UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x¨ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30,December 31, 2008

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                  to                 .

Commission file number: 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. Yesx No¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerx           Accelerated filer¨           Non-accelerated filer¨           Smaller reporting company¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes¨ Nox

51,539,254There were 51,537,664 shares of Tidewater Inc. common stock, $.10 par value per share, were outstanding on October 17, 2008.January 16, 2009. 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)

 

ASSETS

   
 
September 30,
2008
  March 31,

2008

   

 

December 31,

2008

  March 31,

2008

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $144,552  270,205  $201,898  270,205

Trade and other receivables, net

   337,385  308,813   331,408  308,813

Marine operating supplies

   54,684  46,369   51,104  46,369

Other current assets

   11,852  5,208   8,398  5,208

Total current assets

   548,473  630,595   592,808  630,595

Investments in, at equity, and advances to unconsolidated companies

   28,695  27,433   33,177  27,433

Properties and equipment:

        

Vessels and related equipment

   3,082,637  2,867,391   3,170,546  2,867,391

Other properties and equipment

   83,111  82,357   83,014  82,357
   3,165,748  2,949,748   3,253,560  2,949,748

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

   1,293,424  1,270,710   1,308,312  1,270,710

Net properties and equipment

   1,872,324  1,679,038   1,945,248  1,679,038

Goodwill

   328,754  328,754   328,754  328,754

Other assets

   88,732  85,960   70,520  85,960

Total assets

  $2,866,978  2,751,780  $2,970,507  2,751,780

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

            

Current liabilities:

        

Current maturities on capitalized lease obligations

     10,059     10,059

Accounts payable

   84,377  93,147   81,517  93,147

Accrued expenses

   54,838  54,497   64,700  54,497

Accrued property and liability losses

   6,085  6,271   5,968  6,271

Other current liabilities

   52,295  34,930   46,467  34,930

Total current liabilities

   197,595  198,904   198,652  198,904

Long-term debt

   300,000  300,000   300,000  300,000

Deferred income taxes

   196,279  189,605   199,036  189,605

Accrued property and liability losses

   10,239  12,530   8,853  12,530

Other liabilities and deferred credits

   120,545  120,657   120,138  120,657

Commitment and contingencies (Note 5)

    

Commitment and contingencies (Note 6)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Common stock of $.10 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized, issued 51,539,804 shares at September and 52,318,806 shares at March

   5,154  5,232

Common stock of $.10 par value, 125,000,000 shares authorized, issued 51,538,414 shares at December and 52,318,806 shares at March

   5,154  5,232

Other stockholders’ equity

   2,037,166  1,924,852   2,138,674  1,924,852

Total stockholders’ equity

   2,042,320  1,930,084   2,143,828  1,930,084

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $2,866,978  2,751,780  $2,970,507  2,751,780

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2


TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

 

Quarter Ended

September 30,

 

 

 Six Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

  Quarter Ended
December 31,
 Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   2008  2007  2008  2007        2008      2007    2008      2007 

Revenues:

          

Vessel revenues

  $344,637  297,368  673,008  590,259   $349,181  310,670  1,022,189  900,929 

Other marine revenues

   2,192  21,678  13,875  34,269    13,154  3,545  27,029  37,814 
   346,829  319,046  686,883  624,528    362,335  314,215  1,049,218  938,743 

Costs and expenses:

          

Vessel operating costs

   175,371  142,307  352,099  280,847    161,320  148,731  513,419  429,578 

Costs of other marine revenues

   1,315  19,485  11,744  31,232    11,347  1,747  23,091  32,979 

Depreciation and amortization

   30,657  29,836  61,278  58,033    32,173  31,123  93,451  89,156 

General and administrative

   35,315  30,680  70,423  62,192    31,669  31,112  102,092  93,304 

Gain on sales of assets

   (5,851) (2,102) (16,238) (9,032)   (4,760) (660) (20,998) (9,692)
   236,807  220,206  479,306  423,272    231,749  212,053  711,055  635,325 
   110,022  98,840  207,577  201,256    130,586  102,162  338,163  303,418 

Other income (expenses):

          

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

   2,487  141  1,297  (384)   3,396  (159) 4,693  (543)

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

   3,798  3,725  7,994  7,111    4,079  3,141  12,073  10,252 

Interest income and other, net

   1,425  4,061  3,324  9,702    1,372  4,077  4,696  13,779 

Interest and other debt costs

   (108) (1,336) (428) (4,178)   (77) (1,535) (505) (5,713)
   7,602  6,591  12,187  12,251    8,770  5,524  20,957  17,775 

Earnings before income taxes

   117,624  105,431  219,764  213,507    139,356  107,686  359,120  321,193 

Income taxes

   22,193  18,965  39,557  39,499    22,391  18,316  61,948  57,815 

Net earnings

  $95,431  86,466  180,207  174,008   $116,965  89,370  297,172  263,378 
   

Basic earnings per common share

  $1.86  1.57  3.51  3.13   $2.28  1.67  5.79  4.80 
   

Diluted earnings per common share

  $1.85  1.56  3.49  3.11   $2.28  1.66  5.76  4.76 
 
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   51,246,848  55,111,678  51,394,460  55,593,382    51,242,848  53,498,846  51,344,835  54,896,999 

Incremental common shares from stock options

   239,236  447,266  267,346  447,033    74,288  315,409  202,993  403,158 

Adjusted weighted average common shares

   51,486,084  55,558,944  51,661,806  56,040,415    51,317,136  53,814,255  51,547,828  55,300,157 
   

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $.25  .15  .50  .30   $0.25  0.15  0.75  0.45 
   

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

   

 

Six Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

  Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   2008  2007   2008 2007 

Operating activities:

      

Net earnings

  $180,207  174,008   $297,172  263,378 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   61,278  58,033    93,451  89,156 

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes

   (4,890) (13,399)

Provision for deferred income taxes

   7,876  3,018 

Gain on sales of assets

   (16,238) (9,032)   (20,998) (9,692)

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated companies, net of dividends

   (1,574) (6,620)   (6,004) (5,840)

Compensation expense - stock-based

   6,152  6,049    8,410  8,714 

Excess tax benefits on stock options exercised

   (1,438) (15,102)

Excess tax liability (benefit) on stock options exercised

   843  (4,335)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net:

      

Trade and other receivables

   (23,522) (9,185)   (17,545) (33,784)

Marine operating supplies

   (8,315) 4,547    (4,735) 697 

Other current assets

   (6,644) (3,281)   (3,190) (826)

Accounts payable

   (9,442) (4,804)   (12,891) 3,908 

Accrued expenses

   341  7,777    10,203  15,848 

Accrued property and liability losses

   (187) (106)   (304) (232)

Other current liabilities

   19,143  27,003    11,470  19,699 

Other, net

   2,032  4,583    4,748  3,367 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   196,903  220,471    368,506  353,076 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Proceeds from sales of assets

   20,638  58,714    30,459  61,201 

Additions to properties and equipment

   (259,845) (216,453)   (368,706) (291,709)

Other

   312      260   

Net cash used in investing activities

   (238,895) (157,739)   (337,987) (230,508)

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Principal payments on capitalized lease obligations

   (10,059) (2,527)   (10,059) (19,565)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   4,347  43,419    4,346  43,580 

Stock repurchases

   (53,634) (291,147)

Cash dividends

   (25,753) (16,806)   (38,636) (24,975)

Stock repurchases

   (53,634) (174,743)

Excess tax benefits on stock options exercised

   1,438  15,102 

Excess tax (liability) benefit on stock options exercised

   (843) 4,335 

Net cash used in financing activities

   (83,661) (135,555)   (98,826) (287,772)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (125,653) (72,823)   (68,307) (165,204)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   270,205  393,806    270,205  393,806 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $144,552  320,983   $201,898  228,602 
   

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the period for:

      

Interest

  $6,970  8,839   $7,194  9,791 

Income taxes

  $29,833  29,297   $44,389  41,962 

Non-cash financing activities:

      

Capitalized leases

  $  33,876   $  33,876 
   

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


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, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2008.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Tidewater Inc. and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The company uses the equity method to account for equity investments inover which the company exercises significant influence but does not exercise control and is not the primary beneficiary.

(2) Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. No amounts were expended for the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2008 or from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. At September 30,December 31, 2008, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. Due to the distress in the capital and liquidity markets, company management is attempting to maximize available liquidity for all investment opportunities. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.

In July 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions, which program the Board expanded by an additional $50.0 million on January 31, 2008. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2008. From inception of the July 2007 authorized program through its conclusion on June 30, 2008, the company expended the entire $250.0 million authorization to repurchase and cancel 4,502,100 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $55.53. For the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the company expended $61.1$116.4 million tofor the repurchase and cancel 950,000cancellation of 2,282,200 common shares, at an average price paid per common share of $64.27.$51.00. For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007, the company expended $291.1 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 4,925,600 common shares, at an average price paid per common share of $59.11.

In July 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $157.9 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2007. From inception of the July 2006 authorized repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2007, the company expended $154.1 million to repurchase and cancel 2,560,500 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $60.17. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, the company expended $113.7 million to repurchase and cancel 1,693,400 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $67.13.

 

5


Dividend Program

In May 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the increase of itsthe dividend from $0.15 per share to$0.25 per share, a 67%increase. On July 31,November 13, 2008, the company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. FutureThe declaration of dividends are subject to declaration byis at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors.

(3) Income Taxes

The effective tax rate applicable to pre-tax earnings for the quarter and six-month periodsthe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008 was 18.9%16.1% and 18%17.25%, respectively. The effective tax rate applicable to pre-tax earnings for the quarter and six-month periodsthe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2007 was 18%17.01% and 18.5%18.0%, respectively.

On January 9, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana rendered a summary judgment in the company’s favor concerning the disallowance by the IRS of the company’s tax deduction for foreign sales corporation commissions for fiscal years 1999 and 2000. On March 6, 2008, the IRS appealed the district court’s decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although the ultimate resolution of this matter can not be predicted, it is reasonably possible that the dispute will be resolved within the next twelve months. The company has approximately $28.5$29.0 million of tax liabilities recorded at September 30,December 31, 2008, with respect to this issue, which includes liabilities recorded for similar deductions taken in years subsequent to fiscal 2000 that would be reversed should these deductions ultimately be allowed.

Penalties and interest related to FIN 48 liabilities are recorded as income tax expense for financial statement purposes.

Included in other current liabilities at September 30,December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008 are taxes payable (primarily income) of $38.3$32.1 million and $22.1 million, respectively.

(4) Employee Benefit Plans

The company has aA defined benefit pension plan that 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.compensation levels. 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 $0.4 million and $3.1$4.0 million to the defined benefit pension plan during the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, and expects to contribute an additional $0.9$0.4 million to the plan during the remainder of the current fiscal year. The company contributed $0.3 million and $0.7$1.0 million to the defined benefit pension plan during the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2007, respectively. The company contributed $2.8 million to the supplemental plan during the quarter ended December 31, 2007.

Effective December 10, 2008, the supplemental plan was amended to allow participants the option to elect a lump sum benefit in lieu of other payment options currently provided by the plan. As a result of the amendment, certain participants currently receiving monthly benefit payments will receive lump sum distributions in July 2009 in settlement of the supplemental plan obligation. The aggregate payment to those participants electing the lump sum distribution in July 2009 is currently estimated to be $8.4 million. A settlement loss, which is currently estimated to be $3.1 million, will be recorded at the time of the distribution.

Included in other assets at December 31, 2008, is $13.6 million of investments held in a Rabbi Trust for the benefit of participants in the supplemental plan. The trust assets are recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2008, with unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income. The carrying value of the trust assets at December 31, 2008 is after the effect of $2.7 million of after-tax unrealized losses ($4.2 million pre-tax), which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (other stockholders’ equity). To the extent that trust assets are liquidated to fund benefit payments, gains or losses, if any, will be recognized at that time.

6


Qualified retired employees currently are covered by a program that 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.

