Form 10-Q

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 June 30, 2006

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: 1-6311

 


Tidewater Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   72-0487776

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification no.)

601 Poydras St., Suite 1900

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(504) 568-1010

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 


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 Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or of 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, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer  x                                 Accelerated filer  ¨                                 Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

56,323,299 shares of Tidewater Inc. common stock $.10 par value per share were outstanding on July 7, 2006. Excluded from the calculation of shares outstanding at July 7, 2006 are 2,025,125 shares held by the Registrant’s Grantor Stock Ownership Trust. Registrant has no other class of common stock outstanding.

 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands, except share and par value data)

   June 30,
2006
  

March 31,

2006

ASSETS

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 224,298    246,109

Trade and other receivables, net

     258,654    237,428

Marine operating supplies

     42,295    41,181

Other current assets

     9,959    4,325
           

Total current assets

     535,206    529,043
           

Investments in, at equity, and advances to unconsolidated companies

     24,025    34,308

Properties and equipment:

     

Vessels and related equipment

     2,480,799    2,457,947

Other properties and equipment

     50,177    50,205
           
     2,530,976    2,508,152

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     1,149,400    1,134,425
           

Net properties and equipment

     1,381,576    1,373,727
           

Goodwill

     328,754    328,754

Other assets

     79,668    98,708
           

Total assets

   $ 2,349,229    2,364,540
           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     94,470    97,265

Accrued property and liability losses

     7,111    7,223

Other current liabilities

     18,214    11,266
           

Total current liabilities

     119,795    115,754
           

Long-term debt

     300,000    300,000

Deferred income taxes

     177,177    175,267

Accrued property and liability losses

     20,376    21,732

Other liabilities and deferred credits

     94,083    92,666

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock of $.10 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized, issued 58,348,424 shares at June and 60,310,164 shares at March

     5,835    6,031

Other stockholders’ equity

     1,631,963    1,653,090
           

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,637,798    1,659,121
           

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,349,229    2,364,540
           

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

   2006     2005  

Revenues:

    

Vessel revenues

   $ 258,685     185,392  

Other marine revenues

     11,135     6,775  
              
     269,820     192,167  
              

Costs and expenses:

    

Vessel operating costs

     119,762     106,210  

Costs of other marine revenues

     9,914     4,590  

Depreciation and amortization

     27,797     26,337  

General and administrative

     23,692     19,259  

Gain on sales of assets

     (2,713 )   (1,634 )
              
     178,452     154,762  
              
     91,368     37,405  

Other income (expenses):

    

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     (769 )   608  

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

     2,449     2,167  

Minority interests

     20     (23 )

Interest and miscellaneous income

     4,777     1,205  

Interest and other debt costs

     (2,580 )   (2,362 )
              
     3,897     1,595  
              

Earnings before income taxes

     95,265     39,000  

Income taxes

     23,816     10,140  
              

Net earnings

   $ 71,449     28,860  
              

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.25     .50  
              

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.23     .50  
              

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     57,296,433     57,230,937  

Incremental common shares from stock options

     711,830     351,098  
              

Adjusted weighted average common shares

     58,008,263     57,582,035  
              

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ .15     .15  
              

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
 

(In thousands)

   2006     2005  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 98,337     34,308  
              

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sales of assets

     7,021     3,210  

Additions to properties and equipment

     (40,108 )   (43,874 )

Repayments of advances to unconsolidated companies

     9,496     —    

Other

     259     —    
              

Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (23,332 )   (40,664 )
              

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Debt borrowings

     5,000     30,000  

Principal payments on debt

     (5,000 )   (15,000 )

Proceeds from issuance of stock options

     3,263     116  

Cash dividends

     (8,728 )   (8,629 )

Stock repurchases

     (91,351 )   —    

Other

     —       (364 )
              

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (96,816 )   6,123  
              

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (21,811 )   (233 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     246,109     15,376  
              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 224,298     15,143  
              

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 125     889  

Income taxes

   $ 7,404     5,662  
              

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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TIDEWATER INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Interim Financial Statements

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods presented herein have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated as required by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the respective full years. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2006.

(2) Stockholders’ Equity

At June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006, 2,026,397 and 2,167,021 shares, respectively, of common stock were held in a grantor stock ownership plan trust for the benefit of stock-based employee benefits programs. These shares are not included in common shares outstanding for earnings per share calculations and transactions between the company and the trust, including dividends paid on the company’s common stock, are eliminated in consolidating the accounts of the trust and the company.

(3) Common Stock Repurchase Program

In July 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to spend up to $120.0 million to repurchase shares of its common stock. Repurchases are made through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company used its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility to fund the share repurchases. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2006. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2006, the company spent $91.4 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 1,941,100 common shares, or an average price paid per common share of $47.06. From inception of the repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2006, the company spent $112.1 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 2,396,100 common shares, or an average price paid per common share of $46.79.

On July 20, 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized a new program for the company to spend up to $157.9 million to repurchase shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company intends to use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to fund the share repurchases. The repurchase program will end when all the authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2007, unless extended by the Board of Directors.

(4) Stock-Based Compensation

On April 1, 2006, the company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R). This standard requires expensing of stock options and other share-based payments and supersedes SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and its related implementation guidance that had allowed companies to choose between expensing stock options or showing pro-forma disclosure only. SFAS 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method under APB Opinion No. 25 and instead requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. In addition, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 107 in April 2005, which provides supplemental implementation guidance for SFAS 123R.

 

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Prior to adoption of SFAS 123R, the company measured compensation expense for its stock-based compensation plan using the intrinsic value recognition and measurement principles as prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. The company also used the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” which amended the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 123. The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2005 had the company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123.

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
 

(In thousands, except share data)

   2005  

Net earnings as reported

   $ 28,860  

Add stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net earnings, net of tax

     586  

Less total stock-based employee compensation expense, under fair value method for all awards, net of tax

     (1,199 )
        

Pro forma net earnings

   $ 28,247  
        

Basic earnings per common share:

  

As reported

   $ .50  

Pro forma

   $ .49  

Diluted earnings per common share:

  

As reported

   $ .50  

Pro forma

   $ .49  
        

General

The company’s employee stock option and restricted stock plans are long-term retention plans that are intended to attract, retain and provide incentives for talented employees, including officers and non-employee directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. The company believes its employee stock option plans are critical to its operation and productivity. The employee stock option plans allow the company to grant, on a discretionary basis, both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, as well as restricted stock.

Stock Option Plans

The company grants stock options to its employees, including officers, under the 1997 and 2001 Stock Incentive Plans. Under the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, the company can grant options to non-employee directors on a non-discretionary basis up to 5,000 shares per director per year. Generally, options have been granted that vest annually over a three-year vesting period from the date of grant. Options expire at the earlier of either three months after termination of the grantee’s employment or ten years after the date of grant.

The company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards under SFAS 123R, consistent with that used for pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123. The company elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS 123R and, accordingly, prior periods have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS 123R. Effective in fiscal 2007, the modified prospective transition method requires that stock-based compensation expense be recorded for all new and unvested stock options and restricted stock grants that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered.

