, area managers, fleet personnel or other key employees, or the company’s ability to recruit replacements for such personnel or to otherwise attract, retain and motivate highly qualified personnel could harm the company. The company currently does not carry key employee life insurance payable to the company with respect to any of its management employees. Risks Associated with Operating Internationally For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, 87%, 84%, and 78%, respectively, of the company’s total revenues were generated by international operations. The company’s international vessel
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsoperations are vulnerable to many risks inherent in doing business in countries other than the United States, some of which have recently become more pronounced. Our customary risks of operating internationally, include political and economic instability within the host country; possible vessel seizures or nationalization of assets and other governmental actions by the host country; the ability to recruit and retain management of overseas operations; currency fluctuations and revaluations; and import/export restrictions; most of which are beyond the control of the company. The company is also subject to acts of piracy and kidnappings that put its assets and personnel at risk. The recent increase in the level of these criminal or terrorist acts has been well-publicized. As a marine services company that usually operates in coastal or tidal waters, the company is particularly vulnerable to these kinds of illicit activities. Although the company takes prudent measures to protect its personnel and assets in markets that present these risks, it has confronted these issues in the past and there can be no assurance it will not be subjected to them in the future. The continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility have significantly increased the risk of political, economic and social instability in some of the geographic areas in which the company operates. It is possible that further acts of terrorism may be directed against the United States domestically or abroad and such acts of terrorism could be directed against properties and personnel of U.S.-owned companies such as ours. To date, the company has not experienced any property losses or material adverse effects on its results of operations and financial condition as a result of terrorism, political instability or war. International Operations Exposed to Currency Devaluation and Fluctuation Risk Due to the company’s international operations, the company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and exchange rate risks on all charter hire contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The company does not hedge against any foreign currency rate fluctuations associated with foreign currency contracts that arise in the normal course of business. However, to minimize the financial impact of these items, the company attempts to contract a significant majority of its services in United States dollars. The company continually monitors the currency exchange risks associated with all of its contracts not denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, where possible, the company attempts to minimize its financial impact of these risks by matching the currencies of the company’s operating costs with the currencies of the revenues and by matching the currencies of assets and liabilities. Operational Risks Inherent to the Offshore Marine Industry The operation of any marine vessel involves an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disaster, adverse weather and sea conditions, mechanical failure, collisions, and property losses to vessels, and business interruption due to political action in countries other than the United States. Any such event may result in a reduction in revenues or increased costs. The company’s vessels are insured for their estimated market value against damage or loss, including war, terrorism acts, and pollution risks. The company also carries workers’ compensation, maritime employer’s liability, director and officer liability, general liability (including third party pollution) and other insurance customary in the industry. Potential Overcapacity in the Offshore Marine Industry The worldwide offshore marine vessel market faces a potential risk of overcapacity. Over the past decade, construction of offshore vessels of the types the company operates has significantly increased. In addition, approximately 670 new-build support vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) are expected to be delivered to the worldwide offshore vessel market within the next four years according to ODS-Petrodata. The current worldwide fleet of these classes of vessels approximates 2,100 vessels. An increase in vessel capacity could result in increased competition in the company’s industry which may have the effect of lowering charter rates and utilization rates, which, in turn, would result in lower revenues to the company. Difficult Market Conditions Uncertainty about future economic conditions makes it challenging for the company to forecast operating results and to make decisions about future investments. The success of the company’s business is both
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsdirectly and indirectly dependent upon conditions in the global financial and commercial markets that are outside its control and difficult to predict. Factors such as interest rates, availability of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws (including laws relating to taxation), trade barriers, commodity prices, currency exchange rates and controls, and national and international political circumstances (including wars, terrorist acts or security operations) can have a material negative impact on the company’s business and operations, which in turn would reduce its revenues and profitability. Although there has been some recent stabilization and recovery, energy prices continue to be at relatively low levels, reflecting reduced demand due to the global recession. The company continues to evaluate how a prolonged global recession might impact development plans of exploration and production companies and global demand for offshore support vessels. A prolonged recession may result in a decrease in demand for offshore support vessel services and a reduction in charter rates and/or utilization rates and, therefore, have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Consolidation of the Company’s Customer Base Oil and natural gas companies, energy companies and drilling contractors have undergone consolidation, and additional consolidation is possible. Consolidation results in fewer companies to charter or contract for the company’s equipment. Also, merger activity amongst oil and natural gas companies may negatively affect exploration, development and production activity as the consolidated companies generally integrate operations to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Less promising exploration and development projects of a combined company may be dropped or delayed. Such activity may result in an exploration and development budget for a combined company that is lower than the total budget of both companies before consolidation, which would adversely affect demand for the company’s vessels, thereby reducing the company’s revenues. In addition, consolidation could result in the absorption of an oil and gas company with whom the company has a strong commercial relationship into another company with which the company does not. Risks Associated with Construction and Maintenance The company has a number of vessels under construction and plans to construct additional vessels in response to current and future market conditions. The company also routinely engages shipyards to drydock vessels for regulatory compliance and to provide repair and maintenance. Construction projects and drydockings are subject to risks of delay and cost overruns, resulting from shortages of equipment, lack of shipyard availability, unforeseen engineering problems, work stoppages, weather interference, unanticipated cost increases, inability to obtain necessary certifications and approvals and shortages of materials or skilled labor. A significant delay in either construction or drydockings could have a material adverse effect on contract commitments and revenues with respect to vessels under construction, conversion or other drydockings. Significant cost overruns or delays for vessels under construction could also adversely affect the company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The demand for vessels currently under construction may diminish from originally anticipated levels. If the company fails to obtain favorable contracts for newly constructed vessels, such failure could have a material adverse effect on the company’s revenues and profitability. Also, the company is uncertain of the impacts of a prolonged global recession and/or prolonged distress in credit and capital markets will have on the ability of shipyards to meet their scheduled deliveries of new vessels or the ability of the company to renew its fleet through new vessel construction or acquisitions. A prolonged recession may increase the risk of insolvency of shipyards which could adversely affect our new construction program, and consequently, adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act In order to effectively compete in certain foreign jurisdictions, the company seeks to establish joint ventures with local operators or strategic partners. As a U.S. corporation, the company is subject to the regulations imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business or obtaining an improper business benefit. The company has adopted proactive procedures to promote compliance with the FCPA, but it may be held liable for actions taken by its strategic or local partners or agents even though these partners or agents may not themselves be subject to the FCPA. Any
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsdetermination that the company has violated the FCPA could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and cash flows. Compliance with Complex and Developing Laws and Regulations The company’s operations, both domestic and overseas, are subject to many complex and burdensome laws and regulations. Stringent federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing worker health and safety and the manning, construction and operation of vessels significantly affect our operations. Many aspects of the marine industry are subject to extensive governmental regulation by the United States Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board and the United States Customs Service and their foreign equivalents, and to regulation by private industry organizations such as the American Bureau of Shipping. The company’s operations are also subject to federal, state, local and international laws and regulations that control the discharge of pollutants into the environment or otherwise relate to environmental protection. Compliance with such laws and regulations may require installation of costly equipment, increased manning or operational changes. Some environmental laws impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject the company to liability without regard to whether the company was negligent or at fault. Further, many of the countries in which the company operates have laws, regulations and enforcement systems that are largely undeveloped, and the requirements of these systems are not always readily discernable even to experienced and proactive participants. Further, these laws, regulations and enforcement systems can be unpredictable and subject to frequent change. While the company endeavors to comply with applicable laws and regulations, the company’s compliance efforts might not always be wholly successful, and failure to comply may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions, imposition of remedial obligations or the suspension or termination of the company’s operations. These laws and regulations may expose the company to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by others, including charterers or third party agents. Moreover, these laws and regulations could be changed or be interpreted in new, unexpected ways that substantially increase costs that the company may not be able to pass along to its customers. Any changes in laws, regulations or standards that would impose additional requirements or restrictions could adversely affect the company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In order to meet the continuing challenge of complying with applicable laws and regulations in jurisdictions where it operates, the company is in the midst of revitalizing and strengthening compliance training, the availability and usage of worldwide compliance reporting systems and compliance auditing/monitoring. The company appointed its general counsel as its chief compliance officer in fiscal 2008 to help organize and lead these compliance efforts. This strengthened compliance program may from time to time identify past practices that need to be changed or remediated. Such corrective or remedial measures could involve significant expenditures or lead to changes in operational practices that could adversely affect the company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Risks of Changes in Laws Governing U.S. Taxation of Foreign Source Income Approximately 90% of the company’s revenues and net income is generated by its operations outside of the United States. Since fiscal 2006, the company has enjoyed an average effective tax rate of 20.3%, a direct result of the passage of The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which excluded from the company’s current taxable income in the United States income earned offshore through the companies controlled foreign subsidiaries. From time to time, legislative initiatives have been proposed (most recently by the Obama Administration) to effectively increase United States taxation of income with respect to foreign operations. Whether any such initiatives will win Congressional or executive approval and become law is presently unknown; however, if any such initiatives were to become law, and were such law to apply to Tidewater’s international operations, then there could be a material impact on Tidewater’s net income or cash flow from operations. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsInformation on Properties is contained in Item 1 of this report. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Foreign Corrupt Practices Investigation The company has previously reported that special counsel engaged by the company’s Audit Committee to conduct an internal investigation into certain FCPA matters had substantially completed its investigation and reported its findings to the Audit Committee. The substantive areas of the internal investigation have been reported in earlier periodic filings of the company. Throughout the investigation, the company has diligently responded to special counsel’s observations and recommendations to upgrade its overall compliance posture and implement a more robust company-wide FCPA compliance and training program. During the course of the investigation, special counsel has periodically provided the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission with informational updates. As part of its continuing cooperation with these agencies, the company entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll certain statutes of limitations for a nine-month period ending on October 10, 2008. The company subsequently entered into a superseding agreement with the Department of Justice (also effective as of January 10, 2008) to reflect the current scope of special counsel’s investigation and to extend the tolling period through June 1, 2009. In addition, the company has entered into a similar agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll relevant statutes of limitations through June 1, 2009. Both agencies have requested an additional extension of the respective tolling periods through January 10, 2010, and the company anticipates that it will agree to these extensions. The agreements with both agencies expressly provide that they do not constitute an admission by the company of any facts or of any wrongdoing. The company is unable to predict whether either agency will separately pursue legal or administrative action against the company or any of its employees, what potential remedies or sanctions, if any, these agencies may seek, and what the time frame for resolution of this matter may be. From time to time, these agencies have requested certain documents and information from the company related to several of the matters covered by the internal investigation. The company has been voluntarily cooperating with those requests, and special counsel is conducting such further review as may be warranted in connection with those requests. Special counsel expects to have additional meetings with the agencies as appropriate. Based on the findings of the investigation reported to the company and the Audit Committee to date, as well as to the government authorities, the company has not concluded that any potential liability that may result from an investigation or enforcement action by the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission is both probable and reasonably estimable, and, thus, no accrual has been recorded as of March 31, 2009. Should additional information be obtained that any potential liability is probable and reasonably estimable the company will record such liability at that time. While uncertain, ultimate resolution with one or both of these agencies could have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations or cash flows. Other Items Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In management’s opinion, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions, will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Information related to various commitments and contingencies, including legal proceedings, is disclosed in Note 10 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Common Stock Market Prices The company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TDW. At March 31, 2009, there were approximately 923 record holders of the company’s common stock, based on the record holder list maintained by the company’s stock transfer agent. The closing price on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on March 31, 2009 was $37.13. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales price of the company’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape and the amount of cash dividends per share declared on Tidewater common stock.
