form10q1172008.htm

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)
   
 [X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
 
 
OR
 
   
 [  ]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from . . . . . . . . . . . .  to . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 

 
Commission File No. 2-63322

 

 
 
 
International Shipholding Corporation
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

   Delaware
 36-2989662
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

11 North Water Street, Suite 18290,        Mobile, Alabama 36602
                                                        (Address of principal executive offices)                          (Zip Code)

 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (251) 243-9100

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, 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 for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
                                                Yes  þ                                No   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
     Large accelerated filer        Accelerated filer  þ       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                                  No   þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 

Common stock, $1 par value. . . . . . . . 7,183,570 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2008
 

 
1


INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
PART 1  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 ITEM 1  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 ITEM 2  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
ITEM 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 ITEM 4  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 PART II  OTHER INFORMATION
 
 ITEM 2  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
 ITEM 6      EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Revenues
  $ 66,151     $ 51,306     $ 180,078     $ 147,140  
                                 
Operating Expenses:
                               
         Voyage Expenses
    44,949       38,572       135,032       110,184  
         Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    4,702       5,312       14,842       15,386  
                                 
Gross Voyage Profit
    16,500       7,422       30,204       21,570  
                                 
Administrative and General Expenses
    5,437       4,108       15,343       13,311  
Gain on Sale of Other Assets
    -       -       -       (10 )
                                 
Operating Income
    11,063       3,314       14,861       8,269  
                                 
Interest and Other:
                               
          Interest Expense
    1,757       2,692       5,388       7,857  
          Loss on Redemption of Preferred Stock
    -       -       1,371       -  
          (Gain) Loss on Sale of Investment
    57       (2 )     148       (352 )
          Investment Income
    (175 )     (1,143 )     (612 )     (2,354 )
      1,639       1,547       6,295       5,151  
                                 
Income from Continuing Operations Before (Benefit)
                               
      Provision for Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income
                               
      of Unconsolidated Entities
    9,424       1,767       8,566       3,118  
                                 
(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes:
                               
         Current
    (400 )     -       (400 )     -  
         Deferred
    857       (175 )     (486 )     (1,074 )
         State
    13       -       38       (4 )
      470       (175 )     (848 )     (1,078 )
                                 
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated
                               
    Entities (Net of Applicable Taxes)
    2,237       1,491       20,019       4,107  
                                 
Income from Continuing Operations
    11,191       3,433       29,433       8,303  
                                 
Gain from Discontinued Operations
                               
Gain/(Loss) before benefits for income taxes
    100       (1,266 )     100       (3,376 )
Gain on Sale of Liner Assets
    19       155       4,607       9,097  
Provision for Income Taxes
    -       5       -       14  
   Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    119       (1,116 )     4,707       5,707  
                                 
Net Income
  $ 11,310     $ 2,317     $ 34,140     $ 14,010  
                                 
                                 
Preferred Stock Dividends
    -       600       88       1,800  
                                 
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
  $ 11,310     $ 1,717     $ 34,052     $ 12,210  
                                 
                                 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                               
                                 
    Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders
                               
           Continuing Operations
  $ 1.55     $ 0.43     $ 3.99     $ 1.03  
           Discontinued Operations
    0.02       (0.17 )     0.64       0.90  
    $ 1.57     $ 0.26     $ 4.63     $ 1.93  
                                 
    Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders - Diluted
                               
           Continuing Operations
  $ 1.54     $ 0.40     $ 3.87     $ 1.00  
           Discontinued Operations
    0.02     $ (0.13 )     0.62       0.69  
    $ 1.56     $ 0.27     $ 4.49     $ 1.69  
                                 
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
                               
         Basic
    7,209,319       6,518,412       7,358,082       6,306,647  
         Diluted
    7,244,106       8,518,412       7,595,380       8,319,000  


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 


 

INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Data)
 
   
   
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Note 1)
 
Current Assets:
           
         Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 50,273     $ 14,103  
         Marketable Securities
    3,665       5,578  
         Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
               
             of $207 and $227 in 2008 and 2007:
               
                        Traffic
    9,904       9,637  
                        Agents'
    2,877       1,804  
                        Other
    4,666       9,233  
         Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases
    7,898       7,391  
         Other Current Assets
    2,416       2,327  
         Material and Supplies Inventory, at Lower of Cost or Market
    2,660       2,665  
         Current Assets Held for Disposal
    -       9,105  
Total Current Assets
    84,359       61,843  
                 
Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
    7,252       16,326  
                 
Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases
    103,285       107,208  
                 
Vessels, Property, and Other Equipment, at Cost:
               
