Ezra Continues Steady Operational Growth in 2014 with Jump in Revenue

Ezra Continues Steady Operational Growth in 2014 with Jump in Revenue

Ezra Holdings Limited (“Ezra” or the “Group”), a leading contractor and provider of integrated offshore solutions to the oil and gas (O&G) industry, continued its steady operational growth into 2014, led by the Group’s Subsea Services division, EMAS AMC.

For the three months ended 30 November 2013 (“1QFY14”), revenue for the Group grew 22% to US$339.8 million from US$278.7 million in the previous corresponding period (“1QFY13”).

EMAS AMC was the main revenue contributor as a result of an increase in project activities and bolstered by the addition of strategic pipelay installation assets during the fourth quarter of FY2013. EMAS AMC contributed significantly with US$59.5 million of the US$61.1 million increase in the Group’s revenue for the quarter and remained operationally profitable.

EMAS Marine, the Group’s Offshore Support Services division, reported flat revenue contributions compared to the year before. Operating margins were impacted by vessel maintenance and costs relating to operational transit although this is expected to improve over the longer term.

EBITDA (earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation) for the Group improved to US$39.4 million with profit after tax increasing by 11% to US$8.7 million compared with US$7.9 million in 1QFY13, which included a US$3.8 million gain on disposal of assets.

The Group’s orderbook remains strong at above US$2.0 billion with Offshore Support Services division utilisation at about 90%.

On the Group’s performance, Ezra’s Group CEO and Managing Director, Mr Lionel Lee, said: “Our first quarter performance is a testament to the strong operational platforms we have built and I am confident that we will be able to fully capitalise on them. I am pleased that EMAS AMC has sustained its operational improvements with a second consecutive quarter of operational profit.”

Going forward, Ezra expects that the long-term fundamentals of the oil and gas industry will remain strong with increase investments.

The Group’s flagship construction vessel, the Lewek Constellation, will raise Ezra to the next level of the subsea industry where competition is limited. The vessel has completed scheduled sea trials in Vietnam and is in transit to China for the installation of her 3,000MT Huisman crane, following which she will head to West Africa for her first project.

Optimising competitive position, unlocking value and access to capital

The Group has been reviewing strategic initiatives for EMAS AMC that will optimise its competitive position, improve its international profile and access to capital, and unlock value for Ezra shareholders. The Group will appoint appropriate advisers in due course to review these options.

Mr Lee noted, “We are committed to our long term future in the subsea construction and installation business. We will continue to execute our strategy and focus on our plans to set EMAS AMC on the next phase of growth as we deliver the Lewek Constellation.”

Press Release, January 10, 2014; Image: Ezra