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. During fiscal 2009, $53.6 million was used to repurchase shares of the company’s stock; however, no amounts were expended under the most recent share repurchase authorization during the year ended March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2009, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. The following table summarizes the stock repurchase activity by quarter for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, and the average price paid per share:
The approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is $200.0 million.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsDividend Program The company pays regular quarterly dividends. The Board of Directors declared dividends of $51.5 million, $32.7 million and $33.9 million, or $1.00, $0.60 and $0.60 per share, respectively, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In May 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the increase of the company’s quarterly dividend from $0.15 per share to $0.25 per share, a 67% increase. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors. Performance Graph The following graph compares the change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the company’s common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “Peer Group”) and the cumulative total return of the Value Line Oilfield Services Group Index over the last five fiscal years. The analysis assumes the investment of $100 on April 1, 2004, at closing prices on March 31, 2004, and the reinvestment of dividends. The Value Line Oilfield Services Group consists of 24 companies including Tidewater Inc.
The above graph is being furnished pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules. It will not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the company specifically incorporates it by reference.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsSecurities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans Please refer to Item 12 of this report for information regarding common stock authorized for issuance under the company’s equity compensation plan. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth a summary of selected financial data for each of the last five fiscal years. This information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the company included in Item 8 of this report.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The company’s future results of operations could differ materially from its historical results or current expectations than those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and elsewhere in this annual report. With respect to this section, the cautionary language applicable to such forward-looking statements described in “A Caution About Forward-Looking Statements” found before Item 1 of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 7. The following discussion should also be read in conjunction with the Selected Financial Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. Our Business The company provides offshore service vessels and equipment to the global offshore energy industry through the operation of a diversified fleet of marine service vessels. Tidewater is one of the most internationally diverse companies in the offshore energy industry with over five decades of international experience and a total of 430 vessels servicing the energy industry. The company’s revenues, net earnings and cash flows from operations are dependent upon the activity level of the vessel fleet. Like other energy service companies, the level of the company’s business activity is driven by the level of drilling and exploration activity by our customers. Their activity, in turn, is dependent on crude oil and natural gas prices, which fluctuate depending on levels of supply and demand for crude oil and natural gas. The company’s revenues are driven primarily by the company’s fleet size, vessel utilization and day rates. Because a sizeable portion of the company’s operating costs (including depreciation) does not change proportionally with changes in revenue, the company’s operating profit is largely dependent on revenue levels. Operating costs consist primarily of crew costs, repair and maintenance, insurance and loss reserves, fuel, lube oil and supplies and vessel operating lease expense. Fleet size, fleet composition, geographic areas of operation and the supply and demand for marine personnel are the major factors which affect overall crew costs. In addition, the company’s newer, technologically sophisticated anchor handling towing supply vessels and platform supply vessels generally require a greater number of specially trained fleet personnel than the company’s older smaller vessels. Competition for skilled crew may intensify, particularly in international markets, as 670 new-build support vessels are currently under construction and approximately 350 are scheduled to enter the global fleet during calendar year 2009. If competition for personnel intensifies, the company’s crew costs will likely increase. The timing and amount of repair and maintenance costs are influenced by customer demand, vessel age and safety and inspection drydockings mandated by regulatory agencies. A certain number of drydockings are required over a given period to meet regulatory requirements. Drydocking costs are incurred only if the company believes a drydocking is economically justified, taking into consideration the vessel’s age, physical condition and future marketability. If the company elects not to perform a required drydocking, the company will either stack or sell the vessel, as it is not permitted to work without the proper certifications. When the company takes a productive vessel out of service for drydocking, the company incurs not only the drydocking cost but also continues to incur operating costs and depreciation on the vessel. The company generally foregoes revenue from that vessel during the drydock period. In any given period, downtime associated with drydockings and major repairs and maintenance can have a significant effect on the company’s revenues and operating costs. Drydockings have taken on an increasing importance to the company and its financial performance. The company’s older vessels, for which demand remained relatively strong during fiscal 2009, require more frequent and more expensive repair and drydockings, while some of its newer vessels, which were built after 2000, are now experiencing their first or second required regulatory drydockings. The combination of these factors has increased the company’s expenditures for drydockings and incrementally increased the volatility
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsof the company’s operating revenues and operating costs, thus making period-to-period comparisons more difficult. Although the company attempts to efficiently manage its fleet drydocking schedule to minimize the disruptive effect, inflationary pressures in shipyard pricing experienced in recent years and the heavy workloads at the shipyards resulted in increased drydocking costs, and increased days off hire at shipyards (thereby, increasing the company’s loss of revenue on the drydocked vessel). Due to the global recession, the company does not know if the shipyard situation will improve in the foreseeable future. If there is no improvement, the company expects that the timing of drydockings in the future will result in continued quarterly volatility in repair and maintenance costs and loss in revenue. Fuel and lube costs can also fluctuate in any given period depending on the number of vessel mobilizations that occur. Insurance and loss reserves costs are dependent on the company’s safety record and can fluctuate from time to time. The company’s vessels are generally insured for their estimated market value against damage or loss resulting from catastrophic marine disaster, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, collisions, and property losses to the vessel. The company also incurs vessel operating costs which are aggregated under the “other” vessel operating cost heading. These costs consist of brokers’ commissions, training costs and other costs. Brokers’ commission costs are incurred primarily in the company’s international operations where brokers assist in obtaining work for the company’s vessels. Brokers are paid a percentage of day rates and, accordingly, commissions paid to brokers increase as the company’s revenues increase. Other costs include, but are not limited to, satellite communication fees, agent fees, port fees, canal transit fees, vessel certification fees and temporary vessel importation fees. Fiscal 2009 Business Highlights and Key Focus During fiscal 2009, the company continued its focus on increasing its presence in international markets, maintaining its competitive advantage and modernizing its vessel fleet in order to generate future earnings capacity. The company is effectively utilizing its strong cash position to support the construction of the industry’s largest fleet of new vessels. Operating management focuses on improving day rates and utilization and maintaining disciplined cost control. During fiscal 2009, the company recorded $1.4 billion in revenues, which is an increase of approximately $120.7 million, or 9%, over its fiscal 2008 revenues. This increase reflects the strong industry fundamentals that were present in the first half of fiscal 2009, primarily in the company’s international markets, which pushed total average day rates approximately 18% higher than the total average day rates achieved during fiscal 2008. Fiscal 2009 consolidated net earnings increased approximately 17%, or $58.1 million, as compared to fiscal 2008. The company’s international operations continue to be the primary driver of its earnings and, during fiscal 2009, revenues generated from international vessel operations as a percentage of the company’s total revenues were 87%. The company’s United States results of operations are primarily dependent on the demand and supply relationship for natural gas. The company’s U.S.-based revenues decreased approximately 8%, or $12.9 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to a decrease in the number of vessels operating in the U.S.-based portion of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and to an approximate 4 percentage point decrease in utilization rates on the remaining U.S.-based vessels despite an approximate 11% increase in average day rates. U.S.-based operating profit increased approximately 16%, or $4.8 million, due to approximately 17% lower vessel operating costs and approximately 15% lower depreciation expense. The company’s international results of operations are primarily dependent on the demand and supply relationship for crude oil. During fiscal 2009, international-based revenues and operating profit increased approximately 15% and 11%, or $154.1 million and $42.9 million, respectively, as compared to fiscal 2008, due to strong market fundamentals during the first half of fiscal 2009, which resulted in vessel day rate escalations and increases in the number of vessels operating internationally (because of vessel transfers from the U.S. market and the addition of newly constructed vessels that were added to the fleet). Fiscal 2009 international-based vessel revenues increases were partially offset by approximately 19% higher operating costs and 8% higher depreciation expense, as compared to fiscal 2008, due primarily to an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsIn January 2008, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued its final ruling in the company’s favor with respect to a motion for summary judgment concerning the IRS disallowance of the company’s tax deduction for foreign sales corporation commissions for fiscal years 1999 and 2000. In March of 2008, the IRS appealed the verdict to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which in April of 2009, affirmed the District Court’s judgment. The IRS has 90 days within which to file a petition for review with the United States Supreme Court. Although the ultimate settlement of the liability is unpredictable, it is reasonably possible that this uncertainty will be resolved within the next twelve months. If this uncertainty is ultimately resolved in the company’s favor, the company anticipates reversing its liability recorded for this issue, which includes liabilities recorded for similar deductions taken in years subsequent to fiscal 2000. As of March 31, 2009, the amount of the potential reversal, including interest, is approximately $32.5 million. The company’s strategy contemplates organic growth through the construction of vessels at a variety of shipyards worldwide and possible acquisitions of vessels and/or other owners and operators of offshore supply vessels. The company has the largest number of new vessels among its competitors in the industry, and it also has the largest fleet of older vessels in the industry. Because the company has a large number of older vessels, management regularly evaluates alternatives for its older fleet. The company will continue to pursue its long-term growth strategies on a disciplined basis and, in each case, will carefully consider whether proposed investments and transactions have the appropriate risk/reward profile. The company’s safety performance improved significantly during fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2009, the company experienced only one lost time accident compared to eight lost time accidents (which included six fatalities) during fiscal 2008. The company is committed to continuing to improve its record for the safety of the company’s employees and the safety of its customers. The company’s principal operations occur in offshore waters where the workplace environment presents safety challenges. Because the environment presents these challenges, the company works diligently to maintain workplace safety. Management regularly communicates with its personnel to promote safety and instill safe work habits through company media and safety review sessions. The company also regularly conducts safety training meetings for its seamen and shore staff personnel. In 2009, the company has continued a significant vessel construction and acquisition program that began in calendar year 2000. This program has facilitated the company’s entrance into deepwater markets around the world in addition to allowing the company to begin to replace its core fleet with fewer, larger, and more technologically sophisticated vessels. The vessel construction and acquisition program and the expansion program were initiated with the intent of strengthening the company’s presence in all major oil and gas producing regions of the world through the replacement of aging vessels in the company’s core fleet. During this decade, the company has purchased and/or constructed 157 vessels for approximately $1.9 billion. Between April 1999 and March 2009, the company also sold, primarily to buyers who operate outside of our industry, 353 vessels and scrapped or disposed of 85 vessels. Most of the vessel sales were at prices that exceeded their carrying values. To date, the company has funded all of its vessel commitment programs from current cash balances, operating cash flow, and funds provided by its $300.0 million senior unsecured notes, its revolving credit facility, and various leasing arrangements. At March 31, 2009, the company had 46 vessels under construction for a total capital commitment of $991.9 million, of which the company has already expended $392.3 million. A full discussion of the company’s capital commitments, scheduled delivery dates and vessel sales is disclosed in the “Vessel Count, Dispositions, Acquisitions and Construction Programs” section of Item 7 and Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. During fiscal 2009, $53.6 million was used to repurchase shares of the company’s stock; however, no amounts were expended under the most recent share repurchase authorization during the year ended March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2009, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. The company will continue
