Helix Energy Swings to Loss

Helix Energy Solutions Group reported a net loss of$(2.6) million, or $(0.03) per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015 compared to net income of $57.8 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014 and net income of $19.6 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2015.

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $17.0 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared with net income of $111.5 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, stated, “Our second quarter results are indicative of overall weak industry conditions in the oilfield services sector. Our well intervention business was negatively impacted this quarter by a longer than planned Q4000 regulatory dry-dock and customer delays on the H534;this was partially offset by increased utilization in the North Sea, anchored by the Well Enhancer and the return to work of the Skandi Constructor. This quarter we took delivery of the Q5000 and made the final shipyard payment with proceeds from our Q5000 Term Loan. Additional proceeds from the loan increased our cash position. Helix continues to implement the steps necessary to secure our long term position in this market.”

Well Intervention revenues decreased 18% in the second quarter of 2015 from revenues in the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to lower vessel utilization in the Gulf of Mexico. Vessel utilization in the Gulf of Mexico was 42% in the second quarter compared to 81% in the first quarter of 2015. The Q4000 was in dry-dock for 64 days during the quarter, while the H534 utilization decreased to 55% in the second quarter compared to 71% in the first quarter of 2015.

In the North Sea, vessel utilization was 84% in the second quarter, compared to 54% in the first quarter of 2015. The Well Enhancer was fully utilized in the second quarter, while the Skandi Constructor utilization increased to 68% in the second quarter after being dockside most of the first quarter and most of April.

Robotics revenues decreased 6% in the second quarter of 2015 from revenues in the first quarter of 2015 driven by lower selling rates. The robotics chartered vessel fleet utilization decreased to 81% for the quarter from 86% in the first quarter of 2015.

During the second quarter Helix added the Grand Canyon II to chartered vessel fleet, increasing the fleet to five vessels. ROV utilization remained constant quarter over quarter at 61%.