6


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
September 30,
 
 
 Six Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

  Quarter Ended
December 31,
   Nine Months
Ended
December 31,
 

(In thousands)

   2008  2007  2008  2007    2008  2007   2008  2007 

Pension Benefits:

           

Service cost

  $265  297  530  594   $265  297   795  891 

Interest cost

   1,150  1,052  2,300  2,104    1,150  1,052   3,450  3,156 

Expected return on plan assets

   (635) (638) (1,270) (1,276)   (635) (638)  (1,905) (1,914)

Amortization of prior service cost

   3  6  6  12    3  6   9  18 

Recognized actuarial loss

   400  488  800  976    400  488   1,200  1,464 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $1,183  1,205  2,366  2,410   $1,183  1,205   3,549  3,615 
   

Other Benefits:

           

Service cost

  $281  342  562  684   $281  342   843  1,026 

Interest cost

   514  458  1,028  916    514  458   1,542  1,374 

Amortization of prior service cost

   (496) (547) (992) (1,094)   (496) (547)  (1,488) (1,641)

Recognized actuarial loss

   268  339  536  678    268  339   804  1,017 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $567  592  1,134  1,184   $567  592   1,701  1,776 
   

(5) Commitments and contingenciesDebt

The company previously indicated that it believed it had sufficient financial capacity to support a $1.0 billion annual investment in acquiring or building new vessels for the intermediate term, assuming customer demand, acquisition and shipyard economics and other considerations justified such an investment. Revolving Credit Agreement

At present, due to the financial market uncertainties, it is unclear whether adequate capital and liquidity will be available to supplement cash generated by the company to fully implement the continuation of its fleet replacement program at this level, or, if available, on terms and pricing as advantageous as the company has enjoyed historically. The company continues to evaluate its fleet renewal program, whether through new construction or acquisitions, relative to other investment opportunities and uses of cash, including the current share repurchase authorization, and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. At September 30, 2008, the company had approximately $145.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, at September 30,December 31, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving line of credit facility was available for future financing needs. The company’s revolving credit agreement matures in May 2010.

Senior Debt Notes

At December 31, 2008, the company had outstanding $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from 7 years to 12 years and an average outstanding life to maturity of 9.5 years. The notes 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 December 31, 2008 was estimated to be $279.8 million.

Debt Costs

The company capitalizes a portion of its interest costs incurred on borrowed funds used to construct vessels. Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, were approximately $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, were approximately $3.4 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007, were approximately $1.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007 were approximately $2.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

7


(6) Commitments and Contingencies

Vessel Commitments

As of September 30,December 31, 2008, the company hashad commitments to build 5756 vessels at a total cost of approximately $1.2$1.1 billion, which includes contract costs and other incidental costs. The company is committed to the construction of 2321 anchor handling towing supply vessels ranging between 6,500 to 13,600 brake horsepower (BHP), 2827 platform supply vessels, 4six crewboats, and 2two offshore tugs. Scheduled delivery of the vessels is expected to begin in October 2008began January 2009 with delivery of the final vessel in July 2012. As of September 30,December 31, 2008, $377.9$419.0 million hashad been expended on these vessels.

The company’s vessel construction program has been designed to replace over time the company’s agingolder fleet of vessels with fewer, larger and more efficient vessels, while also opportunistically revamping the size and capabilities of the company’s fleet. The majority of the company’s older vessels, its supply and towing-supply vessels, were constructed between 1976 and 1983. As such, most vessels of this class exceed 25 years of age and could require replacement within the next several years, depending on the strength of the market during this time frame. 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 capacity or new borrowings or lease arrangements to fund this fleet renewal and modernization program over the next several years.

7


The company has recently experienced some delays, which may continue, in the expected deliveries of equipment for vessels under construction (as has the offshore supply vessel industry in general). Further delays are possible. Certain of the company’s vessels under construction are committed to work under customer contracts that provide for the payment of liquidated damages by the company or its subsidiaries in certain cases of late delivery. Delays in the expected deliveries of any of these vessels could result in penalties being imposed by our customers. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these penalties, will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Internal Investigation

In its Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, the company reported that special counsel which had been previously engaged by the company’s Audit Committee to conduct an internal investigation into certain FCPA matters had substantially completed its investigation and reported its findings to the Audit Committee. The substantive areas of the internal investigation have been reported in earlier periodic filings of the company. The company further reported in its Form 10-K that the company has been diligently responding to special counsel’s observations and recommendations to upgrade its overall compliance posture and implement a more robust company-wide FCPA compliance and training program.

During the course of the investigation, special counsel has been periodically providing the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission with informational updates. As part of its continuing cooperation with these agencies, the company entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll certain statutes of limitations for a nine-month period ending on October 10, 2008. The company subsequently entered into a superseding agreement with the Department of Justice (also effective as of January 10, 2008) to reflect the current scope of special counsel’s investigation and to extend the tolling period through June 1, 2009. In addition, the company has entered into a similar agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission effective as of January 10, 2008 to toll relevant statutes of limitations through June 1, 2009. Both agreements expressly provide that they do not constitute an admission by the company of any facts or of any wrongdoing. The company is unable to predict whether either agency will separately pursue legal or administrative action against the company or any of its employees, what potential remedies or sanctions, if any, these agencies may seek, and what the time frame for resolution of this matter may be. From time to time, these agencies have requested certain documents and information from the company. The company has been voluntarily cooperating with those requests, and special counsel is conducting such further review as may be warranted in connection with those requests. Special counsel expects to have additional meetings with the agencies as the limited remaining investigative work is completed or as otherwise warranted.appropriate. In the meantime, however, after considering the findings reported by special counsel, management is in the process of

8


implementing disciplinary measures against employees of the company and its subsidiaries implicated by the findings of the investigation.

Based on the findings of the investigation reported to the company and the Audit Committee to date, the company has not concluded that any potential liability that may result from an investigation or enforcement action by the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission is both probable and reasonably estimable, and, thus, no accrual has been recorded as of September 30,December 31, 2008. Should additional information be obtained that any potential liability is probable and reasonably estimable the company will record such liability at that time. While uncertain, ultimate resolution with one or both of these agencies could have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations or cash flows.

The company continues to operate approximately 16 vessels in Nigerian offshore waters, either under valid permits, extensions of valid permits, or under temporary arrangements not objected to by the Nigerian government where the underlying permits have expired. Over the past year, theThe company has, from time to time, experienced difficulty in extending the term of previously issued permits or obtaining new permits. Unless a workable permanent solution is developed and implemented,The company anticipates that it may continue to experience similar difficulties in the future. In the event that the company is concerned that the existing arrangements may, from time to time, be difficult to further renew or extend, andexperiences such difficulties, the company may havechoose to removerelocate vessels fromto other countries subject to market conditions (including demand for vessels). However, the company will continue to endeavor to extend existing permits and obtain new permits to operate vessels in Nigerian offshore waters for redeployment elsewhere. The company continues to work diligently with the United States government and the Nigerian authorities in an effort to find a workable solution to these matters andconsistent with its foreign subsidiaries and appropriate third parties to continue to implement its more robust FCPAreinvigorated U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices (FCPA) compliance and training program in Nigeria. For the quarter and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008, approximately 7% and 7.4%, respectively, of the company’s revenues were generated

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through its Nigerian operations, and the company currently believes that a substantial majority, if not all, of these revenues could be replaced in a reasonable time frame if redeployment of these vessels becomes necessary.program.

Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund

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 a fund deficit that will require contributions from the participating employers. Substantially all of the fund’s deficit allocable to the company relates to current operating subsidiaries. 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 then participating solvent employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among such participating employers. While there were no amounts expensed in fiscal 2008 related to this matter, the company recorded an additional liability of $1.2 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2008. At September 30,December 31, 2008, $4.5$4.9 million remains payable to MNOPF in additional contributions based on current assessments, all of which is fully accrued. 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 to the respective allocations, failing which, the company and other solvent participating employers could be asked for additional contributions.

Legal Proceedings

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.

(6)(7) Financial Instruments

On April 1, 2008, the company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157), for financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring the use of observable market data when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on active market data. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 had no impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2008.

The company’s primary financial instruments required to be measured and recorded at fair value consist of investments held by participants in a supplemental executive retirement plan, a deferred supplemental

9


savings plan and a multinational savings plan. These investments are valued based on quoted market prices and arewere carried at $28.3$21.6 million at September 30,December 31, 2008.

The company also periodically enters into certain foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives which are recorded at fair value. The derivative instruments are valued using quoted prices and quotes obtainable from the counterparties to the derivative instruments. The company currently has four foreign exchange derivatives outstanding and considers these derivatives to be immaterial to the financial statements at September 30,December 31, 2008.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS No. 159). This statement provides companies an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS No.159No. 159 became applicable to the company on April 1, 2008. The company has chosen not to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 159 for its existing financial instruments.

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(7)(8) Accounting Pronouncements

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.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles “ (SFAS No. 162), which identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. The effective date of SFAS No. 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411,November 15, 2008. The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 162 todid not change itsthe company’s current practice nor does the company anticipatedid it have an effect on its results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an Amendment to FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161), which requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit risk related to contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Early adoption has been encouraged by FASB. The company is currently assessing SFAS No. 161.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - An Amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160) which establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, SFAS No. 160 requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years and will be applied prospectively to all noncontrolling interests, including any that arose before the effective date. Early adoption is prohibited. The company is assessing SFAS No. 160 and has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R), which establishes principles and requirements for the reporting entity in a business combination, including recognition and measurement in the financial statements of the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. This statement also establishes disclosure requirements to enable financial statement users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited.

 

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(8)(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 and six-monthnine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007. 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
September 30,
 Six Months Ended
September 30,
   Quarter Ended
December 31,
 Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 

(In thousands)

   2008  2007  2008  2007    2008  2007  2008  2007 

Revenues:

          

Vessel revenues:

          

United States

  $40,002  43,183  80,104  86,255   $37,112  36,702  117,216  122,957 

International

   304,635  254,185  592,904  504,004    312,069  273,968  904,973  777,972 
   344,637  297,368  673,008  590,259    349,181  310,670  1,022,189  900,929 

Other marine revenues

   2,192  21,678  13,875  34,269    13,154  3,545  27,029  37,814 
  $346,829  319,046  686,883  624,528   $362,335  314,215  1,049,218  938,743 
   

Marine operating profit:

          

Vessel activity:

          

United States

  $10,994  9,815  20,283  20,180   $11,201  2,497  31,484  22,677 

International

   107,086  94,770  194,348  190,680    125,733  107,138  320,081  297,818 
   118,080  104,585  214,631  210,860    136,934  109,635  351,565  320,495 

Gain on sales of assets

   5,851  2,102  16,238  9,032    4,760  660  20,998  9,692 

Other marine services

   784  2,043  1,888  2,778    1,552  1,681  3,440  4,459 

Operating profit

  $124,715  108,730  232,757  222,670   $143,246  111,976  376,003  334,646 

Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated companies

   3,798  3,725  7,994  7,111    4,079  3,141  12,073  10,252 

Interest and other debt costs

   (108) (1,336) (428) (4,178)   (77) (1,535) (505) (5,713)

Corporate general and administrative

   (10,778) (9,904) (21,346) (21,001)   (7,805) (9,417) (29,151) (30,418)

Other income

   (3) 4,216  787  8,905    (87) 3,521  700  12,426 

Earnings before income taxes

  $117,624  105,431  219,764  213,507   $139,356  107,686  359,120  321,193 
   

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Marine equipment operations

          

United States

  $4,135  4,527  8,630  8,896   $3,715  4,908  12,345  13,804 

International

   26,174  24,914  51,945  48,418    28,110  25,822  80,055  74,240 

General corporate depreciation

   348  395  703  719    348  393  1,051  1,112 
  $30,657  29,836  61,278  58,033   $32,173  31,123  93,451  89,156 
   

Additions to properties and equipment:

          

Marine equipment operations

          

United States

  $8,670  8,916  14,574  24,497   $8,402  16,608  22,976  41,105 

International

   121,488  106,042  245,147  214,960    100,453  58,648  345,600  273,608 

General corporate

   30  818  124  10,872    6    130  10,872 
  $130,188  115,776  259,845  250,329   $108,861  75,256  368,706  325,585 
   

 

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The following table provides a comparison of total assets at September 30,December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008:

 

(In thousands)  September 30,
2008
  March 31,
2008

Total assets:

    

Marine:

    

United States

  $544,075  523,723

International

   2,175,224  1,953,650
   2,719,299  2,477,373

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated Marine companies

   28,695  27,433
   2,747,994  2,504,806

General corporate

   118,984  246,974
  $2,866,978  2,751,780
 

(9) Debt

Revolving Credit Agreement

At September 30, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving line of credit was available for future financing needs. The company’s revolving credit agreement matures in May 2010.

