kl10025.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]                                     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
 
OR
 
[  ]                                     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 000-51442
 
                          
GENCO SHIPPING & TRADING LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Republic of the Marshall Islands
(State or other jurisdiction
incorporation or organization)
 
98-043-9758
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
299 Park Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10171
(Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)
 
(646) 443-8550
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
                           
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 and 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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes     X          No          
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ý                                                                                                                      Accelerated filer  r
Non-accelerated filer  r (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                                                                                                              Smaller reporting company  r
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes               No       X   
 
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of November 10, 2008:
Common stock, $0.01 per share 31,517,678 shares.


 
 

 

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
                                                                                                                                             Page
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
a)
Consolidated Balance Sheets -
                September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
3
 
b)
Consolidated Statements of Operations -
                For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
4
                                                                                                                                         
 
c)
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income -
                For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
5
 
 
d)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
                For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
6
 
 
 
 
 
e)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
7
 
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
                Financial Position and Results of Operations
23
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
42
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
43
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
44
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
44
 
 
Item 2.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
45

 
Item 5.
Other Information
45

 
Item 6.
Exhibits
46


 
2


 

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008
and December 31, 2007
(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except for share data)
   
September 30,
2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 142,455     $ 71,496  
Short-term investments
    60,461       167,524  
Vessels held for sale
    -       16,857  
Due from charterers, net of a reserve of $100 and $0, respectively
    1,515       2,343  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    14,458       9,374  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    1,926       -  
Total current assets
    220,815       267,594  
                 
Noncurrent assets:
               
Vessels, net of accumulated depreciation of $121,238 and $71,341, respectively
    1,617,212       1,224,040  
Deposits on vessels
    173,482       149,017  
Deferred drydock, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,188 and $941, respectively
    7,632       4,552  
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $845 and $288, respectively
    9,347       6,130  
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $1,031 and $722, respectively
    1,802       1,939  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    657       -  
Total noncurrent assets
    1,810,132       1,385,678  
                 
Total assets
  $ 2,030,947     $ 1,653,272  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 20,431     $ 17,514  
Current portion of long-term debt
    -       43,000  
Deferred revenue
    10,702       8,402  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    -       1,448  
Total current liabilities
    31,133       70,364  
                 
Noncurrent liabilities:
               
Deferred revenue
    2,037       968  
Deferred rent credit
    711       725  
Fair market value of time charters acquired
    29,488       44,991  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    22,891       21,039  
Long-term debt
    1,129,500       893,000  
Total noncurrent liabilities
    1,184,627       960,723  
                 
Total liabilities
    1,215,760       1,031,087  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, par value $0.01; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding
31,517,678 and 28,965,809 shares at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    315       290  
Paid-in capital
    716,778       523,002  
Accumulated other comprehensive (deficit) income
    (88,925 )     19,017  
Retained earnings
    187,019       79,876  
Total shareholders’ equity
    815,187       622,185  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,030,947     $ 1,653,272  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
3


 
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(U.S. Dollars in Thousands, Except for Earnings per Share and Share Data)
(Unaudited)


   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 107,557     $ 45,630     $ 303,798     $ 119,697  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Voyage expenses
    1,748       1,853       3,216       4,284  
Vessel operating expenses
    11,509       6,702       33,615       19,536  
                                 
General and administrative expenses
    4,133       3,395       12,975       9,642  
Management fees
    712       414       2,050       1,157  
Depreciation and amortization
    18,840       8,159       51,453       22,778  
Gain on sale of vessel
    -       -       (26,227 )     (3,575 )
                                 
Total operating expenses
    36,942       20,523       77,082       53,822  
                                 
Operating income
    70,615       25,107       226,716       65,875  
                                 
Other (expense) income:
                               
(Loss) income from derivative instruments
    (629 )     475       (2,009 )     (1,119 )
Interest income
    634       823       1,609       2,777  
Interest expense
    (12,031 )     (10,085 )     (35,433 )     (17,655 )
Income from short-term investments
    4,410       -       7,001       -  
                                 
Other (expense) income
    (7,616 )     (8,787 )     (28,832 )     (15,997 )
                                 
Net income
  $ 62,999     $ 16,320     $ 197,884     $ 49,878  
                                 
Earnings per share-basic
  $ 2.00     $ 0.64     $ 6.60     $ 1.97  
Earnings per share-diluted
  $ 1.99     $ 0.64     $ 6.56     $ 1.96  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
    31,423,483       25,336,587       29,974,547       25,319,479  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted
    31,610,262       25,481,948       30,166,060       25,453,502  
Dividends declared per share
  $ 1.00     $ 0.66     $ 2.85     $ 1.98  
                                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 


 

 

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
(U.S. Dollars in Thousands Except for Per Share and Share Data)

   
Common
Stock
   
Paid in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
   
Comprehensive Income
   
Total
 
Balance – January 1, 2008
  $ 290     $ 523,002     $ 79,876     $ 19,017           $ 622,185  
                                               
Net income
                    197,884             $ 197,884       197,884  
                                                 
Unrealized loss on short-term investments
                            (104,667 )     (104,667 )     (104,667 )
                                                 
Unrealized loss on currency translation on short-term investments, net
                            (2,134 )     (2,134 )     (2,134 )
                                                 
Unrealized derivative loss on cash flow hedges
                            (1,141 )     (1,141 )     (1,141 )
                                                 
Comprehensive income
                                  $ 89,942          
                                                 
Cash dividends paid ($2.85 per share)
                    (85,590 )                     (85,590 )
                                                 
Issuance of common stock 2,702,669 shares
    27       195,452                               195,479  
                                                 
Issuance of 127,500 shares of nonvested stock
    1       (1 )                             -  
                                                 
Acquisition and retirement of 278,300 shares of common stock
    (3 )     (6,346 )     (5,151 )                     (11,500 )
                                                 
Nonvested stock amortization
            4,671                               4,671  
                                                 
Balance – September 30, 2008
  $ 315     $ 716,778     $ 187,019     $ (88,925 )           $ 815,187  
                                                 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
5 
 

 

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(U.S. Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 197,884     $ 49,878  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    51,453       22,778  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    556       3,966  
Amortization of value of time charterers acquired
    (16,545 )     (259 )
Realized (gain) loss on forward currency contracts
    (3,382 )     7,041  
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
    57       16  
Unrealized loss (gain) on hedged short-term investment
    8,848       (11,176 )
Unrealized (gain) loss on forward currency contracts
    (3,375 )     5,259  
Realized income on short-term investments
    (7,001 )     -  
Amortization of nonvested stock compensation expense
    4,671       1,641  
Gain on sale of vessel
    (26,227 )     (3,575 )
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in due from charterers
    828       (2,279 )
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (3,118 )     (1,732 )
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    3,749       3,469  
Increase in deferred revenue
    3,369       3,506  
Decrease in deferred rent credit
    (14 )     (14 )
Deferred drydock costs incurred
    (4,327 )     (2,679 )
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    207,426       75,840  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of vessels
    (411,968 )     (348,291 )
Deposits on vessels
    (57,408 )     (196,640 )
Purchase of short-term investments
    (10,251 )     (115,526 )
Payments on forward currency contracts, net
    -       (7,002 )
Proceeds from forward currency contracts, net
    3,426       -  
Realized income on short-term investments
    7,001       -  
Proceeds from sale of vessel
    43,084       13,004  
Purchase of other fixed assets
    (162 )     (541 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (426,278 )     (654,996 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from 2007 Credit Facility
    461,500       826,200  
Repayments on the 2007 Credit Facility
    (268,000 )     -  
Proceeds from 2005 Credit Facility and Short-term Line
    -       77,000  
Repayment of 2005 Credit Facility and Short-term Line
    -       (288,933 )
Cash dividends paid
    (85,590 )     (50,521 )
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    195,554       -  
Payments to acquire and retire common stock
    (10,040 )        
Payment of deferred financing costs
    (3,613 )     (6,906 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    289,811       556,840  
                 
Net increase (decrease) increase in cash
    70,959       (22,316 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    71,496       73,554  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 142,455     $ 51,238  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 

 

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
 (U.S. Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share and Share Data)
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)
 
 
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (“GS&T”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we” or “us”). The Company is engaged in the ocean transportation of drybulk cargoes worldwide through the ownership and operation of drybulk carrier vessels. GS&T was incorporated on September 27, 2004 under the laws of the Marshall Islands and is the sole owner of all of the outstanding shares of the following subsidiaries: Genco Ship Management LLC; Genco Investments LLC; and the ship-owning subsidiaries as set forth below.
 
Below is the list of the Company’s wholly owned ship-owning subsidiaries as of September 30, 2008:
 
Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries
Vessels
Acquired
dwt
Date
Delivered
Year
Built
Date Sold
 
             
Genco Reliance Limited
Genco Reliance
29,952
12/6/04
1999
 
Genco Vigour Limited
Genco Vigour
73,941
12/15/04
1999
 
Genco Explorer Limited
Genco Explorer
29,952
12/17/04
1999
 
Genco Carrier Limited
Genco Carrier
47,180
12/28/04
1998
 
Genco Sugar Limited
Genco Sugar
29,952
12/30/04
1998
 
Genco Pioneer Limited
Genco Pioneer
29,952
1/4/05
1999
 
Genco Progress Limited
Genco Progress
29,952
1/12/05
1999
 
Genco Wisdom Limited
Genco Wisdom
47,180
1/13/05
1997
 
Genco Success Limited
Genco Success
47,186
1/31/05
1997
 
Genco Beauty Limited
Genco Beauty
73,941
2/7/05
1999
 
Genco Knight Limited
Genco Knight
73,941
2/16/05
1999
 
Genco Leader Limited
Genco Leader
73,941
2/16/05
1999
 
Genco Marine Limited
Genco Marine
45,222
3/29/05
1996
 
Genco Prosperity Limited
Genco Prosperity
47,180
4/4/05
1997
 
Genco Trader Limited
Genco Trader
69,338
6/7/05
1990
2/26/08
 
Genco Muse Limited
Genco Muse
48,913
10/14/05
2001
 
Genco Commander Limited
Genco Commander
45,518
11/2/06
1994
12/3/07
 
Genco Acheron Limited
Genco Acheron
72,495
11/7/06
1999
 
Genco Surprise Limited
Genco Surprise
72,495
11/17/06
1998
 
Genco Augustus Limited
Genco Augustus
180,151
8/17/07
2007
 
Genco Tiberius Limited
Genco Tiberius
175,874
8/28/07
2007
 
Genco London Limited
Genco London
177,833
9/28/07
2007
 
Genco Titus Limited
Genco Titus
177,729
11/15/07
2007
 
Genco Challenger Limited
Genco Challenger
28,428
12/14/07
2003
 
Genco Charger Limited
Genco Charger
28,398
12/14/07
2005
 
Genco Warrior Limited
Genco Warrior
55,435
12/17/07
2005
 
Genco Predator Limited
Genco Predator
55,407
12/20/07
2005
 
Genco Hunter Limited
Genco Hunter
58,729
12/20/07
2007
 
Genco Champion Limited
Genco Champion
28,445
1/2/08
2006
 
Genco Constantine Limited
Genco Constantine
180,183
2/21/08
2008
 
Genco Raptor LLC
Genco Raptor
76,499
6/23/08
2007
 
Genco Cavalier LLC
Genco Cavalier
53,617
7/17/08
2007
 
Genco Thunder LLC
Genco Thunder
76,499
9/25/08
2007
 
Genco Hadrian Limited
Genco Hadrian
170,500
Q1 2009 (1)
2009 (2)
 
Genco Commodus Limited
Genco Commodus
170,500
Q2 2009 (1)
2009 (2)
          —
 
             
             
 
 
 
7

 
 
             
             
Genco Maximus Limited
Genco Maximus
170,500
Q2 2009 (1)
2009 (2)
 
Genco Claudius Limited
Genco Claudius
170,500
Q3 2009 (1)
2009 (2)
 
Genco Aurelius Limited
Genco Aurelius
170,500
Q2 2009 (3)
2009 (3)
 
Genco Julian Limited
Genco Julian
170,500
Q3 2009 (3)
2009 (3)
 
Genco Valerian Limited
Genco Valerian
170,500
Q4 2009 (3)
2009 (3)
 
Genco Eagle Limited
Genco Eagle
32,000
Q1 2009 (3)
2009 (3)
 
Genco Falcon Limited
Genco Falcon
32,000
Q1 2009 (3)
2009 (3)
 
Genco Hawk Limited
Genco Hawk
32,000
Q1 2009 (3)
2009 (3)
 
             
 
(1) Dates for vessels being delivered in the future are estimates based on guidance received from the sellers and/or the respective shipyards. 
 
(2) Built dates for vessels delivering in the future are estimates based on guidance received from the sellers and respective shipyards.
 
(3) On November 3, 2008, the Company agreed to cancel the acquisition of these six drybulk newbuildings.  Refer to Note 21 – Subsequent Events.
 
 
During May 2008, the Company closed on an equity offering of 2,702,669 shares of Genco common stock at an offering price of $75.47 per share.  The Company received net proceeds of approximately $195,479 after deducting underwriters' fees and expenses.  On May 28, 2008, the Company utilized $195,000 of these proceeds to repay outstanding borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility.  Additionally, in the same offering, OCM Fleet Acquisition LLC sold 1,000,000 shares at the same offering price of $75.47 per share.  The Company did not receive any proceeds from the common stock sold by OCM Fleet Acquisition LLC. As a result of the foregoing transactions, Mr. Georgiopoulos may be deemed to beneficially own 13.13% of our common stock (including shares held through Fleet Acquisition LLC), and OCM Fleet Acquisition LLC may be deemed to beneficially own 4.80% of our common stock.