The company recorded $1.0 million of stock-option compensation expense during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 as a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R, which had the effect of reducing earnings per share by $0.01. No stock-option compensation costs were capitalized as part of the cost of an asset as of June 30, 2006. Stock-based compensation expense for awards granted prior to April 1, 2006 is based on the grant date fair-value as determined under the pro forma provisions of SFAS No. 123.

 

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As of June 30, 2006, total unrecognized stock-option compensation costs amounted to $5.0 million. Unvested stock-option compensation costs will be recognized as the underlying stock options vest over a period of up to 3 years. The amount of unrecognized stock-option compensation will be affected by any future stock option grants and by the termination of any employee that has received stock options that are unvested as of their termination date.

The company did not grant stock options during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The following table sets forth a summary of option activity under our stock option program for the three months ended June 30, 2006:

 

     Weighted-average
Exercise Price
   Number Of
Options
Outstanding
 

Balance at March 31, 2006

   $ 38.57    3,662,875  

Granted

     —      —    

Exercised

     31.15    (134,583 )

Expired or cancelled/forfeited

     33.77    (7,000 )
             

Balance at June 30, 2006

   $ 38.87    3,521,292  
             

The intrinsic value of options exercised during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was $3.1 million. No stock options vested during the current period. The company does not have share-based liabilities.

Information regarding the 3,521,292 options outstanding at June 30, 2006 can be grouped into three general exercise-price ranges as follows:

 

     Exercise Price Range

At June 30, 2006

   $ 22.75 -$29.44    $ 32.25 -$40.28    $ 42.19-$59.00
                    

Options outstanding

     1,102,312      946,730      1,472,250

Weighted average exercise price

   $ 27.02    $ 36.46    $ 49.28

Weighted average remaining contractual life

     5.9 years      5.4 years      4.6 years

Options exercisable

     1,005,461      946,730      1,192,739

Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable

   $ 26.92    $ 36.46    $ 47.76

Weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable shares

     5.8 years      5.4 years      3.4 years
                    

The aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding and the options exercisable at June 30, 2006 was $41.0 million and $38.9 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock

The company grants restricted shares to key employees, including officers, under the company’s Employee Restricted Stock Plan and the 1997 and 2001 Stock Incentive Plans. These plans provide for the granting of restricted stock and/or performance awards to officers and key employees. The company awards both time-based shares and performance-based shares of restricted stock. Time-based restricted stock vests over a four year period and requires no goals to be accomplished other than the passage of time and continued employment. Performance-based restricted stock vests at the end of a four year period and can be accelerated if the company meets specific annual targets. During the restricted period, the restricted shares may not be transferred or encumbered, but the recipient has the right to vote and receive dividends on the restricted shares.

 

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The company did not grant restricted stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The following table sets forth a summary of restricted stock activity of the company for the three months ended June 30, 2006:

 

    

Weighted-average

Grant-Date

Fair Value

  

Time

Based

Shares

   

Performance

Based

Shares

 
       
       

Non-vested balance at March 31, 2006

   $ 45.58    137,571     320,550  

Granted

     —      —       —    

Vested

     37.55    —       (39,863 )

Cancelled/forfeited

     40.84    (6,480 )   (4,125 )
                   

Non-vested balance at June 30, 2006

   $ 46.49    131,091     276,562  
                   

The compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock totaled $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. No restricted stock compensation costs were capitalized as part of the cost of an asset as of June 30, 2006. The deferred amount is being amortized by equal monthly charges to earnings over the respective four-year vesting periods. As of June 30, 2006, total unrecognized restricted stock compensation costs amounted to $16.7 million. The amount of unrecognized restricted stock compensation will be affected by any future restricted stock grants and by the separation of an employee from the company who has received restricted stock grants that are unvested as of their separation date.

The Employee Restricted Stock Plan is the only equity compensation plan that has not been approved by shareholders. The 1997 and 2001 Stock Incentive Plans are approved by shareholders.

(5) Income Taxes

Income tax expense for interim periods is based on estimates of the effective tax rate for the entire fiscal year. The effective tax rate applicable to pre-tax earnings for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 was 25% and 26%, respectively.

(6) Employee Benefit Plans

A defined benefit pension plan covers certain U.S. citizen employees and employees who are permanent residents of the United States. Benefits are based on years of service and employee compensation. In addition, the company also offers a supplemental retirement plan (supplemental plan) that provides pension benefits to certain employees in excess of those allowed under the company’s tax-qualified pension plan. The company contributed $0.3 million to the defined benefit pension plan during the quarter ended June 30, 2006 and expects to contribute an additional $0.9 million to the plan during the remainder of the current fiscal year.

Qualified retired employees currently are covered by a program which provides limited health care and life insurance benefits. Costs of the program are based on actuarially determined amounts and are accrued over the period from the date of hire to the full eligibility date of employees who are expected to qualify for these benefits.

 

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The net periodic benefit cost for the company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan and the supplemental plan (referred to collectively as “Pension Benefits”) and the postretirement health care and life insurance plan (referred to collectively as “Other Benefits”) is comprised of the following components:

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
 

(In thousands)

   2006     2005  

Pension Benefits:

    

Service cost

   $ 232     190  

Interest cost

     918     882  

Expected return on plan assets

     (628 )   (613 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     15     22  

Recognized actuarial loss

     331     237  
              

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 868     718  
              

Other Benefits:

    

Service cost

   $ 323     503  

Interest cost

     413     591  

Amortization of prior service cost

     (550 )   (4 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     387     127  
              

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 573     1,217  
              

(7) Contingencies

At the conclusion of its examination of the company’s income tax returns covering fiscal years 2001 and 2002, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proposed changes to taxable income which, if sustained, would result in additional income tax of $12.8 million. The proposed increase in taxable income results primarily from the IRS disallowance of all claimed deductions from taxable income related to the company’s foreign sales corporation (FSC) as well as all deductions claimed under the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion (ETI). The company has filed a formal protest with the IRS seeking a reconsideration of their position taken. The company has also received a final assessment of additional income tax of $1.75 million resulting from the IRS’s earlier examination of the company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 1999 and 2000. Such assessment is also due to the IRS disallowance of essentially all deductions related to FSC activity during that period. The company has paid the 1999 and 2000 assessment and has begun the process of seeking a refund of the taxes paid through the initiation of legal proceedings. The IRS has begun an examination of the company’s 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns. The company also has additional ongoing examinations by various state and foreign tax authorities. The company does not believe that the results of these examinations will have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position or results of operations.

Certain current and former subsidiaries of the company are, or have been, participating employers in an industry-wide multi-employer retirement fund in the United Kingdom, the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF.) The company has been informed of an estimated 234 million sterling, or approximately $433 million, total fund deficit as estimated by the MNOPF actuary, that will require contributions from the participating employers. Substantially all of the fund’s deficit allocable to the company relates to current operating subsidiaries as the company does not believe, on the advice of counsel, that it is liable for any additional portion of the fund’s deficit that relates to subsidiaries that have either been sold or dissolved in prior years. The amount of the company’s share of the fund’s deficit will depend ultimately on a number of factors including an updated calculation of the total fund deficit, the number of participating employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among participating employers.