         Vessels and Barges
    336,129       335,511  
         Leasehold Improvements
    26,128       29,530  
         Furniture and Equipment
    4,840       8,086  
      367,097       373,127  
Less -  Accumulated Depreciation
    (158,983 )     (147,484 )
      208,114       225,643  
                 
Other Assets:
               
         Deferred Charges, Net of Accumulated Amortization
    12,150       15,337  
              of $17,867 and $9,781 in 2008 and 2007, Respectively
               
         Acquired Contract Costs, Net of Accumulated Amortization
    2,183       3,274  
             of $28,343 and $27,251 in 2008 and 2007, Respectively
               
         Due from Related Parties
    6,200       5,897  
         Other
    5,262       5,127  
      25,795       29,635  
                 
    $ 428,805     $ 440,655  
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.







INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Data)
 
   
   
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
 
(Unaudited)
   
(Note 1)
 
             
Current Liabilities:
           
         Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
  $ 12,839     $ 12,681  
         Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
    25,933       23,546  
         Current Liabilities on Assets Held for Disposal
    -       2,427  
Total Current Liabilities
    38,772       38,654  
                 
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities
    122,886       130,523  
                 
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
               
         Deferred Income Taxes
    7,502       9,072  
         Lease Incentive Obligation
    7,577       13,789  
         Other
    35,308       37,361  
      50,387       60,222  
                 
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
               
                 
Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock
    -       37,554  
                 
Stockholders' Investment:
               
     Common Stock
    8,373       7,193  
     Additional Paid-In Capital
    81,135       60,177  
     Retained Earnings
    151,060       117,008  
    Treasury Stock
    (20,172 )     (8,704 )
     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (3,636 )     (1,972 )
      216,760       173,702  
                 
    $ 428,805     $ 440,655  
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 


 


INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(All Amounts in Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
2008
   
2007
 
    Net Income
  $ 34,140     $ 14,010  
    Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by
               
       Operating Activities:
               
              Depreciation
    15,057       17,963  
              Amortization of Deferred Charges and Other Assets
    6,559       7,085  
              Benefit for Federal Income Taxes
    (848 )     (1,074 )
              Loss on Early Redemption of Preferred Stock
    1,371       -  
              Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Entities
    (20,019 )     (4,107 )
              Distributions from Unconsolidated Entities (See Note 4)
    4,000       2,400  
              (Gain) on Sale of Assets
    (4,607 )     (10,495 )
              (Gain) Loss on Sale of Investments
    148       (352 )
              Deferred Drydocking Charges
    (2,271 )     (5,181 )
      Changes in:
               
              Accounts Receivable
    3,227       6,396  
              Inventories and Other Current Assets
    (118 )     (1,577 )
              Other Assets
    (220 )     (1,258 )
              Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
    (200 )     (4,050 )
              Pension Plan Funding
    (1,200 )     -  
              Billings in Excess of Income Earned and Expenses Incurred
    (653 )     2,085  
              Other Long-Term Liabilities
    299       (694 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    34,665       21,151  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
              Principal payments received under Direct Financing Leases
    5,575       3,370  
              Capital Improvements to Vessels, Leasehold Improvements, and Other Assets
    (3,476 )     (55,502 )
              Proceeds from Sale of Assets
    10,818       47,305  
              Distributions from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (See Note 4)
    25,500        
              Purchase of and Proceeds from Short Term Investments
    2,059       1,299  
              Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
    -       (74 )
              Decrease in Related Party Note Receivables
    20       20  
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities
    40,496       (3,582 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
              Redemption of Preferred Stock
    (17,306 )     -  
              Common Stock Repurchase
    (11,468 )     -  
              Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
    -       5,650  
              Repayment of Debt
    (9,645 )     (8,714 )
              Additions to Deferred Financing Charges
    (484 )     (596 )
              Preferred Stock Dividends Paid
    (88 )     (1,800 )
              Other Financing Activities
    -       (8 )
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities
    (38,991 )     (5,468 )
                 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    36,170       12,101  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    14,103       44,273  
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 50,273     $ 56,374  
                                                          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
 
 

 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2008
(Unaudited)
Note 1.  Basis of Preparation
 
We have prepared the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and we have omitted certain information and footnote disclosures required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for complete financial statements.   The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.  We suggest that you read these interim statements in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  We have made certain reclassifications to prior period financial information in order to conform to current year presentations, including the reclassification of relocation incentive payments received from Alabama agencies from “Other Revenue” to a credit offsetting Administrative and General expense and the removal of our LASH Liner service from “Continuing Operations” to “Discontinued Operations”.
 
       The foregoing 2008 interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year 2008.  Management believes that it has made all adjustments necessary, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, for a fair presentation of the information shown.
 