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsto evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. Macroeconomic Environment and Outlook During the last half of calendar 2008, worldwide demand for oil and gas dropped precipitously and energy prices sharply declined as a result of a global economic recession. The company continues to evaluate how a prolonged global recession might affect the development plans of exploration and production companies and global demand for offshore vessels. The company also continues to evaluate the potential impacts of the global recession and distress in credit and capital markets on the ability of shipyards to meet their scheduled deliveries of new vessels or the ability of the company to renew its fleet through new vessel construction or acquisitions. Also unknown is the potential effect that the recession may have on the company’s more highly-leveraged competitors, including those companies’ ability to continue to fund their construction commitments. Assessing the current situation with a high degree of confidence is challenging given the instability in the financial and commodity markets and the global economic recession. The recession may ultimately result in a decrease in demand for offshore support vessel services which would reduce charter rates and/or utilization rates and therefore have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operation and financial condition. During fiscal 2009, the company did not experience any significant negative effects from the financial crisis or tight credit markets. Trends in exploration, development and production activity, however, are generally negative and customers are actively seeking pricing concessions in regards to services provided by the company. Given the foregoing uncertainties, the company continues to re-assess its stated strategies and investment plans. All statements made herein of the previously stated plans or the “current” plan or expectation of such should be considered in the light of the potential effects discussed in the preceding paragraph. While the magnitude of any change in plans, including investment plans, cannot be predicted at this time, it is likely that some adjustments will be necessary due to the global recession, the recent dramatic reduction in commodity prices, and the lack of liquidity in financial markets. The company operates in a highly competitive business environment that has many risks as disclosed in Item 1A of this report. The number of operating drilling rigs in the U.S. offshore market is generally the primary driver of the company’s expected activity levels and future profitability in the U.S. market. The offshore rig count in the GOM remains at historically low levels, in part, because the strength of the international drilling market has attracted numerous offshore drilling rigs from the U.S. to various international markets over the past few years. In addition, exploration and development activity in the GOM has fallen off significantly, particularly in non-deepwater areas. As a consequence, the demand for offshore marine vessels in the shallow water GOM diminished and is expected to remain weak, unless recent trends are reversed. Over the longer term, the company’s U.S.-based fleet should be affected more by the active offshore rig count in the United States than by any other single outside influence. In addition, consolidation could result in the absorption of an oil and gas company with which the company has a strong commercial relationship into another company with which the company does not have such a relationship. The prices of crude oil and natural gas are critical factors in E&P companies’ decisions to retain their drilling rigs in the GOM market or mobilize the rigs to international markets. The company’s United States results of operations are primarily dependent on the supply and demand relationship for natural gas, while the company’s international results of operations are primarily dependent on the supply and demand relationship of crude oil. Prices for crude oil and natural gas have fallen dramatically from their respective peaks achieved in calendar year 2008 due to a global recession that has caused a precipitous drop in worldwide demand for oil and gas. Before the recession onset, natural gas prices had declined because inventory levels for natural gas increased more than expected during the 2008 summer season largely due to strong, land-based natural gas drilling results. Production shut-ins in the offshore drilling market caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike eased some of the production growth but were insufficient to offset the natural gas supplied by land-based drillers. Inventories continued at high levels even during the winter drawdown season, despite a relatively cold winter, due to the strong supply growth and declining demand resulting from the recession. Natural gas prices were in the range of $3.45 to $3.60 per Mcf in mid-April 2009, a significant decline from its peak of $13.00 per Mcf in July 2008. Analysts expect gas prices to deteriorate further during calendar year 2009
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsuntil forced production shut-ins reverse gas supplies or demand increases. Given the historically strong correlation between commodity prices, drilling and exploration activity and demand for the company’s vessels in the GOM, if gas prices remain weak during calendar year 2009, the company expects utilization rates and day rates for its vessels in the GOM market will continue to be depressed and, as such, management is unable to predict with confidence what the company’s actual experience will be in calendar year 2009. Crude oil prices had also retreated from the all time closing high of approximately $147 per barrel in mid-July 2008 and were in the $48 to $52 range in mid-April 2009. OPEC responded to falling crude prices by cutting production by 4.2 million barrels per day (a nearly 5% cut in global oil supplies) as of January 1, 2009 in an effort to stabilize prices. It is unknown whether crude oil prices will stabilize at levels that will continue to support significant levels of exploration and production spending by oil and gas companies. In addition, even if prices stabilize at levels that do support high levels of spending, it is uncertain if E&P companies will be able to sustain their level of capital expenditures because of reductions in available capital and liquidity. Given the historical strong correlation between commodity prices, drilling and exploration activity and demand for the company’s vessels in the various international markets, if crude oil prices remain weak during calendar year 2009, the company expects that utilization and day rates for its international-based vessels will weaken. However, with the volatility of oil pricing and demand, management is unable to predict what the company’s actual experience will be in calendar year 2009. Oil and gas industry analysts have reported in their 2009 E&P expenditures (both land-based and offshore) surveys that global capital expenditures are forecast to decline by approximately 12% from calendar year 2008 levels. The surveys forecast that international capital spending will decline modestly, while North American capital spending is forecast to decrease more than 25% due to the continuing uncertainty in commodity pricing, tight credit markets and the global recession. In addition, these spending estimates may prove to be overly optimistic as they were based on average assumptions of approximately $58 per barrel of oil and $6.35 per mcf of natural gas price for calendar 2009. The GOM market consists primarily of the independents and smaller companies that employ more financial leverage and, as such, may face challenges raising capital funding for their respective drilling programs. The company’s assets are highly mobile. Should the U.S. market weaken further, the company has the ability to redeploy some of its vessels to international markets where, market conditions permitting, the vessels may benefit from stronger demand and average day rates and statutory income tax rates that are typically lower than in the United States. The company will continue to assess the demand for vessels in the GOM and in the various international markets and consider relocating additional vessels to international areas, although the ability of the company to continue to mobilize vessels among international markets will be subject to global market demand. The cost of mobilizing vessels to a different market are sometimes for the account of the company and sometimes for the account of a contracting customer. During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, both U.S. President Bush and the U.S. Congress allowed the moratorium on offshore drilling in federal waters along the U.S. Pacific and Atlantic coasts to expire effective October 1, 2008. Although the lifting of the moratorium will not result in immediate drilling, the prospects for the future of offshore drilling in the new regions of the U.S. could be promising; however, in January 2009, U.S. President Obama took office, and it is not yet clear what the energy policy of his administration will be or what impact such policy will have on the offshore energy industry. The deepwater offshore energy market is a growing segment of the energy market. Worldwide rig construction escalated in the past few years as rig owners capitalized on the high worldwide demand for drilling. Reports published during the most recently completed quarter suggest that over the next four years, the worldwide moveable drilling rig count will increase as new-build rigs currently on order and under construction stand at approximately 170 rigs, which will supplement the current approximately 745 movable rigs worldwide. In addition, investment is also being made in the floating production market where approximately 60 new floating production units are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered over the next five years to supplement the current approximately 310 floating production units worldwide. Given the recent financial crisis and global economic recession, it is possible that some of the drilling rigs currently on order might be delayed or cancelled. Moreover, to the extent built and delivered, it is believed that the new-build rigs will largely target international regions rather than the GOM due to longer
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementscontract durations, generally lower operating costs and higher drilling day rates available in the international markets. Approximately 670 new-build support vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered to the worldwide offshore vessel market over the next four years according to by ODS-Petrodata. The current worldwide fleet of these classes of vessels is estimated at approximately 2,100 vessels. An increase in vessel capacity could have the effect of lowering charter rates, particularly in the context of declining levels of exploration, development and production activity. However, the worldwide offshore marine vessel industry has a large number of aging vessels, including approximately 860 that are at least 25 years old, that are nearing or exceeding original expectations of estimated economic lives. These older vessels could potentially retire from the market within the next few years if the cost of extending the vessels’ lives is not economically justifiable. Although the future attrition rate of these aging vessels cannot be accurately predicted, the company believes that the retirement of a portion of these aging vessels would likely mitigate the potential negative impacts that new-build vessels and reduced exploration, development and production activity may have on offshore support vessel demand. Additional vessel demand should be created with the addition of new drilling rigs and floating production units over the next few years, which should help minimize the negative effects of 670 new-build support vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) being added to the offshore support vessel fleet. However, it is unknown at this time how the global recession will influence the utilization of equipment currently in existence or the ultimate delivery and placing into service of new drilling rigs, floating production units and vessels currently under construction. Results of Operations The following table compares revenues and operating expenses (excluding general and administrative expenses, depreciation expense and gains on sales of assets) for the company’s vessel fleet and the related percentage of total revenue for the years ended March 31. Vessel revenues and operating costs relate to vessels owned and operated by the company, while other marine revenues relate to third-party activities of the company’s shipyards, brokered vessels and other miscellaneous marine-related activities.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe following table subdivides vessel operating costs presented above by the company’s United States and International segments and its related percentage of total revenue for the fiscal years ended March 31.
