Helix Energy Solutions swings to 4Q profit

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. reported net income of$36.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to a net loss of $171.6 million, or $(1.64) per diluted share, for the same period in 2012, and net income of $44.6 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2013.

Net income from continuing operations totaled $108.8 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared with a net loss of $70.0 million, or $(0.67) per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012. Including our discontinued operations, net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $109.9 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $46.3 million, or$(0.44) per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, stated, “Fourth quarter operating cash flow, as measured by EBITDA, saw a 16% sequential increase over the third quarter ($81.5 million versus $70.2 million). Although earnings per share declined quarter-to-quarter, this was due in part to the third quarter gain on the sale of the Express and in part due to a higher effective income tax rate in the fourth quarter. Our Robotics business improved dramatically in the second half of 2013 while the Well Intervention business continues to be stout, posting a record quarterly revenues number.”

Well Intervention revenues increased 16% in the fourth quarter of 2013 from revenues in the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to the strong utilization of the Skandi Constructor vessel. Fourth quarter utilization of the Skandi Constructor was 100%, compared to 38% utilization in the third quarter when the vessel was docked in order to complete final modifications and install the well intervention equipment. Also during the fourth quarter of 2013, the Well Enhancer entered dry dock. On a combined basis, the company’s three North Sea vessels – Seawell, Well Enhancer, Skandi Constructor – achieved 92% utilization in the fourth quarter compared to 78% utilization in the third quarter of 2013. In the Gulf of Mexico, the Q4000 utilization remained unchanged at 100% for the fourth quarter of 2013.
For Robotics, chartered vessel fleet utilization decreased to 88% for the quarter compared to 98% in the third quarter of 2013. However, both revenues and gross profit remained flat compared to the third quarter of 2013 due to a 53% increase in utilized trencher days in the fourth quarter of 2013.