Senior Debt Notes

At September 30, 2008, the company had $300.0 million of debt outstanding which represents senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from 7 years to 12 years and an average outstanding life to maturity of 9.5 years. The notes 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 September 30, 2008 was estimated to be $275.3 million.

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 interest capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized, for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $3.5 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007, was approximately $1.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2007 was approximately $2.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

(In Thousands)  December 31,
2008
  March 31,
2008

Total assets:

    

Marine:

    

United States

  $557,670  523,723

International

   2,252,616  1,953,650
   2,810,286  2,477,373

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated Marine companies

   33,177  27,433
   2,843,463  2,504,806

General corporate

   127,044  246,974
  $2,970,507  2,751,780
 

 

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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 September 30,December 31, 2008, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007, and of cash flows for the six-monthnine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007. 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, 2008, 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 29, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, in 2008. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 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

October 24, 2008January 28, 2009

 

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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 its historical results or current expectations. Some of these risks are discussed in this report and include, without limitation, fluctuations in worldwide energy demand and oil and gas prices; fleet additions by competitors and industry overcapacity; changes in capital spending by customers in the energy industry for offshore exploration, development and production; changing customer demands for different vessel specifications, which may make some of our older vessels technologically obsolete for certain customer projects or in certain markets; instability of global financial markets and lack of available credit;difficulty in accessing credit or capital; 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 enforcement of laws related to the environment, labor and foreign corrupt practices.

Forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified by the use of such terminology as “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “believe,” “think,” “could,” “continue,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” 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. While management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, there can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we anticipate especially considering the effects the distress in credit and capital markets will have on our customers and the global economy and the uncertainties surrounding the potential for a prolonged global recession. 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, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 30, 2008 and elsewhere in the Form 10-Q. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Management disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect new information, future events or developments.

In addition, in certain places in this report, we refer to published reports of analysts that purport to describe trends or developments in energy production and drilling and exploration activity. The company does so for the convenience of our stockholders and in an effort to provide information available in the market that will assist the company’s investors in a better understanding of the market environment in which the company operates. However, the company specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such information and undertakes no obligation to update such information.

Overview

The company provides services and equipment 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 and vessel day rates, which are, among other things, dependent upon oil and natural gas prices and ultimately 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, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2008.

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General Market Conditions and Results of Operations

The currentDuring the last half of calendar 2008, worldwide demand for oil and gas dropped precipitously and energy prices sharply declined as a result of a global financial crisis, which has contributed, among other things, to significant reductions in available capital and liquidity from banks and other providers of credit, has raised well-publicized concerns that the worldwide economy may enter into a prolonged recessionary period.recession. The company is assessing the impactpossible impacts on its operations and financial condition of various scenarios, and sensitivitiesincluding the financial crisispotential for a prolonged global recession. In particular, the company continues to evaluate how a prolonged global recession might have on the global economy, including

14


the demand for crude oil and natural gas, and the resulting impact if any, ondevelopment plans of exploration and production companies in order to determine how the crisis may affect the company and theglobal demand for its vessels in the global offshore vessel industry.vessels. Among other things, the company is also uncertain as to whetherof the currentimpact a prolonged global financial crisisrecession and the related distress in credit and capital markets will adversely affecthave on the ability of shipyards to meet their scheduled deliveries of new vessels or the ability of the company to renew its fleet through new vessel construction or acquisitions. Also unknown is the potential effect that the crisisrecession may have on the company’s more highly-leveraged competitors, including suchthose companies’ abilityabilities to continue to fund their construction commitments. At present, the financial and commodity markets are still too volatileunstable to assess the current situation with a high degree of confidence. For the quarter and the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, the company did not experience any significant negative effects from the current financial crisis and credit market tightening.

Given the foregoing uncertainties, the company continues to re-assess its stated strategies and investment plans. All statements made herein of the previously stated plans or the “current” plan or expectation of such should be considered in the light of the potential effects discussed in the preceding paragraph. While the magnitude of any change in plans, including investment plans, cannot be predicted at this time, it is likely that some adjustments will be necessary due to the global recession, the recent dramatic reduction in commodity prices, and the lack of liquidity in financial markets.

The company operates in a highly competitive business environment that has many risks. Critical risk factors that affect, or may affect, the company and the offshore marine service industry include the absolute level and volatility of crude oil and natural gas prices, changes in the level of capital spending by the company’s customers, the number of available drilling rigs (as discussed below) and the potential overcapacity in the offshore vessel market. A full discussion onof each of these risk factors (in addition to several other risk factors) is disclosed in Item 1A in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008. For the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 2008, the company did not experience any significant negative effects from the current financial crisis and credit market tightening.

Given the foregoing uncertainties, the company is in the process of re-assessing its stated strategy and investment plans. All statements made herein of the previously stated plans or the “current” plan or expectation of such should be considered in the light of the potential effects discussed in the preceding paragraph. While the magnitude of any change in plans, including investment plans, cannot be predicted at this time, it is likely that some adjustments will be necessary due to an economic slowdown, changes in expectations in regard to commodity prices, or the lack of liquidity in financial markets.

The company’s offshore service vessels provide a diverse range of services and equipment to the energy industry. The company’s revenues and operating profit are driven primarily driven by the company’s fleet size, vessel utilization and day rates because a sizeable portion of the company’s operating costs (including depreciation) do not change proportionally with changes in revenue. Operating costs consist primarily consist of crew costs, repair and maintenance, insurance and loss reserves, fuel, lube oil and supplies and vessel operating lease expense. Fleet size, fleet composition, geographic areas of operation and the supply and demand for marine personnel are the major factors which affect overall crew costs.

The timing and amount of repair and maintenance costs are influenced by customer demands, vessel age and drydockings to satisfy safety and inspection requirements mandated by regulatory agencies. A certain number of drydockings are required over a given period to meet regulatory requirements. Drydocking costs are incurred only if economically justified, taking into consideration the vessel’s age, physical condition and future marketability. If a required drydocking is not performed, the company will either stack or sell the vessel as it is not permitted to work without the proper certifications. When the company takes a productive vessel out of service for drydocking, the company incurs not only incurs the drydocking cost but also continues to incur operating costs and depreciation on the vessel and loses revenue from that vessel during the drydock period. In any given period, downtime associated with drydockings and major repairs and maintenance can have a significant effect on the company’s revenues. In the current environment of record dayrates in international markets, drydockings have taken on an increasing importance to the company and its financial performance. OurThe company’s older vessels, for which demand remains relatively strong, require more frequent repair and drydockings, while some of the newer vessels built over the last eight years are now experiencing their first and second required regulatory drydockings. The combination of these factors has led to increased levels of expenditures for drydockings and incremental volatility in operating revenues, thus making period-to-period comparisons more difficult. Although the company attempts to efficiently manage its fleet drydocking schedule to minimize the disruptive effect, recent inflationinflationary pressures in shipyard pricing experienced in recent years and the heavy workloads at the shipyards are resultingresulted in increased drydocking costs, increased days off hire at shipyards,

15


and therefore, increased loss of revenue. The company does not seeDue to the global recession, it is unknown if the shipyard situation improvingwill improve in the foreseeable future andfuture. Should no improvement occur, the company expects that the timing of drydockings in the future will result in continued quarterly volatility in repair and maintenance costs and loss in revenue. Fuel and lube costs can also fluctuate in any given period depending on the number of vessel mobilizations that occur in any given period.occur.

The company also incurs vessel operating costs which are aggregated under the “other” vessel operating cost heading. These costs consist of brokers’ commissions, training costs and other type costs. Brokers’

15


commission costs are incurred primarily incurred in the company’s international operations where brokers assist in obtaining work for the company’s vessels. Brokers are paid a percentage of day rates and, accordingly, as revenues increase so do commissions paid to brokers. Other type costs include, but are not limited to, satellite communication fees, agent fees, port fees, canal transit fees, vessel certification fees and temporary vessel importation fees.

The following table compares revenues and operating expenses (excluding general and administrative expense, depreciation expense and gain on sales of assets) for the company’s vessel fleet and the related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-monththe nine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008. Vessel revenues and operating costs relate to vessels owned and operated by the company, while other marine revenuesservices relate to third-party activities of the company’s shipyards, brokered vessels and other miscellaneous marine-related activities.

 

  Quarter Ended
September 30,
   Six Months Ended
September 30,
   Quarter
Ended
June 30,
 

Quarter Ended

December 31,

      

Nine Months Ended

December 31,

    

Quarter

Ended

September 30,

(In thousands)  2008  %   2007  %   2008  %   2007  %   2008  %     2008     %    2007     %     2008     %    2007     %   2008  %

Revenues:

                                             

Vessel revenues:

                                             

United States

  $40,002  12%  43,183  14%  80,104  12%  86,255  14%  40,102  12%  $37,112 10%    36,702 12%     117,216 11%    122,957 13%   40,002  12% 

International

   304,635  88%  254,185  80%  592,904  86%  504,004  81%  288,269  85%   312,069 86%    273,968 87%     904,973 86%    777,972 83%   304,635  88% 
   344,637  99%  297,368  93%  673,008  98%  590,259  95%  328,371  97% 
  349,181 96%    310,670 99%     1,022,189 97%    900,929 96%   344,637  99% 

Other marine revenues

   2,192  1%  21,678  7%  13,875  2%  34,269  5%  11,683  3%   13,154 4%    3,545 1%     27,029 3%    37,814 4%   2,192  1% 
  $346,829  100%  319,046  100%  686,883  100%  624,528  100%  340,054  100%  $362,335 100%    314,215 100%     1,049,218 100%    938,743 100%   346,829  100% 

Operating costs:

                                             

Vessel operating costs:

                                             

Crew costs

  $92,086  27%  76,694  24%  185,238  27%  152,939  24%  93,152  27%  $89,226 25%    78,749 25%     274,464 26%    231,688 25%   92,086  27% 

Repair and maintenance

   32,702  9%  25,402  8%  68,550  10%  49,960  8%  35,848  11%   28,988 8%    28,272 9%     97,538 9%    78,232 8%   32,702  9% 

Insurance and loss reserves

   5,608  2%  4,539  1%  11,081  2%  10,577  2%  5,473  2%   889 <1%    7,548 2%     11,970 1%    18,125 2%   5,608  2% 

Fuel, lube and supplies

   18,609  5%  12,169  4%  33,775  5%  23,485  4%  15,166  4%   16,341 5%    12,713 4%     50,116 5%    36,198 4%   18,609  5% 

Vessel operating leases

   1,749  1%  965  <1%  3,498  1%  1,731  <1%  1,749  1%   1,749 <1%    1,308 <1%     5,247 1%    3,039 <1%   1,749  1% 

Other

   24,617  7%  22,538  7%  49,957  7%  42,155  7%  25,340  7%   24,127 7%    20,141 6%     74,084 7%    62,296 7%   24,617  7% 
   175,371  51%  142,307  45%  352,099  51%  280,847  45%  176,728  52% 
  161,320 45%    148,731 47%     513,419 49%    429,578 46%   175,371  51% 

Costs of other marine revenues

   1,315  <1%  19,485  6%  11,744  2%  31,232  5%  10,429  3%   11,347 3%    1,747 1%     23,091 2%    32,979 4%   1,315  <1% 
  $176,686  51%  161,792  51%  363,843  53%  312,079  50%  187,157  55% 
 $172,667 48%    150,478 48%     536,510 51%    462,557 49%   176,686  51% 

The following table subdivides vessel operating costs presented above by the company’s United States and International segments and its related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

  Quarter Ended
September 30,
   Six Months Ended
September 30,
   Quarter
Ended
June 30,
(In thousands)  2008  %   2007  %   2008  %   2007  %   2008  %   

Vessel operating costs:

                     

United States:

                     