2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (the “2007 10-K”). 
 
Principles of consolidation
 
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which include the accounts of Genco Shipping & Trading Limited and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of financial position and operating results have been included in the statements. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Reference is made to the December 31, 2007 consolidated financial statements of Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. contained in the 2007 10-K.

Deferred revenue
 
Deferred revenue primarily relates to cash received from charterers prior to it being earned. These amounts are recognized as income when earned.  Additionally, deferred revenue includes estimated customer claims mainly
 
 
8

 
 
due to time charter performance issues.  As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the company had a reserve of $1,140 and $734, respectively, related to these estimated customer claims.

Concentration of credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are amounts due from charterers. With respect to amounts due from charterers, the Company attempts to limit its credit risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, when deemed necessary, requiring letters of credit, guarantees or collateral.  The Company earned 100% of revenues from nineteen and twelve customers for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 100% of revenues from twenty and seventeen customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Management does not believe significant risk exists in connection with the Company’s concentrations of credit at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 there are two customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of revenue, Cargill International S.A.. and Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd., which represented 27.53% and  12.60% of revenue, respectively.  For the three months ended September 30, 2007 there were four customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of revenue, Lauritzen Bulkers A/S, Cargill International S.A., STX Panocean (UK) Co., Ltd., and Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd., which represented 15.66%, 14.08%, 12.98% and 10.27% of revenue, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 there were two customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of revenue, Cargill International S.A. and Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd., which represented 29.36% and 14.52% of revenue, respectively.  For the nine months ended September, 2007 there is one customer that individually accounted for more than 10% of revenue, Lauritzen Bulkers A/S, which represented 15.90% of revenue.

The Company maintains all of its cash with one financial institution.  None of the Company's cash balances are covered by insurance in the event of default by this financial institution.

New accounting pronouncements

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No.157, “Fair Value Measurements” which enhances existing guidance for measuring assets and liabilities using fair value. Previously, guidance for applying fair value was incorporated in several accounting pronouncements.  The new statement provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  While the statement does not add any new fair value measurements, it does change current practice. One such change is a requirement to adjust the value of nonvested stock for the effect of the restriction even if the restriction lapses within one year.

Additionally, in February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods with those fiscal years for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually) until January 1, 2009 for calendar year end entities. The Company has already adopted this Statement except as it applies to nonfinancial assets and liabilities as noted in FSP 157-2. The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a significant impact on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS No. 157, as it relates to nonfinancial assets and liabilities, will have on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”).  Under this statement, the Company may elect to report financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis with changes in value reported in earnings.  This election is irrevocable.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company commencing in 2008.  Early adoption within 120 days of the beginning of the year was permissible, provided the Company had adopted SFAS No. 157.  The Company adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008 and elected not to report financial instruments and certain other items at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis with changes in value reported in earnings.
 
 
9


In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under SFAS No. 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value, with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141R also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements and applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As the provisions of SFAS No. 141R are applied prospectively, the impact to the Company cannot be determined until any such transactions occur.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB statement 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The new standard also improves transparency about how and why a company uses derivative instruments and how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The Company’s management is currently assessing the new disclosure requirements required by SFAS No. 161.

3 - CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
The Company currently has nine interest rate swaps, and these swaps are described and discussed in Note 8. The fair value of eight of the swaps is in a liability position of $22,891 and one of the swaps is in an asset position of $657 as of September 30, 2008.  At December 31, 2007, the swaps were in a liability position of $21,039.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had non-cash investing activities not included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for items included in accounts payable and accrued expenses consisting of $407 for the purchase of vessels, $483 associated with deposits on vessels, $25 for the purchase of other fixed assets, and $51 for the purchase of short-term investments.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company also had non-cash financing activities not included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for items included in accounts payable and accrued expenses consisting of $160 associated with deferred financing costs, and $1,460 associated with stock repurchases, which are reflected as share repurchases at September 30, 2008.  Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company had items in prepaid expenses and other current assets consisting of $4,455 which reduced the deposits on vessels. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company had non-cash investing activities not included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for items included in accounts payable and accrued expenses consisting of $417 for the purchase of vessels, $235 associated with deposits on vessels, $23 for the purchase of other fixed assets, and $116 for the purchase of short-term investments.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company did not have any non-cash financing activities not included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for items in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company made a non-cash reclassification of $30,335 from deposits on vessels to vessels net of accumulated depreciation due to the completion of the purchase of the Genco Champion and Genco Constantine.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the cash paid for interest, including interest amounts capitalized was $39,833 and $14,165, respectively.

On January 10, 2008 the Board of Directors approved a grant of 100,000 shares of nonvested common stock to Peter Georgiopoulos, Chairman of the Board.  The fair value of such nonvested stock was $4,191 on the grant date and was recorded in equity.  Additionally, on February 13, 2008 and July 24, 2008, the Company made grants of nonvested common stock under the Plan in the amount of 12,500 and 15,000 shares, respectively, to directors of the Company. The fair value of such nonvested stock was $689 and $938, respectively, on the grant dates and was recorded in equity.
 
 
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On February 8, 2007 the Company granted nonvested stock to certain directors and employees. The fair value of such nonvested stock was $494 on the grant date and was recorded in equity.  Additionally, during January 2007, nonvested stock forfeited amounted to $54 for shares granted in 2005 and is recorded in equity.  Lastly, during May 2007, nonvested stock forfeited amounted to $88 for shares granted in 2006 and 2005 and is recorded in equity.

4 - VESSEL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
 
On June 16, 2008 the Company agreed to acquire six drybulk newbuildings from Lambert Navigation Ltd., Northville Navigation Ltd., Providence Navigation Ltd., and Primebulk Navigation Ltd., for an aggregate purchase price of $530,000.  This acquisition was subsequently cancelled in November 2008, as described further in Note 21 – Subsequent Events.  Additionally, on May 9, 2008, the Company agreed to acquire three 2007 built vessels, consisting of two Panamax vessels and one Supramax vessel, from Bocimar International N.V. and Delphis N.V for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $257,000 which have all been acquired through the third quarter of 2008.  Upon completion the remaining four Capesize vessels from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group, Genco's fleet will consist of 35 drybulk vessels, consisting of nine Capesize, eight Panamax, four Supramax, six Handymax and eight Handysize vessels, with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 2,909,000 dwt and an average age of 6.6 years.

On February 26, 2008, the Company completed the sale of the Genco Trader.  The Company realized a net gain of approximately $26,227 and had net proceeds of $43,084 from the sale of the vessel in the first quarter of 2008. The Genco Trader was classified as held for sale at December 31, 2007 in the amount of $16,857.

On February 21, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of the Genco Constantine, a 2008 built Capesize vessel from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group.  The remaining four Capesize vessels are expected to be built, and subsequently delivered to Genco, between the first quarter of 2009 and the third quarter of 2009.  As of December 31, 2007, four of the nine Capesize vessels, the Genco Augustus, Genco Tiberius, Genco London, and Genco Titus, all 2007 built vessels, had been delivered to Genco.

On January 2, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of the Genco Champion, the last vessel acquired from affiliates of Evalend Shipping Co. S.A.  On December 31, 2007, the Company had completed the acquisition of five of the vessels, the Genco Predator, Genco Warrior, Genco Hunter, Genco Charger, and Genco Challenger.

Below and above market time charters acquired were amortized as a net increase to revenue in the amounts of $4,935 and $1,176, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007.  Below and above market time charters acquired were amortized as a net increase to revenue in the amounts of $16,545 and $259, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007.

Capitalized interest expense associated with the newbuilding contracts acquired for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $1,543 and $2,090, respectively.   Capitalized interest expense associated with the newbuilding contracts acquired for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $4,328 and $2,090, respectively.

The purchase and sale of the aforementioned vessels is consistent with the Company's strategy of selectively expanding the number and maintaining the high-quality vessels in the fleet.

5 SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The Company holds an investment in the capital stock of Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited (“Jinhui”).  Jinhui is a drybulk shipping owner and operator focused on the Supramax segment of drybulk shipping.  This investment is designated as Available For Sale (“AFS”) and is reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company holds an investment of 16,335,100, and 15,439,800 shares of Jinhui capital stock, respectively, which is recorded at the fair value of $60,461 and $167,524, respectively based on the closing price on September 30, 2008 and December 28, 2007 (the last trading date on the Oslo exchange in 2007) of 21.70 NOK and 59.00 NOK, respectively.  Effective on August 16, 2007, the Company elected to utilize hedge accounting for forward contracts hedging the currency risk associated with the Norwegian
 
 
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Kroner cost basis in the Jinhui stock.  The hedge is limited to the lower of the cost basis or the market value at time of the designation.  The unrealized appreciation in the stock and the currency translation gain above the cost basis are recorded as a component of OCI.  Realized gains and losses on the sale of these securities will be reflected in the consolidated statement of operations in other (expense) or income once sold.  Time value of the forward contracts are excluded from effectiveness testing and recognized currently in income.  For the nine months ended  September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, an immaterial amount was recognized in income or (expense) from derivative instruments associated with excluded time value and ineffectiveness.   On October 10, 2008 the Company elected to discontinue the purchase of forward currency contracts associated with Jinhui by entering into an offsetting trade that closed the previously opened currency contract and thereby eliminated the hedge on Jinhui.
 
The unrealized currency translation gain for any unhedged portion for the Jinhui capital stock remains a component of OCI since this investment is designated as an AFS security.  The hedged portion of the currency translation (loss)/gain has been reclassed to the income statement as a component of (loss) income from derivative instruments.  Refer to Note 9 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for a breakdown of the components of accumulated OCI.
 
The following table sets forth the unrealized currency translation (loss)/gain recognized on the short-term investment excluding offsetting (gains)/losses on the hedged forward contracts:
 
 
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Unrealized currency translation
(loss)/gain -- fair value hedge accounting
  $ (21,959 )   $ 10,799     $ (10,983 )   $ 12,709  
                                 
                                 
 
 
 If the Company’s investment in Jinhui is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the impairment loss would be reclassified from equity and recorded as a loss in the income statement for the amount of the impairment.  As a result of the current financial environment, we reviewed the investment in Jinhui for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment. This determination required significant judgment. In making this judgment, we evaluated, among other factors, the duration and extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its cost; the general market conditions, including factors such as industry and sector performance; and our intent and ability to hold the investment.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company’s investment in Jinhui was not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

At September 30, 2008, the Company had one short-term forward currency contract to hedge the Company’s exposure to the Norwegian Kroner related to the cost basis of Jinhui stock as described above.  The forward currency contract for a notional amount of 739.2 million NOK (Norwegian Kroner) or $128,105, was settled on October 22, 2008 which resulted in a cash settlement received of $10,297.  The Company has elected to discontinue the forward currency contract and hedge due to the underlying market value of Jinhui.  At December 31, 2007, the Company had one short-term forward currency contract to hedge the Company’s exposure to the Norwegian Kroner related to the cost basis of Jinhui stock as described above.  The forward currency contract for a notional amount of 685.1 million NOK (Norwegian Kroner) or $124,557, matured on January 17, 2008.  The short-term asset (liability) associated with the forward currency contract at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is $1,926 and ($1,448), respectively, and is presented as the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.  The gain (loss) associated with these respective liabilities is included as a component of (loss) income from derivative instruments and is offset by a reclassification from OCI for the hedged portion of the currency gain (loss) on short-term investments.


The following table sets forth the net (loss)/gain, realized and unrealized, related to the forward currency contracts and to the hedged translation on the cost basis of the Jinhui stock.  These are reflected as income/(loss) from derivative instruments and are included as a component of other expense.
 
 
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Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net (loss)/gain, realized and unrealized
  $ (765 )   $ 492     $ (2,047 )   $ 1,103  
                                 
                                 
 
 
6 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
 
The computation of basic earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share assumes the vesting of nonvested stock awards (see Note 18), for which the assumed proceeds upon grant are deemed to be the amount of compensation cost attributable to future services and not yet recognized using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the restricted stock grants are dilutive. 

 
The components of the denominator for the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Common shares outstanding, basic:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
    31,423,483       25,336,587       29,974,547       25,319,479  
                                 
Common shares outstanding, diluted:
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
    31,423,483       25,336,587       29,974,547       25,319,479  
                                 
Weighted average restricted stock awards
    186,779       145,361       191,513       134,023  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
    31,610,262       25,481,948       30,166,060       25,453,502  

7 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
The following are related party transactions not disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements:
 
The Company makes an employee performing internal audit services available to General Maritime Corporation (“GMC”), where the Company’s Chairman, Peter C. Georgiopoulos, also serves as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company invoiced $100 and $93, respectively, to GMC for the time associated with such internal audit services.  Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company incurred travel and other related expenditures totaling $252 and $119, respectively, reimbursable to GMC or its service provider.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 approximately $9 of these travel expenditures were paid from the gross proceeds received from the May 2008 equity offering and as such were included in the determination of net proceeds.  At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the amount due GMC is $7 and $5, respectively.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company incurred legal services aggregating $87 and $133 from Constantine Georgiopoulos, father of Peter C. Georgiopoulos, Chairman of the Board. At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, $26 and $86, respectively, was outstanding to Constantine Georgiopoulos.
 
In December 2006, the Company engaged the services of WeberCompass (Hellas) S.A. (“WC”), a shipbroker, to facilitate the sale of the Genco Glory.  One of our directors, Basil G. Mavroleon, is a Managing Director of WC and a Managing Director and shareholder of Charles R. Weber Company, Inc., which is 50%
 
 
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 shareholder of WC.  WC was paid a commission of $132, or 1% of the gross selling price of the Genco Glory. No amounts were due to WC at September 30, 2008 or at December 31, 2007.
 