In August 2005, the company received an invoice from the fund in the amount of $3.8 million for what the trustees calculated to be the company’s current share of the fund deficit. Accordingly, the company recorded this amount in full as crew cost expense during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. As allowed by the terms of the assessment, approximately $0.7 million of the invoiced amount was paid during fiscal 2006 with the remainder, including interest charges, to be paid in annual installments over nine years. The annual

 

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installment payments are paid in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and, as such, no amounts were paid during the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

It is possible that in the future the fund’s trustee may claim that the company owes additional amounts for various reasons, including the results of future fund valuation reports and whether other assessed parties have the financial capability to contribute their respective allocations.

The company has previously disclosed that it is the subject of an informal inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to the $26.5 million impairment charge that it recorded in its fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 that was related to 83 stacked vessels that had been used in the Gulf of Mexico. The company is in discussions with the SEC in an effort to resolve the matters raised by the inquiry. At this time, the company is unable to predict the timing or ultimate outcome of these discussions.

Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

(8) New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2005 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” which replaces APB No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and SFAS No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements.” SFAS No. 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle, and changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable. APB No. 20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principle be recognized with a cumulative effect adjustment in net income of the period of the change. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes made in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2005.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes–an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertain tax positions, as defined. FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The company is assessing FIN 48 and has not determined yet the impact that the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its result of operations or financial position.

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB that are adopted by the company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

 

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(9) Segment and Geographic Distribution of Operations

The company follows SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” and operates in two business segments: United States and International. The following table provides a comparison of revenues, operating profit, depreciation and amortization, and additions to properties and equipment for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. Vessel revenues and operating costs relate to vessels owned and operated by the company while other marine services relate to the activities of the company’s shipyards, brokered vessels and other miscellaneous marine-related businesses.

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
 

(In thousands)

   2006     2005  

Revenues:

    

Vessel revenues:

    

United States

   $ 61,808     35,282  

International

     196,877     150,110  
              
     258,685     185,392  

Other marine revenues

     11,135     6,775  
              
     $269,820     192,167  
              

Marine operating profit:

    

Vessel activity:

    

United States

   $ 25,924     6,853  

International

     68,116     32,779  
              
     94,040     39,632  

Gain on sales of assets

     2,713     1,634  

Other marine services

     1,100     2,064  
              

Operating profit

   $ 97,853     43,330  
              

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

     2,449     2,167  

Interest and other debt costs

     (2,580 )   (2,362 )

Corporate general and administrative

     (6,295 )   (4,534 )

Other income

     3,838     399  
              

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 95,265     39,000  
              

Depreciation and amortization:

    

Marine equipment operations

    

United States

   $ 6,089     5,045  

International

     21,550     21,133  

General corporate depreciation

     158     159  
              
   $ 27,797     26,337  
              

Additions to properties and equipment:

    

Marine equipment operations

    

United States

   $ 15,368     10,859  

International

     19,695     32,965  

General corporate

     5,045     50  
              
   $ 40,108     43,874  
              

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Tidewater Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2006, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated May 25, 2006 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
July 25, 2006

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Forward Looking Information and Cautionary Statement

In accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the company notes that this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the information incorporated herein by reference contain certain forward-looking statements which reflect the company’s current view with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and the company’s future results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Some of these risks are discussed in this report, and include, without limitation, fluctuations in oil and gas prices; level of fleet additions by competitors and industry overcapacity; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for exploration, development and production; changing customer demands for different vessel specifications which may make some of our vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; acts of terrorism; significant weather conditions; unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest and governmental actions, especially in higher risk countries of operations; foreign currency fluctuations; and environmental and labor laws.

Forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified by the use of such terminology as “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “believe,” “think,” “can,” “could,” “will,” “continue,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions contained in this report, are predictions and not guarantees of future performance or events. Any forward-looking statements are based on current industry, financial and economic information, which the company has assessed but which by its nature is dynamic and subject to rapid and possibly abrupt changes. The company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with our business. The forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk factors listed above and discussed in Items 1, 1A, 2 and 7 included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 30, 2006 and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Management disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect new information, future events or developments.

Overview

The company provides services to the global offshore energy industry through the operation of a diversified fleet of marine service vessels. Revenues, net earnings and cash flows from operations are dependent upon the activity level of the vessel fleet. Vessel fleet activity levels are dependent upon oil and natural gas prices, which, in turn, are determined by the supply/demand relationship for crude oil and natural gas. The following information contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report and related disclosures and the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2006.

General Market Conditions and Results of Operations

Offshore service vessels provide a diverse range of services and equipment to the energy industry. The company’s revenues and operating profit are primarily driven by fleet size, vessel utilization and day rates because operating costs and depreciation do not change proportionally when revenue changes. Operating costs primarily consist of crew costs, repair and maintenance, insurance, fuel, lube oil and supplies. Fleet size and utilization are the major factors which affect crew costs. The timing and amount of repair and maintenance costs are influenced by customer demands, vessel age and scheduled drydockings to satisfy safety and inspection requirements mandated by regulatory agencies. Drydocking costs are only incurred if economically justified, taking into consideration the vessel’s age, physical condition and future marketability. The following table compares revenues and operating expenses (excluding general and administrative expense, depreciation expense and gain on sales of assets) for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Vessel revenues and operating costs relate to vessels owned

 

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and operated by the company while other marine revenues relate to third-party activities of the company’s shipyards, brokered vessels and other miscellaneous marine-related activities.

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Quarter Ended
March 31,

(In thousands)

   2006    2005    2006

Revenues:

        

Vessel revenues:

        

United States

   $ 61,808    35,282    53,664

International

     196,877    150,110    181,610
                
     258,685    185,392    235,274

Other marine revenues

     11,135    6,775    11,266
                
   $ 269,820    192,167    246,540
                

Operating costs:

        

Vessel operating costs:

        

Crew costs

   $ 63,409    58,957    62,252

Repair and maintenance

     24,989    19,796    22,659

Insurance and loss reserves

     4,548    5,524    4,624

Fuel, lube and supplies

     11,365    9,433    10,770

Vessel operating leases

     254    —      23

Other

     15,197    12,500    15,524
                
     119,762    106,210    115,852

Costs of other marine revenues

     9,914    4,590    9,086
                
   $ 129,676    110,800    124,938
                

The following table subdivides vessel operating costs presented above by the company’s United States and International segments for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Quarter Ended
March 31,

(In thousands)

   2006    2005    2006

Operating costs:

        

United States vessel operating costs:

        

Crew costs

   $ 15,795    12,795    15,912

Repair and maintenance

     5,049    3,852    4,252

Insurance and loss reserves

     2,729    2,404    1,387

Fuel, lube and supplies

     1,731    1,346    1,133

Vessel operating leases

     254    —      23

Other

     1,765    962    1,320
                
     27,323    21,359    24,027

International vessel operating costs:

        

Crew costs

   $ 47,614    46,162    46,340

Repair and maintenance

     19,940    15,944    18,407

Insurance and loss reserves

     1,819    3,120    3,237

Fuel, lube and supplies

     9,634    8,087    9,637

Vessel operating leases

     —      —      —  

Other

     13,432    11,538    14,204
                
     92,439    84,851    91,825
                

Total operating costs

   $ 119,762    106,210    115,852
                

Marine support services are conducted worldwide with highly mobile assets. Revenues are principally derived from offshore service vessels, which regularly and routinely move from one operating area to another, often to and from offshore operating areas of different continents. Because of this asset mobility,

 

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revenues and long-lived assets attributable to the company’s international marine operations in any one country are not “material” as that term is defined by SFAS No. 131.