       Our policy is to consolidate all subsidiaries in which we hold a greater than 50% voting interest or otherwise control its operating and financial activities.  We use the equity method to account for investments in entities in which we hold a 20% to 50% voting interest and have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial activities.  We use the cost method to account for investments in entities in which we hold less than 20% voting interest and in which we cannot exercise significant influence over operating and financial activities.
 
       Revenues and expenses relating to our Rail-Ferry Service segment voyages are recorded over the duration of the voyage.  Our voyage expenses are estimated at the beginning of the voyages based on historical actual costs or from industry sources familiar with those types of charges.  As the voyage progresses, these estimated costs are revised with actual charges and timely adjustments are made.  The expenses are ratably expensed over the voyage based on the number of days in progress at the end of the period.  Based on our prior experience, we believe there is no material difference between recording estimated expenses ratably over the voyage versus recording expenses as incurred.  Revenues and expenses relating to our other segments' voyages, which require no estimates or assumptions, are recorded when earned or incurred during the reporting period.
 
       We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.



Note 2.  Employee Benefit Plans
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension plan:

(All Amounts in Thousands)
           
   
Three Months Ended Sept 30,
   
Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 155     $ 152     $ 447     $ 464  
Interest cost
    359       340       1,061       1,006  
Expected return on plan assets
    (464 )     (435 )     (1,344 )     (1,283 )
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    -       7       -       7  
Special Termination Benefits
            20       -       20  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 50     $ 84     $ 164     $ 214  

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement benefits plan:

 (All Amounts in Thousands)
           
   
Three Months Ended Sept 30,
   
Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 8     $ (2 )   $ 14     $ 28  
Interest cost
    103       107       321       331  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (3 )     (3 )     (9 )     (11 )
Curtailment
    -       (38 )             (38 )
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 108     $ 64     $ 326     $ 310  
                                 

In addition to the $1.2 million contributed to our pension plan for the nine months ended 2008, we are evaluating additional contributions in the fourth quarter of 2008 due to negative returns on plan assets.  We do not expect to make a contribution to our postretirement benefits plan during 2008.
 

 
Note 3.  Operating Segments

Our three operating segments, Time Charter Contracts, Contracts of Affreightment (“COA”), and Rail-Ferry Service, are identified primarily by the characteristics of the contracts and terms under which our vessels are operated.  We report in the Other category results of several of our subsidiaries that provide ship and cargo charter brokerage and agency services.  We manage each reportable segment separately, as each requires different resources depending on the nature of the contract or terms under which each vessel within the segment operates.  As a result of our decision to discontinue all of the company’s Liner services in 2007, the results of our Liner service segment are now reflected as discontinued operations.
 
We allocate interest expense to the segments based on the book values of the vessels owned within each segment.
 
We do not allocate to our segments administrative and general expenses, investment income, gain on sale of investment, gain or loss on early extinguishment of debt or preferred stock, equity in net income of unconsolidated entities, or income taxes to our segments.  Intersegment revenues are based on market prices and include revenues earned by our subsidiaries that provide specialized services to the operating segments.
The following table presents information about segment profit and loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:

   
Time Charter
         
Rail-Ferry
             
(All Amounts in Thousands)
 
Contracts
   
COA
   
Service
   
Other
   
Total
 
2008
                             
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 49,197     $ 4,745     $ 11,015     $ 1,194     $ 66,151  
Intersegment Revenues (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       3,126       3,126  
Intersegment Expenses (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       (3,126 )     (3,126 )
Voyage Expenses
    31,389       4,478       8,563       519       44,949  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    3,454       -       1,246       2       4,702  
Gross Voyage Profit
    14,354       267       1,206       673       16,500  
Interest Expense
    977       -       319       461       1,757  
Segment Profit
    13,377       267       887       212       14,743  
2007
                                       
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 39,912     $ 4,322     $ 6,752     $ 320     $ 51,306  
Intersegment Revenues (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       3,602       3,602  
Intersegment Expenses (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       (3,602 )     (3,602 )
Voyage Expenses
    30,895       2,595       5,016       66       38,572  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    3,680       405       1,227       -       5,312  
Gross Voyage Profit
    5,337       1,322       509       254       7,422  
Interest Expense
    2,410       64       224       (6 )     2,692  
Segment Profit
    2,927       1,258       285       260       4,730  
 

 
The following table presents information about segment profit and loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:

   
Time Charter
         
Rail-Ferry
             
(All Amounts in Thousands)
 