During March 2007, the Company utilized the services of North Star Maritime, Inc. (“NSM”) which is owned and operated by one of our directors, Rear Admiral Robert C. North, USCG (ret.).  NSM, a marine industry consulting firm, specializes in international and domestic maritime safety, security and environmental protection issues.  NSM was paid $12 for services rendered.  No amounts were due to NSM at September 30, 2008 or at December 31, 2007.
 
 
8 - LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
   
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
             
2008 Term Facility
  $ -     $ -  
Revolver, 2007 Credit Facility
    1,129,500       936,000  
Less: Current portion
    -       43,000  
                 
Long-term debt
  $ 1,129,500     $ 893,000  

As discussed in Note 21 – Subsequent Events, the Company repaid $53,000 in debt associated with the deposits for the six vessels whose acquisition was cancelled using cash flow from operations, thereby reducing the debt outstanding under the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility to $1,076,500.

2008 Term Facility

On September 4, 2008, the Company executed a Credit Agreement for its new $320 million credit facility (“2008 Term Facility”).  The Company had previously announced the bank commitment for this facility in a press release on August 18, 2008.  The 2008 Term Facility is underwritten by Nordea Bank Finland Plc, New York Branch, who serves as Administrative Agent, Bookrunner, and Collateral Agent, as well as other banks.

The terms of the 2008 Term Facility provide that it is to be cancelled upon a cancellation of the acquisition contracts for the six vessels described above in Note 4 – Vessel Acquisitions and Dispositions.  Cancellation of the facility would result in a non-cash charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 to interest expense of approximately $2,300 associated with unamortized deferred financing costs.   The Company is discussing the potential extension of this facility with its lenders.
 
2007 Credit Facility

On July 20, 2007, the Company entered into a credit facility with DnB Nor Bank ASA (the “2007 Credit Facility”) for the purpose of acquiring the nine new Capesize vessels and refinancing the Company’s existing 2005 Credit Facility and Short-Term Line.  DnB Nor Bank ASA is also Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner, and Administrative Agent. The Company has used borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility to repay amounts outstanding under the 2005 Credit Facility and the Short-Term Line, and these two facilities have accordingly been terminated.  The maximum amount that may be borrowed under the 2007 Credit Facility is $1,377,000.  Subsequent to the equity offering completed in October 2007, the Company is no longer required pay up to $6,250 or such lesser amount as is available from Net Cash Flow (as defined in the credit agreement for the 2007 Credit Facility) each fiscal quarter to reduce borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility.  As of September 30, 2008, $247,500 remains available to fund future vessel acquisitions.  The Company may borrow up to $50,000 of the $247,500 for working capital purposes.
 
The significant covenants in the 2007 Credit Facility have been disclosed in the 2007 10-K.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company believes it is in compliance with all of the financial covenants under its 2007 Credit Facility, as amended.
 
 
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At September 30, 2008, there were no letters of credit issued under the 2007 Credit Facility.

On June 18, 2008, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility allowing the Company to prepay vessel deposits to give the Company flexibility in refinancing potential vessel acquisitions.

 The following table sets forth the repayment of the outstanding debt of $1,129,500 at September 30, 2008 under the 2008 Term Facility and the 2007 Credit Facility:
 
       
Period Ending September 30,
 
Total
 
       
2008 (October 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008)
  $ -  
2009
    -  
2010
    -  
2011
    -  
2012
    -  
Thereafter
    1,129,500  
         
Total long-term debt
  $ 1,129,500  
         

As discussed in Note 21 – Subsequent Events, the Company repaid $53,000 in debt associated with the deposits for the six vessels whose acquisition was cancelled using cash flow from operations, thereby reducing the debt outstanding under the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility to $1,076,500.

Interest rates

The following tables sets forth the effective interest rate associated with the interest expense for the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended, including the rate differential between the pay fixed receive variable rate on the swaps that were in effect, combined, and the cost associated with unused commitment fees.  Additionally, it includes the range of interest rates on the debt, excluding the unused commitment fees:


   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Effective interest rate associated with:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
2007 Credit Facility, as amended
    5.27 %     6.16 %     5.27 %     6.34 %
Debt, excluding unused commitment fees  (range)
 
3.35% to 4.66
%  
5.91% to 6.66
%  
2.98% to 6.10
%  
5.91% to 6.66
%
                                 

Letter of credit
 
In conjunction with the Company entering into a long-term office space lease (See Note 16 - Lease Payments), the Company was required to provide a letter of credit to the landlord in lieu of a security deposit. As of September 21, 2005, the Company obtained an annually renewable unsecured letter of credit with DnB NOR Bank.  The letter of credit amount as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was in the amount of $416 and $520, respectively, at a fee of 1% per annum. The letter of credit was reduced to $416 on August 1, 2008 and is cancelable on each renewal date provided the landlord is given 150 days minimum notice. 
 
 
 
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Interest rate swap agreements
 
The Company has entered into nine interest rate swap agreements with DnB NOR Bank to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates. The total notional principal amount of the swaps is $681,233 and the swaps have specified rates and durations.

The following table summarizes the interest rate swaps in place as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:

Interest Rate Swap Detail
 
September 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Trade Date
 
Fixed Rate
 
Start Date of  Swap
End date of  Swap
 
Notional Amount Outstanding
   
Notional Amount Outstanding
 
9/6/05
    4.485 %
9/14/05
7/29/15
  $ 106,233     $ 106,233  
3/29/06
    5.25 %
1/2/07
1/1/14
    50,000       50,000  
3/24/06
    5.075 %
1/2/08
1/2/13
    50,000       50,000  
9/7/07
    4.56 %
10/1/07
12/31/09
    75,000       75,000  
7/31/07
    5.115 %
11/30/07
11/30/11
    100,000       100,000  
8/9/07
    5.07 %
1/2/08
1/3/12
    100,000       100,000  
8/16/07
    4.985 %
3/31/08
3/31/12
    50,000       50,000  
8/16/07
    5.04 %
3/31/08
3/31/12
    100,000       100,000  
1/22/08
    2.89 %
2/1/08
2/1/11
    50,000          
                             
                $ 681,233     $ 631,233  


The interest (expense) income pertaining to the interest rate swaps for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was ($3,449) and $251, respectively.  The interest (expense) income pertaining to the interest rate swaps for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was ($7,317) and $745, respectively.

The liability associated with these swaps at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is $22,891 and $21,039, respectively, which are presented as the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.  Additionally, at September 30, 2008, the Company had a swap in an asset position of $657, which is presented as the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.  As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company has accumulated OCI of ($22,208) and ($21,068), respectively, related to the effectively hedged portion of the swaps.  Hedge ineffectiveness associated with the interest rate swaps resulted in income or (loss) from derivative instruments of $14 for the three months ended September 30, 2008.  Hedge ineffectiveness associated with the interest rate swaps resulted in income or (loss) from derivative instruments of ($7) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, hedge ineffectiveness associated with the interest rate swaps resulted in income or (loss) from derivative instruments of ($16).   At September 30, 2008, ($10,208) of OCI is expected to be reclassified into interest expense over the next 12 months associated with interest rate derivatives.

9 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of net unrealized gain (loss) from short-term investments, net gain (loss) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash-flow hedging instruments, and cumulative translation adjustments on the short-term investment in Jinhui stock as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.



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Accumulated OCI
   
Unrealized Gain (loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
   
Unrealized Gain on Short-term Investments
   
Currency Translation Gain (loss) on Short-term Investments
 
OCI – January 1, 2008
  $ 19,017     $ (21,068 )   $ 38,540     $ 1,545  
Unrealized loss on short-term investments
    (104,667 )             (104,667 )        
Translation loss on short-term investments
    (10,983 )                     (10,983 )
Translation loss reclassed to (loss) income from derivative instruments
    8,848                       8,848  
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
    6,177       6,177                  
Interest income reclassed to (loss) income from derivative instruments
    (7,317 )     (7,317 )                
OCI – September 30, 2008
  $ (88,925 )   $ (22,208 )   $ (66,127 )   $ (590 )

10 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 142,455   $ 71,496  
Short-term investments
    60,461     167,524  
Floating rate debt
    1,129,500     936,000  
Derivative instruments – asset position
    2,583     -  
Derivative instruments – liability position
    22,891     22,487  
               

 
The fair value of the short-term investments is based on quoted market rates.  The fair value of the revolving credit facility is estimated based on current rates offered to the Company for similar debt of the same remaining maturities.  Additionally, the Company considers its creditworthiness in determining the fair value of the revolving credit facility.  The carrying value approximates the fair market value for the floating rate loans.  The fair value of the interest rate and currency swaps (used for purposes other than trading) is the estimated amount the Company would receive to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates, NOK spot rates, and the creditworthiness of both the swap counterparty and the Company
 
The Company elected to early adopt SFAS No. 157 beginning in its 2007 fiscal year, and there was no material impact to its first quarter financial statements.  SFAS No. 157 applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. SFAS No. 157 requires new disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements.  This statement enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The following table summarizes the valuation of our short-term investments and financial instruments by the above SFAS No. 157 pricing levels as of the valuation dates listed:

 
17


 
 

   
September 30, 2008
 
   
Total
   
Quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Short-term investments
  $ 60,461     $ 60,461        
Derivative instruments – asset position
    2,583               2,583  
Derivative instruments – liability  position
    22,891               22,891  
                         

 
The Company holds an investment in the capital stock of Jinhui, which is classified as a short-term investment.  The stock of Jinhui is publicly traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange and is considered a Level 1 item.  The Company’s interest rate derivative instruments are pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swaps based on LIBOR.  In addition, the Company’s derivative instruments include a forward currency contract based on the Norwegian Kroner.   The Company has elected to use the income approach to value the derivatives, using observable Level 2 market expectations at measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled to transact.  Level 2 inputs for the valuations are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates, NOK spot rates and credit risk at commonly quoted intervals).  Mid-market pricing is used as a practical expedient for fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 states that the fair value measurement of an asset or liability must reflect the nonperformance risk of the entity and the counterparty. Therefore, the impact of the counterparty’s creditworthiness when in an asset position and the Company’s creditworthiness when in a liability position has also been factored into the fair value measurement of the derivative instruments in an asset or liability position and did not have a material impact on the fair value of these derivative instruments.  As of September 30, 2008, both the counterparty and the Company are expected to continue to perform under the contractual terms of the instruments.
 
11 - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
 

 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
   
September
30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Lubricant inventory and other stores
  $ 3,398     $ 2,720  
Prepaid items
    2,183       1,769  
Insurance Receivable
    2,754       1,331  
Interest receivable on deposits for vessels to be acquired
    4,455       2,489  
Other
    1,668       1,065  
Total
  $ 14,458     $ 9,374  

 
As discussed in Note 21 – Subsequent Events, the Company has agreed to cancel the previously announced acquisition of six drybulk newbuildings from Lambert Navigation Ltd., Northville Navigation Ltd., Providence Navigation Ltd., and Primebulk Navigation Ltd.  Included in Interest receivable on deposits for vessels to be acquired is approximately $400 of interest receivable on the $53,000 deposits that have been forfeited by the Company, which will be charged to the income statement in the fourth quarter.
 
 
18

 
 
12 – OTHER ASSETS, NET
 
Other assets consist of deferred financing costs which include fees, commissions and legal expenses associated with securing loan facilities. These costs are amortized over the life of the related debt, which is included in interest expense. The Company has unamortized deferred financing costs of $9,347 and $6,130, respectively, at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 associated with the 2007 Credit Facility and 2008 Term Facility. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was $845 and $288, respectively.  During July 2007, the Company refinanced its previous facilities (the Short-Term Line and the 2005 Credit Facility) resulting in the non-cash write-off of the unamortized deferred financing cost of $3,568 to interest expense.  The Company has incurred deferred financing costs of $7,893 and $2,298 in total for the 2007 Credit Facility and the 2008 Term Facility, respectively.  Amortization expense for deferred financing costs, including the write-off any unamortized costs upon refinancing credit facilities for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $214 and $3,694, respectively.  Amortization expense for deferred financing costs, including the write-off any unamortized costs upon refinancing credit facilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $556 and $3,966, respectively.
 

 
13 - FIXED ASSETS
 
 
Fixed assets consist of the following:
 
   
September
30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Fixed assets:
           
Vessel equipment
  $ 939     $ 826  
Leasehold improvements
    1,146       1,146  
Furniture and fixtures
    349       347  
Computer equipment
    399       342  
Total cost
    2,833       2,661  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    1,031       722  
Total
  $ 1,802     $ 1,939  
 
14 - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
 
   
September
 30, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Accounts payable
  $ 4,054     $ 4,164  
Accrued general and administrative expenses
    8,570       9,108  
Accrued vessel operating expenses
    7,807       4,242  
                 
Total
  $ 20,431     $ 17,514  
 
15 - REVENUE FROM TIME CHARTERS
 
Total revenue earned on time charters for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $107,557 and $45,630, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $303,798 and $119,697, respectively. Future minimum time charter revenue, based on vessels committed to noncancelable time charter contracts as of October 30, 2008 is expected to be $­­­­99,244 for the remaining quarter of 2008, $307,952 during 2009, $198,728 during 2010, $69,405 during 2011 and $16,607 during 2012, assuming 20 days of off-hire due to any scheduled drydocking and no additional off-hire time is incurred.  Future minimum revenue excludes the
 
 
 
19

 
 
future acquisitions of the remaining four Capesize vessels to be acquired, which are to be delivered to Genco in the future, since estimated delivery dates are not firm.
 