Crew costs

  $14,757  4%  16,019  5%  29,845  4%  32,855  5%  15,088  4% 

Repair and maintenance

   3,377  1%  3,752  1%  7,329  1%  7,685  1%  3,952  1% 

Insurance and loss reserves

   1,773  1%  1,713  1%  3,618  1%  4,008  1%  1,845  1% 

Fuel, lube and supplies

   811  <1%  981  <1%  1,489  <1%  1,697  <1%  678  <1% 

Vessel operating leases

   787  <1%  444  <1%  1,574  <1%  513  <1%  787  <1% 

Other

   1,065  <1%  2,396  1%  2,504  <1%  4,144  1%  1,439  <1% 
   22,570  7%  25,305  8%  46,359  7%  50,902  8%  23,789  7% 

International:

                     

Crew costs

  $77,329  22%  60,675  19%  155,393  23%  120,084  19%  78,064  23% 

Repair and maintenance

   29,325  8%  21,650  7%  61,221  9%  42,275  7%  31,896  9% 

Insurance and loss reserves

   3,835  1%  2,826  1%  7,463  1%  6,569  1%  3,628  1% 

Fuel, lube and supplies

   17,798  5%  11,188  4%  32,286  5%  21,788  3%  14,488  4% 

Vessel operating leases

   962  <1%  521  <1%  1,924  <1%  1,218  <1%  962  <1% 

Other

   23,552  7%  20,142  6%  47,453  7%  38,011  6%  23,901  7% 
   152,801  44%  117,002  37%  305,740  45%  229,945  37%  152,939  45% 

Total operating costs

  $175,371  51%  142,307  45%  352,099  51%  280,847  45%  176,728  52% 

16


The following table subdivides vessel operating costs presented above by the company’s United States and International segments for the quarters and the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

  

Quarter Ended

December 31,

       

Nine Months Ended

December 31,

     

Quarter

Ended

September 30,

(In thousands)

  2008      %    2007     %     2008     %    2007     %   2008  %
 

Vessel operating costs:

                        

United States:

                        

Crew costs

 $14,189  4%    15,144 5%     44,034 4%    47,999 5%   14,757  4% 

Repair and maintenance

  3,051  1%    5,294 2%     10,380 1%    12,979 1%   3.377  1% 

Insurance and loss reserves

  (149) <1%    2,645 1%     3,469 <1%    6,653 1%   1,773  1% 

Fuel, lube and supplies

  609  <1%    750 <1%     2,098 <1%    2,447 <1%   811  <1% 

Vessel operating leases

  786  <1%    786 <1%     2,360 <1%    1,299 <1%   787  <1% 

Other

  933  <1%    1,656 1%     3,437 <1%    5,800 1%   1,065  <1% 
 
  19,419  5%    26,275 8%     65,778 6%    77,177 8%   22,570  7% 

International:

                        

Crew costs

 $75,037  21%    63,605 20%     230,430 22%    183,689 20%   77,329  22% 

Repair and maintenance

  25,937  7%    22,978 7%     87,158 8%    65,253 7%   29,325  8% 

Insurance and loss reserves

  1,038  <1%    4,903 2%     8,501 1%    11,472 1%   3,835  1% 

Fuel, lube and supplies

  15,732  4%    11,963 4%     48,018 5%    33,751 4%   17,798  5% 

Vessel operating leases

  963  <1%    522 <1%     2,887 <1%    1,740 <1%   962  <1% 

Other

  23,194  6%    18,485 6%     70,647 7%    56,496 6%   23,552  7% 
 
  141,901  39%    122,456 39%     447,641 43%    352,401 38%   152,801  44% 
 

Total operating costs

 $  161,320  45%    148,731 47%     513,419 49%    429,578 46%   175,371  51% 
 

As a result of the uncertainty of a certain customer to make timely payments onpayment of vessel charter hire, the company has deferred the recognition of approximately $6.0$5.6 million of billings as of September 30,December 31, 2008 ($5.7 million of billings as of March 31, 2008), which would otherwise have been recognized as revenue. The

16


company will recognize the amounts as revenue as cash is collected or at such time as the uncertainty has been significantly reduced.

The company’s consolidated net earnings for the first half of fiscal 2009nine months ended December 31, 2008 increased approximately 4%13%, or $6.2$33.8 million, compared to the net earnings achieved during the first half ofsame period in fiscal 2008 primarily due to higher average day rates. The company’s United States (U.S.) revenues decreased approximately 7%5%, or $6.2$5.7 million, during the first half of fiscal 2009,nine months ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, while the company’s international revenues increased $88.9$127.0 million, or approximately 18%16%, during the same comparative period. Domestic-based vessel operating costs decreased approximately 9%15%, or $4.5$11.4 million, during the first half of fiscal 2009,nine months ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, while the company’s international-based vessel operating costs increased approximately 33%27%, or $75.8$95.2 million, during the same comparative period. A significant portion of the company’s operations are conducted internationally. For the first half of fiscal 2009,nine months ended December 31, 2008, revenues generated from international operations as a percentage of the company’s total revenues were 87%.

The company’s U.S.-based revenues fordecreased approximately 5% during the first half of fiscal 2009 decreasednine months ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, primarily due to a decrease in the number of vessels operating in the U.S.-based portion of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and to lower utilization on the remaining U.S.-based vessels resulting from lower demand for the company’s vessels in the GOM offshore vessel market as compared to the first half of fiscal 2008, despite increasesan approximate 11% increase in average day rates. Demand for vessels in the shallow water GOM offshore vessel market diminished as repair work on the offshore energy infrastructure that was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, respectively, was completed and numerous drilling rigs have relocated to international areas. During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, vessel day rates trended higher as the supply/demand fundamentals in the GOM offshore vessel market tightened due to an increase in exploration and production (E&P) drilling activity in the GOM resulting from high natural gas prices, which reached the $13.00 per Mcf range in July 2008 and which have since deflated to the $7.00 per Mcf range. In September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit the Louisiana and Texas coasts. The U.S. Minerals Management Service reported that the damage caused by the two storms to the energy industry infrastructure in the U.S. GOM and along the U.S. Gulf Coast was not as extensive as the damage caused by Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita in calendar year 2005 and indicated that the damage that was sustained would take several months to repair. The market for offshore support vessels was already tight prior to the two storms and drilling operators discovered a shortage in available-for-work offshore vessels currently in the U.S. GOM. The GOM supply boat market has a significant number of vessels stacked that could resume active status, but only after expenditures to drydock and re-certify the vessels. Prior to the storms, all of the company’s available-for-work U.S.-based vessels were working at relatively full utilization and, since the storms, two of the company’s stacked vessels are each undergoing a drydock and recertification in order to meet increased post-hurricane market demand.

While the repair work in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to keep U.S-based vessel demand high for the near term, the number of operating drilling rigs in the U.S. offshore market is generally the primary driver of the company’s expected activity levels and future profitability in the U.S. market. At present, the offshore rig count in the GOM remains at historically low levels. The strength of the international drilling market has attracted offshore rigs from the U.S. market over the past few years. Over the longer term, the company’s U.S.-based fleet should be affected more by the active offshore rig count in the United States than by any other single outside influence. In addition, consolidation could result in the absorption of an oil and gas company with which the company has a strong commercial relationship into another company with which the company does not have such a relationship.

17


During the summer of 2008, vessel day rates trended higher as the supply/demand fundamentals in the GOM offshore vessel market tightened due to an increase in exploration and production (E&P) drilling activity resulting from high natural gas prices, which reached the $13.00 per Mcf range in July 2008 and which have since deflated to the $5.00 to $6.00 per Mcf range. In September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit the Louisiana and Texas coasts. The U.S. Minerals Management Service reported that the damage caused by the two storms to the energy industry infrastructure in the U.S. GOM and along the U.S. Gulf Coast was not as extensive as the damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in calendar year 2005 and indicated that the damage that was sustained would take several months to repair. The market for offshore support vessels was tight prior to the two storms, and drilling operators discovered shortages in available-for-work offshore vessels operating in the U.S. GOM. The GOM supply boat market had a significant number of vessels stacked that could resume active status, but only after expenditures to drydock and re-certify the vessels. Prior to the storms, all of the company’s available-for-work U.S.-based vessels were working at relatively full utilization and, since the storms, two of the company’s stacked vessels underwent a drydock and recertification in order to meet increased post-hurricane market demand. Demand for the company’s vessels was brisk for the majority of the quarter ended December 31, 2008, but demand has waned in the last weeks of the quarter due to normal winter slowdowns and the winding down of repair work on the offshore energy infrastructure.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, both the current U.S. President Bush and the U.S. Congress allowed the moratorium on offshore drilling in federal waters along the U.S. Pacific and Atlantic coasts to expire effective October 1, 2008. Although the lifting of the moratorium will not result in immediate drilling, the prospects for the future of offshore drilling in the new regions of the U.S. could be promising; however, in January 2009, a new U.S. President will takeObama took office, and it is not known at this time how currentyet clear what the energy policies in the U.S.policy of his administration will be affected by the new leadership and ultimately how current commodity prices and new energy policies, if any,or what impact such policy will impacthave on the offshore energy industry.

17


The deepwater offshore energy market is a growing segment of the energy market. Worldwide rig construction continuesescalated in the past few years as rig owners capitalizecapitalized on the high worldwide demand for drilling. Reports published during the most recently completed quarter suggest that over the next four years, the worldwide moveable drilling rig count will increase as new-build rigs currently on order and under construction stand at approximately 190175 rigs, which will supplement the current approximate 725740 movable rigs worldwide. In addition, investment is also being made in the floating production market where approximately 8068 new floating production units are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered over the next fivefour years to supplement the current approximate 300308 floating production units worldwide.

Approximately 740700 new-build vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered to the worldwide offshore vessel market over the next four years as reported by ODS-Petrodata. The current worldwide fleet of these classes of vessels approximates 2,000 vessels. An increase in vessel capacity could result in increased competition in the company’s industry which may have the effect of lowering charter rates. However, the worldwide offshore marine vessel industry has a large number of aging vessels that are nearing or exceeding original expectations of estimated economic lives. These older vessels could potentially retire from the market within the next few years if the cost of extending the vessels’ lives is not economically justifiable. Although the future attrition rate of these aging vessels cannot be accurately predicted, the company believes that the retirement of a portion of these aging vessels may offset, or at least in part,would likely mitigate the potential effects of new-build vessels being delivered into the market. Additional vessel demand should be created with the addition of new drilling rigs and floating production units over the next few years, which should help minimize the effects of 740700 new-build vessels (platform supply vessels and anchor handlers only) being added to the offshore support vessel fleet. ItHowever, it is unknown at this time how the global financial crisisrecession will influence the utilization of equipment currently in existence and ultimate delivery of new drilling rigs, floating production units and vessels currently under construction.

Commodity prices, and particularly the price of crude oil and natural gas, are critical factors in E&P companies’ decisions to retain their drilling rigs in the U.S. Gulf of MexicoGOM market or mobilize the rigs to more profitable international markets. CrudePrices for crude oil and natural gas markets witnessed positive record breaking pricing in mid-July 2008. Even before the current financial crisis caused extreme uncertainty in the market, prices for these two commodities hadhave fallen dramatically from their respective peaks earlierachieved in thecalendar year 2008 due to a U.S. economic slowdown, which had begun to reduceglobal recession that resulted in a marked decline in worldwide demand for oil and gas. Inventory levels for natural gas have risenrose higher than expected duringover the summer injection season and are expected to approachwere near full capacity at the end of the season as was the case during calendar years 2006 and 2007. Production shut-ins in the offshore drilling market caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike eased some of the production growth in natural gas but were insufficient to offset strong land-based natural gas drilling. Analysts estimate

18


that inventory levels for natural gas will remain high even during the winter drawdown season due to the strong supply growth and declining demand resulting from the economic recession. High inventory levels for natural gas generallyand low demand do not bode well for future increases in natural gas pricing. TheGiven the historical strong correlation between commodity prices, drilling and exploration activity and demand for the company’s U.S. results of operations are primarily driven by naturalvessels in the GOM, if gas explorationprices remain weak during calendar year 2009, the company would expect that its ability to maintain the utilization rates and production and, given the relative uncertainty of naturalday rates for its vessels in that market will be under stress. However, because gas pricing itand gas demand have been extremely volatile, as evidenced by the sharp increases and declines experienced during calendar year 2008, management is unknown how U.S.-based vessel demandunable to predict with confidence what the company’s actual experience will be affected after the post-hurricane offshore vessel demand surge wanes.in calendar year 2009.