As a result of the uncertainty of a certain customer to make payment of vessel charter hire, the company has deferred the recognition of approximately $4.7 million of billings as of June 30, 2006 ($6.1 million of billings as of March 31, 2006), which would otherwise have been recognized as revenue. The company will recognize the amounts as revenue as cash is collected or at such time as the uncertainty has been significantly reduced.

Strong industry fundamentals coupled with disciplined spending resulted in an improved first quarter for Tidewater. The company’s net earnings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 grew approximately 148% over net earnings achieved during the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The company’s domestic revenues increased approximately 75%, or $26.5 million, during the current quarter as compared to the same period in fiscal 2006 while the company’s international revenues increased $46.8 million, or approximately 31% during the same comparative period.

Higher average day rates and utilization are at the root of the company’s domestic results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Average day rates for the total domestic-based fleet increased approximately 69% during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2006 while utilization for the entire domestic-based fleet increased approximately 11% during the same comparative periods. The strong first quarter of fiscal 2007 is a result of several significant improvements in the market for offshore support vessels which began last calendar year. In the first half of calendar year 2005, the market for offshore support vessels tightened as drilling operators discovered that offshore vessels that were in service were in short supply due to high demand associated with the continuation of repair work to the offshore energy infrastructure that was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in calendar year 2004. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which caused extensive damage to the energy industry infrastructure in the oil producing areas of the U.S. Gulf Coast in late August and September 2005, respectively, further tightened the offshore vessel market as exploration and production (E&P) companies scrambled to find available vessels for the necessary repair work resulting from the damage caused by the two storms. Demand for the company’s vessels was strong before the two storms and business has been brisk since the storms propelling charter rates past levels achieved in the 1997 and 2001 industry upturns. The Gulf of Mexico supply boat market still has a significant number of vessels stacked and withdrawn from service that could resume active status, but only after significant expenditures to drydock and re-certify the vessels. The company sold, to third party operators or to scrap dealers, 18 of its stacked vessels and vessels withdrawn from service during the current quarter. Upon completion of the needed repair work in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and assuming no significant damage from any hurricanes during 2006, the number of available drilling rigs in the U.S. market should be the primary driver of the company’s future profitability in the domestic market and, at present time, the offshore rig count in the Gulf of Mexico remains relatively depressed as compared to past up cycles. The strength of the international drilling market has attracted offshore rigs from the U.S. market over the past few years and this trend is expected to continue in the upcoming quarters. Over the longer term, the company’s domestic-based fleet should be influenced more by the active offshore rig count than by any other single outside influence. Certain sell-side analysts’ reports indicate that over the next 4 years the offshore drilling rig count will increase as newbuild orders for jackup rigs currently stand at approximately 91 rigs.

For two years in a row, certain sell-side analysts have reported in their mid-year E&P capital spending reports that worldwide E&P expenditures are exceeding original estimates. These analysts are currently reporting that calendar year 2006 worldwide E&P capital expenditures are forecast to grow approximately 21% over calendar year 2005 spending as compared to spending estimate increases reported in December 2005 of approximately 15%. Domestic E&P expenditures for calendar year 2006 are now forecast to be at approximately 28% over calendar year 2005 spending as compared to a 15% increase for 2006 that was originally forecast in December 2005. On the international front, it is now estimated that international E&P spending will rise approximately 20% over calendar year 2005 budgets with significant increases by the European and U.S. major oil companies, U.S. independent oil companies and the national E&P companies. These analysts also report that many of the corporations surveyed for the report indicated higher E&P spending in calendar year 2007.

 

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Commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas are critical factors in E&P companies’ development of capital spending budgets. In May 2006, commodity prices for natural gas decreased below the $6.00 per Mcf level for the first time in over a year on the news that inventory levels for the resource exceeded five-year inventory averages due to warmer than normal winter weather this past winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, and despite shut-ins in natural gas production caused by the damage sustained from the two hurricanes. By the end of June 2006, natural gas inventories exceeded the five-year average by approximately 32% as reported by the Department of Energy. Domestic results of operations are primarily driven by natural gas exploration and production and, given these inventory levels, it is possible the recent level of drilling activity will somewhat abate. Nevertheless, the company has reaped the benefits of the current strength in the offshore drilling market.

Higher average day rates and utilization are also at the root of the strength of the company’s international-based results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2007. Average day rates for the total international-based fleet increased approximately 18% during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2006 while utilization for the entire international-based fleet increased approximately 11% during the same comparative periods. The company’s international results of operations have been primarily dependent on the supply and demand relationship for crude oil and, at present, crude oil prices are at historically high levels. Sell-side analysts forecast that demand for crude oil will likely remain strong throughout calendar year 2006 and expect future crude oil commodity prices to remain at attractive levels due to high consumer demand, tight crude oil inventory supplies coupled with chronically low excess Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production capacity and continued concerns over possible supply interruptions caused by geopolitical risk in certain countries that are members of OPEC. Management anticipates international vessel demand will remain strong along with these market conditions.

Marine operating profit and other components of earnings before income taxes for the quarters ended June 30 and March 31 consists of the following:

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
    Quarter Ended
March 31,
 

(In thousands)

   2006     2005     2006  

Vessel activity:

      

United States

   $ 25,924     6,853     21,253  

International

     68,116     32,779     53,209  
                    
     94,040     39,632     74,462  

Gain on sales of assets

     2,713     1,634     10,875  

Other marine services

     1,100     2,064     2,060  
                    

Operating profit

   $ 97,853     43,330     87,397  
                    

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

     2,449     2,167     2,925  

Interest and other debt costs

     (2,580 )   (2,362 )   (2,444 )

Corporate general and administrative

     (6,295 )   (4,534 )   (6,722 )

Other income

     3,838     399     3,728  
                    

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 95,265     39,000     84,884  
                    

United States-based Operations

U.S.-based vessel revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 increased approximately 75% and 15%, or $26.5 million and $8.1 million, as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, due to an increase in average day rates on all vessel classes operating in the domestic market and due to an increase in utilization on the company’s towing supply/supply, crew/utility and offshore tug class of vessels.

The active towing supply/supply vessels, the company’s major income producing vessel class in the domestic market, were responsible for generating approximately 56% and 63% of the revenue growth during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, while the company’s deepwater class of vessels contributed approximately 22% and 11% of revenue growth during the same comparative periods, respectively. Utilization rates on the towing supply/supply vessels during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 increased approximately 3% and 4% as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, while average day rates on this same class of vessel increased

 

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approximately 62% and 10% during the same comparative periods, respectively. Average day rates for the company’s deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 42% and 7% during first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively. Utilization rates on the deepwater class slipped approximately 6% and 6% during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively.

The company’s crew/utility class and offshore tugs class of vessels also had impressive results. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, the crew/utility class of vessels experienced an increase in average day rates of approximately 68% and 18%, respectively, while its utilization rates increased approximately 20% and 11%, respectively. The company’s offshore tugs experienced an increase in average day rates during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 of approximately 73% and 64% as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, while its utilization rates increased approximately 52% and 29% during the same periods, respectively.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, operating profit for the U.S.-based vessels increased $19.1 million and $4.7 million, or approximately 278% and 22%, as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, due to higher revenues from increased demand, translating into higher utilization and average day rates. Higher revenues were somewhat offset by increases in domestic vessel operating costs.