16 - LEASE PAYMENTS
 
In September 2005, the Company entered into a 15-year lease for office space in New York, New York for which there was a free rental period from September 1, 2005 to July 31, 2006.  Additionally, the Company obtained a tenant work credit of $324. The monthly straight-line rental expense from September 1, 2005 to August 31, 2020 is $39.  As a result of the straight-line rent calculation generated by the free rent period and the tenant work credit, the Company has a deferred rent credit at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 of $711 and $725, respectively.  Rent expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, was $117 for each of the respective periods.  Rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, was $350 for each of the respective periods.

Future minimum rental payments on the above lease for the next five years and thereafter are as follows: $121 for the remainder of 2008, $486 for 2009, $496 for 2010, $518 for 2011 through 2012 and a total of $4,132 for the remaining term of the lease.

 
17 - SAVINGS PLAN
 
In August 2005, the Company established a 401(k) plan which is available to full-time employees who meet the plan’s eligibility requirements.  This 401(k) plan is a defined contribution plan, which permits employees to make contributions up to maximum percentage and dollar limits allowable by IRS Code Sections 401(k), 402(g), 404 and 415 with the Company matching up to the first six percent of each employee’s salary on a dollar-for-dollar basis.  The matching contribution vests immediately.  For three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s matching contribution to the Plan was $24 and $25, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s matching contribution to the Plan was $112 and $90, respectively.
 
18- NONVESTED STOCK AWARDS
 
On July 12, 2005, the Company’s board of directors approved the Genco Shipping and Trading Limited 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  Under this plan, the Company’s board of directors, the compensation committee, or another designated committee of the board of directors may grant a variety of stock-based incentive awards to employees, directors and consultants whom the compensation committee (or other committee or the board of directors) believes are key to the Company’s success.  Awards may consist of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, nonvested stock, unrestricted stock and performance shares.  The aggregate number of shares of common stock available for award under the Plan is 2,000,000 shares.
 
Grants of nonvested common stock to executives and employees vest ratably on each of the four anniversaries of the determined vesting date, which are typically held during May.  Grants of nonvested common stock to directors vest the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the date of the next annual shareholders’ meeting.  On January 10, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a grant of 100,000 shares of nonvested common stock to Peter Georgiopoulos, Chairman of the Board, which vests ratably on each of the ten anniversaries of the determined vesting date beginning with November 15, 2008.
 
 
20

 

 
The following table presents a summary of the Company’s nonvested stock awards for the nine months ending September 30, 2008:
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Price
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    231,881     $ 34.32  
Granted
    127,500       45.63  
Vested
    (38,978 )     28.83  
Forfeited
           
                 
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
    320,403     $ 39.49  

 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the Company recognized nonvested stock amortization expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, as follows:


   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
General and administrative expenses
  $ 1,477     $ 470     $ 4,671     $ 1,641  
                                 


The fair value of nonvested stock at the grant date is equal to the closing stock price on that date.  The Company is amortizing these grants over the applicable vesting periods.  As of September 30, 2008, unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock will be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.34 years.
 

19 – STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On February 13, 2008, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program for up to a total of $50,000 of the Company's common stock.  The board will review the program after 12 months.  Share repurchases will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors.  Purchases may be made pursuant to a program adopted under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act. The program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number or amount of shares and may be suspended or reinstated at any time in the Company's discretion and without notice. Repurchases will be subject to restrictions under the 2007 Credit Facility and 2008 Term Facility.  The 2007 Credit Facility was amended as of February 13, 2008 to permit the share repurchase program and provide that the dollar amount of shares repurchased is counted toward the maximum dollar amount of dividends that may be paid in any fiscal quarter.

Through September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 278,300 shares of its common stock for $11,500.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company is permitted under the program to acquire additional shares of its common stock for up to $38,500.

20 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of its business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. Such claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. The Company is not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that it believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company, its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
21

 
 
21 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 23, 2008, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $1.00 per share to be paid on or about November 28, 2008 to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2008.  The aggregate amount of the dividend is expected to be $31,518, which the Company anticipates will be funded from cash on hand at the time payment is to be made.

On October 28, 2008, the Company received $676 from Leeds & Leeds in relation to the loss of hire insurance claim for the Genco Hunter as a result of the collision on August 7, 2008.  An initial claim of 27 loss of hire days, which includes a deductible period of 14 days, was approved for a total of $845.  Of the total $845, eighty percent, or $676, was received and the remaining twenty percent will be settled upon completion of the total claim.  The total off-hire time related to this claim was approximately 41 days, and the Company has put forth the remainder of the claim to the underwriters.

On November 3, 2008, the Company agreed to cancel the previously announced acquisition of six drybulk newbuildings from Lambert Navigation Ltd., Northville Navigation Ltd., Providence Navigation Ltd., and Primebulk Navigation Ltd., with an aggregate purchase price of $530,000.  As part of the agreement, the selling group will retain the deposits totaling $53,000 plus the interest earned on such deposits for the six vessels, comprised of three Capesize and three Handysize vessels. This transaction will result in a charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 to the Company’s income statement of approximately $54,000 related to the forfeiture of these deposits.  The $54,000 includes approximately $53,600, which is recorded in Deposits on vessels and includes net capitalized interest, and approximately $400 of interest income receivable which is recorded as part of Prepaid expenses and other current assets.

On November 4, 2008, the Company repaid $53,000 in debt associated with the deposits for the six vessels whose acquisition was cancelled using cash flow from operations, thereby reducing the debt outstanding under the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility to $1,076,500.

Lastly, the terms of the 2008 Term Facility provide that it is to be cancelled upon a cancellation of the acquisition contracts for the six vessels.  Cancellation of the facility would result in a non-cash charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 to interest expense of approximately $2,300 associated with unamortized deferred financing costs.



 




22



 
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This report contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of potential future events, circumstances or future operating or financial performance.  These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and observations. Included among the factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements contained in this report are the following (i) changes in demand or rates in the drybulk shipping industry; (ii) changes in the supply of or demand for drybulk products, generally or in particular regions; (iii) changes in the supply of drybulk carriers including newbuilding of vessels or lower than anticipated scrapping of older vessels; (iv) changes in rules and regulations applicable to the cargo industry, including, without limitation, legislation adopted by international organizations or by individual countries and actions taken by regulatory authorities; (v) increases in costs and expenses including but not limited to: crew wages, insurance, provisions, repairs, maintenance and general and administrative expenses; (vi) the adequacy of our insurance arrangements; (vii) changes in general domestic and international political conditions; (viii) changes in the condition of the Company’s vessels or applicable maintenance or regulatory standards (which may affect, among other things, our anticipated drydocking or maintenance and repair costs) and unanticipated drydock expenditures; (ix) the amount of offhire time needed to complete repairs on vessels and the timing and amount of any reimbursement by our insurance carriers for insurance claims including offhire days; (x) our acquisition or disposition of vessels; (xi) the fulfillment of the closing conditions under, or the execution of customary additional documentation for, the Company’s agreements to acquire a total of four drybulk vessels; (xii) the decision of the charterer of the Genco Hadrian with respect to the option mentioned in the table on pages 30-31; (xiii) the results of the investigation into the incident involving the collision of the Genco Hunter described below, the possible cause of and liability for such incident, and the scope of insurance coverage available to Genco for such incident; and other factors listed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and subsequent reports on Form 8-K and Form 10-Q.  Our ability to pay dividends in any period will depend upon factors including the limitations under our loan agreements, applicable provisions of Marshall Islands law and the final determination by the Board of Directors each quarter after its review of our financial performance.  The timing and amount of dividends, if any, could also be affected by factors affecting cash flows, results of operations, required capital expenditures, or reserves.  As a result, the amount of dividends actually paid may vary.
 
The following management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this Form 10-Q.
 
General
 
We are a Marshall Islands company incorporated in September 2004 to transport iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along worldwide shipping routes through the ownership and operation of drybulk carrier vessels. As of September 30, 2008, our fleet consisted of five Capesize, eight Panamax, four Supramax, six Handymax and eight Handysize drybulk carriers, with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 2,226,500 dwt, and the average age of our fleet was approximately 6.5 years, as compared to the average age for the world fleet of approximately 15 years for the drybulk shipping segments in which we compete. The Company seeks to time charter vessels in our fleet to reputable charterers, including Lauritzen Bulkers A/S, Cargill International S.A., Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd., STX Panocean (UK) Co., Ltd., Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd., A/S Klaveness, Global Chartering Limited (a subsidiary of Arcelor Mittal Group), COSCO Bulk Carriers Co., Ltd., and NYK Bulkship Europe S.A. All of the vessels in our fleet are presently engaged under time charter contracts that expire (assuming the option periods in the time charters are not exercised) between October 2008 and August 2012.
 
See pages 30-31 for a table of all vessels currently in our fleet or expected to be delivered to us.

 We intend to grow our fleet through timely and selective acquisitions of vessels in a manner that is accretive to our cash flow. In connection with this growth strategy, we negotiated the 2007 Credit Facility and 2008 Term Facility, for the purpose of acquiring the nine new Capesize vessels from Metrostar, refinancing the
 
 
23

 
 
 outstanding indebtedness under our previous credit facilities, and acquiring additional vessels since entering into the Capesize acquisition with Metrostar.

Our management team and our other employees are responsible for the commercial and strategic management of our fleet. Commercial management includes the negotiation of charters for vessels, managing the mix of various types of charters, such as time charters and voyage charters, and monitoring the performance of our vessels under their charters. Strategic management includes locating, purchasing, financing and selling vessels. We currently contract with four independent technical managers, to provide technical management of our fleet at a lower cost than we believe would be possible in-house. Technical management involves the day-to-day management of vessels, including performing routine maintenance, attending to vessel operations and arranging for crews and supplies. Members of our New York City-based management team oversee the activities of our independent technical managers.

On August 7, 2008, the Genco Hunter, a 2007-built Supramax vessel, collided with another vessel while transiting the Singapore Straits.  No injuries and no pollution from either vessel have been reported.  An investigation into the cause of the incident by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has commenced with Genco’s full cooperation. The Genco Hunter remained offhire for a total of approximately 24 days for both temporary and permanent repairs during Q3 2008 and expects to be reimbursed under hull and machinery insurance claims related to this vessel for repair costs. The Genco Hunter is currently on a time charter with Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd. at a daily rate of $62,000, less a 5% third party commission.  The Company expects to be reimbursed for the offhire time of approximately twenty seven days which is in excess of fourteen day deductible period and the Company has received $676 from the Company’s insurance underwriter during October 2008 as partial payment of the loss of hire claim.  The loss of hire insurance will be reflected as revenue as approved by the Company’s insurance underwriter.

On November 3, 2008, the Company agreed to cancel the previously announced acquisition of six drybulk newbuildings from Lambert Navigation Ltd., Northville Navigation Ltd., Providence Navigation Ltd., and Primebulk Navigation Ltd., with an aggregate purchase price of $530 million.  As part of the agreement, the selling group will retain the deposits totaling $53 million for the six vessels, comprised of three Capesize and three Handysize vessels.   This transaction will result in a charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 to the income statement of approximately $54 million related to the forfeiture of the deposits associated with the acquisition.  The Company plans to repay the $53 million in debt associated with the deposits for the vessels using cash flow from operations, thereby reducing the debt outstanding under the Company’s 2007 revolving credit facility to $1,076.5 million.  Lastly, the terms of the 2008 Term Facility provide that it is to be cancelled upon a cancellation of the acquisition contracts for the six vessels.  Cancellation of the facility would result in a non-cash charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 to interest expense of approximately $2.3 million associated with unamortized deferred financing costs.  The Company is discussing with its lenders the potential extension of this facility.