While all of these factors create uncertainty as to the immediate future activity level of the U.S. vessel market, theThe company’s assets are highly mobile. Should the U.S. market weaken, the company has the ability to redeploy some of its vessels to international markets where, market conditions permitting, the vessels may benefit from stronger average day rates and statutory income tax rates that are typically lower than in the United States. The company will continue to assess the demand for vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and in the various international markets and consider relocating additional vessels to international areas.areas, although the ability of the company to continue to mobilize vessels among international markets will be subject to global market demand. The cost of mobilizing vessels to a different market are sometimes for the account of the company and sometimes for the account of a contracting customer.

Oil and gas industry analysts are reporting in their 2009 E&P expenditures (both land-based and offshore) surveys that global capital expenditures budgets for E&P are forecast to decrease by approximately 12% over calendar year 2008 levels. The surveys forecast that international capital spending budgets will decline a modest 6% while North American capital spending budgets are forecast to decrease approximately 26% due to the uncertainty in commodity pricing, tight credit markets and the global recession. These budgets were based on an approximate $58 average price per barrel of oil and an approximate $6.35 per mcf average natural gas price for calendar 2009. Additionally, the International Energy Agency announced in January 2009 that it decreased its forecast of oil demand by 11.7% from its October 2008 forecast.

The strength in the company’s international-based revenues during the first half of fiscal 2009nine months ended December 31, 2008 can be attributed to higher average day rates and an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally.rates. Average day rates for the total international-based fleet increased approximately 20% during the first half of fiscal 2009nine months ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008. The company’s international results of operations are primarily dependent on the supply and demand relationship of crude oil. Even before the financial crisis caused extreme uncertainty in the market, crude oil prices were already retreating tofrom the $90 per barrel and below range after reaching an all time closing high of approximately $147 per barrel in mid-July 2008. FallingIn the past four months, falling oil prices prompted the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to announce in September 2008 that it would cutthree oil production by one half million barrels per daycuts in an attempt to stabilize oil prices. The most recent announcement stated that OPEC will cut production by 2.2 million barrels per day effective January 1, 2009, which would reduce oil production by 4.2 million barrels per day (nearly 5% cut in global oil supplies) when all previously announced production cuts are included. At

18


present, it is unknown whether crude oil prices will stabilize at levels that will continue to support significant levels of exploration and production spending by oil and gas companies. In addition, even if priceprices stabilize at levels that do support high levels of spending, it is uncertain if E&P companies will be able to increasesustain their level of capital expenditures because of recent reductions in available capital and liquidity. Given the current level of uncertaintyhistorical strong correlation between commodity prices, drilling and exploration activity and demand for the company’s vessels in the energyvarious international markets, it is unknown how international-based vessel demandif crude oil prices remain weak during calendar year 2009, the company would expect that its ability to maintain the utilization rates and day rates for its vessels in that market will be affected.under stress. However, because oil pricing and oil demand have been extremely volatile, as evidenced by the sharp increases and declines experienced during calendar year 2008, management is unable to predict with confidence what the company’s actual experience will be in calendar year 2009.

19


Marine operating profit and other components of earnings before income taxes and its related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-monththe nine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 consist of the following:

 

  Quarter Ended
September 30,
 Six Months Ended
September 30,
 Quarter
Ended
June 30,
 

Quarter Ended

December 31,

      

Nine Months Ended

December 31,

    

Quarter

Ended

September 30,

(In thousands)  2008   % 2007   % 2008   % 2007   % 2008   %     2008      %    2007      %     2008      %    2007      %   2008   %

Marine operating profit:

                                         

Vessel activity:

                                         

United States

  $10,994   3% 9,815   3% 20,283   3% 20,180   3% 9,289   3%  $11,201  3%    2,497  1%     31,484  3%    22,677  2%   10,994   3% 

International

   107,086   31% 94,770   30% 194,348   28% 190,680   31% 87,262   26%   125,733  35%    107,138  34%     320,081  31%    297,818  32%   107,086   31% 
   118,080   34% 104,585   33% 214,631   31% 210,860   34% 96,551   28% 
  136,934  38%    109,635  35%     351,565  34%    320,495  34%   118,080   34% 

Gain on sales of assets (A)

   5,851   2% 2,102   1% 16,238   2% 9,032   1% 10,387   3%   4,760  1%    660  <1%     20,998  2%    9,692  1%   5,851   2% 

Other marine services

   784   <1% 2,043   1% 1,888   <1% 2,778   <1% 1,104   <1%   1,552  <1%    1,681  1%     3,440  <1%    4,459  <1%   784   <1% 

Operating profit

   124,715   36% 108,730   34% 232,757   34% 222,670   36% 108,042   32%   143,246  40%    111,976  36%     376,003  36%    334,646  36%   124,715   36% 

Equity in net earnings of
unconsolidated companies

   3,798   1% 3,725   1% 7,994   1% 7,111   1% 4,196   1%   4,079  1%    3,141  1%     12,073  1%    10,252  1%   3,798   1% 

Interest and other debt costs

   (108)  (<1%) (1,336)  (<1%) (428)  (<1%) (4,178)  (1%) (320)  (<1%)   (77) (<1%)    (1,535) (<1%)     (505) (<1%)    (5,713) (1%)   (108)  (<1%) 

Corporate G&A

   (10,778)  (3%) (9,904)  (3%) (21,346)  (3%) (21,001)  (3%) (10,568)  (3%)   (7,805) (2%)    (9,417) (3%)     (29,151) (3%)    (30,418) (3%)   (10,778)  (3%) 

Other income

   (3)  (<1%) 4,216   1% 787   <1% 8,905   1% 790   <1%   (87) (<1%)    3,521  1%     700  <1%    12,426  1%   (3)  (<1%) 

Earnings before income taxes

  $117,624   34% 105,431   33% 219,764   32% 213,507   34% 102,140   30%  $139,356  38%    107,686  34%     359,120  34%    321,193  34%   117,624   34% 

 

(A)

The timing of dispositions of vessels is very difficult to predict,predict; therefore, gains on sales of assets may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.

United States-based Operations

U.S.-based vessel revenues for both the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, decreased approximately 7%increased a modest 1%, or $3.2$0.4 million, and $6.2 million, respectively, as compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal year 2008, due primarily to lowerhigher utilization rates ason all vessel classes operating in the U.S. market and to higher total average day rates resulting from a result of weakness in thestronger GOM market during the comparative periods (despite increases in average day rates) and todespite fewer vessels operating in the GOM (due to the transfer of vessels to international markets). U.S.-based vessel revenues, for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, decreased approximately 5%, or $5.7 million, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, due to fewer vessels operating in the GOM resulting from vessels being transferred to international markets and to lower utilization rates despite increases in average day rates.

Revenues on the active towing supply/supply class of vessels, the company’s major income producing vessel class in the domestic market, decreasedincreased approximately 14% and 22%32%, or $3.1 million and $10.3$4.9 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2008.2008, due to higher utilization and average day rates. Revenues on this same class of vessel decreased approximately 9%, or $5.5 million, during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, due to lower utilization. Revenues on the company’s deepwater class of vessels decreased approximately 17%, or $2.7 million, during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, due to fewer deepwater vessels operating in the current quarter as a result of vessels being transferred to international markets. Revenues on the company’s deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 8% and 22%, or $1.3 million and $5.9$3.2 million, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2008.2008, due to higher utilization and average day rates. The company’s crew/utility class of vessels experienced a decrease in revenues of approximately 21% and 14%29%, or $1.4 million and $1.7 million, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2008.2008, due to lower average day rates and fewer vessels operating in the current quarter as a result of vessel being transferred to international markets. Revenues on this same class of vessel decreased approximately 19%, or $3.5 million, during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, due to lower utilization and average day rates.

Average day rates on the U.S-based towing supply/supply vessels increased approximately 9%34% and 3%11% during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, while utilization2008. Utilization rates on this same class of vessel increased approximately 3 percentage points during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, but decreased approximately 9 and 106 percentage points respectively, during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, as compared to same comparative periods.periods in fiscal 2008. Average day rates on the company’s U.S.-based deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 8%3% and 6%

20


5% during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Utilization rates on the deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 36 and 4 percentage points for both the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Utilization rates on the company’s U.S-based crew/utility class of vessels decreasedincreased approximately 13 and 123 percentage points during the quarter andended December 31, 2008, but decreased approximately 7 percentage points during the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008.2008, respectively. Average day rates for

19


the crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately 4%8% and 2%4%, respectively, during the same comparative periods.periods, respectively.

U.S.-based operating profit for the quarter and the nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, increased approximately $1.2$8.7 million and $8.8 million, or 12%348% and 39%, as compared to the same periodperiods in fiscal year 2008, respectively, primarily due to lower vessel operating costs and depreciation expense due to the transfer of vessels to international operating areas. U.S.-based operating profit, for the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, was comparable to the U.S.-based operating profit earned during fiscal year 2008.expense.

Current quarter U.S.-based vessel revenue was comparabledecreased approximately 7%, or $2.9 million, compared to the previous quarter as a resultdue primarily to the transfer of higher day rates offset by fewerseven vessels operating in the GOM.(including two deepwater vessels) to international markets. Current quarter operating profit increased approximately 18%2%, or $1.7$0.2 million, compared to the previous quarter due to lower vessel operating costs and depreciation expense.

International-based Operations

International-based vessel revenues increased approximately 20%14% and 18%16%, or $50.5$38.1 million and $88.9$127.0 million, for the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, due primarily to higher average day rates on all vessel classes operating in international markets and to an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally.markets.

Revenues on the company’s international deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 19%10% and 7%8%, or $10.8$6.3 million and $8.1$14.4 million, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Revenues on the international towing supply/supply class of vessels increased approximately 23%17% and 25%22%, or $36.2$28.9 million and $75.7$104.5 million, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. TheRevenues on the company’s crew/utility class of vessels also experienced an increase in revenues of approximately 4%increased a modest 1% and 3%2%, or $1.1$0.3 million and $1.5$1.8 million, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Revenues on the company’s offshore tug class of vessels increased approximately 11%19% and 8%11%, or $1.5$2.4 million and $2.3$4.7 million, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008.

Average day rates on the international deepwater class of vessels increased approximately 20%6% and 13%11%, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008, while utilization rates on this same class of vessel decreased approximately 6 and 98 percentage points, during the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008.comparative periods. Average day rates for the company’s international towing supply/supply class of vessels increased approximately 23%, during both22% for the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal year 2008. Utilization2008, respectively, while utilization rates on the international towing supply/supplysame class of vessels decreased approximately 13 and 2 percentage point,points during both the quarter and the six-month period ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same comparative periods, in fiscal 2008.respectively. Average day rates on the company’s international-based crew/utility class of vessels increased approximately 13%11% and 10%, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Utilization rates for the crew/utility class of vessels decreased approximately 9 and 56 percentage points during the same comparative periods, respectively. Average day rates on the international offshore tugs increased approximately 28%15% and 27%23%, during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008. Utilization rates on the international offshore tugs increased approximately 110 percentage pointpoints during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 but decreased approximately 5 percentage points during the six-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008 as compared to the same periodsperiod in fiscal 2008. Utilization rates on the international offshore tugs during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2008 were comparable to the rates achieved during the same period in fiscal 2008.

21


International-based vessel operating profit increased approximately 13%17% and 2%8%, or $12.3$18.6 million and $3.7$22.3 million, for the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008, primarily due to higher revenues. Higher international-based revenues earned during the current fiscal year periods were partially offset by increases in vessel operating costs (primarily crew costs due to basic inflationary increases in labor costs around the world, repair and maintenance costs,

20


fuel, lube and supplies, and other type costs) and higher depreciation expense resulting from an increase in the number of vessels operating internationally, including newly-constructed vessels added to the international-based fleet over the past year. International-based operating profit was also higher during the comparative periods because of higher foreign exchange gains resulting from a stronger U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.