As a result of the uncertainty of a certain customer to make payment of vessel charter hire, the company has deferred the recognition of approximately $6.1 million of billings as of March 31, 2009, $5.7 million of billings as of March 31, 2008 and $5.3 million of billings as of March 31, 2007 which would otherwise have been recognized as revenue. The company will recognize the amounts as revenue as cash is collected or at such time as the uncertainty has been resolved. Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008 The company’s fiscal 2009 consolidated net earnings increased approximately 17%, or $58.1 million, over the company’s net earnings for fiscal 2008, primarily due to higher average day rates. During fiscal 2009, the company recorded $1.4 billion in revenues, which is an increase of approximately $120.7 million, or 9%, over its fiscal 2008 revenues. The company’s United States (U.S.) revenues decreased approximately 8%, or $12.9 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, while the company’s international revenues increased approximately 15%, or $154.1 million, during the same comparative period. U.S.-based vessel operating costs decreased approximately 17%, or $16.8 million, while the company’s international-based vessel operating costs increased approximately 19%, or $92.9 million, during the same comparative period. A significant portion of the company’s operations are conducted internationally. Revenues generated from international vessel operations as a percentage of the company’s total revenues were 87% during fiscal 2009 compared to 84% in fiscal 2008. At March 31, 2009, the company had 142 vessels in its fleet with an average age of 5.2 years. These newer vessels have been acquired or constructed since calendar year 2000 as part of the company’s new build
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsand acquisition program. The remaining 267 vessels of the fleet have an average age of 27.1 years. During fiscal 2009, the company’s newer vessels generated $712.0 million of the consolidated revenues and accounted for 59.2% of total vessel margin (vessel revenues less vessel operating expenses less vessel depreciation) while the older vessels generated $644.3 million of revenues and accounted for the remaining 40.8% of vessel margin. General Market Conditions Demand for the company’s vessels in the shallow water GOM offshore vessel market steadily diminished over the past three years as numerous drilling rigs migrated to international areas to capitalize on strong market fundamentals. In response to the drilling rigs departure from the GOM, the company relocated 10 vessels (including two deepwater vessels) to international locations during fiscal 2009, where the vessels secured more attractive term contracts at generally higher day rates. A net seven vessels were transferred to international locations during fiscal 2008 and 16 vessels during fiscal 2007. Although the number of drilling rigs in the GOM is low, the market for offshore vessels tightened during the summer of 2008 due to an increase in E&P drilling activity resulting from high natural gas prices, which reached the $13.00 per Mcf range in July 2008, but have since fallen to the $3.45 to $ 3.60 range by mid-April 2009. Then, in September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit the Louisiana and Texas coasts. The U.S. Minerals Management Service reported that the damage sustained to the energy infrastructure would take several months to repair. The market for offshore support vessels was tight prior to the two storms, and there were shortages in available-for-work offshore vessels operating in the GOM. The resulting offshore vessels supply/demand fundamentals pushed vessel day rates higher in the GOM. At the time, the GOM supply boat market had a significant number of vessels previously stacked that could have resumed active status after drydocking and recertification. All of the company’s available-for-work U.S.-based vessels were working at relatively full utilization prior to the storms, and, after the storms, two of the company’s stacked vessels were drydocked and re-certificated to respond to increased post-hurricane market demand. Demand for the company’s vessels was brisk for the majority of the company’s fiscal second and third quarters, but demand waned in the last weeks of December 2008 due partially to the winding down of repair work on the offshore energy infrastructure. During December 2008 and throughout the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the company experienced day rate and utilization weakness on its U.S.-based vessels that provide service in the GOM shallow and mid-water depths. International-based vessel day rates averaged higher during fiscal 2009, due largely to an increase in drilling activity in the international markets. In 2008, capital spending budgets for exploration and production which were based on strong crude oil pricing during the first half of 2008. The price of crude oil peaked at $147 per barrel in mid-July 2008 and has since fallen to the $48 to $52 range by mid-April 2009. OPEC responded to falling crude prices by cutting production in an effort to stabilize prices. It is unknown whether crude oil prices will stabilize at levels that will continue to support significant levels of exploration and production spending by oil and gas companies. Demand for the company’s vessels in the various international markets was strong during most of fiscal 2009, but started showing some signs of weakness as the fiscal year ended. United States-based Operations The company’s U.S.-based vessel revenues decreased approximately 8%, or $12.9 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to fewer vessels operating in the GOM (because vessels had been transferred to international markets) and to a four percentage point decrease in total utilization rates on the remaining U.S.-based vessels, somewhat offset by an approximate 11% increase in average day rates. Due to a relatively weak GOM market, the company transferred 10 vessels to international markets (including two deepwater vessels) during fiscal 2009. The weakening macroeconomic environment in the GOM resulted in lower U.S.-based vessel utilization during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The company’s deepwater class of vessels were responsible for approximately 7%, or $0.9 million, of the loss in revenue during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, because two deepwater vessels were transferred to international markets. The company’s active towing supply/supply class of vessels, the company’s major income producing vessel class in the domestic market, were responsible for approximately 46%, or $5.9 million, of the loss in revenue during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to an
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsapproximate five percentage point drop in utilization and the transfer of four towing-supply/supply vessels to international markets. Average day rates, however, increased approximately 14% on these vessels. The company’s crew/utility class of vessels was responsible for approximately 47%, or $6.0 million, of the loss in revenue during the same comparative periods due to the transfer of four crewboats to international markets and because of an approximate five percentage point decrease in utilization and approximately 6% lower average day rates. U.S.-based vessel revenues, utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel class are disclosed in the “Vessel Class Revenues and Statistics by Segment” section of this report. U.S.-based vessel operating profit increased approximately 16%, or $4.8 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to approximately 17%, or $16.8 million, lower U.S-based vessel operating costs (primarily crew costs, repair and maintenance costs, and insurance and loss reserves) and approximately 8%, or $8.3 million, lower depreciation expense during the comparative periods resulting from fewer vessels operating in the U.S. GOM market. Crew costs decreased approximately 10%, or $6.2 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to the transfer of vessels to international markets. Repair and maintenance costs decreased approximately 24%, or $3.7 million, due to fewer drydockings performed during fiscal 2009 and to a decrease in the average cost per drydock performed and to lower routine repair and maintenance costs during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. International-based Operations International-based vessel revenues increased approximately 15%, or $154.1 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to an increase in total average day rates of approximately 19%. While international-based vessel revenues improved during fiscal 2009, revenues were adversely affected by an increased number of maintenance days on several of the company’s larger deepwater class of vessels resulting from a higher level of drydockings during fiscal 2009. The increased number of maintenance days lowered utilization and average day rates of the company’s deepwater class of vessels during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. The company’s international deepwater class, towing-supply/supply class and offshore tug class of vessels generated approximately 15%, 80% and 4%, respectively, of the revenue growth during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. The company’s deepwater and towing-supply/supply class of vessels generated increases in revenue during the comparative periods due to an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally (approximately four additional deepwater vessels and 15 additional towing-supply/supply vessels, excluding vessel dispositions) and due to higher average day rates. The average day rate on the deepwater vessels and towing supply/supply class of vessels increased approximately 10% and 20%, respectively, during the comparative periods. Revenues on the company’s international-based offshore tugs increased due to a two percentage point increase in utilization and an approximate 21% increase in average day rates during the comparative periods, despite a decrease in the number of offshore tugs operating internationally due to vessel dispositions. Revenues earned during fiscal 2009 on the company’s crew/utility class of vessels were comparable to the revenues earned in fiscal 2008. International-based vessel revenues, utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel class are disclosed in the “Vessel Class Revenues and Statistics by Segment” section of this report. International-based vessel operating costs increased approximately 19%, or $92.9 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, primarily due to higher crew costs, repair and maintenance costs and depreciation expense related to the increased number of vessels operating internationally. International-based crew costs increased approximately 20% during the comparative years due to inflationary increases in labor costs and because of the transfer of 10 vessels from the GOM and the addition of 17 newly-constructed vessels to the international-based fleet at various times during fiscal 2009. Repair and maintenance costs were approximately 19% higher during the comparative years because of an increase in the number of scheduled drydockings performed during fiscal 2009, including several relatively more expensive drydockings of some of the company’s newer, deepwater vessels. Depreciation expense was approximately 8% higher during the comparative periods because of vessels being transferred from the GOM to international areas of operation and to newly-constructed vessels being added to the international-based fleet during fiscal 2009.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsInternational-based vessel operating profit increased approximately 11%, or $42.9 million, during fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, primarily due to higher revenues which were partially offset by increases in vessel operating costs as discussed above. Other Items Foreign exchange gains increased approximately $3.6 million during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 due to a stronger U.S. dollar relative to other currencies. Insurance and loss reserves decreased approximately 46%, or $10.9 million, during fiscal 2009 as compared to 2008, due to lower premiums and loss reserves recorded as a result of a better safety record during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008. Gain on sales of assets increased approximately $15.8 million, or 138%, during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, due to a higher number of vessels sold during fiscal 2009 and due to larger gains earned on the mix of vessels sold. Dispositions of vessels can vary from year to year; therefore, gains on sales of assets may fluctuate significantly from period to period. Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007 The company’s consolidated net earnings during fiscal 2008 fell a modest 2%, or $7.9 million, as compared to fiscal 2007; however, included in fiscal 2007 consolidated earnings is an after-tax gain of $20.8 million, related to the sale of 14 of its offshore tugs. Excluding the after-tax gain on the sale of the offshore tugs, consolidated net earnings increased approximately 4% during the comparative periods primarily due to higher revenues on the company’s international-based vessels which were offset by higher vessel operating costs and higher general and administrative expenses. The company’s U.S. revenues decreased approximately 30%, or $69.5 million, during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, while the company’s international revenues increased $187.0 million, or approximately 22%, during the same comparative period. Revenues generated from international vessel operations during fiscal 2008 as a percentage of the company’s total revenues were 84%. Net earnings during fiscal 2008 also benefited from a reduction in the company’s effective tax rate to 18.0% from 20.9% in fiscal 2007. At March 31, 2008, the company had 126 vessels in its fleet that were acquired or constructed since calendar year 2000 as part of its new build and acquisition program (new vessels) and 300 remaining vessels, which are considered to be mature in age, with an average age of 25.1 years. During fiscal 2008, the company’s new vessels generated $581.5 million of the consolidated revenues and accounted for 54.7% of total vessel margin (vessel revenues less vessel operating expenses less vessel depreciation) while the older vessels generated $633.7 million of revenues and accounted for the remaining 45.3% of vessel margin. General Market Conditions Demand for the company’s vessels in the shallow water Gulf of Mexico offshore vessel market diminished as repair work on the offshore energy infrastructure that was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, respectively, was completed and numerous drilling rigs migrated to international areas. The number of available drilling rigs in the GOM was very low compared to past industry up cycles because the strength of the international drilling market attracted offshore rigs from the U.S. market. In reaction to the drilling rigs departing the Gulf of Mexico during the latter part of calendar year 2006, and because the company’s assets are highly mobile, the company relocated a net seven vessels during fiscal 2008 to international locations where the vessels contracted for more attractive term work at generally higher day rates than what the vessels achieved in the GOM. The company transferred 16 vessels to international locations during fiscal 2007. Natural gas prices were relatively weak for most of calendar year 2007 as a result of higher than normal inventory levels for the resource. Prices strengthened around mid-November 2007, when inventory levels for the resource decreased due to production shut-ins, lower liquid natural gas imports and colder than