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
 
 We believe that the following table reflects important measures for analyzing trends in our results of operations.  The table reflects our ownership days, available days, operating days, fleet utilization, TCE rates and daily vessel operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
Increase
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
% Change
 
Fleet Data:
                       
Ownership days (1)
                       
Capesize
    460.0       80.8       379.2       469.3 %
Panamax
    649.5       644.0       5.5       0.9 %
Supramax
    351.5             351.5       N/A  
Handymax
    552.0       644.0       (92.0 )     (14.3 %)
Handysize
    736.0       460.0       276.0       60.0 %
Total
    2,749.0       1,828.8       920.2       50.3 %
 
 
24

 
 
                                 
Available days (2)
                               
Capesize
    460.0       75.8       384.2       506.9 %
Panamax
    608.1       644.0       (35.9 )     (5.6 %)
Supramax
    349.6             349.6       N/A  
Handymax
    552.0       617.1       (65.1 )     (10.5 %)
Handysize
    719.3       460.0       259.3       56.4 %
Total
    2,689.0       1,796.9       892.1       49.6 %
                                 
Operating days (3)
                               
Capesize
    459.7       75.8       383.9       506.5 %
Panamax
    603.0       640.0       (37.0 )     (5.8 %)
Supramax
    325.3             325.3       N/A  
Handymax
    549.5       615.7       (66.2 )     (10.8 %)
Handysize
    718.7       460.0       258.7       56.2 %
Total
    2,656.2       1,791.6       864.6       48.3 %
                                 
Fleet  utilization (4)
                               
Capesize
    99.9 %     100.0 %     (0.1 %)     (0.1 %)
Panamax
    99.2 %     99.4 %     (0.2 %)     (0.2 %)
Supramax
    93.1 %           93.1 %     N/A  
Handymax
    99.5 %     99.8 %     (0.3 %)     (0.3 %)
Handysize
    99.9 %     100.0 %     (0.1 %)     (0.1 %)
Fleet average
    98.8 %     99.7 %     (0.9 %)     (0.9 %)
                                 
 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
Increase
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
% Change
 
   
(U.S. dollars)
             
Average Daily Results:
                       
Time Charter Equivalent (5)
                       
Capesize
  $ 70,772     $ 62,379     $ 8,393       13.5 %
Panamax
    36,837       28,635       8,202       28.6 %
Supramax
    45,415             45,415       N/A  
Handymax
    37,160       22,357       14,803       66.2 %
Handysize
    20,111       14,804       5,307       35.8 %
   Fleet average
    39,349       24,362       14,987       61.5 %
                                 
Daily vessel operating expenses (6)
                               
Capesize
  $ 4,633     $ 5,234     $ (601 )     (11.5 %)
Panamax
    4,343       3,884       459       11.8 %
Supramax
    4,186             4,186       N/A  
Handymax
    4,455       3,436       1,019       29.7 %
Handysize
    3,569       3,402       167       4.9 %
Fleet average
    4,187       3,665       522       14.2 %

 
25

 
 
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
   
Increase
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
% Change
 
Fleet Data:
                       
Ownership days (1)
                       
Capesize
    1,319.0       80.8       1,238.2       1,532.4 %
Panamax
    1,805.3       1,911.0       (105.7 )     (5.5 %)
Supramax
    897.5             897.5       N/A  
Handymax
    1,644.0       1,962.6       (318.6 )     (16.2 %)
Handysize
    2,190.4       1,365.0       825.4       60.5 %
Total
    7,856.2       5,319.4       2,536.8       47.7 %
                                 
Available days (2)
                               
Capesize
    1,318.9       75.8       1,243.1       1,640.0 %
Panamax
    1,759.6       1,910.7       (151.1 )     (7.9 %)
Supramax
    895.6             895.6       N/A  
Handymax
    1,644.0       1,888.8       (244.8 )     (13.0 %)
Handysize
    2,140.6       1,355.4       785.2       57.9 %
Total
    7,758.7       5,230.6       2,528.1       48.3 %
                                 
Operating days (3)
                               
Capesize
    1,318.6       75.8       1,242.8       1,639.6 %
Panamax
    1,739.0       1,861.9       (123.0 )     (6.6 %)
Supramax
    867.6             867.6       N/A  
Handymax
    1,631.6       1,871.5       (239.9 )     (12.8 %)
Handysize
    2,135.8       1,353.8       782.0       57.8 %
Total
    7,692.6       5,163.1       2,529.5       49.0 %
                                 
Fleet  utilization (4)
                               
Capesize
    100.0 %     100.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Panamax
    98.8 %     97.4 %     1.4 %     1.4 %
Supramax
    96.9 %           96.9 %     N/A  
Handymax
    99.2 %     99.1 %     0.1 %     0.1 %
Handysize
    99.8 %     99.9 %     (0.1 %)     (0.1 %)
Fleet average
    99.1 %     98.7 %     0.4 %     0.4 %
                                 

   
For the nine months ended September 30,
   
Increase
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
% Change
 
   
(U.S. dollars)
             
Average Daily Results:
                       
Time Charter Equivalent (5)
                       
Capesize
  $ 74,277     $ 62,379     $ 11,898       19.1 %
Panamax
    34,771       26,737       8,034       30.0 %
Supramax
    48,206             48,206       N/A  
Handymax
    33,684       21,631       12,053       55.7 %
Handysize
    20,035       13,829       6,206       44.9 %
   Fleet average
    38,742       22,065       16,677       75.6 %
 
 
26

 
 
                                 
Daily vessel operating expenses (6)
                               
Capesize
  $ 4,794     $ 5,234       (440 )     (8.4 %)
Panamax
    4,446       4,252       194       4.6 %
Supramax
    4,297             4,297       N/A  
Handymax
    4,408       3,428       980       28.6 %
Handysize
    3,726       3,120       606       19.4 %
Fleet average
    4,279       3,673       606       16.5 %
 
Definitions
 
In order to understand our discussion of our results of operations, it is important to understand the meaning of the following terms used in our analysis and the factors that influence our results of operations.
 
(1) Ownership days.  We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we record during a period.
 
(2) Available days.  We define available days as the number of our ownership days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. Companies in the shipping industry generally use available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.
 
(3) Operating days.  We define operating days as the number of our available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to unforeseen circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period during which vessels actually generate revenues.
 
(4) Fleet utilization.  We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our operating days during a period by the number of our available days during the period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company’s efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the number of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades, special surveys or vessel positioning.
 
(5) TCE rates.  We define TCE rates as net voyage revenue (voyage revenues less voyage expenses) divided by the number of our available days during the period, which is consistent with industry standards. TCE rate is a common shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare daily earnings generated by vessels on time charters with daily earnings generated by vessels on voyage charters, because charterhire rates for vessels on voyage charters are generally not expressed in per-day amounts while charterhire rates for vessels on time charters generally are expressed in such amounts.

 
   
For the three months ended
September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
Voyage revenues
    $  107,557       $  45,630       $  303,798       $  119,697  
Voyage expenses
    1,748       1,853       3,216       4,284  
Net voyage revenue
    $  105,809       $  43,777       $  300,582       $  115,413  
                                 

 
 
27

 
 
 
(6) Daily vessel operating expenses.  We define daily vessel operating expenses as vessel operating expense divided by ownership days for the period.  Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance (excluding drydocking), the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses.
 
 
Operating Data
 
   
 For the three months ended September 30,
   
Increase 
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
% Change
 
   
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
 
Revenues
$ 107,557   $ 45,630   $ 61,927     135.7 %
                           
Operating Expenses:
                         
Voyage expenses
  1,748     1,853     (105 )   (5.7 %)
Vessel operating expenses
  11,509     6,702     4,807     71.7 %
General and administrative expenses
  4,133     3,395     738     21.7 %
Management fees
  712     414     298     72.0 %
Depreciation and amortization
  18,840     8,159     10,681     130.9 %
Gain on sale of vessel
  -     -     -     N/A  
                           
Total operating expenses
  36,942     20,523     16,419     80 %
                           
Operating income
  70,615     25,107     45,508     181.3 %
Other (expense) income
  (7,616 )   (8,787 )   1,171     (13.3 %)
                           
Net income
$ 62,999   $ 16,320   $ 46,679     286.0 %
                           
Earnings per share - Basic
$ 2.00   $ 0.64   $ 1.36     212.5 %
Earnings per share - Diluted
$ 1.99   $ 0.64   $ 1.35     210.9 %
Dividends declared and paid per share 
$ 1.00   $ 0.66   $ 0.34     51.5 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
  31,423,483     25,336,587     6,086,896     24.0 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
  31,610,262     25,481,948     6,128,314     24.0 %
                           
EBITDA (1)
$ 89,778   $ 33,035   $ 56,743     171.8 %
                           



 
28

 
 
                         
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
  Increase
       
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
% Change
 
   
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except for per share amounts)
       
                         
Revenues
    $  303,798       $  119,697       $  184,101       153.8 %
                                 
Operating Expenses:
                               
Voyage expenses
    3,216       4,284       (1,068 )     (24.9 %)
Vessel operating expenses
    33,615       19,536       14,079       72.1 %
General and administrative expenses
    12,975       9,642       3,333       34.6 %
Management fees
    2,050       1,157       893       77.2 %
Depreciation and amortization
    51,453       22,778       28,675       125.9 %
Gain on sale of vessel
    (26,227 )     (3,575 )     (22,652 )     633.6 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
    77,082       53,822       23,260       43.2 %
                                 
Operating income
    226,716       65,875       160,841       244.2 %
Other (expense) income
    (28,832 )     (15,997 )     (12,835 )     80.2 %
                                 
Net income
    $  197,884       $  49,878       $  148,006       296.7 %
                                 
Earnings per share - Basic
    $  6.60       $  1.97       $  4.63       235.0 %
Earnings per share - Diluted
    $  6.56       $  1.96       $  4.60       234.7 %
Dividends declared and paid per share 
    $  2.85       $  1.98       $  0.87       43.9 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic
    29,974,547       25,319,479       4,655,068       18.4 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted
    30,166,060       25,453,502       4,712,558       18.5 %
                                 
EBITDA (1)
    $  271,287       $  88,916       $  182,371       205.1 %
                                 

(1)  
EBITDA represents net income plus net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, plus amortization of nonvested stock compensation, and amortization of the value of time charters acquired which is included as a component of other long-term assets or fair market value of time charters acquired.  EBITDA is included because it is used by management and certain investors as a measure of operating performance.  EBITDA is used by analysts in the shipping industry as a common performance measure to compare results across peers. Our management uses EBITDA as a performance measure in consolidating internal financial statements and it is presented for review at our board meetings.  For these reasons, we believe that EBITDA is a useful measure to present to our investors. EBITDA is not an item recognized by U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other indicator of a company’s operating performance required by U.S. GAAP.  EBITDA is not a source of liquidity or cash flows as shown in our consolidated statement of cash flows. The definition of EBITDA used here may not be comparable to that used by other companies.  The following table demonstrates our calculation of EBITDA and provides a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income for each of the periods presented above:

 
 
29


 
 
   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(U.S. dollars in thousands except for per share amounts)
 
                         
Net income
    $  62,999       $  16,320       $  197,884         $  49,878  
Net interest expense
    11,397       9,262       33,824       14,878  
Income tax expense
                       
Amortization of value of time charter acquired (1)
    (4,935 )     (1,176 )     (16,545 )     (259 )
Amortization of restricted stock compensation
    1,477       470       4,671       1,641  
    Depreciation and amortization
    18,840       8,159       51,453       22,778  
                                 
EBITDA (2)
    $  89,778       $  33,035       $  271,287       $  88,916  
                                 

    (1)    Amortization of liability or asset of time charter acquired is an (increase) reduction of revenue.
 
    (2)    See p. 29 for an explanation of EBITDA
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth information about the vessels in our fleet as of September 30, 2008 as well as vessels to be acquired:
Vessel
 
Year
Built
Charterer
Charter Expiration (1)
Cash Daily
Rate (2)
Revenue Daily Rate (3)
Expected Delivery (4)
             
Capesize Vessels
           
Genco Augustus
2007
Cargill International S.A.
December 2009
    45,263
62,750
 
Genco Tiberius
2007
Cargill International S.A.
January 2010
    45,263
62,750
 
Genco London
2007
SK Shipping Co., Ltd
August 2010
    57,500
64,250
 
Genco Titus
2007
Cargill International S.A.
September 2011
    45,000(5)
46,250
 
Genco Constantine
2008
Cargill International S.A.
August 2012
    52,750(5)
 
 
Genco Hadrian(6)
2009(7)
Cargill International S.A.(6)
46 to 62 months from delivery
    65,000(5)
 
Q1 2009
Genco Commodus
2009(7)
To be determined (“TBD”)
TBD
TBD
 
Q2 2009
Genco Maximus
2009(7)
TBD
TBD
TBD
 
Q2 2009
Genco Claudius
2009(7)
TBD
TBD
TBD
 
Q3 2009
             
Panamax Vessels
           
Genco Beauty
1999
Cargill International S.A.
May 2009
    31,500
 
 
Genco Knight
1999
SK Shipping Ltd.
May 2009
    37,700
 
 
Genco Leader
1999
A/S Klaveness Chartering
December 2008
    25,650(8)
 
 
Genco Vigour
1999
STX Panocean (UK) Co. Ltd.
March 2009
    29,000(9)
 
 
Genco Acheron
1999
Global Chartering Limited (a subsidiary
of Arcelor Mittal Group)
July 2011
    55,250
 
 
Genco Surprise
1998
Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd.
December 2010
    42,100
 
 
Genco Raptor
2007
COSCO Bulk Carriers Co., Ltd.
April 2012
    52,800
 
 
Genco Thunder
2007
Glory Wealth Shipping Pte. Ltd.
November 2008
    35,000
 
 
             
Supramax Vessels
           
Genco Predator
2005
A/S Klaveness Chartering
October 2008
    58,000(10)
 
 
   
Bulkhandling Handymax A/S
September 2009
      Spot (10)
 
 
 
 
30

 
 
Genco Warrior
  2005
Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd.
November 2010
    38,750
 
 
Genco Hunter
  2007
Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd.
June 2009
    62,000
 
 
Genco Cavalier
  2007
Samsun Logix Corporation
July 2010
    48,500(11)
47,700
 
             
Handymax Vessels
           
Genco Success
  1997
Korea Line Corporation
February 2011
    33,000(12)
 
 
Genco Carrier
  1998
Louis Dreyfus Corporation
March 2011
    37,000
 
 
Genco Prosperity
  1997
Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd
   June 2011
    37,000
 
 
Genco Wisdom
  1997
Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd.
February 2011
    34,500
 
 
Genco Marine
  1996
NYK Bulkship Europe S.A.
March 2009
    47,000
 
 
Genco Muse
  2001
Norden A/S
October 2008
    47,650
 
 
   
 AMN Bulkcarriers INC
January 2009
    30,000(13)
 
 
             
Handysize Vessels
           
Genco Explorer
  1999
Lauritzen Bulkers A/S
August 2009
    19,500
 
 
Genco Pioneer
    1999
Lauritzen Bulkers A/S
August 2009
    19,500
 
 
Genco Progress
    1999
Lauritzen Bulkers A/S
August 2009
    19,500
 
 
Genco Reliance
    1999
Lauritzen Bulkers A/S
August 2009
    19,500
 
 
Genco Sugar
    1998
Lauritzen Bulkers A/S
August 2009
    19,500
 
 
Genco Charger
    2005
Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd.
November 2010
    24,000
 