While international-based vessel revenues improved during the first half of fiscal 2009,nine month period ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the same period duringin fiscal 2008, the revenue line was negatively impacted by an increased number of maintenance days on several of the company’s larger deepwater class of vessels during the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, resulting from a higher level of drydockings performed during the period. The increased number of maintenance days negatively impacted the utilization statistics and average day rates of the company’s deepwater class of vessels during the first half of fiscal 2009,nine month period ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the first half ofsame period in fiscal 2008.

Current quarter international-based vessel revenues increased approximately 6%a modest 2%, or $16.4$7.4 million, as compared to the previous quarter due to an increase inhigher average day rates.rates and stable utilization. International-based vessel operating profit for the current quarter increased approximately 23%17%, or $19.8$18.6 million, as compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to an increase inhigher revenues, lower vessel revenues.operating costs and higher foreign exchange gains.

Other Items

Insurance and loss reserves during the quarter and the six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, increaseddecreased approximately 24%88% and 5%34%, or $1.1$6.7 million and $0.5$6.2 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008, due to higherlower premiums and loss reserves recorded in the currentas a result of a better safety record during fiscal year2009 as compared to fiscal 2008.

Gain on sales of assets forduring the first half of fiscal 2009nine months ended December 31, 2008 increased approximately 80%,$11.3 million, or $7.2 million,117%, as compared to the same period in fiscal 2008, due to a higher number of vessels sold during fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 and due to larger gains earned on the mix of vessels sold. Dispositions of vessels can vary from quarter to quarter; therefore, gains on sales of assets may fluctuate significantly from period to period.

The company performed a thorough review of all the vessels in its fleet for asset impairment during the quarter ended December 31, 2008. The review resulted in no impairment charge. The company’s thorough review of all the vessels in its fleet for asset impairment during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 also resulted in no impairment charge.

Vessel Class Statistics

Vessel utilization is determined primarily by market conditions and to a lesser extent by drydocking requirements. Vessel day rates are primarily determined by vessel demand, primarily from offshore exploration, development and production companies and contract drillers, relative to the available supply of offshore service vessels. Suitability of equipment and quality of service provided also influence vessel day rates. Vessel utilization rates are calculated by dividing the number of vessel days worked during a reporting period by the number of vessel days available to work in the reporting period. Average day rates are calculated by dividing aggregate vessel revenue earned during a reporting period by the number of days the vessels worked in the reporting period. Vessel utilization and average day rates are calculated only on vessels in service and, as such, do not include vessels withdrawn from 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 quarters and the six month periodsnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008:

 

2122


     Quarter Ended
December 31,
  Nine Months Ended
December 31,
  Quarter
Ended
September 30,
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
     

Six Months Ended

September 30,

     

Quarter

Ended
June 30,

        2008 2007  2008  2007  2008
  2008 2007  2008  2007  2008  
UTILIZATION:                          

United States-based fleet:

                          

Deepwater vessels

   98.0% 95.1    96.3  93.4    94.9      96.7% 90.5  96.4  92.3    98.0

Towing-supply/supply

   48.0  56.6    48.9  58.9    49.8      49.0  46.1  49.0  54.8    48.0

Crew/utility

   75.5  88.5    76.4  88.4    77.3      84.2  80.9  78.6  85.8    75.5

Total

   61.4% 69.1    62.2  69.7    63.0      62.4% 60.9  62.3  66.8    61.4

International-based fleet:

                          

Deepwater vessels

   85.8% 91.8    84.7  94.1    83.6      85.9% 91.4  85.1  93.2    85.8

Towing-supply/supply

   75.7  76.9    76.5  77.1    77.2      76.0  79.2  76.3  77.9    75.7

Crew/utility

   79.5  89.0    82.8  87.5    86.1      75.5  84.8  80.3  86.6    79.5

Offshore tugs

   60.4  59.8    56.7  61.5    53.4      65.2  54.7  59.4  59.3    60.4

Other

   59.0  48.3    48.8  51.4    41.8      95.3  54.8  58.3  52.6    59.0

Total

   75.8% 78.3    76.2  78.6    76.6      76.0% 78.5  76.1  78.6    75.8

Worldwide fleet:

                          

Deepwater vessels

   88.0% 92.5    87.0  94.0    85.9      87.5% 91.2  87.1  93.0    88.0

Towing-supply/supply

   72.2  74.1    72.9  74.5    73.6      72.7  74.8  72.8  74.6    72.2

Crew/utility

   78.9  88.9    81.8  87.7    84.7      76.6  84.2  80.1  86.5    78.9

Offshore tugs

   60.4  59.8    56.7  61.5    53.4      65.2  54.7  59.4  59.3    60.4

Other

   59.0  48.3    48.8  51.4    41.8      95.3  54.8  58.3  52.6    59.0

Total

   74.0% 77.0     74.4  77.4     74.8       74.4% 76.2  74.4  77.0    74.0
AVERAGE VESSEL DAY RATES:                          

United States-based fleet:

                          

Deepwater vessels

  $25,233  23,382    24,862  23,394    24,514    $   23,961  23,256  24,605  23,342  25,233

Towing-supply/supply

   12,867  11,856    12,234  11,907    11,633      13,947  10,399  12,792  11,499  12,867

Crew/utility

   6,017  6,270    6,015  6,136    6,010      5,591  6,093  5,887  6,122    6,017

Total

  $13,510  12,254    13,164  12,126    12,835    $   13,520  11,759  13,275  12,013  13,510

International-based fleet:

                          

Deepwater vessels

  $26,831  22,423    25,820  22,805    24,728    $   26,590  24,980  26,088  23,516  26,831

Towing-supply/supply

   12,375  10,080    12,015  9,781    11,660      12,745  10,455  12,257  10,014  12,375

Crew/utility

   5,184  4,584    5,071  4,624    4,965      5,154  4,661  5,097  4,636    5,184

Offshore tugs

   8,302  6,511    8,614  6,781    8,931      8,149  7,092  8,453  6,875    8,302

Other

   10,597  4,419    10,233  5,074    9,893      9,041  5,672  9,842  5,282  10,597

Total

  $12,048  9,768    11,631  9,662    11,221    $   12,308  10,369  11,857  9,900  12,048

Worldwide fleet:

                          

Deepwater vessels

  $26,517  22,615    25,615  22,913    24,679    $   26,151  24,612  25,793  23,483  26,517

Towing-supply/supply

   12,416  10,267    12,034  10,020    11,658      12,845  10,451  12,303  10,166  12,416

Crew/utility

   5,305  4,852    5,206  4,854    5,114      5,215  4,884  5,209  4,864    5,305

Offshore tugs

   8,302  6,511    8,614  6,781    8,931      8,149  7,092  8,453  6,875    8,302

Other

   10,597  4,419    10,233  5,074    9,893      9,041  5,672  9,842  5,282  10,597

Total

  $12,201  10,064    11,795  9,958    11,396    $   12,427  10,515  12,004  10,143  12,201

 

22

23


The following table compares the average number of vessels by class and by geographic distribution for the quarters and six-monththe nine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008:

 

  Quarter Ended
December 31,
  Nine Months Ended
December 31,
  Quarter
Ended
September 30,
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
  

Six Months Ended

September 30,

  Quarter
Ended
June 30,
  2008  2007  2008  2007  2008
  2008  2007  2008  2007  2008

United States-based fleet:

                                          

Deepwater vessels

  7      7        7      7        8        6      8      7      7      7

Towing-supply/supply

  33      35        33      36        34      32    34    33    36    33

Crew/utility

  13        13           13        13           13     10    14    12    13    13

Total

  53        55           53        56           55     48    56    52    56    53

International-based fleet:

                                          

Deepwater vessels

  32      30        32      30        31      33    30    32    30    32

Towing-supply/supply

  224      221        225      219        226    224  225  225  221  224

Crew/utility

  70      68        70      71        70      72    69    71    71    70

Offshore tugs

  33      38        34      37        36      32    37    34    37    33

Other

  3        5           4        5           5       2      5      3      5      3

Total

  362        362           365        362           368   363  366  365  364  362

Owned or chartered vessels included in
marine revenues

  415      417        418      418        423    411  422  417  420  415

Vessels withdrawn from service

  16      24        18      25        19      12    22    16    24    16

Joint-venture and other

  14        14           14        14           14     13    14    14    14    14

Total

  445      455        450      457        456    436  458  447  458  445

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 categorized as stacked when market conditions warrant and vesselswarrant. Vessels are removed from this category when sold or(or otherwise disposed ofof) or when a vessel is 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 47,51, 51 and 5147 stacked vessels at September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007 and at JuneSeptember 30, 2008, 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 September 30,December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008:

 

  December 31, 2008     March 31, 2008
  Number
Of Vessels
  

Carrying

Value

     Number Of
Vessels
  

Carrying

Value

  September 30, 2008    March 31, 2008   
  

Number

Of Vessels

  

Carrying

Value

   

Number

Of Vessels

  

Carrying

Value

        (In thousands)        (In thousands)
     (In thousands)      (In thousands) 

Vessels in active service

  360  $1,408,415    367  $1,375,194    352  $1,435,154    367  $1,375,194  

Stacked vessels

    47   11,290      53   14,103    51   11,491    53   14,103  

Vessels withdrawn from service

    12   1,665      20   2,788    12   1,590    20   2,788  

Marine equipment under construction

     408,586       243,205       455,158       243,205  

Other property and equipment

      42,368        43,748       41,855       43,748  

Totals

  419  $1,872,324    440  $1,679,038    415  $1,945,248    440  $1,679,038  

 

2324


During the first half of fiscal 2009,nine-month period ended December 31, 2008, the company took delivery of threefive anchor handling towing supply vessels, one platform supply vessel and one offshore tug and sold to third party operators or to scrap dealers sevennine anchor handling towing supply vessels, seveneight platform supply vessels, one crewboat, twosix crewboats, three utility vessels, sixseven offshore tugs and twothree other type vessels.

During fiscal 2008,the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007, the company took delivery of sevenfive anchor handling towing supply vessels, fivethree platform supply vessels,vessel, four crewboats and three offshore tugs and sold to third party operators sixfive anchor handling towing supply vessels, ninesix platform supply vessels, one crewboat, six utility vessels and four offshore tugs.

General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated general and administrative expenses and its related percentage of total revenue for the quarters and six-monththe nine-month periods ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008 were as follows:

 

  

Quarter Ended

September 30,

      

Six Months Ended

September 30,

      

Quarter

Ended

June 30,

 

Quarter Ended

December 31,

   

Nine Months Ended

December 31,

    

Quarter

Ended

September 30,

(In thousands)

   2008    %  2007    %     2008    %  2007    %     2008    %     2008     %    2007     %  2008     %    2007     %   2008  %

Personnel

  $20,567  6%  16,885  5%    41,106  6%  35,139  6%    20,539  6%   $18,689 5%    16,701 5%  59,795 6%    51,840 6%   20,567  6% 

Office and property

   5,183  1%  3,928  1%    10,112  1%  7,920  1%    4,929  1%    4,503 1%    4,263 1%  14,615 1%    12,183 1%   5,183  1% 

Sales and marketing

   1,899  1%  1,752  1%    4,052  1%  3,461  1%    2,153  1%    2,445 1%    2,080 1%  6,497 1%    5,541 1%   1,899  1% 

Professional services

   4,568  1%  5,245  2%    9,388  1%  10,853  2%    4,820  1%    3,643 1%    6,068 2%  13,031 1%    16,921 2%   4,568  1% 

Other

   3,098  1%  2,870  1%     5,765  1%  4,819  1%     2,667  1%     2,389 1%    2,000 1%  8,154 1%    6,819 1%   3,098  1% 
  $35,315  10%  30,680  10%    70,423  10%  62,192  10%    35,108  10%  
 $31,669 9%    31,112 10%  102,092 10%    93,304 10%   35,315  10% 

General and administrative expenses for the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, were approximately 15%2% and 13%9% higher as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2008 due to the amortization of restricted stock and phantom stock awards granted during the last two fiscal years; higher salary expense; and general cost increases related to a higher volume of business activity especially in the company’s international markets. The general and administrative cost increases during the comparative years were partially offset by lower professional service costs (legal fees) related to the winding down of the internal investigation of the company’s Nigerian operations (as previously discussed on page 8 of this Form 10-Q). General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2008, were comparabledecreased approximately 10% as compared to the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2008.2008 because the previous quarter included the costs associated with accelerating the vesting of restricted stock awards for one retiring senior executive and due to lower legal costs.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Matters

The company’s current ratio, level of working capital and amount of cash flows from operations for any year are directly related to fleet activity and vessel day rates. Vessel activity levels and vessel day rates are, among other things, dependent upon oil and natural gas prices and ultimately the supply/demand relationship for crude oil and natural gas. Variations from year-to-year in these items are primarily the result of market conditions. 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 liquidity requirements. At September 30,December 31, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving line of credit was available for future financing needs. The company’s revolving credit agreement matures in May 2010.