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsnormal late winter weather; however, the uptick in natural gas prices did not result in higher demand for the company’s vessels during the normal winter slowdown period. Crude oil prices soared during calendar year 2007 and surpassed the $100 per barrel mark during the company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 due to strong global consumer demand for crude oil which was driven by emerging economies, dwindling excess OPEC production capacity, concerns over possible supply interruptions caused by geopolitical risk in certain countries that are members of OPEC, and production declines in mature oil fields. United States-based Operations U.S.-based vessel revenues decreased approximately 30%, or $69.5 million, during fiscal 2008 compared to the revenues generated in fiscal 2007, primarily due to lower utilization and average day rates on all classes of vessel operating in the U.S. market, the transfer of vessels to international areas of operations, and the sale of the company’s U.S.-based offshore tugs during fiscal 2007. Removing the revenue effect of the company’s U.S.-based offshore tugs in the comparative data indicates that U.S.-based revenues decreased approximately 26%, or $56.9 million, during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The company’s active towing-supply/supply vessels, the largest vessel class in the U.S. market, were responsible for approximately 74% of the loss in revenues during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. The company’s deepwater class of vessels also incurred a loss in revenue during the comparative periods of approximately 3%. Removing the revenue effect of the U.S.-based offshore tugs in the comparative data indicates that the company’s towing-supply/supply class of vessels was responsible for approximately 91% of the loss in revenue during fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The reduction of vessels in the towing-supply/supply class from 39 during fiscal 2007 to 33 during fiscal 2008, resulting primarily from six transfers to international markets, accounted for a significant portion of the reduction in revenue from this class of vessel. Average day rates on the company’s U.S.-based deepwater class of vessels decreased approximately 6% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 while utilization rates on this same class of vessel decreased approximately five percentage points during the same comparative periods primarily as a result of an increase in the number of days off-hire from drydockings during fiscal 2008. Average day rates on the U.S-based towing-supply/supply vessels decreased approximately 8% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, while utilization rates on the towing-supply/supply class of vessel decreased approximately nine percentage points during the same comparative periods. Utilization rates on the company’s domestic-based crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately seven percentage points during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 while average day rates for the crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately 3% during the same comparative periods. U.S.-based vessel operating profit during fiscal 2008 decreased approximately $59.4 million, or 66%, compared to fiscal 2007 due primarily to lower revenues which were slightly mitigated by lower vessel operating costs and by an approximate 26% decrease in depreciation expense resulting from fewer vessels operating in the U.S. GOM and the sale of the U.S.-based offshore tugs. U.S.-based vessel operating costs decreased approximately 3%, or $3.5 million, due to fewer vessels operating in the GOM and to weaker demand for the company’s vessel in the GOM market, which resulted in a 3% decrease in crew costs, a 15% decrease in repair and maintenance costs and a 31% decrease in fuel, lube and supplies costs during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. International-based Operations International-based vessel revenues increased approximately 22%, or $187.0 million, during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, primarily due to a 20% increase in average day rates on all vessel classes operating in the international markets, and to an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally. The number of vessels increased internationally because of newly-constructed vessels entering the fleet and due to the transfer of vessels from the GOM. The company’s international deepwater class, towing-supply/supply class and crew/utility class of vessels generated approximately 22%, 72% and 7%, respectively, of the revenue growth during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsAverage day rates for the company’s international deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 20% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. Utilization rates on the same class of vessel decreased approximately three percentage points during the comparative period primarily as a result of the increase in the number of days off-hire from vessel drydockings during fiscal 2008. Average day rates for the company’s international towing-supply/supply class of vessels increased approximately 20% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 while utilization rates on the international towing-supply/supply class of vessels during fiscal 2008 fell approximately one percentage point compared to fiscal 2007. Average day rates on the company’s international-based crew/utility class of vessels increased approximately 17% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 while utilization rates for the crew/utility class of vessels during fiscal 2008 were the same as the rates achieved during fiscal 2007. Average day rates on the international offshore tugs increased approximately 13% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007, while utilization rates for the same class of vessel decreased approximately nine percentage points during the comparative period. While international-based vessel revenues improved during fiscal 2008, revenue growth was slowed by an increased number of maintenance days during fiscal 2008, resulting from a higher level of drydockings performed. While repair and maintenance expense increased only 7%, capitalized repair and maintenance costs for fully depreciated vessels that extended their useful lives increased from $37.4 million during fiscal 2007 to $49.8 million during fiscal 2008, or an increase of approximately 33%. The increased number of maintenance days negatively impacted the utilization statistics of the company’s vessels during fiscal 2008. International-based vessel operating profit increased approximately 23% or $73.2 million, during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 primarily due to higher revenues. Higher international-based revenues earned during fiscal 2008 were partially offset by a 23% increase in vessel operating costs (primarily crew costs, repair and maintenance costs, insurance and loss reserves, fuel, lube and supplies and other vessel costs) and 11% increase in depreciation expense during fiscal 2008, as compared to fiscal 2007, resulting from an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally, including newly-constructed vessels added to the international-based fleet over the past year. Crew costs increased approximately 20% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 due to basic inflationary increases in labor costs around the world and due to an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally, including newly-constructed vessels. Repair and maintenance costs increased approximately 14% due to an increase in the average cost per drydock performed during fiscal 2008 and to higher routine repair and maintenance costs. Other vessel costs increased approximately 29% during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 primarily due to higher brokers’ commission expense. Other Items Gain on sales of assets during fiscal 2008 decreased approximately 73%, or $31.3 million, as compared to fiscal 2007, primarily due to the large gain recorded from the sale of 14 offshore tugs during fiscal 2007. The transaction resulted in an approximate $34.0 million pre-tax financial gain, or approximately $20.8 million after-tax, or $0.37 per diluted common share after tax. Dispositions of vessels can vary from quarter to quarter; therefore, gains on sales of assets may fluctuate significantly from period to period. Insurance costs increased approximately 91%, or $11.3 million, during fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 due to lower premiums and loss reserves recorded in fiscal 2007, which resulted from a better safety record during fiscal 2007 as compared to the company’s safety performance in fiscal 2008. Vessel Class Revenue and Statistics by Segment Vessel utilization is determined primarily by market conditions and to a lesser extent by drydocking requirements. Vessel day rates are determined by the demand created largely through the level of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy companies relative to the supply of offshore service vessels. Suitability of equipment and the degree of service provided also influence vessel day rates. Vessel utilization rates are calculated by dividing the number of days a vessel works during a reporting period by the number of days the vessel is available to work in the reporting period. Average day rates are calculated by dividing the revenue a vessel earns during a reporting period by the number of days the vessel worked in the reporting period. Vessel utilization and average day rates are calculated only on vessels in service and, as such, do not include vessels withdrawn from service or joint venture vessels. The
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsfollowing tables compare revenues, day-based utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel class and in total for each of the quarters in the years ended March 31: REVENUE BY VESSEL CLASS: (In thousands)
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsUTILIZATION:
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsAVERAGE DAY RATES:
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe following tables compare vessels average day rates and day-based utilization percentages for the company’s U.S.-based fleet and International-based fleet and in total for the company’s new vessels (defined as vessels acquired or constructed since calendar year 2000 as part of its new build and acquisition program) and its older, more traditional vessels for each of the quarters in the year ended March 31: AVERAGE DAY RATES:
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsVessel Count, Dispositions, Acquisitions and Construction Programs The average age of the company's 409 owned or chartered vessel fleet at March 31, 2009 is approximately 19.5 years. The average age of the 142 vessels that the company acquired or constructed since calendar year 2000 as part of its new build and acquisition program (discussed below) have an average age of 5.2 years. The remaining 267 vessels have an average age of 27.1 years. The following table compares the average number of vessels by class and geographic distribution during the years ended March 31 and the actual March 31, 2009 vessel count:
Included in owned or chartered vessels are vessels that were stacked by the company. The company considers a vessel to be stacked if the vessel crew is off hire and limited maintenance is being performed on the vessel. The company reduces operating costs by stacking vessels when management does not foresee adequate marketing possibilities for the vessel in the near future. Vessels are added to this list when market conditions warrant and they are removed from this list when they are returned to active service, sold or otherwise disposed. When economically practical marketing opportunities arise, the stacked vessels can be returned to service by performing any necessary maintenance on the vessel and returning fleet personnel to operate the vessel. Although not currently fulfilling charters, stacked vessels are considered to be in service and are included in the calculation of the company’s utilization statistics. The company had 61, 53 and 48 stacked vessels at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Vessels withdrawn from service represent those vessels that management has determined are unlikely to return to active service and are currently marketed for sale. Vessels withdrawn from service are not included in the company’s utilization statistics. Vessel Dispositions The company seeks opportunities to sell and/or scrap its older vessels when market conditions warrant and opportunities arise. The majority of the company’s vessels are sold to buyers who do not compete with the company in the offshore energy industry. During fiscal 2009, the company sold to third party operators or to scrap dealers 12 anchor handling towing supply vessels, 11 platform supply vessels, seven crewboats, six utility vessels, eight offshore tugs and three other type vessels. Five of the 47 vessels were sold from the U.S. GOM vessel fleet while 33 were sold from the international fleet. The remaining nine vessels were sold from vessels previously withdrawn from service. During fiscal 2008, the company sold to third party operators six anchor handling towing supply vessels, nine platform supply vessels, one crewboat, six utility vessels and four offshore tugs. Seven of the vessels
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementswere sold from the U.S. GOM fleet while 14 vessels were sold from the international-based fleet. The remaining five vessels were sold from the vessels previously withdrawn from service. During fiscal 2007, the company sold to third party operators or to scrap dealers 18 anchor handling towing supply vessels, 27 platform supply vessels, two crewboats, 16 offshore tugs and three other type vessels. Nineteen of the vessels were sold from the U.S. GOM fleet while 12 vessels were sold from the international-based fleet. The remaining 35 vessels were sold from the vessels previously withdrawn from service. Fourteen of the 19 U.S. GOM vessels were offshore tugs vessels sold to Crosby Marine Transportation, LLC. Please refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the sale the offshore tugs to Crosby Marine Transportation, LLC. Vessel Deliveries and Acquisitions The table below summarizes the number of vessels that have been added to the company’s fleet during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 by vessel class and vessel type:
Fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2009, the company took delivery of 10 anchor handling towing supply vessels that varied in size from 6,500 to 10,000 BHP. All 10 anchor handing towing supply vessels were constructed at international shipyards for a total approximate cost of $182.6 million. The company also took delivery of two 230-foot and one 240-foot platform supply vessels for approximately $43.9 million. Two different international shipyards built these platform supply vessels. The company also delivered to the market three water jet crewboats, constructed at an international shipyard, for a total approximate cost of $5.3 million. Lastly, one offshore tug was delivered to the company for an approximate total cost of $13.4 million. Fiscal 2008. The company took delivery of five anchor handling towing supply vessels, which varied in size from 6,500 to 10,000 BHP. The vessels were delivered by two different international shipyards for a total approximate cost of $86.6 million. The company also entered into two capital lease transactions during fiscal 2008 for a total $33.9 million and, accordingly, increased its anchor handling towing supply vessel count by two vessels. Both vessels have a BHP of 7,080 and were built by international shipyards. During fiscal 2008, the company delivered to the market two 220-foot and three 250-foot platform supply vessels for approximately $82.7 million. The company’s shipyard, Quality Shipyards, LLC, constructed the two 220-foot vessels, which are capable of working in domestic and international markets, and a different U.S. shipyard constructed the three 250-foot vessels, which are capable of working in most deepwater markets of the world. The company also delivered to the market two 175-foot, state-of-the-art, fast, crew/supply boat from a U.S. shipyard, two water jet crewboats from a shipyard in Holland and three offshore tugs which were built by three separate international shipyards. The approximate total cost for all seven of these vessels was $34.3 million. Fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007, three anchor handling towing supply vessels were delivered to the company that vary in size from 6,500 to 8,000 BHP. The vessels were delivered by two different international shipyards for a total approximate cost of $54.3 million. The company also entered into two capital lease transactions during fiscal 2007 for a total $22.8 million and accordingly increased its anchor handling towing supply vessel count by two vessels. Both vessels have a BHP of 5,500 and were built by international shipyards.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe company delivered to the market one 220-foot, platform supply vessel for an approximate total cost of $12.4 million. The company’s shipyard, Quality Shipyards, LLC, constructed the vessel which is capable of working in domestic and international markets. The company also delivered to the market one 175-foot, state-of-the-art, fast, crew/supply boat from a U.S. shipyard and one water jet crewboat from an international shipyard for an approximate total cost of $8.2 million. The company also acquired four used crewboats from Provident Marine Ltd., a 49%-owned joint-venture, due to the dissolution of the joint venture during fiscal 2007. Vessel Commitments at March 31, 2009 At March 31, 2009, the company is constructing 16 anchor handling towing supply vessels, varying in size from 6,500 brake horsepower (BHP) to 13,600 BHP, for a total capital commitment of approximately $335.6 million. Five different international shipyards are constructing the vessels. Five of the anchor handling towing supply vessels are large deepwater class vessels. Scheduled deliveries for the 16 vessels began in April 2009, with the last vessel scheduled for delivery in January 2012. As of March 31, 2009, the company had expended $151.4 million for the construction of these vessels. The company is also committed to the construction of four 230-foot, seven 240-foot, two 266-foot and twelve 280-foot platform supply vessels for a total aggregate investment of approximately $608.4 million. The company’s shipyard, Quality Shipyards, L.L.C., is constructing the two 266-foot deepwater class vessels. One international shipyard is constructing the four 230-foot vessels, while two different international shipyards are constructing the seven 240-foot deepwater class vessels. Scheduled delivery for the four 230-foot vessels will begin in June 2009 with final delivery of the fourth vessel in January 2010. Expected delivery for the seven 240-foot deepwater class vessels began in April 2009 with final delivery of the seventh 240-foot vessel in September 2009. The twelve 280-foot deepwater class vessels are being constructed at an international shipyard and are expected to be delivered to the market beginning in November 2010 with final delivery of the twelfth 280-foot vessel in July of 2012. As of March 31, 2009, $206.8 million has been expended on these 25 vessels. The company is also committed to the construction of two 175-foot, fast, crew/supply boats and one water jet crewboat for an aggregate cost of approximately $19.7 million. Two separate international shipyards are building these vessels. The water jet crewboat is expected to be delivered in May 2009 while the two fast, crew/supply vessels are expected to be delivered in August and September of 2009. As of March 31, 2009, the company had expended $13.5 million for the construction of these three vessels. The company is also committed to the construction of two offshore tugs for an aggregate cost of approximately $28.1 million. The offshore tugs are being constructed at an international shipyard and are expected to be delivered to the company in August and September of 2009. As of March 31, 2009, $20.6 million has been expended on these two offshore tugs. Vessel Commitments Summary at March 31, 2009 The table below summarizes the various vessel commitments by vessel class and type as of March 31, 2009:
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe table below summarizes by vessel class and vessel type the number of vessels expected to be delivered by quarter along with the expected cash outlay (in thousands) of the various vessel commitments as discussed above:
During the early part of fiscal 2009, the company expressed its belief that it had sufficient financial capacity to support a $1.0 billion annual investment in acquiring or building new vessels for the intermediate term, assuming customer demand, acquisition and shipyard economics and other considerations justified such an investment. Given the continuing tight credit and capital markets, it is doubtful whether adequate capital and liquidity will be available to supplement cash generated by the company to fully implement the continuation of its fleet replacement program at this level, or, if available, on terms and pricing as advantageous as the company has enjoyed historically. The company continues to evaluate its fleet renewal program, whether through new construction or acquisitions, relative to other investment opportunities and uses of cash, including the current share repurchase authorization, and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. At March 31, 2009, the company had approximately $250.8 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, at March 31, 2009, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility was available for future financing needs. General and Administrative Expenses Consolidated general and administrative expenses and its related percentage of total revenues for the years ended March 31 consists of the following components:
General and administrative expenses during fiscal 2009 were approximately 8%, or $9.6 million, higher as compared to the fiscal 2008 due to higher personnel costs due to the amortization of restricted stock and phantom stock awards granted during the last two fiscal years; costs associated with accelerating the vesting of restricted stock awards for one retiring senior executive; and higher salary and administrative benefit expenses. Higher personnel costs were slightly offset by lower professional service costs (primarily legal fees) related to the winding down of an internal investigation (as previously discussed on page 15 of this Form 10-K). General and administrative expenses were also higher due to general cost increases related to a higher volume of business activity especially in the company’s international markets.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsGeneral and administrative expenses during fiscal 2008 were approximately 10%, or $27.7 million, higher as compared to fiscal 2007 due to the amortization of restricted stock granted in March 2007; higher professional services due primarily to legal fees related to the internal investigation into the company’s Nigerian and selected other countries’ operations (as discussed elsewhere in this report); the full vesting of restricted stock awarded by the Compensation committee of the company’s Board of Directors to a retiring senior executive; the settlement of a California labor law claim; and general cost increases related to a higher volume of business activity especially in the company’s international markets. Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Matters The company’s current ratio, level of working capital and amount of cash flows from operations for any year are directly related to fleet activity and vessel day rates. Vessel activity levels and vessel day rates are, among other things, dependent upon oil and natural gas prices and ultimately the supply/demand relationship for crude oil and natural gas. Variations from year-to-year in these items are primarily the result of market conditions. Cash and cash equivalents, future net cash provided by operating activities and the company’s available line of credit, provide the company, in management’s opinion, with adequate resources to meet its current liquidity requirements. At March 31, 2009, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving line of credit was available for future financing needs. Dividends In May 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the increase of the company’s quarterly dividend from $0.15 per share to $0.25 per share, a 67% increase. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors declared dividends of $51.5 million, $32.7 million and $33.9 million, or $1.00, $0.60 and $0.60 per share, respectively, for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Debt Borrowings on the company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility bear interest at the company’s option, at the greater of prime or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or Eurodollar rates plus margins ranging from 0.50 to 1.125% based on the company’s funded debt to total capitalization ratio. Commitment fees on the unused portion of this facility are in the range of 0.10 to 0.25% based on the company’s funded debt to total capitalization ratio. The company’s revolving credit facility matures in May 2010. For additional disclosure regarding the company’s revolving credit facility, including financial covenants, refer to Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. The company has $300.0 million outstanding of senior unsecured notes at March 31, 2009. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from seven years to 12 years and had an average remaining life of 3.85 years as of March 31, 2009. These notes can be retired prior to maturity without penalty. The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 4.35%. Share Repurchases In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. During fiscal 2009, $53.6 million was used to repurchase shares of the company’s stock, however, no amounts were expended under the most recent share repurchase authorization during the year ended March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2009, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsOperating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities for any period will fluctuate according to the level of business activity for the applicable period. Fiscal 2009 net cash from operating activities was $526.4 million. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2009 include net earnings of $406.9 million, adjusted for non-cash items and gains on sales of assets of $113.2 million and changes in working capital balances of $6.3 million. Fiscal 2008 net cash from operating activities was $489.5 million. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2008 include net earnings of $348.8 million, adjusted for non-cash and gains on sales of assets items of $114.0 million and changes in working capital balances of $26.7 million. Fiscal 2007 net cash from operating activities was $435.1 million. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2007 include net earnings of $356.6 million, adjusted for non-cash items and gains on sales of assets of $81.0 million and changes in working capital balances of $2.5 million. Investing Activities Investing activities in fiscal 2009 used $434.1 million of cash, which is attributed to $473.7 million of additions to properties and equipment, offset by approximately $39.4 million in proceeds from the sales of assets. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $61.2 million in capitalized major repair costs, $410.6 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels and $1.9 million of other properties and equipment purchases. Investing activities in fiscal 2008 used $272.0 million, which is attributed to the $354.0 million additions to properties and equipment partially offset by approximately $82.0 million of proceeds from the sales of assets. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $49.8 million in capitalized major repair costs, $285.8 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels, $5.0 million for vessel enhancements, $11.1 million for the construction of an aircraft and $2.3 million of other properties and equipment purchases. Investing activities in fiscal 2007 used $151.2 million, which is attributed to the $235.2 million additions to properties and equipment partially offset by approximately $74.4 million of proceeds from the sales of assets and the collection of $9.5 million relating to the repayment of an outstanding financing arrangement the company had with Sonatide Marine Ltd., a 49% owned joint-venture. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $37.4 million in capitalized major repair costs, $166.6 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels, $15.5 million for vessel enhancements, $12.9 million for the construction of an aircraft and $2.8 million of other properties and equipment purchases. Financing Activities Fiscal 2009 financing activities used $111.8 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $53.6 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $51.5 million used for the payment of common stock dividends of $1.00 per common share, $10.1 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations and $0.6 million tax liability on stock option exercises. These uses of cash were partially offset by $4.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from the exercising of stock options during the year. Fiscal 2008 financing activities used $341.1 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $310.0 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $32.7 million used for the payment of common stock dividends of $0.60 per common share and $45.7 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations. These uses of cash were partially offset by $43.6 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from stock option exercisements and $3.7 million tax benefit on stock options exercised. Fiscal 2007 financing activities used $136.2 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $131.7 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $33.9 million used for the payment of common stock dividends of $0.60 per common share, $5.0 million used to repay debt and $0.9 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations. These uses of cash were partially offset by $5.0 million provided
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsby debt borrowings, $23.2 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from stock option exercisements and $7.1 million tax benefit on stock options exercised. Interest and Debt Costs The company is capitalizing a portion of its interest costs incurred on borrowed funds used to construct vessels. Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized, for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 were approximately $0.7 million, $7.0 million, and $9.7 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized during fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 was approximately $13.8 million, $10.5 million, and $4.8 million, respectively. Total interest and debt costs incurred in fiscal 2009 was lower than in fiscal 2008 because the relative-portion of interest cost capitalized during fiscal 2009 was higher than in fiscal 2008 due to an increase in the level of investments in the company’s new construction program. Total interest and debt costs incurred in fiscal 2008 was lower than in fiscal 2007 because the relative-portion of interest cost capitalized during fiscal 2008 was higher than in fiscal 2007 due to a increase in the level of investment in the company’s new construction program. Other Liquidity Matters Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund. Certain current and former subsidiaries of the company are, or have been, participating employers in an industry-wide multi-employer retirement fund in the United Kingdom, the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF). The company has been informed of a fund deficit that will require contributions from the participating employers. The amount of the company’s share of the fund’s deficit will depend ultimately on a number of factors, including an updated calculation of the total fund deficit, the number of then participating solvent employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among such participating employers. While there were no amounts expensed in fiscal 2008 related to this matter, the company recorded an additional liability of $1.2 million during fiscal 2009. At March 31, 2009, $4.3 million remains payable to MNOPF based on current assessments, all of which has been fully accrued. In the future, the fund’s trustee may claim that the company owes additional amounts for various reasons, including the results of future fund valuation reports and whether other assessed parties have the financial capability to contribute to the respective allocations, failing which, the company and other solvent participating employers could be asked for additional contributions. Supplemental Retirement Plan. Effective December 10, 2008, the supplemental plan was amended to allow participants the option to elect a lump sum benefit in lieu of other payment options currently provided by the plan. As a result of the amendment, certain participants currently receiving monthly benefit payments will receive lump sum distributions in July 2009 in settlement of the supplemental plan obligation. The aggregate payment to those participants electing the lump sum distribution in July 2009 is currently estimated to be $9.1 million. A settlement loss, which is currently estimated to be $3.5 million, will be recorded at the time of the distribution. Included in other assets at March 31, 2009, is $12.4 million of investments held in a Rabbi Trust for the benefit of participants in the supplemental plan. The trust assets are recorded at fair value as of March 31, 2009, with unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income. The carrying value of the trust assets at March 31, 2009 is after the effect of $3.4 million of after-tax unrealized losses ($5.3 million pre-tax), which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (other stockholders’ equity). To the extent that trust assets are liquidated to fund benefit payments, gains or losses, if any, will be recognized at that time. Venezuelan Operations. Over the past several months, the company has been confronted with several serious challenges with respect to its operations in Venezuela. The first challenge relates to a build-up in the net receivable due the company from Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., including certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, PDVSA). PDVSA is the national oil company of Venezuela and the company’s principal customer in that market. The second challenge has been more recently presented by virtue of efforts of the Venezuelan government to move forward with the nationalization of the assets of oil service companies operating in the Lake Maracaibo region of Venezuela. A discussion of both of these challenges follows.