International-based Operations

International-based vessel revenues during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 increased approximately 31% and 8%, or $46.8 million and $15.3 million, as compared to the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, due to higher average day rates and utilization on the total international fleet. For the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to same period in fiscal 2006, the company’s international deepwater, towing supply/supply, crew/utility and offshore tug classes of vessels generated approximately 16%, 62%, 12% and 9%, respectively, of the revenue growth during the comparative periods. The company’s international deepwater, towing supply/supply, crew/utility and offshore tug classes of vessels generated approximately 13%, 48%, 24% and 14%, respectively, of the revenue growth during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, respectively.

International-based vessel operating profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 increased $35.3 million and $14.9 million, or approximately 108% and 28%, as compared to the first quarter and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively, due to higher revenues. Higher international-based revenues earned during the current quarter were partially offset by increases in vessel operating costs primarily repair and maintenance, fuel, lube and supplies and other vessel costs.

Other Items

Gain on sales of assets for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 were approximately 66% higher than the same period in fiscal 2006 due to receiving higher sales prices on the mix of vessels sold. Gain on sales of assets were significantly lower during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 because of a higher number of vessel sales during the previous quarter.

Vessel Class Statistics

Vessel utilization is determined primarily by market conditions and to a lesser extent by drydocking requirements. Vessel day rates are determined by the demand created through the level of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy companies relative to the supply of offshore service vessels. Suitability of equipment and the degree of service provided also influence vessel day rates. Vessel utilization rates are calculated by dividing the number of days a vessel works during a reporting period by the number of days the vessel is available to work in the reporting period. Average day rates are calculated by dividing the revenue a vessel earns during a reporting period by the number of days the vessel worked in the reporting period. Vessel utilization and average day rates are calculated on active vessels only and as such, do not include vessels withdrawn from active service or joint venture vessels. The following tables compare day-based utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel class and in total for the quarter periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2006:

 

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     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Quarter Ended
March 31,
     2006     2005    2006

UTILIZATION:

       

United States-based fleet:

       

Deepwater vessels

     93.8 %   100.0    99.7

Towing-supply/supply

     64.2     62.4    62.0

Crew/utility

     96.4     80.6    86.6

Offshore tugs

     39.8     26.2    30.8

Total

     68.0 %   61.5    64.5

International-based fleet:

       

Deepwater vessels

     89.3 %   85.5    89.9

Towing-supply/supply

     77.4     71.5    76.8

Crew/utility

     83.8     75.2    76.2

Offshore tugs

     72.1     57.5    63.3

Other

     45.8     34.6    28.8

Total

     78.4 %   70.9    75.2

Worldwide fleet:

       

Deepwater vessels

     90.2 %   87.4    91.7

Towing-supply/supply

     74.8     69.7    74.0

Crew/utility

     85.8     76.5    78.5

Offshore tugs

     63.9     48.4    53.7

Other

     45.8     34.6    28.8

Total

     76.4 %   69.0    72.9
                 

AVERAGE VESSEL DAY RATES:

       

United States-based fleet:

       

Deepwater vessels

   $ 21,380     15,041    20,006

Towing-supply/supply

     11,645     7,169    10,545

Crew/utility

     6,457     3,843    5,455

Offshore tugs

     15,920     9,191    9,707

Total

   $ 11,987     7,104    10,049

International-based fleet:

       

Deepwater vessels

   $ 18,216     13,850    17,823

Towing-supply/supply

     8,076     6,728    7,682

Crew/utility

     3,748     3,292    3,541

Offshore tugs

     5,964     4,960    5,735

Other

     3,615     2,939    4,597

Total

   $ 7,833     6,648    7,635

Worldwide fleet:

       

Deepwater vessels

   $ 18,856     14,029    18,272

Towing-supply/supply

     8,671     6,803    8,140

Crew/utility

     4,229     3,426    4,018

Offshore tugs

     7,534     5,632    6,407

Other

     3,615     2,939    4,597

Total

   $ 8,540     6,730    8,078
                 

 

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The following table compares the average number of vessels by class and geographic distribution for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the quarter ended March 31, 2006:

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Quarter Ended
March 31,
     2006    2005    2006

United States-based fleet:

        

Deepwater vessels

   7    5    7

Towing-supply/supply

   50    48    49

Crew/utility

   13    19    20

Offshore tugs

   13    17    16
              

Total

   83    89    92
              

International-based fleet:

        

Deepwater vessels

   29    33    28

Towing-supply/supply

   207    202    208

Crew/utility

   71    65    68

Offshore tugs

   38    41    40

Other

   7    9    8
              

Total

   352    350    352
              

Owned or chartered vessels included in marine revenues

   435    439    444

Vessels withdrawn from service

   62    91    72

Joint-venture and other

   21    31    22
              

Total

   518    561    538
              

Included in total owned or chartered vessels are vessels that were stacked by the company. The company considers a vessel to be stacked if its crew is removed from the vessel and limited maintenance is being performed on the vessel. This action is taken to reduce operating costs when management does not foresee adequate marketing possibilities in the near future. Vessels are added to this list when market conditions warrant and they are removed from this list when sold or otherwise disposed of or when returned to active service. As economically practical marketing opportunities arise, the stacked vessels can be returned to service by performing any necessary maintenance on the vessel and returning fleet personnel to operate the vessel. Although not currently fulfilling charters, stacked vessels are considered to be in service and are included in the calculation of the company’s utilization statistics. The company had 59, 84 and 67 number of stacked vessels at June 30, 2006 and 2005 and at March 31, 2006, respectively.

Vessels withdrawn from service represent those vessels that management has determined are unlikely to return to active service and are currently marketed for sale. Vessels withdrawn from service are not included in the company’s utilization statistics.

The following is a summary of net properties and equipment at June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2006:

 

     June 30, 2006    March 31, 2006
   Number
Of Vessels
   Carrying
Value
   Number
Of Vessels
   Carrying
Value
          (In thousands)         (In thousands)

Vessels in active service

   372    $ 1,231,833    368    $ 1,214,195

Stacked vessels

   59      18,963    67      20,170

Vessels withdrawn from service

   55      7,777    66      10,163

Marine equipment under construction

        106,591         112,261

Other property and equipment

        16,412         16,938
                       

Totals

   486    $ 1,381,576    501    $ 1,373,727
                       

During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the company took delivery of one anchor handling towing supply vessel and two crewboats and sold to third party operators or to scrap dealers seven anchor handling towing supply vessels, eight platform supply vessels, one crewboat, one offshore tug and one other type vessel.

 

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During fiscal 2006, the company took delivery of 10 anchor handling towing supply vessels, one platform supply vessel and seven crewboats and sold to third party operators or to scrap dealers 22 anchor handling towing supply vessels, 11 platform supply vessels, one utility vessel, seven crewboats, six offshore tugs and four other type vessels. Included in the sold anchor handling towing supply vessel count are six KMAR 404 class of vessels that were sold to Deep Sea Supply ASA in July 2005. Also, during the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the company disposed of its interest in a Nigerian joint venture which resulted in the disposition of nine crewboats from the joint venture and other vessel count.