 
Genco Challenger
    2003
Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd.
November 2010
    24,000
 
 
Genco Champion
    2006
Pacific Basin Chartering Ltd.
December 2010
    24,000
 
 

(1) The charter expiration dates presented represent the earliest dates that our charters may be terminated in the ordinary course.  Except for the Genco Titus, under the terms of each contract, the charterer is entitled to extend time charters from two to four months in order to complete the vessel's final voyage plus any time the vessel has been off-hire. The charterer of the Genco Titus has the option to extend the charter for a period of one year.
(2) Time charter rates presented are the gross daily charterhire rates before third party commissions ranging from 1.25% to 6.25%, except as indicated for the Genco Leader in note 8 below. In a time charter, the charterer is responsible for voyage expenses such as bunkers, port expenses, agents’ fees and canal dues.
(3) For the vessels acquired with a below-market time charter rate, the approximate amount of revenue on a daily basis to be recognized as revenues is displayed in the column named “Net Revenue Daily Rate” and is net of any third-party commissions. Since these vessels were acquired with existing time charters with below-market rates, we allocated the purchase price between the respective vessel and an intangible liability for the value assigned to the below-market charterhire.  This intangible liability is amortized as an increase to voyage revenues over the minimum remaining term of the charter.  For cash flow purposes, we will continue to receive the rate presented in the “Cash Daily Rate” column until the charter expires.
(4) Dates for vessels being delivered in the future are estimates based on guidance received from the sellers and/or the respective shipyards.
(5) These charters include a 50% index-based profit sharing component above the respective base rates listed in the table. The profit sharing between the charterer and us for each 15-day period is calculated by taking the average over that period of the published Baltic Cape Index of the four time charter routes, as reflected in daily reports. If such average is more than the base rate payable under the charter, the excess amount is allocable 50% to each of the charterer and us. A third-party commission of 3.75% based on the profit sharing amount due to us is payable out of our share.
(6) Under the terms of this charter, if the Genco Hadrian is not delivered during 2008, the charterer has the option to cancel the charter.  Based on further guidance from the shipyard constructing the Genco Hadrian, we now expect this vessel to be delivered in January 2009.
(7) Year built for vessels being delivered in the future are estimates based on guidance received from the sellers and/or the respective shipyards.
(8) The time charter rate presented is the net daily charterhire rate. There are no payments of commissions associated with this time charter.
(9) We have entered into a time charter for 23 to 25 months at a rate of $33,000 per day for the first 11 months, $25,000 per day for the following 11 months and $29,000 per day thereafter, less a 5% third-party commission. For purposes of revenue recognition, the time charter contract is reflected on a straight-line basis at approximately $29,000 per day for 23 to 25 months in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.
 
 
 
31

 
 
(10) We have entered into a short-term time charter with A/S Klaveness Chartering for 3 to 5 months at a rate of $58,000 per day less a 5% third-party commission. The charter is expected to be completed on or about October 31, 2008. Following the expiration of this charter we have entered the vessel into the Bulkhandling Handymax Pool with an option to convert the balance period of the charter party to a fixed rate, but only after January 1, 2009.
(11) The time charter for this vessel commenced on July 19, 2008. In completing the negotiation of certain changes we required for novation of the existing charter, we agreed to reduce the daily gross rate and received a rebate from the brokers involved in the vessel sale. Since the vessel was acquired with a below-market rate, we allocated the purchase price between the vessel and an intangible liability for the value assigned to the below-market charterhire.
(12) We extended the time charter for an additional 35 to 37.5 months at a rate of $40,000 per day for the first 12 months, $33,000 per day for the following 12 months, $26,000 per day for the next 12 months and $33,000 per day thereafter less a 5% third-party commission. In all cases, the rate for the duration of the time charter will average $33,000 per day. For purposes of revenue recognition, the time charter contract is reflected on a straight-line basis at approximately $33,000 per day for 35 to 37.5 months in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
(13) We have entered into a time charter agreement with AMN Bulkcarriers Inc. for 3 to 5 months at a rate of $30,000 per day less a 5% third-party commission. The new charter commenced on October 5, 2008, following the expiration of the previous charter.

 
Three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007
 
REVENUES-
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008 revenues grew 135.7% to $107.6 million versus $45.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.  Revenues in both periods consisted of charter hire revenue earned by our vessels.  The increase in revenues was due to the operation of a larger fleet as well as the renewal of time charters at higher charter rates than those previously contracted.
 
The average Time Charter Equivalent (“TCE”) rate of our fleet increased 61.5% to $39,349 a day for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $24,362 a day for the three months ended September 30, 2007.  The increase in TCE rates was due to higher charter rates achieved in the third quarter of 2008 versus the third quarter of 2007 for three of the Panamax vessels, six of the Handymax vessels, and five of the Handysize vessels in our current fleet. Furthermore, higher TCE rates were achieved in the third quarter of 2008 versus the same period last year due to the operation of five Capesize vessels acquired as part of the Metrostar acquisition.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we had ownership days of 2,749.0 days and 1,828.8 days, respectively.  Fleet utilization for the same three month period ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 98.8% and 99.7%, respectively.  The utilization was lower for the three months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to the 24.3 days of unscheduled offhire for the Genco Hunter through September 30, 2008.
 
The current freight rate environment is experiencing a decline due to weakening demand as a result of a number of factors, including lower overall demand for drybulk cargoes; diminished trade credit available for the delivery of such cargoes; shutdowns of steel mills in Beijing and other Chinese cities for the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics; attempts by one of the world’s largest mining companies to renegotiate ore prices, resulting in a rumored Chinese boycott of Brazilian iron ore in September 2008; and announced production cuts from certain Chinese steel mills.  While the majority of our vessels are currently on long-term time charters and the remainder are on short-term charters, the rates that our vessels earn in the future may be affected if the current freight rate environment persists or worsens following expiration of our current charters.

VOYAGE EXPENSES-
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we did not incur port and canal charges or any significant expenses related to the consumption of bunkers (fuel) as part of our vessels’ overall expenses because all of our vessels were employed under time charters that require the charterer to bear all of those expenses.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, voyage expenses were $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and consisted primarily of brokerage commissions paid to third parties.
 
 
 
32


 
VESSEL OPERATING EXPENSES-
 
Vessel operating expenses increased to $11.5 million from $6.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  This was due mostly to the expansion of our fleet and higher crewing and insurance expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007.
 
Daily vessel operating expenses grew to $4,187 per vessel per day for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $3,665 per day for the three months ended September 30. 2007.  The increase in daily vessel operating expenses was due to higher crewing and insurance expenses, as well as the operation of larger class vessels, namely Capesize vessels for the third quarter of 2008 versus the same period last year.  We believe daily vessel operating expenses are best measured for comparative purposes over a 12-month period in order to take into account all of the expenses that each vessel in our fleet will incur over a full year of operation.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, daily vessel operating expenses per vessel were $513 below the $4,700 weighted average daily budget for 2008.

Based on management’s estimates and budgets provided by our technical manager, we expect our vessels to have daily vessel operating expenses during 2008 of:

 
Vessel Type
Average Daily
Budgeted Amount
Capesize
$5,200
Panamax
5,150
Supramax
4,250
Handymax
4,700
Handysize
4,200

Our vessel operating expenses, which generally represent fixed costs, will increase as a result of the expansion of our fleet. Other factors beyond our control, some of which may affect the shipping industry in general, including, for instance, developments relating to market prices for crewing, lubes, and insurance, may also cause these expenses to increase.
 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES-
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, general and administrative expenses were $4.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to costs associated with higher employee non-cash compensation and other employee related costs.
 
MANAGEMENT FEES-
 
We incur management fees to third-party technical management companies for the day-to-day management of our vessels, including performing routine maintenance, attending to vessel operations and arranging for crews and supplies.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, management fees were $0.7 million and $0.4 million, respectively.   The increase was primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION-
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, depreciation and amortization charges grew to $18.8 million from $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.  The increase was primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet


33



OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME-

(LOSS) INCOME FROM DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS-

Effective August 16, 2007, the Company has elected hedge accounting for forward currency contracts in place associated with the cost basis of shares of Jinhui stock it has purchased.   However, the hedge is limited to the lower of the cost basis or the market value of the Jinhui stock.  On October 10, 2008, the Company elected to discontinue the purchase of forward currency contracts associated with Jinhui and has eliminated the hedge due to the current market value of Jinhui.  The forward currency contract for a notional amount of 739.2 million NOK (Norwegian Kroner) or $128,105, was settled on October 22, 2008.  For further details of the application of hedge accounting, please refer to the discussion under the subheading “Interest Rate Swap Agreements, Forward Freight Agreements and Currency Swap Agreements” on pages 39-40.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, (loss) income from derivative instruments was ($0.6) million and $0.5 million, respectively.  The loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008 is primarily due to the difference paid between the spot and forward rate on the forward currency contracts associated with our short-term investment offset by a gain on the unhedged portion of the forward currency contracts.
 
 
NET INTEREST EXPENSE-

For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, net interest expense was $11.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively.  Net interest expense consisted mostly of interest payments made under our 2007 Credit Facility in 2008 and the 2007 Credit Facility, 2005 Credit Facility, and Short-term Line in 2007.  Additionally, interest income as well as amortization of deferred financing costs related to the respective credit facilities are included in both periods.  The increase in net interest expense for 2008 versus 2007 was mostly a result of higher outstanding debt due to the acquisition of additional vessels in the fourth quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008 offset by a decrease in interest rates.
 
INCOME FROM SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS-

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, income from short-term investment was $4.4 million.  This was a result of a dividend income received from our holdings of Jinhui common stock.  No dividend was issued in the comparable period for 2007.

Nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007

REVENUES-

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 revenues grew 153.8% to $303.8 million versus $119.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  Revenues in both periods consisted of charter hire revenue earned by our vessels.  The increase in revenues was due to the operation of a larger fleet as well as the renewal of time charters at higher charter rates than those previously contracted.
 
The average TCE rate of our fleet increased 75.6% to $38,742 a day for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $22,065 a day for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  The increase in TCE rates was due to higher charter rates achieved in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 versus the comparable period in 2007 for five of the Panamax vessels, four of the Supramax, two of the Handymax vessels, and three of the Handysize vessels in our current fleet. Furthermore, higher TCE rates were achieved in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 versus the same period last year due to the operation of five Capesize vessels acquired as part of the Metrostar acquisition.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we had ownership days of 7,856.2 days and 5,319.4 days, respectively.  Fleet utilization for the same nine month period ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was 99.1% and 98.7%, respectively.  The utilization was higher for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to the unscheduled offhire of 27 days for the Genco Trader for maintenance and 11.3 of unscheduled offhire for the Genco Glory related to a delay on delivery to its new owner during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 off-set by 24.3 days of off-hire during 2008 related to the unscheduled repair for the Genco Hunter.
 
 
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VOYAGE EXPENSES-
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we did not incur port and canal charges or any significant expenses related to the consumption of bunkers (fuel) as part of our vessels’ overall expenses because all of our vessels were employed under time charters that require the charterer to bear all of those expenses.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, voyage expenses were $3.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, and consisted primarily of brokerage commissions paid to third parties.
 
VESSEL OPERATING EXPENSES-
 
Vessel operating expenses increased to $33.6 million from $19.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  This was due mostly to the expansion of our fleet, as well as higher crewing and insurance expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
 
Daily vessel operating expenses grew to $4,279 per vessel per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $3,673 per day for the nine months ended September 30. 2007.  The increase in daily vessel operating expenses was due to higher crewing,and insurance expenses, as well as the operation of larger class vessels, namely Capesize vessels for the first nine months of 2008 versus the same period last year.   We believe daily vessel operating expenses are best measured for comparative purposes over a 12-month period in order to take into account all of the expenses that each vessel in our fleet will incur over a full year of operation.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, daily vessel operating expenses per vessel were $421 below the $4,700 weighted average daily budget for 2008.
 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES-
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, general and administrative expenses were $13.0 million and $9.6 million, respectively.  The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to costs associated with higher employee non-cash compensation and other employee-related costs.
 
MANAGEMENT FEES-
 
We incur management fees to third-party technical management companies for the day-to-day management of our vessels, including performing routine maintenance, attending to vessel operations and arranging for crews and supplies.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, management fees were $2.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  The increase was primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet.
 
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION-
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, depreciation and amortization charges grew to $51.5 million from $22.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  The increase primarily was due to the operation of a larger fleet.
 
GAIN ON SALE OF VESSELS-
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the gain on the sale of vessels was $26.2 and $3.6 million, attributable to the sale of the Genco Trader in 2008 and the Genco Glory in 2007.


OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME-

(LOSS) INCOME FROM DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Effective August 16, 2007, the Company has elected hedge accounting for forward currency contracts in place associated with the cost basis of shares of Jinhui stock it has purchased.   However, the hedge is limited to the
 
 
35

 
 
lower of the cost basis or the market value of the Jinhui stock.  On October 10, 2008, the Company elected to discontinue the purchase of forward currency contracts associated with Jinhui and has eliminated the hedge due to the current market value of Jinhui.  The forward currency contract for a notional amount of 739.2 million NOK (Norwegian Kroner) or $128,105, was settled on October 22, 2008.  For further details of the application of hedge accounting, please refer to the discussion under the subheading “Interest Rate Swap Agreements, Forward Freight Agreements and Currency Swap Agreements” on pages 39-40.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, (loss) income from derivative instruments was ($2.0) million and ($1.1) million, respectively.  The loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is primarily due to the difference paid between the spot and forward rate on the forward currency contracts associated with our short-term investment.  The loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is primarily due to unrealized and realized losses associated with the valuation and settling of forward currency contracts offset by an unrealized gain on the translation associated with the cost basis of Jinhui shares prior to hedge accounting.
 