In May 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the increase of itsthe dividend from $0.15 per share to$0.25 per share, a 67%increase. On July 31,November 13, 2008, the company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. FutureThe declaration of dividends are subject to declaration byis at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors.

In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all

25


authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. No amounts were expended for the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2008 or from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. At September 30,December 31, 2008, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. Due to the distress in the capital and liquidity markets, company management is attempting to maximize available liquidity for all investment opportunities. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.

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In July 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions, which program the Board expanded by an additional $50.0 million on January 31, 2008. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2008. From inception of the July 2007 authorized program through its conclusion on June 30, 2008, the company expended the entire $250.0 million authorization to repurchase and cancel 4,502,100 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $55.53. For the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the company expended $61.1$116.4 million tofor the repurchase and cancel 950,000cancellation of 2,282,200 common shares, at an average price paid per common share of $64.27.$51.00. For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007, the company expended $291.1 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 4,925,600 common shares, at an average price paid per common share of $59.11.

In July 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $157.9 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2007. From inception of the July 2006 authorized repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2007, the company expended $154.1 million to repurchase and cancel 2,560,500 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $60.17. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, the company expended $113.7 million to repurchase and cancel 1,693,400 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $67.13.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for any period will fluctuate according to the level of business activity for the applicable period. For the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2008, net cash from operating activities was $196.9$368.5 million compared to $220.5$353.1 million as of September 30,for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2008, include net earnings of $180.2$297.2 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $43.3$83.5 million and changes in working capital balances of $26.6$12.2 million.

Significant components of cash provided by operating activities for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, include net earnings of $174.0$263.4 million, adjusted for non-cash items of $20.0$81.0 million and changes in working capital balances of $26.5$8.7 million.

Investing Activities

Investing activities for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2008, used $238.9$337.9 million of cash, which is attributed to $259.8$368.7 million of additions to properties and equipment, offset by approximately $20.6$30.5 million in proceeds from the sales of assets. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $31.1$48.9 million in capitalized major repair costs, $227.9$318.6 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels and $0.8$1.2 million of other properties and equipment purchases.

Investing activities for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, used $157.7$230.5 million of cash, which is attributed to $216.4$291.7 million of additions to properties and equipment, offset by approximately $58.7$61.2 million in proceeds from the sales of assets. Additions to properties and equipment were comprised of approximately $29.0$38.0 million in capitalized major repair costs, $4.8$5.0 million for vessel enhancements, $170.1$235.9 million for the construction of offshore marine vessels, $10.9 million for the construction of an aircraft and $1.6$1.9 million of other properties and equipment purchases.

 

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Financing Activities

Financing activities for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2008, used $83.7$98.8 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $53.6 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $25.7$38.6 million used for quarterly payment of common stock dividends of $0.25 per common share, and $10.1 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations.obligations and $0.8 million tax liability on stock option exercises. These uses of cash were partially offset by $4.3 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from the exercising of stock options and a $1.4 million tax benefit on stock options exercised during the quarter.

Financing activities for the sixnine months ended September 30,December 31, 2007, used $135.5$287.8 million of cash, which is primarily the result of $174.7$291.1 million used to repurchase the company’s common stock, $16.8$25.0 million used for

25


quarterly payment of common stock dividends of $0.15 per common share, and $2.5$19.6 million of principal payments on capitalized lease obligations. These uses of cash were partially offset by $43.4$43.6 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock resulting from the exercising of stock optionsoption exercisements and a $15.1$4.3 million tax benefit on stock options exercised.

Vessel Construction and Acquisition Expenditures

As of September 30,December 31, 2008, the company is constructing 2321 anchor handling towing supply vessels, varying in size from 6,500 brake horsepower (BHP) to 13,600 BHP, for a total capital commitment of approximately $454.9$417.2 million. Six different international shipyards are constructing the vessels. Six of the anchor handling towing supply vessels are large deepwater class vessels. Scheduled deliveries for the 2321 vessels will beginbegan in November 2008January 2009 with the last vessel scheduled for delivery in January 2012. As of September 30,December 31, 2008, the company had expended $169.7$179.2 million for the construction of these vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of sixfive 230-foot, eight 240-foot, two 260-foot and twelve 280-foot platform supply vessels for a total aggregate investment of approximately $651.3$640.2 million. The company’s shipyard, Quality Shipyards, LLC, is constructing the two 260-foot deepwater class vessels. One international shipyard is constructing the sixfive 230-foot vessels, while two different international shipyards are constructing the eight 240-foot deepwater class vessels. The sixScheduled delivery for the five 230-foot vessels are scheduled for delivery beginningbegan in January 2009 with final delivery of the sixthfifth vessel in January 2010. Expected delivery for the eight 240-foot deepwater class vessels will beginbegan in January 2009 with delivery of the eighth 240-foot vessel in September 2009. The twelve 280-foot deepwater class vessels are being constructed at an international shipyard and are expected to be delivered to the market beginning in November 2010 with final delivery of the twelfth 280-foot vessel in July of 2012. As of September 30,December 31, 2008, $181.0$207.5 million has been expended on these 2827 vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of two 175-foot, fast, crew/supply boats and twofour water jet crewboats for an aggregate cost of approximately $21.7$25.0 million. Two separate international shipyards are constructing these vessels. The twoTwo of the four water jet crewboats are expected to be delivered in February 2009, while the remaining two water jet vessels are expected to be delivered in April and May of 2009. The two fast, crew/supply vessels are expected to be delivered in JuneAugust and September of 2009. As of September 30,December 31, 2008, the company had expended $10.9$14.6 million for the construction of these foursix vessels.

The company is also committed to the construction of two offshore tugs for an aggregated cost of approximately $28.4$28.3 million. The offshore tugs are being constructed at an international shipyard and are expected to be delivered to the company in July and August of 2009. As of September 30,December 31 2008, $16.3$17.8 million has been expended on these two offshore tugs.

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The table below summarizes the various vessel commitments as discussed above by vessel class and type as of September 30,December 31, 2008:

 

   U. S. Built     International Built   
Vessel class and type  

Number

of

Vessels

  

Total

Cost

Commitment

  

Expended

Through

09/30/08

      

Number

of

Vessels

  

Total

Cost

Commitment

  

Expended

Through

09/30/08

   
      (In thousands)        (In thousands)  

Deepwater vessels:

               

Anchor handling towing supply

          6  $173,893  $85,180 

Platform supply vessels

  2  $63,604  $19,563    20  $513,368  $130,818 

Replacement Fleet:

               

Anchor handling towing supply

          17  $280,997  $84,507 

Platform supply vessels

          6  $74,336  $30,594 

Crewboats and offshore tugs:

               

Crewboats

          4  $21,703  $10,950 

Offshore tugs

           2  $28,362  $16,333  

Totals

  2  $63,604  $19,563    55  $1,092,659  $358,382 
 

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   U. S. Built     International Built
Vessel class and type  Number
of
Vessels
  

Total

Cost

Commitment

  

Expended

Through

12/31/08

     

Number

of

Vessels

  

Total

Cost

Commitment

  

Expended

Through

12/31/08

 
      (In thousands)        (In thousands)

Deepwater vessels:

              

Anchor handling towing supply

          6  $174,729  $98,807

Platform supply vessels

  2  $64,897  $25,942    20  $513,301  $152,983

Replacement Fleet:

              

Anchor handling towing supply

          15  $242,447  $80,389

Platform supply vessels

          5  $61,995  $28,529

Crewboats and offshore tugs:

              

Crewboats

          6  $25,042  $14,576

Offshore tugs

          2  $28,251  $17,810
 

Totals

  2  $64,897  $25,942    54  $1,045,765  $393,094
 

The table below summarizes by vessel class and vessel type the number of vessels expected to be delivered by quarter of the various vessel commitments as discussed above:

 

  Quarter Period Ended
    Quarter Period Ended
Vessel class and type    12/08    03/09    06/09    09/09    12/09  Thereafter  03/09  06/09  09/09  12/09  03/10  Thereafter 
             

Deepwater vessels:

                                    

Anchor handling towing supply

            1    1    1  3       1    1    1    1    2 

Platform supply vessels

        3    2    3    1  13     3    2    3    1    1  12 

Replacement Fleet:

                                    

Anchor handling towing supply

    5    3    1        2  6     5    1    1    2      6 

Platform supply vessels

        2    1    1    1  1     1    1      2    1   

Crewboats and offshore tugs:

                                    

Crewboats

        2    1    1           2    2    2       

Offshore tugs

                2               2       

Totals

    5    10    6    8    5  23   11    7    9    6    3  20 

To date, the company has financed its vessel commitment programs from its current cash balances, its operating cash flows, its $300 million senior unsecured notes, its revolving credit facility and various capitalized and operating lease arrangements. Of the total $1.2$1.1 billion of capital commitments for vessels currently under construction, the company has expended $377.9$419.0 million as of September 30,December 31, 2008. Based on the company’s current operating outlook, we believe that commitments existing as of September 30,December 31, 2008, can be met with available cash on hand, future operating cash flows, and funds available under the existing revolving credit facility.

Interest and Debt Costs

The company is capitalizingcapitalizes a portion of its interest costs incurred on borrowed funds used to construct vessels. Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, waswere approximately $0.1 million and $0.4$0.5 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008 waswere approximately $3.5$3.4 million and $6.9$10.3 million, respectively.

Interest and debt costs incurred, net of interest capitalized for the quarter and six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2007, waswere approximately $1.3$1.5 million and $4.2$5.7 million, respectively. Interest costs capitalized for the quarter and six-monthnine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2007 waswere approximately $2.8$2.9 million and $4.9$7.8 million, respectively.

Other Liquidity Matters

TheDuring the early part of fiscal 2009, the company previously indicatedexpressed its belief that it believed it had sufficient financial capacity to support a $1.0 billion annual investment in acquiring or building new vessels for the intermediate term, assuming customer demand, acquisition and shipyard economics and other considerations justified such an

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investment. At present,The well-documented upheaval in the credit and capital markets during the latter half of calendar 2008, the effects of which are continuing, has made it is unclear whetherdoubtful that adequate capital and liquidity will be available to supplement cash generated by the company to fully implement the continuation of its fleet replacement program at this level, or, if available, on terms and pricing as advantageous as the company has enjoyed historically. The company continues to evaluate its fleet renewal program, whether through new construction or acquisitions, relative to other investment opportunities and uses of cash, including the current share repurchase authorization, and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets. At September 30,December 31, 2008, the company had approximately $145.0$201.9 million of cash and cash equivalents. In addition, at September 30,December 31, 2008, the entire amount of the company’s $300.0 million revolving credit facility was available for future financing needs.

Vessel Construction.    The company’s vessel construction program has been designed to replace over time the company’s agingolder fleet of vessels with fewer, larger and more efficient vessels, while also opportunistically revamping the size and capabilities of the company’s fleet. The majority of the company’s older vessels, its supply and towing-supply vessels, were constructed between 1976 and 1983. As such, most vessels of this class exceed 25 years of age and could require replacement within the next several years, depending on the strength of the market during this time frame. 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

27


borrowing capacity or new borrowings or lease arrangements to fund this fleet renewal and modernization program over the next several years.