General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated general and administrative expenses for the quarters ended June 30 and March 31 consist of the following components:

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Quarter Ended
March 31,

(In thousands)

   2006    2005    2006

Personnel

   $ 15,213    11,295    15,192

Office and property

     3,361    3,058    3,586

Sales and marketing

     1,369    1,081    1,563

Professional services

     2,322    2,365    2,747

Other

     1,427    1,460    1,855
                
   $ 23,692    19,259    24,943
                

General and administrative expenses have increased in the quarter ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2006 due to an increase in the amortization of restricted stock granted in March 2006, stock option expensing which became effective April 1, 2006 with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and an improved business environment. General and administrative expenses decreased in the quarter ended June 30, 2006 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 due to lower travel and entertainment costs, professional services expenses and other general administrative costs.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Matters

Cash from operations, in combination with the company’s senior unsecured debt and available line of credit, provide the company, in management’s opinion, with adequate resources to satisfy its current financing requirements. At June 30, 2006, the entire amount of the company’s $300 million revolving line of credit was available for future financing needs. Continued payment of dividends, currently at $0.15 per quarter per common share, is subject to declaration by the Board of Directors.

In July 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to spend up to $120.0 million to repurchase shares of its common stock. Repurchases are made through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company used its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility to fund the share repurchases. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2006. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2006, the company spent $91.4 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 1,941,100 common shares, or an average price paid per common share of $47.06. From inception of the repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2006, the company spent $112.1 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 2,396,100 common shares, or an average price paid per common share of $46.79.

On July 20, 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized a new program for the company to spend up to $157.9 million to repurchase shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company intends to use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to fund the share repurchases. The repurchase program will end when all the authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2007, unless extended by the Board of Directors.

 

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Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for any quarter will fluctuate according to the level of business activity for the applicable quarter. For the quarter ended June 30, 2006, net cash from operating activities was $98.3 million compared to $34.3 million as if June 30, 2005. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities include net earnings, adjusted for non-cash expenses of $39.0 million and an increase in working capital of $12.1 million.

Investing Activities

Investing activities for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 used $23.3 million of cash, which is attributed to the $40.1 million additions to properties and equipment offset by approximately $7.0 million of sales of assets and the collection of $9.5 million relating to the payoff of an outstanding financing arrangement the company had with Sonatide Marine Ltd., a 49% owned joint-venture. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $7.8 million in capitalized major repair costs, $2.2 million for vessel enhancements, $24.5 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels, $5.0 million for the construction of an aircraft and $0.6 million of other properties and equipment purchases.

Investing activities for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 used $40.7 million of cash, which is net of $3.2 million of proceeds from the sale of assets. Additions to properties and equipment comprised of approximately $6.6 million in capitalized major repair costs, $36.2 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels and $1.1 million of other properties and equipment purchases.

Financing Activities

Financing activities for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 used $96.8 million of cash, which included $5.0 million of credit facility borrowings and $3.3 million from the issuance of common stock as a result of stock option exercises. Borrowings were offset by repurchase of common stock of $91.4 million, debt repayments of $5.0 million, and $8.7 million of cash used for quarterly payment of common stock dividends of $0.15 per share.

Financing activities for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 provided $6.1 million of cash, which included $30.0 million of credit facility borrowings. Borrowings were offset primarily by repayments of debt of $15.0 million and $8.6 million of cash used for the quarterly payment of common stock dividends of $0.15 per share.

Vessel Construction and Acquisition Expenditures

The company is constructing 16 anchor handling towing supply vessels varying in size from 5,000 brake horsepower (BHP) to 10,000 BHP for a total commitment cost of approximately $251.2 million. Four different international shipyards are constructing the vessels. Scheduled delivery for the 16 vessels will begin in August 2006, with the last vessel scheduled for delivery in September 2008. As of June 30, 2006, $42.6 million has been expended on the vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of three 220-foot and three 250-foot supply vessels for approximately $91.4 million. The company’s shipyard, Quality Shipyard, LLC, is constructing the three 220-foot vessels while a different U.S. shipyard is constructing the 250-foot vessels. Scheduled delivery of the three 220-foot vessels is expected in August 2006, July of 2007 and September 2007 while the three 250-foot vessels are expected to be delivered in March, June and September of 2007. As of June 30, 2006, $31.1 million has been expended on these six vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of three 175-foot, state-of-the-art, fast, crew/supply boats, and two tugboats for an approximate total cost of $33.3 million. A U.S. shipyard is constructing the 175-foot crewboats, while two international shipyards are each constructing one tugboat. Scheduled delivery of the 175-foot crewboats is expected to begin in late July 2006 with final delivery of the last crewboat in October 2007. The tugboats are expected to be delivered in February and April of 2007. As of June 30, 2006, $6.9 million has been expended on these five vessels.

 

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The table below summarizes the various vessel commitments by vessel class and type as of June 30, 2006:

 

    U. S. Built    International Built

Vessel class and type

  Number
of Vessels
   Total Cost
Commitment
   Expended
Through
6/30/06
   Number
of Vessels
   Total Cost
Commitment
   Expended
Through
6/30/06
         (In thousands)         (In thousands)

Deepwater vessels:

                

Platform supply vessels

  3    $ 52,089    $ 19,438    —        —        —  

Replacement Fleet:

                

Anchor handling towing supply

  —        —        —      16    $ 251,234    $ 42,578

Platform supply vessels

  3    $ 39,340    $ 11,660    —        —        —  

Crewboats:

                

Crewboats — 175-foot

  3    $ 22,316    $ 2,814    —        —        —  

Crewboats – Offshore tugs

  —        —        —      2    $ 10,976    $ 4,087
                                    

Totals

  9    $ 113,745    $ 33,912    18    $ 262,210    $ 46,665
                                    

To date, the company has financed its vessel commitment programs from its current cash balances, its operating cash flow and its $300 million senior unsecured notes and its revolving credit facility. Of the total $375.9 million of capital commitments for vessels currently under construction the company has expended $80.6 million as of June 30, 2006.

The company has also contracted for the construction of a new corporate aircraft for a total approximate cost of $27.0 million. As of June 30, 2006, $9.8 million has been spent. The airplane is expected to be available for use in May of 2007.

Interest and Debt Costs

The company is capitalizing a portion of its interest costs incurred on borrowed funds used to construct vessels. Interest and debt costs incurred, net of $0.9 million interest capitalized for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, was approximately $2.6 million. Interest and debt costs, net of $2.1 million capitalized during the first quarter of fiscal 2006, was approximately $2.4 million.

Other Liquidity Matters

While the company does not have any other commitments for new-build vessel contracts other than what is discussed above, the company anticipates that over the next several years, it will continue to build, acquire or lease newer vessels in order to replace its aging vessels. The majority of the company’s supply and towing supply vessels were constructed between 1976 and 1983. As such, most of this vessel class exceeds 22 years of age and will need to be replaced within the next several years. In addition to age, market conditions also help determine when a vessel is no longer economically viable. The company anticipates using future operating cash flows, existing borrowing capacities or new borrowings or lease arrangements to fund over the next few years the continuing replacement of the company’s mature fleet of vessels. These vessels would replace the company’s core international fleet with fewer, larger and more efficient vessels. The company believes that adequate capital resources will be available to continue its fleet replacement.