 
NET INTEREST EXPENSE-
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, net interest expense was $33.8 million and $14.9 million, respectively.  Net interest expense consisted mostly of interest payments made under our 2007 Credit Facility in 2008 and the 2007 Credit Facility, the 2005 Credit Facility and Short-term Line in 2007.  Additionally, interest income as well as amortization of deferred financing costs related to the respective credit facilities are included in both periods.  The increase in net interest expense for 2008 versus 2007 was mostly a result of higher outstanding debt due to the acquisition of additional vessels in the fourth quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008.
 
INCOME FROM SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS-

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, income from short-term investment was $7.0 million.  This was a result of a dividend income received from our holdings of Jinhui common stock.  No dividend was issued in the comparable period for 2007.

 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
To date, we have financed our capital requirements with cash flow from operations, equity offerings and bank debt. We have used our funds primarily to fund vessel acquisitions, regulatory compliance expenditures, the repayment of bank debt and the associated interest expense and the payment of dividends. We will require capital to fund ongoing operations, acquisitions and debt service.  We expect to rely on operating cash flows as well as long-term borrowings to implement our growth plan.  Please refer to the discussion under the subheading “Dividend Policy” below for additionally information regarding dividends.   We also may consider debt and additional equity financing alternatives from time to time.  However, if current market conditions persist, we may be unable to raise additional equity capital or debt financing on acceptable terms or at all.  In May 2008, the Company closed on an equity offering of 2,702,669 shares of common stock at an offering price of $75.47 per share.  The Company received net proceeds of approximately $195.5 million after deducting underwriters’ fees and expenses.  The Company has repaid a portion of the outstanding balance under the 2007 Credit Facility with proceeds from the offering.
 
In connection with the agreement to acquire nine Capesize vessels announced on July 18, 2007 and the additional acquisition of three Supramax and three Handysize vessels announced in August 2007, the Company, entered into the 2007 Credit Facility on July 20, 2007 to fund acquisitions and the repayment of all other existing debt under the 2005 Credit Facility and Short-Term Line.  Additionally, in September 2008, the Company entered into the 2008 Term Facility to fund the acquisition costs of six drybulk newbuildings as the Company has entered into agreements for additional vessel acquisitions in 2008.  The acquisition of these six drybulk newbuildings was subsequently cancelled in November 2008 in order to strengthen the Company’s liquidity as a result of current market conditions.  The terms of the 2008 Term Facility provide that it is to be cancelled upon a cancellation of the acquisition contracts for the six vessels. The Company is discussing with its lenders the potential extension of the 2008 Term Facility.  The Company repaid $53 million in debt associated with the deposits for the vessels using cash
 
 
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flow from operations, thereby reducing the debt outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility to $1,076.5 million.  See Note 21 – Subsequent Events to our financial statements above.

We anticipate that internally generated cash flow and borrowings under our 2007 Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund the operations of our fleet, including our working capital requirements for the near term.  However, if the current market conditions persist, market values of vessels may be reduced and may result in the need to repay a portion of our debt which may be outstanding under our 2007 Credit Facility.  These repayments would be necessary in order to meet the collateral maintenance requirement under the facility, which requires us to maintain pledged vessels with a value equal to at least 130% of our current borrowings.   As there are not currently many vessels sales on which to base valuations, it is difficult to predict the values that may be assigned to our vessels in future appraisals.  The Company anticipates utilizing its 2007 Credit Facility and internally generated cash flow or alternative financing to fund the acquisition of the remaining four Capesize vessels.  However, if the market values of vessels are reduced, we may be unable to meet the conditions for borrowing under our credit facilities to finance the purchase of additional vessels.

Dividend Policy
 
Our dividend policy is to declare quarterly distributions to shareholders by each February, May, August and November, which commenced in November 2005, substantially equal to our available cash from operations during the previous quarter, less cash expenses for that quarter (principally vessel operating expenses and debt service) and any reserves our board of directors determines we should maintain. These reserves may cover, among other things, drydocking, repairs, claims, liabilities and other obligations, interest expense and debt amortization, acquisitions of additional assets and working capital.  In the future, we may incur other expenses or liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends.  Given the current market conditions, the board of directors gave particular consideration to continued payment of our $1.00 target dividend for the third quarter of 2008. The board of directors determined to pay the target dividend based on the Company’s cash flow for the quarter. If market weakness and uncertainties persist, the board of directors will consider future dividends and targets in light of such factors as market conditions, the Company’s upcoming cash needs and potential opportunities which may arise given the current market.  The following table summarizes the dividends declared based on the results of the respective fiscal quarter:

 
Dividend
per share
 
Declaration
date
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
     
3rd Quarter
 
$   1.00
 
10/23/08
2nd Quarter
 
$   1.00
 
7/24/08
1st Quarter
  $   1.00  
4/29/08
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
       
4th Quarter
 
$   0.85
 
2/13/08
3rd Quarter
 
$   0.66
 
10/25/07
2nd Quarter
 
$   0.66
 
7/26/07
1st Quarter
 
$   0.66
 
4/26/07
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
       
4th Quarter
 
$   0.66
 
2/8/07
3rd Quarter
 
$   0.60
 
10/26/06
2nd Quarter
 
$   0.60
 
7/27/06
1st Quarter
 
$   0.60
 
4/27/06

On October 23, 2008, our board of directors declared a dividend of $1.00 per share, to be paid on or about November 28, 2008 to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2008.

The declaration and payment of any dividend is subject to the discretion of our board of directors. The timing and amount of dividend payments will depend on our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our loan agreements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law
 
 
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affecting the payment of distributions to shareholders and other factors. Our board of directors may review and amend our dividend policy from time to time in light of our plans for future growth and other factors.

We believe that, under current law, our dividend payments from earnings and profits will constitute “qualified dividend income” and, as such, will generally be subject to a 15% U.S. federal income tax rate with respect to non-corporate U.S. shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements (through 2010). Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a U.S. shareholder's tax basis in its common stock on a dollar-for-dollar basis and, thereafter, as capital gain. 


Share Repurchase Program

On February 13, 2008, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program for up to a total of $50,000 of the Company's common stock.  The board will review the program after 12 months.  Share repurchases will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors.  Purchases may be made pursuant to a program adopted under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act. The program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number or amount of shares and may be suspended or reinstated at any time in the Company's discretion and without notice. Repurchases will be subject to restrictions under the 2007 Credit Facility.  The 2007 Credit Facility was amended as of February 13, 2008 to permit the share repurchase program and provide that the dollar amount of shares repurchased is counted toward the maximum dollar amount of dividends that may be paid in any fiscal quarter.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has acquired 278,300 shares of its common stock for $11.5 million (average per share purchase price of  $41.32) using funding from cash generated from operations pursuant to our share repurchase program.  The Company anticipates that any future shares repurchased would also be primarily funded through cash generated from operations.

Cash Flow
 
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, was $207.4 million and $75.8 million, respectively.  The increase was primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet, which contributed to increases in net income, depreciation, and deferred revenues. Adjustments to operating cash flows include $16.5 million of amortization of value of the time charters acquired as part of the Metrostar and Evalend acquisitions, $3.4 million of realized gains on forward currency contracts, $3.4 million of unrealized gains on forward currency contracts, $7.0 million of realized income from dividends, and $26.2 million in gains from the sale of the Genco Trader.  The adjustments to operating cash flow above were offset by $4.7 million of amortization of non-vested stock compensation and $8.8 million in unrealized losses on hedged short-term investments. Net cash from operating activities for nine months ended September 30, 2007 was mostly a result of recorded net income of $49.9 million plus depreciation and amortization charges of $22.8 million.

Net cash used in investing activities increased to $426.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $655.0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, cash used in investing activities primarily related to the purchase of vessels in the amount of $412.0 million, deposits on vessels to be acquired of $57.4 million, and the purchase of $10.3 million of Jinhui stock. The above were offset by proceeds from the sale of the Genco Trader in the amount of $43.1 million and $7.0 million of realized gains in short-term investment, and receipts on forward currency contracts of $3.4 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the cash used in investing activities related primarily to the purchase of vessels in the amount of $348.3 million, deposits on vessels to be acquired of $196.6 million, and the purchase of short-term investments of $115.5 million, offset by the sale of the Genco Glory in the amount of $13.0 million.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $289.8 million and $556.8 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net cash provided by financing activities consisted of the drawdown of $461.5 million related to the purchase of vessels and $195.6 million in net proceeds from our May 2008 follow-on offering. These inflows were offset by the repayment of $268.0 million under the 2007 credit facility and the payment of cash dividends of $85.6 million.  For the nine
 
 
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months ended September 30, 2007, net cash provided by financing activities consisted of the drawdown of $77.0 million of proceeds from a short-term line used to finance the purchase Jinhui shares, the drawdown of $826.2 million of proceeds on our 2007 Credit Facility related to the purchase of vessels, and was offset by the repayment of $288.9 million under the 2005 credit facility, and the payment of cash dividends of $50.5 million.

2008 Term Facility

On September 4, 2008, the Company executed a Credit Agreement for its new $320 million credit facility (“2008 Term Facility”).  The Company had previously announced the bank commitment for this facility in a press release on August 18, 2008.  The 2008 Term Facility is underwritten by Nordea Bank Finland Plc, New York Branch, who serves as Administrative Agent, Bookrunner, and Collateral Agent, as well as other banks.

The terms of the 2008 Term Facility provide that it is to be cancelled upon a cancellation of the acquisition contracts for the six vessels described above in Note 4 – Vessel Acquisitions and Dispositions.  Cancellation of the facility would result in a non-cash charge in the fourth quarter of 2008 to interest expense of approximately $2,300 associated with unamortized deferred financing costs.   The Company is discussing the potential extension of this facility with its lenders.

2007 Credit Facility

On July 20, 2007, the Company entered into a credit facility with DnB Nor Bank ASA (the “2007 Credit Facility”) for the purpose of acquiring the nine new Capesize vessels and refinancing the Company’s existing 2005 Credit Facility and Short-Term Line.  DnB Nor Bank ASA is also Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner, and Administrative Agent. The Company has used borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility to repay amounts outstanding under the 2005 Credit Facility and the Short-Term Line, and these two facilities have accordingly been terminated.  The maximum amount that may be borrowed under the 2007 Credit Facility is $1.4 billion.  Subsequent to the equity offering completed in October 2007, the Company is no longer required pay up to $6.25 million or such lesser amount as is available from Net Cash Flow (as defined in the credit agreement for the 2007 Credit Facility) each fiscal quarter to reduce borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility.  As of September 30, 2008, $247.5 million remains available to fund future vessel acquisitions.  The Company may borrow up to $50 million dollars of the $247.5 million for working capital purposes.
 
The significant covenants in the 2007 Credit Facility have been disclosed in the 2007 10-K. As of September 30, 2008, the Company believes it is in compliance with all of the financial covenants under its 2007 Credit Facility, as amended.

On June 18, 2008, the Company entered into an amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility allowing the Company to prepay vessel deposits to give the Company flexibility in refinancing potential vessel acquisitions.


Interest Rate Swap Agreements, Forward Freight Agreements and Currency Swap Agreements
 
The Company has entered into nine interest rate swap agreements with DnB NOR Bank to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates. The total notional principal amount of the swaps is $681.2 million and the swaps have specified rates and durations.

Refer to the table in Note 8 of our financial statements which summarized the interest rate swaps in place as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

The Company considered the creditworthiness of both the Company and the counterparty in determining the fair value of the interest rate derivatives, and such consideration resulted in an immaterial adjustment to the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.  Valuations prior to any adjustments for credit risk are validated by comparison with counterparty valuations.  Amounts are not and should not be identical due to the different modeling assumptions.  Any material differences are investigated.

The Company has entered into a number of short-term forward currency contracts to protect the Company from the risk associated with the fluctuation in the exchange rate associated with the cost basis of the Jinhui shares
 
 
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as described above under the heading “Short-term investments” in Note 2 of our financial statements.  As forward contracts expired, the Company continued to enter into new forward currency contracts for the cost basis of the Short-term investment, excluding commissions.  However, since the hedge is limited to the lower of the cost basis or the market value at time of designation.  The Company has elected to discontinue the forward currency contracts as of October 10, 2008 due to the declining underlying market value of Jinhui.  The Company considered the creditworthiness of both the Company and the counterparty in determining the fair value of the forward currency contracts and such consideration resulted in an immaterial adjustment to the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.
 
As part of our business strategy, we may enter into arrangements commonly known as forward freight agreements, or FFAs, to hedge and manage market risks relating to the deployment of our existing fleet of vessels.  These arrangements may include future contracts, or commitments to perform in the future a shipping service between ship owners, charters and traders.  Generally, these arrangements would bind us and each counterparty in the arrangement to buy or sell a specified tonnage freighting commitment “forward” at an agreed time and price and for a particular route.  Although FFAs can be entered into for a variety of purposes, including for hedging, as an option, for trading or for arbitrage, if we decided to enter into FFAs, our objective would be to hedge and manage market risks as part of our commercial management. It is not currently our intention to enter into FFAs to generate a stream of income independent of the revenues we derive from the operation of our fleet of vessels.  If we determine to enter into FFAs, we may reduce our exposure to any declines in our results from operations due to weak market conditions or downturns, but may also limit our ability to benefit economically during periods of strong demand in the market.  We have not entered into any FFAs as of September 30, 2008.
 
Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and their maturity dates as of September 30, 2008.  The table incorporates the agreement to acquire four remaining Capesize vessels for approximately $385.6 million, inclusive of commissions for these acquisitions, and the employment agreement entered into in September 2007 with the Chief Financial Officer, John Wobensmith.  The table also gives effect to the cancellation of the acquisition contracts for the six vessels described above in Note 4 – Vessel Acquisitions and Dispositions to our financial statements.  The Company plans to fund the remaining acquisitions with the remaining availability under the 2007 Credit Facility and cash generated from operations or alternative financing.  The interest and fees are also reflective of the 2007 Credit Facility, 2008 Term Facility, and the interest rate swap agreements as discussed above under “Interest Rate Swap Agreements and Forward Freight Agreements and Currency Swap Agreements.”  The interest and fees related to the 2008 Term Facility reflect the period from October 1, 2008 through November 4, 2008, when the Company repaid $53 million in debt associated with the deposits for the canceled vessels as described in Note 21 of our financial statements.



   
Total
   
Within One
Year (1)
   
One to Three
Years
   
Three to Five
Years
   
More than
Five Years
 
   
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
 
Credit Agreements
  $ 1,129,500     $ 53,000     $ -     $ -     $ 1,076,500  
Remainder of purchase price of acquisitions (2)
  $ 385,600     $ -     $ 385,600     $ -     $ -  
Interest and borrowing fees
  $ 386,151     $ 14,324     $ 111,127     $ 104,829     $ 155,871  
Executive employment agreement
  $ 359     $ 93     $ 266     $ -     $ -  
Office lease
  $ 6,271     $ 121     $ 982     $ 1,036     $ 4,132  


(1)  
Represents the three month period ending December 31, 2008.
(2)  
The timing of these obligations are based on estimated delivery dates for the remaining four Capesize which are currently being constructed, and the obligation is inclusive of the commission due to brokers upon purchase of the vessels.

 
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Interest expense has been estimated using the fixed hedge rate for the effective period and notional amount of the debt which is effectively hedged and 3.25% for the portion of the debt that has no designated swap against it, plus the applicable bank margin of 0.85% in the first five years of the 2007 Credit Facility and 0.90% in the last five years, as long as the ratio of Total Debt to Total Capitalization as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility remains below 70%. If the ratio of Total Debt to Total Capitalization is equal to or greater than 70% then the applicable margin is increased to 0.90% in the first five years of the 2007 Credit Facility and 0.95% in the last five years.   For the 2008 Term Facility, interest expense has been estimated using the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the applicable margin, which is initially 1.25% per annum.  The Company is obligated to pay certain commitment fees in connection with the 2007 Credit Facility and the 2008 Term Facility.

 
Capital Expenditures

We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with our vessel acquisitions. Our fleet currently consists of five Capesize drybulk carriers, eight Panamax drybulk carriers, four Supramax drybulk carriers, six Handymax drybulk carriers and eight Handysize drybulk carriers.

In addition to acquisitions that we may undertake in future periods, we will incur additional capital expenditures due to special surveys and drydockings. We estimate our drydocking costs and scheduled off-hire days for our fleet through 2009 to be:

           
Year
 
Estimated Drydocking Cost
(U.S. dollars in millions)
 
Estimated Off-hire Days
 
           
2008 (October 1- December 31, 2008)
   
$  2.8
   
  60
 
2009
   
4.4
   
100
 

 
The costs reflected are estimates based on drydocking our vessels in China.  We estimate that each drydock will result in 20 days of off-hire.  Actual costs will vary based on various factors, including where the drydockings are actually performed.  We expect to fund these costs with cash from operations.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Genco Challenger, Genco Sugar, Genco Acheron, Genco Leader, and Genco Progress completed drydocking at a total cost of $4.3 million.
 
We estimate that three of our vessels will be drydocked in the fourth quarter of 2008.  An additional five of our vessels will be drydocked in 2009.
 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Inflation

Inflation has only a moderate effect on our expenses given current economic conditions. In the event that significant global inflationary pressures appear, these pressures would increase our operating, voyage, general and administrative, and financing costs.  However, the Company expects its costs to increase based on the anticipated increased cost for crewing and lubes.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Refer to the Critical Accounting Policies as disclosed in the 2007 10-K.  There have been no changes in these policies in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
 
 
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ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE MARKET RISK
 
Interest rate risk
 
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.  Our objective is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on our earnings and cash flow in relation to our borrowings.  The Company has entered into nine interest rate swap agreements with DnB NOR Bank to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates. The total notional principal amount of the swaps is $681.2 million and the swaps have specified rates and durations.  At September 30, 2008, we held nine interest rate risk management instruments and at December 31, 2007 we held eight such instruments, in order to manage future interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates.

Refer to the table in Note 8 of our financial statements which summarized the interest rate swaps in place as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

The differential to be paid or received for these swap agreements are recognized as an adjustment to interest expense as incurred.  The Company is currently utilizing cash flow hedge accounting for the swaps whereby the effective portion of the change in value of the swaps is reflected as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”).  The ineffective portion is recognized as income or (loss) from derivative instruments, which is a component of other (expense) income.  For any period of time that the Company did not designate the swaps for hedge accounting, the change in the value of the swap agreements prior to designation was recognized as income or (loss) from derivative instruments and was listed as a component of other (expense) income.

Amounts receivable or payable arising at the settlement of hedged interest rate swaps are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the period of interest rate exposure provided the designated liability continues to exist.  Amounts receivable or payable arising at the settlement of unhedged interest rate swaps are reflected as income or expense from derivative instruments and is listed as a component of other (expense) income.
 
The interest (expense) income pertaining to the interest rate swaps for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was ($3.4) million and $0.3 million, respectively.  The interest (expense) income pertaining to the interest rate swaps for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was ($7.3) million and $0.7 million, respectively.
 
The swap agreements, with effective dates on or prior to September 30, 2008 synthetically convert variable rate debt the fixed interest rate of swap plus the Applicable Margin (which is 0.85% per annum for the first five years of the 2007 Credit Facility and 0.90% thereafter).  If the Company’s ratio of Total Debt to Total Capitalization (each as defined in the credit agreement for the 2007 Credit Facility) is greater than or equal to 70%, the Applicable Margin increases to 0.90% for the first five years and 0.95% thereafter.
 
The liability associated with these swaps at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is $22.9 million and $21.0 million, respectively, and are presented as the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.  Additionally, at September 30, 2008, the Company had a swap in an asset position of $0.7 million, which is presented as the fair value of derivatives on the balance sheet.  As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company has accumulated OCI of ($22.2) million and ($21.1) million, respectively, related to the effectively hedged portion of the swaps.  Hedge ineffectiveness associated with the interest rate swaps resulted in income from derivative instruments of fourteen thousand dollars for the three months ended September 30, 2008.  Hedge ineffectiveness associated with the interest rate swaps resulted in a loss from derivative instruments of seven thousand dollars for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, hedge ineffectiveness associated with the interest rate swaps resulted in income or (loss) from derivative instruments of sixteen thousand dollars.  At September 30, 2008, ($10.2) million of OCI is expected to be reclassified into income over the next 12 months associated with interest rate derivatives.

We are subject to market risks relating to changes in interest rates because we have significant amounts of floating rate debt outstanding.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we paid LIBOR plus 0.85% on the 2007 Credit Facility for the debt in excess of any designated swap’s notional amount for such swap’s effective period.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, LIBOR plus 0.95% on the 2005 Credit Facility and the Short-term Line for the debt in excess of any designated swap’s notional amount for the respective swap’s effective
 
 
42

 
period.  For each effective swap, the interest rate is fixed at the fixed interest rate of swap plus the applicable margin on the respective debt in place.  A 1% increase in LIBOR would result in an increase of $1.9 million in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, considering the increase would be only on the unhedged portion of the debt for which the rate differential on the relevant swap is not in effect.

Currency and exchange rates risk

The international shipping industry’s functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. Virtually all of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. Dollars. We incur certain operating expenses in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and the foreign exchange risk associated with these operating expenses is immaterial.
 
The Company has entered into a number of short-term forward currency contracts to protect the Company from the risk associated with the fluctuation in the exchange rate associated with the cost basis of the Jinhui shares as described above under the heading “Short-term investments” in Note 5 of our financial statements.  For further information on these forward currency contracts, please see pages 39-40 under the heading “Interest Rate Swap Agreements, Forward Freight Agreements and Currency Swap Agreements.”

The Company utilized hedge accounting on the cost basis of the Jinhui stock through October 10, 2008 when the use of the forward currency contract was discontinued due to the underlying value of Jinhui.

Short-term investments

The Company holds investments in Jinhui of $60,461 which are classified as available for sale under SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”).  The investments that are classified as available for sale are subject to risk of changes in market value, which if determined to be impaired (other than temporarily impaired), could result in realized impairment losses.  The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of such investments to determine if any valuation adjustments are appropriate under SFAS No. 115.  We reviewed the investment in Jinhui for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment. This determination required significant judgment. In making this judgment, we evaluate, among other factors, the duration and extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its cost; the general market conditions, including factors such as industry and sector performance, and our intent and ability to hold the investment.  At September 30, 2008, the Company’s investment in Jinhui was not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.   We will continue to evaluate the investment to determine the likelihood of a significant adverse effect on the fair value and amount of the impairment as necessary.   In the event we determine that the Jinhui investment is subject to other-than-temporary impairment, the amount of the impairment would be reclassified from the statement of equity and recorded as a loss in the income statement for the amount of the impairment.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II:
OTHER INFORMATION
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
From time to time the Company may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of its business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. Such claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. The Company is not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that it believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company, its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  Below is an update to the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K:

The current global economic turndown may negatively impact our business.
 
Recent months have seen a significant shift in the global economy, with operating businesses facing tightening credit, weakening demand for goods and services, deteriorating international liquidity conditions, and declining markets.  Lower demand for drybulk cargoes as well as diminished trade credit available for the delivery of such cargoes have led to decreased demand for drybulk vessels, creating downward pressure on charter rates.  If the current global economic environment persists or worsens, we may be negatively affected in the following ways:

●  
We may not be able to employ our vessels at charter rates as favorable to us as historical rates or operate our vessels profitably;

●  
The market value of our vessels could decrease significantly, which may cause us to recognize losses if any of our vessels are sold or if their values are impaired.  In addition, such a decline in the market value of our vessels could prevent us from borrowing under our two credit facilities to finance new vessel purchases or trigger a default under these facilities' covenants;

●  
Charterers could seek to renegotiate the terms of their charterers with us or have difficulty meeting their payment obligations to us; and
  
●  
The value of our investment in Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Limited could decline further, and we may recognize a loss if we were to sell our shares or if the value of our investment is impaired.
 
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.  For further details, please refer to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 under the headings "Risk Factors Related to our Business & Operations -- Industry Specific Risk Factors" and "-- Company Specific Risk Factors."

 
The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or listed above are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and/or cash flows.
 


44

 

 
ITEM 2.                      PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we repurchased 278,300 shares of our common stock for $11.5 million (average per share purchase price of $41.32) pursuant to our share repurchase program.
 
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Dollar Amount
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs (1)
Maximum Dollar amount
that May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs (1)
 
Sept. 1, 2008 – Sept. 30, 2008
 
278,300
 
$41.32
 
$11,500,038
 
$38,499,962
          Total
278,300
$41.32
$11,500,038
$38,499,962

(1) On February 13, 2008, our board of directors approved our share repurchase program for up to a total of $50,000,000 of our common stock.   The board will review the program after 12 months.  Share repurchases will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors.  Purchases may be made pursuant to a program adopted under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act. The program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number or amount of shares and may be suspended or reinstated at any time in the Company's discretion and without notice. Repurchases will be subject to restrictions under the 2007 Credit Facility and 2008 Term Facility.

OTHER INFORMATION
 
In compliance with Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have provided certifications of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The certifications provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 accompanying this report have not been filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
 

45 
 

 

Item 6.  EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Document
   
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2008, among Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, various Lenders, Nordea Bank Finland Plc, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent,  Collateral Agent, and Bookrunner, Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG, as Bookrunner, DnB NOR Bank ASA, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Brussels Branch, and Deutsche Schiffsbank Akteingesellschaft (1)
   
10.2
Form of Director Restricted Stock Grant Agreement dated as of July 24, 2008 (2)
   
31.1
Certification of President pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
32.1
Certification of President pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
(*)         Filed with this Report.
 
(1)     Incorporated by reference to Genco Shipping & Trading Limited's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2008.

(2)         Incorporated by reference to Genco Shipping & Trading Limited's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2008.

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46
 
 


 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
 

 
   
GENCO SHIPPING & TRADING LIMITED
 
 
 
 
DATE: November 10, 2008
 
By: /s/  Robert Gerald Buchanan
Robert Gerald Buchanan
President
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
DATE: November 10, 2008
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ John C. Wobensmith
John C. Wobensmith
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Document
   
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2008, among Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, various Lenders, Nordea Bank Finland Plc, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent,  Collateral Agent, and Bookrunner, Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG, as Bookrunner, DnB NOR Bank ASA, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Brussels Branch, and Deutsche Schiffsbank Akteingesellschaft (1)
   
10.2
Form of Director Restricted Stock Grant Agreement dated as of July 24, 2008 (2)
   
31.1
Certification of President pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
32.1
Certification of President pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
   
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
(*)   Filed with this Report.
 
(1)   Incorporated by reference to Genco Shipping & Trading Limited's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 8, 2008.

(2)   Incorporated by reference to Genco Shipping & Trading Limited's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2008.

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