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsOn May 7, 2009, Venezuela enacted a law allowing for the expropriation of oil service companies that support certain oil and gas exploration activities in Venezuela. On May 8, 2009, the Venezuelan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum issued a Resolution acting pursuant to the new law listing the company’s Venezuelan subsidiary as an entity to be affected by the expropriation. On that same date, PDVSA took possession of 11 of the company’s vessels that were supporting PDVSA operations in the Lake Maracaibo region of Venezuela and had been bareboat chartered by the company’s Venezuelan operating subsidiary from other Tidewater companies. PDVSA also took possession of the company’s shore-based facility adjacent to Lake Maracaibo. All 11 of the vessels are now being operated exclusively by PDVSA. In addition, PDVSA is supplying all shore-based operational support to these vessels. PDVSA has occupied the Venezuelan subsidiary’s base adjacent to Lake Maracaibo but has not to date denied access to subsidiary personnel. The new law requires the Venezuelan government to compensate the company for the assets that it expropriates by paying an amount equal to the book value of the assets less certain liabilities owed by the subsidiary to current and former employees and less an amount for any environmental liabilities from prior operations. No offer has been submitted by PDVSA to date. The company intends to engage PDVSA to discuss compensation and the resolution of the outstanding receivables for services provided to PDVSA that is discussed below. Although the net book value at March 31, 2009, of the 11 vessels seized and the company’s shore-based facility adjacent to Lake Maracaibo is approximately $2.8 million, the company’s estimate of the current fair market value of these assets and the related business as a going concern substantially exceeds this amount. The company’s Venezuelan operating subsidiary operates six additional company-owned vessels outside the Lake Maracaibo area that have not been affected by the expropriation law. While only the base and 11 vessels have been seized to date, Venezuelan authorities may, under the provisions of the May 7, 2009 expropriation law, seek to take possession of these other company assets or of the Venezuelan subsidiary itself. At March 31, 2009, the company had a net receivable from PDVSA of approximately $40 million (approximately $28 million at December 31, 2008). Cash receipts from PDVSA from January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009 totaled $1.6 million, of which approximately 50% were paid in bolivars, as permitted by the terms of the underlying charter agreements. The March 31, 2009 net book value of vessels operating in Venezuela, including the 11 vessels operating on Lake Maracaibo, totaled approximately $7.0 million, with $3.2 million relating to vessels supporting PDVSA. The company’s estimate of the current fair market value of these assets and of the seized business as a going concern substantially exceeds this amount. At April 30, 2009, the company’s Venezuelan-based vessels totaled 15 vessels supporting PDVSA, including the 11 vessels operating on Lake Maracaibo, and two vessels supporting an offshore operation of another client. The company’s contracts with PDVSA require payments in both bolivars (paid in Venezuela) and U.S. dollars (paid in the U.S.) based on a split agreed to between PDVSA and the company. The $40 million receivable balance at March 31, 2009 is comprised of approximately $24 million of bolivars and $16 million of U.S. dollars. Payment in bolivars from PDVSA of either bolivar-based receivables or U.S. dollar-based receivables could result in our accumulating a surplus of bolivars which would increase our exposure to devaluation risk. Venezuela continues to operate under the exchange controls put in place in 2003 with the official Venezuelan bolivars exchange rate fixed at 2.15 bolivars to one U.S. dollar. The exact amount and timing of any future devaluation is uncertain. The company had contracts with PDVSA for eleven vessels in the Lake Maracaibo region that, prior to the May 8, 2009, law enactment which the company believes cancels the contracts, would have run through May 2009. The company is also operating under a six month contract with PDVSA for four other vessels working off the eastern coast of Venezuela through June 2009. The company frequently communicates with PDVSA regarding the settlement of the outstanding receivables, as well as extensions of existing contracts. While the collection of the receivables is difficult and time consuming due to PDVSA policies and procedures, the company continues to work toward full collection of the amount due. The failure of PDVSA
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsto make payments on outstanding receivables or a continued delay in making payments could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Legal Proceedings. Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In management’s opinion, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Information related to various commitments and contingencies, including legal proceedings, is disclosed in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. Internal Investigation For a full discussion on the company’s internal investigation on its Nigerian and selected other countries operations, refer to Item 1 of this report. Contractual Obligations and Contingent Commitments Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes the company’s consolidated contractual obligations as of March 31, 2009 and the effect such obligations, inclusive of interest costs, are expected to have on the company’s liquidity and cash flows in future periods.
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds In the normal course of business, the company executes letters of credit and surety bonds. While these obligations are not normally called, the obligation could be called by the beneficiaries at any time before expiration date should the company breach certain contractual and/or payment obligations. As of March 31, 2009, the company had $8.0 million of letters of credit and $25.5 million of surety bonds outstanding. If the beneficiaries called these letters of credit and surety bonds, the called amount would become an on-balance sheet liability, and our available liquidity would be reduced by the amount called. As of March 31, 2009, the company has not been required to make any collateral deposits with respect to these agreements.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements In March 2006, the company entered into an agreement to sell five of its vessels that were under construction at the time to Banc of America Leasing & Capital LLC (BOAL&C), an unrelated third party, for $76.5 million and simultaneously enter into bareboat charter arrangements with BOAL&C upon the vessels’ delivery to the market. Construction on these five vessels was completed at various times between March 2006 and March 2008, at which time the company sold the respective vessel and simultaneously entered into bareboat charter arrangements. The company accounted for all five transactions as sale/leaseback transactions with operating lease treatment. Accordingly, the company did not record the assets on its books and is expensing periodic lease payments. The company expensed approximately $7.0 million, $4.7 million, and $1.5 million on these bareboat charter arrangements during fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The charter hire operating lease terms on the first two vessels sold to BOAL&C expire in calendar year 2014. The company has the option to extend the respective charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2017. The charter hire operating lease terms on the third and fourth vessels sold to BOAL&C expire in 2015 and the company has the option to extend the charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2018. The charter hire operating lease terms on the fifth vessel sold to BOAL&C expires in 2016 and the company has the option to extend the charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2019. For more disclosure on the company’s sale-leaseback arrangement refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect both the recorded values of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the revenues recognized and expenses incurred during the reporting period. The company’s estimates and assumptions affect its recognition of deferred expenses, bad debts, income taxes, the carrying value of its long-lived assets and goodwill, and its provision for certain contingencies. The company evaluates the reasonableness of these estimates and assumptions continually based on a combination of historical information and other information that comes to its attention that may vary its outlook for the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions. Management suggests that the company’s Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, as described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report, be read in conjunction with this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The company believes the critical accounting policies that most impact the company’s consolidated financial statements are described below. Revenue Recognition. The company’s primary source of revenue is derived from time charter contracts of its vessels on a rate per day of service basis. These time charter contracts are generally either on a term basis (average three months to two years) or on a “spot” basis. The base rate of hire for a term contract is generally a fixed rate, provided, however, that term contracts at times include escalation clauses to recover increases in specific costs. A spot contract is a short-term agreement to provide offshore marine services to a customer for a specific short-term job. Spot contract terms generally range from one day to three months. Marine vessel revenues are recognized on a daily basis throughout the contract period. There are no material differences in the costs structure of the company’s contracts based on whether the contracts are spot or term for the operating costs are generally the same without regard to the length of a contract. Receivables. In the normal course of business, the company extends credit to its customers on a short-term basis. The company’s principal customers are major oil and natural gas exploration, development and
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsproduction companies. Although credit risks associated with our customers are considered minimal, the company routinely reviews its accounts receivable balances and makes what it believes to be adequate provisions for doubtful accounts. Goodwill. The company tests goodwill impairment annually at a reporting unit level, as required, utilizing carrying amounts as of December 31. The company considers its reporting units to be its domestic and international operations. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is determined by discounting the projected future operating cash flows for the remaining average useful life of the assets within the reporting units by the company’s estimated weighted average cost of capital. Impairment is deemed to exist if the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is less than the respective book value of the reporting unit goodwill, and in such case, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the difference. There are many assumptions and estimates underlying the determination of the fair value of each reporting unit, such as, future expected utilization and average day rates for the vessels, vessel additions and attrition, operating expenses and tax rates. Although the company believes its assumptions and estimates are reasonable, deviations from the assumptions and estimates could produce a materially different result. The company performed its annual impairment test as of December 31, 2008, and the test determined there was no goodwill impairment. At March 31, 2009, the company’s goodwill balance represented 10.7% of total assets and 14.6% of stockholders’ equity. Interim testing will be performed if events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. Examples of events or circumstances that might give rise to interim goodwill impairment testing include significant adverse industry or economic changes, significant business interruption due to political unrest or terrorism, unanticipated competition that has the potential to dramatically reduce the company’s earning potential, legal issues, or the loss of key personnel. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events occur or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. In such evaluation, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by an asset group are compared with the carrying amount of the asset group to determine if a write-down may be required. The company estimates cash flows based upon historical data adjusted for the company’s best estimate of future market performance that is based on industry trends. If impairment exists, the carrying value of the asset group is reduced to its estimated fair value. Vessels with similar operating and marketing characteristics are grouped for asset impairment testing. Although the company believes its assumptions and estimates are reasonable, deviations from the assumptions and estimates could produce materially different results. Management estimates may vary considerably from actual outcomes due to future adverse market conditions or poor operating results that could result in the inability to recover the current carrying value of an asset group, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. As the company’s fleet continues to age, management closely monitors the estimates and assumptions used in the impairment analysis to properly identify evolving trends and changes in market conditions that could impact the results of the impairment evaluation. In addition to the periodic review of long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances warrant, the company also performs a review of its stacked vessels and vessels withdrawn from service every six months. This review considers items such as the vessel’s age, length of time stacked and likelihood and cost of a return to active service. The company records an impairment charge when the carrying value of a vessel withdrawn from service or stacked vessel that is unlikely to return to service exceeds its estimated fair value. The company recorded $1.4 million impairment during fiscal 2009, which was included in gains on sales of assets. No impairment was recorded in fiscal 2008 or 2007. Income Taxes. The company determines its effective tax rate by estimating its permanent differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. The company is periodically audited by taxing authorities in the United States and by the respective tax agencies in the countries in which it operates internationally. The tax audits generally include questions regarding the calculation of taxable income. Audit adjustments affecting permanent differences could have an impact on the company’s effective tax rate.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsThe carrying value of the company’s net deferred tax assets is based on the company’s present belief that it is more likely than not that it will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize such deferred tax assets, based on estimates and assumptions. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the company may be required to record or adjust valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense in the company’s consolidated statement of operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and assesses the need for changes to valuation allowances on a quarterly basis. While the company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the present need for a valuation allowance, in the event the company were to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would increase income in the period such determination was made. Should the company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. Drydocking Costs. The company expenses maintenance and repair costs as incurred during the asset’s original estimated useful life (its original depreciable life). Major repair costs incurred after the original depreciable life that also has the effect of extending the useful life of the asset are capitalized and amortized over 30 months. Major vessel modifications are capitalized and amortized over the remaining life of the equipment. Vessel modifications that are performed for a specific customer contract are capitalized and amortized over the firm contract term. The majority of the company’s vessels require a drydocking inspection twice in each five year period, and the company schedules these drydockings when it is anticipated that the work can be performed. The company’s net earnings can fluctuate quarter to quarter due to the timing of scheduled drydockings. Accrued Property and Liability Losses. The company self-insures a portion of potential hull damage and personal injury claims that may arise in the normal course of business. The company is exposed to insurance risks related to the company’s reinsurance contracts with various insurance entities. The reinsurance recoverable amount can vary depending on the size of a loss. The exact amount of the reinsurance recoverable is not known until all losses are settled. The company estimates the reinsurance recoverable amount it expects to receive and also estimates losses for claims that have occurred but have not been reported or not fully developed. The company also monitors its reinsurance recoverable balances regularly for possible reinsurance exposure and makes adequate provisions for doubtful reinsurance receivables. It is the company’s opinion that its accounts and reinsurance receivables have no impairment other than that for which provisions have been made. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits. The company sponsors a defined benefit pension plan and a supplemental executive retirement plan covering eligible employees of Tidewater Inc. and participating subsidiaries. The company also sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan that covers eligible U.S. fleet personnel and eligible employees of the company hired after December 31, 1995 and a post retirement plan for qualified retired employees. Net periodic pension costs and accumulated benefit obligations are determined using a number of assumptions including the discount rate, the rate of compensation increases, retirement ages, mortality rates and expected long-term return on plan assets. These assumptions have a significant impact on the amounts reported. The company’s pension cost consists of service costs, interest costs, amortization of prior service costs or benefits, expected returns on plan assets and, in part, on a market-related valuation of assets. The company considers a number of factors in developing its pension assumptions, including an evaluation of relevant discount rates, expected long-term returns on plan assets, plan asset allocations, expected changes in wages and retirement benefits, analyses of current market conditions and input from actuaries and other consultants. The company also provides postretirement benefits to qualified retired employees. The postretirement program provides limited health care and life insurance benefits. Costs of the program are based on actuarially determined amounts and are accrued over the period from the date of hire to the full eligibility date of employees who are expected to qualify for these benefits. This plan is not funded.