At the conclusion of its examination of the company’s income tax returns covering fiscal years 2001 and 2002, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proposed changes to taxable income which, if sustained, would result in additional income tax of $12.8 million. The proposed increase in taxable income results primarily from the IRS disallowance of all claimed deductions from taxable income related to the company’s foreign sales corporation (FSC) as well as all deductions claimed under the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion (ETI). The company has filed a formal protest with the IRS seeking a reconsideration of their position taken. The company has also received a final assessment of additional income tax of $1.75 million resulting from the IRS’s earlier examination of the company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 1999 and 2000. Such assessment is also due to the IRS disallowance of essentially all deductions related to FSC activity during that period. The company has paid the 1999 and 2000 assessment and has begun the process of seeking a refund of the taxes paid through the initiation of legal proceedings. The IRS has begun an examination of the company’s 2003 and 2004 federal income tax returns. The company also has additional ongoing

 

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examinations by various state and foreign tax authorities. The company does not believe that the results of these examinations will have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position or results of operations.

Certain current and former subsidiaries of the company are, or have been, participating employers in an industry-wide multi-employer retirement fund in the United Kingdom, the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund (MNOPF.) The company has been informed of an estimated 234 million sterling, or approximately $433 million, total fund deficit as estimated by the MNOPF actuary, that will require contributions from the participating employers. Substantially all of the fund’s deficit allocable to the company relates to current operating subsidiaries as the company does not believe, on the advice of counsel, that it is liable for any additional portion of the fund’s deficit that relates to subsidiaries that have either been sold or dissolved in prior years. The amount of the company’s share of the fund’s deficit will depend ultimately on a number of factors including an updated calculation of the total fund deficit, the number of participating employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among participating employers.

In August 2005, the company received an invoice from the fund in the amount of $3.8 million for what the trustees calculated to be the company’s current share of the fund deficit. Accordingly, the company recorded this amount in full as crew cost expense during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. As allowed by the terms of the assessment, approximately $0.7 million of the invoiced amount was paid during fiscal 2006 with the remainder, including interest charges, to be paid in annual installments over nine years. The annual installment payments are paid in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and, as such, no amounts were paid during the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

It is possible that in the future the fund’s trustee may claim that the company owes additional amounts for various reasons, including the results of future fund valuation reports and whether other assessed parties have the financial capability to contribute their respective allocations.

The company has previously disclosed that it is the subject of an informal inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to the $26.5 million impairment charge that it recorded in its fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 that was related to 83 stacked vessels that had been used in the Gulf of Mexico. The company is in discussions with the SEC in an effort to resolve the matters raised by the inquiry. At this time, the company is unable to predict the timing or ultimate outcome of these discussions.

Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

On March 24, 2006, the company sold one of its newly-built vessels, delivered to the market in March 2006, to Banc of America Leasing & Capital LLC (BOAL&C), an unrelated third party, for $12.0 million and simultaneously entered into a bareboat charter arrangement with BOAL&C. The company is accounting for the transaction as a sale/leaseback transaction with operating lease treatment. Accordingly, the company did not record the asset on its books and the company is expensing periodic lease payments. As of June 30, 2006 the company expensed approximately $0.3 million on this bareboat charter arrangement.

The agreement to acquire and charter with BOAL&C also calls for the company to sell and simultaneously bareboat charter four additional vessels, which are currently under construction, upon the vessels’ delivery to the market. BOAL&C agreed to pay actual invoice cost of the respective vessels being acquired, or $63.5 million. The vessels currently under construction are expected to be delivered to the market beginning August 2006 with final delivery of the last vessel in September 2007. The initial charter hire operating lease term expires in 2014. The company has the option to extend the charter hire operating lease three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating lease through 2017.

 

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The company is exposed to possible interest rate fluctuation related to its commitment to the sale and simultaneous leaseback of four additional vessels it agreed to sell to Banc of America Leasing & Capital LLC.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2006, describes the accounting policies that are critical to reporting the company’s financial position and operating results and that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the discussion contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, regarding these critical accounting policies.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events occur or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. In such evaluation, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by an asset group are compared with the carrying amount of the asset group to determine if a write-down may be required. The company estimates cash flows based upon historical data adjusted for the company’s best estimate of future market performance that is based on industry trends. If impairment exists, the carrying value of the asset group is reduced to its estimated fair value. Vessels with similar operating and marketing characteristics are grouped for asset impairment testing.

Although the company believes its assumptions and estimates are reasonable, deviations from the assumptions and estimates could produce a materially different result. Management estimates may vary considerably from actual outcomes due to future adverse market conditions or poor operating results that could result in the inability to recover the current carrying value of an asset group, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. As the company’s fleet continues to age, management closely monitors the estimates and assumptions used in the impairment analysis to properly identify evolving trends and changes in market conditions that could impact the results of the impairment evaluation. During fiscal 2005, the company refined its asset groupings to increase the number of asset groups and better reflect the composition of its fleet and the markets within which it currently operates.

In addition to the periodic review of long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances warrant, the company also performs a review of its stacked vessels and vessels withdrawn from service every six months. This review considers items such as the vessel’s age, length of time stacked and likelihood of a return to active service, among others. The company records an impairment charge when the carrying value of a vessel withdrawn from service or stacked vessel that is unlikely to return to service exceeds its estimated fair value.

Effects of Inflation

Day-to-day operating costs are generally affected by inflation. However, because the energy services industry requires specialized goods and services, general economic inflationary trends may not affect the company’s operating costs. The major impact on operating costs is the level of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy exploration and production companies. As the spending increases, prices of goods and services used by the energy industry and the energy services industry will increase. Future increases in vessel day rates may shield the company from the inflationary effects on operating costs.

Due to the increase in business activity resulting from strong global oil and gas fundamentals, the competitive market for experienced crew personnel has exerted upward pressure on wages in the labor markets which increased the company’s operating expenses.

Also, the commodity price of steel has increased dramatically due to increased worldwide demand for the metal. Although prices have moderated some in calendar year 2005, the price of steel remains high by

 

- 24 -


historical standards. If the price of steel continues to rise, the cost of new vessels will result in higher capital expenditures and depreciation expenses which will reduce the company’s future operating profits, unless dayrates increase commensurately.

Environmental Matters

During the ordinary course of business the company’s operations are subject to a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations. The company attempts to comply with these laws and regulations in order to avoid costly accidents and related environmental damage. Compliance with existing governmental regulations that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has not had, nor is expected to have, a material effect on the company. The company is proactive in establishing policies and operating procedures for safeguarding the environment against any environmentally hazardous material aboard its vessels and at shore base locations. Whenever possible, hazardous materials are maintained or transferred in confined areas to ensure containment if accidents occur. In addition the company has established operating policies that are intended to increase awareness of actions that may harm the environment.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk refers to the potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency fluctuations and exchange rates, equity prices and commodity prices including the correlation among these factors and their volatility. The company is primarily exposed to interest rate risk and foreign currency fluctuations and exchange risk.

