Scorpio Bulkers Remain Confident Despite Q1 2014 Loss

Scorpio Bulkers Inc. has reported its results for the three months ended March 31, 2014. In connection with comparisons of financial performance they say they had no operations from the period from March 20, 2013 (date of inception) to March 31, 2013.

Results for the three months ended March 31, 2014
For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company had a net loss of $10.7 million, or $0.08 basic and diluted loss per share. This loss includes the noncash amortization of stock-based compensation of $5.1 million.

Emanuele Lauro, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Dry bulk rates softened through the first quarter, driven by customers reducing inventories, political disruptions among several exporting countries, and the traditional seasonal lull before accelerated grain exports from the southern hemisphere."

"Each of these factors are temporary, and our confidence in the longer-term fundamentals of dry bulk shipping remains intact: net supply growth of the world fleet will be muted for the next several years while demand for long haul shipments is improving given that the higher quality and cheaper commodities are far from the primary customers."

"Our time-chartered vessels are positioning themselves for the South American grain season, and our vessels under construction have increased in value. As a result, we feel well-positioned as we look ahead."

Underwriters exercise option to purchase additional shares
In January 2014, the underwriters in the Company's initial public offering, which closed on December 17, 2013, exercised in full their option to purchase an additional 4,695,000 common shares at the public offering price of $9.75 per share. The sale of these common shares resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $42.6 million, after deducting underwriters' discounts and commissions.

Newbuilding vessel orders
In January 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into agreements for the purchase of 20 Capesize dry bulk vessels and two Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels. The total purchase price for these 22 vessels is approximately $1,173 million and the deliveries of the vessels are expected to occur between the first quarter of 2015 and the third quarter of 2016.

In March 2014, the Company agreed to acquire five Capesize dry bulk vessels under construction at two South Korean shipyards. The aggregate purchase price for these five vessels is approximately $306 million and the deliveries are expected to occur between the second quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016.

Time chartered-in vessels
In February and March 2014, the Company announced that that it has agreed to time charter-in 17 dry bulk vessels.