The company has recently experienced some delays, which may continue, in the expected deliveries of equipment for vessels under construction (as has the offshore supply vessel industry in general). Further delays are possible. Certain of the company’s vessels under construction are committed to work under customer contracts that provide for the payment of liquidated damages by the company or its subsidiaries in certain cases of late delivery. Delays in the expected deliveries of any of these vessels could result in penalties being imposed by our customers. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these penalties, will not have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund.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 a fund deficit that will require contributions from the participating employers. Substantially all of the fund’s deficit allocable to the company relates to current operating subsidiaries. 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 then participating solvent employers, and the final method used in allocating the required contribution among such participating employers. While there were no amounts expensed in fiscal 2008 related to this matter, the company recorded an additional liability of $1.2 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2008. At September 30,December 31, 2008, $4.5$4.9 million remains payable to MNOPF in additional contributions based on current assessments, all of which is fully accrued. 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 to the respective allocations, failing which, the company and other solvent participating employers could be asked for additional contributions.

Supplemental Retirement Plan.    Effective December 10, 2008, the supplemental plan was amended to allow participants the option to elect a lump sum benefit in lieu of other payment options currently provided by the plan. As a result of the amendment, certain participants currently receiving monthly benefit payments will receive lump sum distributions in July 2009 in settlement of the supplemental plan obligation. The aggregate payment to those participants electing the lump sum distribution in July 2009 is currently estimated to be $8.4 million. A settlement loss, which is currently estimated to be $3.1 million, will be recorded at the time of the distribution.

Included in other assets at December 31, 2008, is $13.6 million of investments held in a Rabbi Trust for the benefit of participants in the supplemental plan. The trust assets are recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2008, with unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income. The carrying value of the trust assets at December 31, 2008 is after the effect of $2.7 million of after-tax unrealized losses ($4.2 million pre-tax), which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (other stockholders’

29


equity). To the extent that trust assets are liquidated to fund benefit payments, gains or losses, if any, will be recognized at that time.

Legal Proceedings.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.

Internal Investigation

A full discussion on the company’s internal investigation on its Nigerian operations is contained in Item 1 of this

Form 10-Q.

Goodwill

The company tests goodwill impairment annually at the reporting unit level using carrying amounts as of December 31. The company considers its reporting units to be its U.S. and international operations.

The company performed its annual impairment test as of December 31, 2008, and the test determined there was no goodwill impairment. Interim testing will be performed when events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may be impaired. A full discussion on the methodology the company uses to test goodwill impairment and examples of the types of events that may occur which would require interim testing is included in Item 7 and in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008. Goodwill as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 is $328.8 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In March 2006, the company entered into an agreement to sell five of its vessels that were under construction at the time to Banc of America Leasing & Capital LLC (BOAL&C), an unrelated third party, for $76.5 million and simultaneously enter into bareboat charter arrangements with BOAL&C upon the vessels’ delivery to the market. Construction on these five vessels was completed at various times between March 2006 and March 2008, at which time the company sold the respective vessel and simultaneously entered into bareboat charter arrangement.

The company accounted for all five transactions as sale/leaseback transactions with operating lease treatment. Accordingly, the company did not record the assets on its books and the company is expensing periodic lease payments. For the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, the company expensed approximately $1.7 million and $3.5$5.2 million, respectively on these bareboat charter arrangements as compared to $1.0$1.3 million and $1.7$3.0 million for the quarter and six-monththe nine-month period September 30,ended December 31, 2007.

The charter hire operating lease terms on the first two vessels sold to BOAL&C expire in calendar year 2014. The company has the option to extend the respective charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2017. The charter hire operating lease terms on the third and fourth vessels sold to BOAL&C expire in 2015 and the company has the option to extend the charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases

28


through calendar year 2018. The charter hire operating lease terms on the fifth vessel sold to BOAL&C expires in 2016 and the company has the option to extend the charter hire operating leases three times, each for a period of 12 months, which would provide the company the opportunity to extend the operating leases through calendar year 2019.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008, 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, 2008, 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

30


estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by an asset group are compared to 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 materially different results. 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.

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.

The company performed a thorough review of all the vessels in its fleet for asset impairment during the quarter ended December 31, 2008. The review resulted in no impairment charge. The company’s quarter ended December 31, 2007 thorough review of all the vessels in its fleet for asset impairment also resulted in no impairment charges.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008, 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, 2008, regarding these critical accounting policies.

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

In addition, strong fundamentals experienced in the past few years have also increased the activity levels at shipyards worldwide, which led to increased pricing for both repair work and new construction work at shipyards. Also, the commodity price of steel has increased dramatically due to increased worldwide demand for the metal. The price of steel is high by historical standards and althoughstandards. Although prices moderated some since calendar year 2005, availability of iron ore,

29


the main component of steel, is tighter today than in 2005 when prices for iron ore increased dramatically. 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 day rates increase commensurately. However, the financial crisis and resulting global recession

31


have dramatically reduced global demand for all commodities, including steel, which resulted in lower commodity prices. Steel market participants have already announced that they will reduce steel output during calendar year 2009, which, in turn, could stabilize the price of steel, although that will depend upon many factors that will ultimately relate to worldwide demand for the product.

Environmental Matters

During the ordinary course of business, the company’s operations are subject to a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations. 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. Further, the company is involved in various legal proceedings that relate to asbestos and other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based on current information, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The company is proactive in establishing policies and operating procedures for safeguarding the environment against any hazardous materials aboard its vessels and at shore base locations. Whenever possible, hazardous materials are maintained or transferred in confined areas in an attempt 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

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 September 30,December 31, 2008, the company had outstanding $300.0 million of debt outstanding which represents senior unsecured notes that were issued on July 8, 2003. The multiple series of notes were originally issued with maturities ranging from 7 years to 12 years and an average outstanding life to maturity of 9.5 years. The notes 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 September 30,December 31, 2008 was estimated to be $275.3$279.8 million. Because the debt outstanding at September 30,December 31, 2008 bears interest at fixed rates, interest expense would not be impacted by changes in market interest rates. A 100 basis-point increase in market interest rates would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of this debt at September 30,December 31, 2008 of approximately $14.6 million and a$9.9 million. A 100 basis-point decrease in market interest rates would result in an increase in the estimated fair value of this debt at September 30,December 31, 2008 of approximately $5.9$10.3 million.

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. 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.

 

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The company had no outstanding currency spot contracts outstanding at September 30,December 31, 2008.

At September 30,December 31, 2008, the company also had fourtwo Euro forward contracts outstanding at September 30, 2008 totaling $1.5$0.5 million that hedged the company’s foreign exchange exposure relating to the construction commitment of two crewboats at an international shipyard that totaled a U.S. dollar equivalent of approximately $3.4 million. At September 30,December 31, 2008, the combined change in fair value of these fourtwo forward contracts was approximately $0.1 million, all of which was recorded as a decrease to earnings during the quarternine-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008, because the forward contracts do not qualify as hedge instruments. All changes in fair value of the forward contracts are recorded in earnings.

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 thisCertifications. 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 (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘Exchange“Exchange Act”)) are designed with the objective of ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its chief executive and chief financial officers, or person performing similar functions, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

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 company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2008. Based on that evaluation, the company’s Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer along with the company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of September 30,December 31, 2008 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.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2008, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

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, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 30, 2008.

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

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

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In July 2008, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The company will use its available cash and, when considered advantageous, borrowings under its revolving credit facility or other borrowings, to fund any share repurchases. The repurchase program will end on the earlier of the date that all authorized funds have been expended or June 30, 2009, unless extended by the Board of Directors. No amounts were expended for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30,December 31, 2008. At September 30,December 31, 2008, $200.0 million was available to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock pursuant to the July 2008 authorized stock repurchase program. Due to the distress in the capital and liquidity markets, company management is attempting to maximize available liquidity for all investment opportunities. The company will continue to evaluate share repurchase opportunities relative to other investment opportunities and in the context of current conditions in the credit and capital markets.

In July 2007, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $200.0 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions, which program the Board expanded by an additional $50.0 million on January 31, 2008. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2008. From inception of the July 2007 authorized program through its conclusion on June 30, 2008, the company expended the entire $250.0 million authorization to repurchase and cancel 4,502,100 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $55.53. For the quarter ended September 30,December 31, 2007, the company expended $61.1$116.4 million tofor the repurchase and cancel 950,000cancellation of 2,282,200 common shares, at an average price paid per common share of $64.27.$51.00. For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2007, the company expended $291.1 million for the repurchase and cancellation of 4,925,600 common shares, at an average price paid per common share of $59.11.

In July 2006, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase up to $157.9 million in shares of its common stock in open-market or privately-negotiated transactions. The Board of Directors’ authorization for this repurchase program expired on June 30, 2007. From inception of the July 2006 authorized repurchase program through its conclusion on June 30, 2007, the company expended $154.1 million to repurchase and cancel 2,560,500 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $60.17. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2007, the company expended $113.7 million to repurchase and cancel 1,693,400 common shares at an average price paid per common share of $67.13.

 

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The following table summarizes the stock repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30,December 31, 2008 and the approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be 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
             
        

July 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008

    $    $200,000,000

August 1, 2008 – August 31, 2008

          200,000,000

September 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008

          200,000,000
        
            
        

Total

    $    
        
            
  

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

          

October 1, 2008 - October 31, 2008

  $  $200,000,000

November 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008

      200,000,000

December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

      200,000,000
        

Total

  $  
        

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

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

The 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the company was held on July 31, 2008. A total of 45,595,735 of the company’s shares were present or represented by proxy at the meeting. This represented more than 88.6% of the eligible voting shares. At the meeting, the company’s shareholders took the following actions:None.

1.

Elected the following three directors for terms to expire at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, with votes as indicated opposite each director’s name:

  

Name

  For     Withheld
 

M. Jay Allison

  42,044,212    3,551,523
 

James C. Day

  42,747,512    2,848,223
 

Richard T. du Moulin

  42,697,538    2,898,197
 

J. Wayne Leonard

  42,699,618    2,896,116
 

Richard A. Pattarozzi

  42,325,376    3,270,359
 

Nicholas Sutton

  42,612,519    2,983,216
 

Cindy B. Taylor

  44,511,930    1,083,805
 

Dean E. Taylor

  42,541,362    3,054,373
 

Jack E. Thompson

  42,693,206    2,902,528

The directors whose term of office as a director continued after the meeting are:

  Jon C. Madonna

  William C. O’Malley

2.

A proposal to approve the terms of the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan wasapproved with 37,474,528 votes cast for, 1,450,904 votes against, 676,765 abstentions, and 5,993,537 non-votes.

3.

The selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 was ratified with 45,406,271 votes cast for, 156,128 votes against, and 33,336 abstentions, and 0 non-votes.

33


ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

The information required by this Item 6 is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this quarterly report on

Form 10-Q.

 

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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: October 27, 2008January 28, 2009

 

/s/ Dean E. Taylor

 

Dean E. Taylor

 

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

Date: October 27, 2008January 28, 2009

 

/s/ Quinn P. Fanning

 

Quinn P. Fanning

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 27, 2008January 28, 2009

 

/s/ Craig J. Demarest

 

Craig J. Demarest

 

Vice President, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit


Number

   
3*Tidewater Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws dated November 13, 2008.
10.1*+ 

Tidewater Inc. Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Dean Taylor dated effective as of September 26, 2007.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan executed on December 10, 2008.
10.2*+ 

Amendment No. 1 toTidewater Inc. Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Dean Taylor dated effective as of June 1,International Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan executed on December 10, 2008.

10.3*+ 

Tidewater Inc. Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Stephen Dick dated effective as of June 1,Employees’ Supplemental Savings Plan executed on December 10, 2008.

10.4*+ 

Amendment to the Tidewater Inc. Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Jeffrey PlattSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated effective as of June 1,December 10, 2008.

10.5*+ 

Amendment to the Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Joseph BennettInternational Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated effective as of June 1,December 10, 2008.

10.6*+

Amended and Restated Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Bruce D. Lundstrom dated effective as of July 31, 2008.

10.7*+

Change of Control Agreement between Tidewater Inc. and Quinn P. Fanning dated effective as of July 31, 2008.

10.8*+

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Agreement for the Grant of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options and Restricted Stock Under the Tidewater Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan between Tidewater Inc. and Quinn P. Fanning dated effective as of July 31, 2008.

15* 

Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information

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.

* Filed herewith.

+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

 

*

Filed herewith.

+

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

3637