Interest Rate Risk. Changes in interest rates may result in changes in the fair market value of the company’s financial instruments, interest income and interest expense. The company’s financial instruments that are exposed to interest rate risk are its cash equivalents and long-term borrowings. Due to the short duration and conservative nature of the cash equivalent investment portfolio, the company does not expect any material loss with respect to its investments. The book value for cash equivalents is considered to be representative of its fair value.

At June 30, 2006, the company had $300 million of debt outstanding which represents senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes with maturities ranging from 7 years to 12 years have an average outstanding life to maturity of 9.5 years and can be retired prior to maturity without penalty. The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 4.35%. The fair value of this debt at June 30, 2006 is estimated to be $275.5 million.

The company is exposed to possible interest rate fluctuations related to its commitment to the sale/leaseback of four of its vessels to BOAL&C. On March 24, 2006, the company entered into four interest rate swap transactions to effectively fix the amount of the lease payments on four vessels currently under construction that the company agreed to sell and leaseback from BOAL&C. The lease payments for each respective vessel will be based on the five year swap rate at the time of the lease which will coincide with the delivery of each vessel. Any amounts received from the bank or paid to the bank will be recorded on the company’s balance sheet as either an other asset or other liability and amortized over the term of the respective leases. The company is accounting for the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge under SFAS No. 133, as amended. The derivative instrument is carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets or other liabilities depending on the fair value at the balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent the hedge is effective, are recognized in other comprehensive income (a component of stockholders’ equity). Amounts representing hedge ineffectiveness, if any, are recorded in earnings. At June 30, 2006, the four interest rate swaps had a combined fair value of $1.3 million which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

Foreign Exchange Risk. The company’s financial instruments that can be affected by foreign currency fluctuations and exchange risks consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The company periodically enters into spot and forward derivative financial instruments as a hedge against foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and currency commitments.

 

- 25 -


Spot derivative financial instruments are short-term in nature and settle within two business days. The fair value approximates the carrying value due to the short-term nature of this instrument, and as a result, no gains or losses are recognized. Forward derivative financial instruments are generally longer-term in nature but generally do not exceed one year. The accounting for gains or losses on forward contracts is dependent on the nature of the risk being hedged and the effectiveness of the hedge. The company enters into derivative instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its risk management objectives and does not use derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

The company had no outstanding currency spot contracts at June 30, 2006. The company had four currency spot contracts outstanding at June 30, 2005 totaling approximately $0.8 million that settled on July 1, 2005.

The company is exposed to possible currency fluctuations related to its commitment to construct two of its anchor handling towing supply vessels at an Indonesian shipyard. The company is required, per the construction agreements, to make all payments in Singapore dollars and is currently exposed to possible currency fluctuations on the remaining commitment which totals a current U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $22.8 million. At June 30, 2006 the company had six forward contracts outstanding totaling $11.7 million that hedged the company’s foreign exchange exposure relating to the Indonesian shipyard commitments. At June 30, 2006, the combined fair value of the six forward contracts of approximately $0.8 million, of which $0.7 million was recorded as an increase to earnings during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 because the forward contracts did not qualify as hedge instruments. The remaining $0.1 million of fair value was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. All future changes in fair value of the forward contracts will be recorded in earnings.

The company had no derivative financial instruments outstanding at June 30, 2005 that qualified as a hedge instrument.

Because of its significant international operations, the company is exposed to currency fluctuations and exchange risk on all charter hire contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The company does not hedge against any foreign currency rate fluctuations associated with foreign currency contracts that arise in the normal course of business. To minimize the financial impact of these items the company attempts to contract a significant majority of its services in United States dollars. The company continually monitors the currency exchange risks associated with all contracts not denominated in U.S. dollars.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

CEO and CFO Certificates

Included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “Certifications” of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The first form of certification is required in accordance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This section of the Quarterly Report contains the information concerning the controls evaluation referred to in the Section 302 Certifications and this information should be read in conjunction with the Section 302 Certifications for a more complete understanding of the topics presented.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules. However, any control system, no matter how well conceived and followed, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

The company evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘Exchange Act’)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the company’s

 

- 26 -


Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer along with the company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in the reports the company files and submits under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no other changes in the company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

- 27 -


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in Item 1A in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2006.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In July 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to spend up to $120.0 million to repurchase shares of its common stock. Repurchases are made through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company used its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility to fund the share repurchases. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2006. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2006, the company spent $91.4 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 1,941,100 common shares, or an average price paid per common share of $47.06. From inception of the repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2006, the company spent $112.1 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 2,396,100 common shares, or an average price paid per common share of $46.79.

On July 20, 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized a new program for the company to spend up to $157.9 million to repurchase shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company intends to use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to fund the share repurchases. The repurchase program will end when all the authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2007, unless extended by the Board of Directors.

The following table summarizes the stock repurchase activity for the three months ended June 30, 2006 purchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program:

 

     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program

April 1, 2006 – April 30, 2006

   —      $ —      —      $ 99,235,700

May 1, 2006 – May 31, 2006

   535,000      50.44    535,000      72,252,272

June 1, 2006 – June 30, 2006

   1,406,100      45.78    1,406,100      —  
                   

Total

   1,941,100    $ 47.06    1,941,100   
                   

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

 

- 28 -


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

A. At page 25 of this report is the index for those exhibits required to be filed as a part of this report.

 

B. The company’s report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2006 reported that the company issued a press release reporting the company’s results of operations for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2006.

 

C. The company’s report on Form 8-K dated May 3, 2006 reported that the company provided the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended March 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 along with the transcript of the company’s analyst conference call on May 3, 2006.

 

D. The company’s report on Form 8-K dated May 25, 2006 reported that the company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Bylaws of the Company to provide that in the event the Board of Directors determines by future resolution that it is no longer in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to elect directors by a plurality vote, the Board of Directors may implement a majority vote standard for the election of directors without any further amendment to the Bylaws.

 

E. The company’s report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2006 reported the bonuses paid under the company’s 2006 Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan and the 2006 Management Annual Incentive Plan.

 

- 29 -


SIGNATURES

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

 

 

TIDEWATER INC.

  (Registrant)
Date: July 27, 2006  

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

  Dean E. Taylor
  Chairman of the Board, President and
  Chief Executive Officer
Date: July 27, 2006  

/s/ J. Keith Lousteau

  J. Keith Lousteau
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 27, 2006  

/s/ Joseph M. Bennett

  Joseph M. Bennett
  Senior Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer and Chief Investor Relations Officer

 

- 30 -


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number
   
15  

Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information

31.1  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer 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 Chief Executive Officer 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.

 

- 31 -


TIDEWATER INC.

601 Poydras Street

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

(504) 568-1010

July 27, 2006

Via Computer

Securities and Exchange Commission

Attention: Filing Desk, Stop 1-4

450 Fifth Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20549-1004

 

  Re:    Tidewater Inc.
     Commission File No. 1-6311

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Transmitted for filing herewith is a Form 10-Q Report for Tidewater Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

 

Sincerely,
TIDEWATER INC.

/s/ Joseph M. Bennett

Joseph M. Bennett

Senior Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer

and Chief Investor Relations Officer

JMB:sv

Attachment