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsNew Accounting Pronouncements For information regarding the effect of new accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. Effects of Inflation Day-to-day operating costs are generally affected by inflation. However, because the energy services industry requires specialized goods and services, general economic inflationary trends may not affect the company’s operating costs. The major impact on operating costs is the level of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy exploration and production companies. As spending increases, prices of goods and services used by the energy industry and the energy services industry will increase. Future increases in vessel day rates may shield the company from the inflationary effects on operating costs. Due to an increase in business activity resulting from strong global oil and gas fundamentals experienced in the past few years, the competitive market for experienced crew personnel has exerted upward pressure on wages, which has increased the company’s operating expenses. The company’s newer technically sophisticated anchor handling towing supply vessels and platform supply vessels generally require a greater number of specially train fleet personnel than the company’s older smaller vessels. Competition for skilled crew may intensify, particularly in international markets, as new build vessels currently under construction enter the global fleet. If competition for personnel intensifies, the company’s crew costs will likely increase. Strong fundamentals in the global energy industry experienced in the past few years have also increased the activity levels at shipyards worldwide, which led to increased pricing for both repair work and new construction work at shipyards. Also, the price of steel increased dramatically due to increased worldwide demand for the metal. The price of steel is high by historical standards. Although prices moderated some since calendar year 2005, availability of iron ore, the main component of steel, is tighter today than in 2005 when prices for iron ore increased dramatically. If the price of steel continues to rise, the cost of new vessels will result in higher capital expenditures and depreciation expenses which will reduce the company’s future operating profits, unless day rates increase commensurately. However, the financial crisis and resulting global recession have dramatically reduced global demand for all commodities, including steel, which resulted in lower commodity prices. Steel market participants have already announced that they will reduce steel output during calendar year 2009, which, in turn, could stabilize the price of steel, although that will depend upon many factors that will ultimately relate to worldwide demand for the product. Environmental Compliance During the ordinary course of business, the company’s operations are subject to a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with existing governmental regulations that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not had, nor is expected to have, a material effect on the company. Further, the company is involved in various legal proceedings that relate to asbestos and other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based on current information, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The company is proactive in establishing policies and operating procedures for safeguarding the environment against any hazardous materials aboard its vessels and at shore base locations. Whenever possible, hazardous materials are maintained or transferred in confined areas in an attempt to ensure containment if accidents occur. In addition, the company has established operating policies that are intended to increase awareness of actions that may harm the environment. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Market risk refers to the potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency fluctuations and exchange rates, equity prices and commodity prices including the correlation among these factors and their volatility. The company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk and foreign currency fluctuations and
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsexchange risk. The company enters into derivative instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its risk management objectives and does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes. Interest Rate Risk. Changes in interest rates may result in changes in the fair market value of the company’s financial instruments, interest income and interest expense. The company’s financial instruments that are exposed to interest rate risk are its cash equivalents and long-term borrowings. Due to the short duration and conservative nature of the cash equivalent investment portfolio, the company does not expect any material loss with respect to its investments. The book value for cash equivalents is considered to be representative of its fair value. At March 31, 2009, the company had outstanding $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from seven years to 12 years and had an average remaining life of 3.85 years as of March 31, 2009. These notes can be retired prior to maturity without penalty. The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 4.35%. The fair value of this debt at March 31, 2009 was estimated to be $289.4 million. Because the debt outstanding at March 31, 2009 bears interest at fixed rates, interest expense would not be impacted by changes in market interest rates. A 100 basis-point increase in market interest rates would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of this debt at March 31, 2009 of approximately $9.7 million. A 100 basis-point decrease in market interest rates would result in an increase in the estimated fair value of this debt at March 31, 2009 of approximately $10.1 million. Borrowings on the company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility bear interest at the company’s option, at the greater of prime or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or Eurodollar rates plus margins ranging from 0.50 to 1.125% based on the company’s funded debt to total capitalization ratio. Commitment fees on the unused portion of this facility are in the range of 0.10 to 0.25% based on the company’s funded debt to total capitalization ratio. The company’s revolving credit facility matures in May 2010. The company had no outstanding interest rate swaps at March 31, 2009 and 2008. Foreign Exchange Risk. The company’s financial instruments that can be affected by foreign currency fluctuations and exchange risks consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The company periodically enters into spot and forward derivative financial instruments as a hedge against foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and currency commitments. Spot derivative financial instruments are short-term in nature and settle within two business days. The fair value approximates the carrying value due to the short-term nature of this instrument, and as a result, no gains or losses are recognized. Forward derivative financial instruments are generally longer-term in nature but generally do not exceed one year. The accounting for gains or losses on forward contracts is dependent on the nature of the risk being hedged and the effectiveness of the hedge. The company had no spot contracts outstanding at March 31, 2009 and 2008. The company had no forward contracts outstanding at March 31, 2009. At March 31, 2008 the company had one Singapore dollar and six Euro forward contracts outstanding. The Singapore dollar forward contract hedged the company’s foreign exchange exposure related to the final payment of a capital lease obligation, which totaled $12.0 million. The company was required, per the lease obligation, to make its remaining commitment, which totaled a U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $11.3 million, in Singapore dollars. The six outstanding Euro forward, which totaled $2.5 million, hedged the company’s foreign exchange exposure related to the construction of two crewboats. The construction commitment totaled a U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $3.4 million. The combined change in fair value of these seven forward contracts was approximately $0.2 million at March 31, 2008, and was recorded as an increase to earnings during fiscal 2008 because the forward contracts did not qualify as hedge instruments. At March 31, 2007, the company had four forward contracts outstanding. The company was exposed to possible currency fluctuations related to the construction of two anchor handling towing supply vessels that were constructed at an Indonesian shipyard. The outstanding forward contracts totaled $8.5 million and hedged the company’s approximate $13.9 million U.S. dollar equivalent commitment to the Indonesian
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial Statementsshipyard. The combined change in fair value of the four forward contracts was approximately $0.9 million at March 31, 2007, which was recorded as an increase to earnings during fiscal 2007 because the forward contracts did not qualify as hedge instruments. Due to the company’s international operations, the company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and exchange rate risks on all charter hire contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The company generally does not hedge against any foreign currency rate fluctuations associated with foreign currency contracts that arise in the normal course of business. To minimize the financial impact of these items the company attempts to contract a significant majority of its services in United States dollars. The company continually monitors the currency exchange risks associated with all contracts not denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, where possible, the company attempts to minimize its financial impact of these risks, by matching the currency of the company’s operating costs with the currency of the revenue streams. Discussions related to the company’s Venezuelan operations are disclosed in the “Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Matters”. For additional disclosure on the company’s currency exchange risk, including a discussion on the company’s Venezuelan operations, refer to Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. For additional disclosure on the company’s derivative financial instruments refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The information required by this Item is included in Part IV of this report. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES CEO and CFO Certificates Included as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K are “Certifications” of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The first form of certification is required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This section of the Form 10-K contains the information concerning the controls evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures Disclosure controls and procedures are designed with the objective of ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its chief executive and chief financial officers, or person performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, any control system, no matter how well conceived and followed, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. The company evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer along with the company’s Chief
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsFinancial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in the reports the company files and submits under the Exchange Act. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting is discussed in “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” which is included in “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and appears on page F-2. Audit Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report is also included in “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and appears on page F-3. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There was no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION All matters required to be disclosed on Form 8-K during the company’s fiscal 2009 fourth quarter have been previously disclosed on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Information concerning directors of the company is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Election of Directors” of the company’s definitive proxy statement that will be filed no later than 120 days after March 31, 2009. Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” from the proxy statement. Executive Officers of the Registrant
There are no family relationships between the directors or executive officers of the company. The company’s officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and serve for one-year terms or until their successors are elected. Audit Committee Financial Expert Information regarding the company’s Audit Committee and identification of the Audit Committee Financial Expert is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Corporate Governance” from the proxy statement described in Item 10 of this report. Code of Ethics Information regarding the company’s Code of Business Conduct for its directors and executive officers of the company is set forth in Item 1 of this report.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information concerning executive compensation is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Executive Compensation” from the proxy statement described in Item 10 of this report. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference from the proxy statement described in Item 10 of this report. Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table provides information as of March 31, 2009 about equity compensation plans of the company under which shares of common stock of the company are authorized for issuance:
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is incorporated by reference from the proxy statement described in Item 10 of this report. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Audit Committee Report” in the proxy statement described in Item 10 of this report.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
A list of the consolidated financial statements of the company filed as a part of this report is set forth in Part II, Item 8 beginning on page F-1 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
The financial statement schedule included in Part II, Item 8 of this document is filed as part of this report which begins on page F-1. All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
The index below describes each exhibit filed as a part of this report. Exhibits not incorporated by reference to a prior filing are designated by an asterisk; all exhibits not so designated are incorporated herein by reference to a prior filing as indicated. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
Financing Agreements
Stock Plans
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Other Plans
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Other Compensation Arrangements
Change of Control Agreements
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Other Exhibits
Certifications
* Filed herewith. + Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsSIGNATURES OF REGISTRANT Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on May 14, 2009.
SIGNATURES OF DIRECTORS Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on May 14, 2009.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsAnnual Report on Form 10-K Items 8, 15(a), and 15(c) Index to Financial Statements and Schedule
All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or the related notes.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsMANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING The company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f)). The company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. The company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment we believe that, as of March 31, 2009, the company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. Deloitte & Touche LLP, the company’s registered public accounting firm that audited the company’s financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting which appears on page F-3.
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Tidewater Inc. New Orleans, Louisiana We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009 of the Company and our report dated May 14, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.
New Orleans, Louisiana May 14, 2009
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Tidewater Inc. New Orleans, Louisiana We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 14, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
New Orleans, Louisiana May 14, 2009
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Table of ContentsIndex to Financial StatementsCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 31, 2009 and 2008 (In thousands, except share and par value data)
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