Contracts
   
COA
   
Service
   
Other
   
Total
 
2008
                             
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 132,244     $ 14,605     $ 30,152     $ 3,077     $ 180,078  
Intersegment Revenues (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       9,374       9,374  
Intersegment Expenses (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       (9,374 )     (9,374 )
Voyage Expenses
    95,586       13,505       24,772       1,169       135,032  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    10,880       -       3,953       9       14,842  
Gross Voyage Profit
    25,778       1,100       1,427       1,899       30,204  
Interest Expense
    3,725       -       1,197       466       5,388  
Segment Profit
    22,053       1,100       230       1,433       24,816  
2007
                                       
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 119,466     $ 12,839     $ 13,323     $ 1,512     $ 147,140  
Intersegment Revenues (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       10,345       10,345  
Intersegment Expenses (Eliminated)
    -       -       -       (10,345 )     (10,345 )
Voyage Expenses
    89,112       8,036       12,070       966       110,184  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    10,823       1,613       2,947       3       15,386  
Gross Voyage Profit (Loss)
    19,531       3,190       (1,694 )     543       21,570  
Interest Expense
    5,905       692       1,206       54       7,857  
Gain on Sale of Other Assets
    -       -       -       10       10  
Segment Profit (Loss)
    13,626       2,498       (2,900 )     499       13,723  

 

 
Following is a reconciliation of the totals reported for the operating segments to the applicable line items in the consolidated financial statements:
 
(All Amounts in Thousands)
 
Three Months Ended Sept 30,
   
Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
 
Profit:
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Total Profit for Reportable Segments
  $ 14,743     $ 4,730     $ 24,816     $ 13,723  
Unallocated Amounts:
                               
Administrative and General Expenses
    (5,437 )     (4,108 )     (15,343 )     (13,311 )
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investment
    (57 )     2       (148 )     352  
Investment Income
    175       1,143       612       2,354  
Loss on Redemption of Preferred Stock
    -       -       (1,371 )     -  
Income from Continuing Operations Before (Benefit) Provision for
                               
  Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Entities
  $ 9,424     $ 1,767     $ 8,566     $ 3,118  
 

 


Note 4.  Unconsolidated Entities

We have a 50% interest in Dry Bulk Cape Holding Inc. (“Dry Bulk”), which owns two Cape-Size Bulk Carriers, one Panamax Bulk Carrier and has two Handymax Bulk Carrier Newbuildings on order for delivery in 2012.  We account for this investment under the equity method and our share of earnings or losses is reported in our consolidated statements of income net of taxes.  Our portion of the earnings of this investment was $2.2 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, our portion of the earnings of this investment was $19.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.  The year to date 2008 earnings include our share of an after-tax gain on the sale of one of Dry Bulk’s vessels, a Panamax Bulk Carrier in June 2008, of approximately $15.8 million.
 
We received a cash distribution from Dry Bulk of $29.5 million and $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The 2008 amount included a cash distribution for our share of the proceeds from the sale of the aforementioned Panamax Bulk Carrier in the amount of $25.5 million in July 2008.

The unaudited condensed results of operations of Dry Bulk are summarized below:


   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Operating Revenues
  $ 6,203     $ 7,730     $ 19,611     $ 21,826  
Operating Income
  $ 3,765     $ 4,605     $ 10,950     $ 12,582  
Net Income
  $ 4,331     $ 3,019     $ 39,269     $ 7,748  


 
Note 5.  Earnings Per Share

We compute basic earnings per share based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding during the relevant periods.  Diluted earnings per share also reflects dilutive potential common shares, including shares issuable under stock options,and restricted stock grants using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method.

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows (in thousands except share amounts):
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerator
                       
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders –
Basic
                       
Continuing *
  $ 11,191     $ 2,833     $ 29,345     $ 6,503  
Discontinued
    119       (1,116 )     4,707       5,707  
    $ 11,310     $ 1,717     $ 34,052     $ 12,210  
                                 
Net Income (Loss) - Diluted
                               
Continuing
  $ 11,191     $ 3,433     $ 29,433     $ 8,303  
Discontinued
    119       (1,116 )     4,707       5,707  
    $ 11,310     $ 2,317     $ 34,140     $ 14,010  
Denominator
                               
Weighted Avg Share of Common Stock Outstanding:
                               
Basic
    7,209,319       6,518,412       7,358,082       6,306,647  
Plus:
                               
   Effect of dilutive restrictive stock
    34,787       -       17,298       -  
   Effect of dilutive stock options
    -       -       -       12,353  
   Effect of dilutive convertible shares from preferred
   stock
    -       2,000,000       220,000       2,000,000  
Diluted
    7,244,106       8,518,412       7,595,380       8,319,000  
                                 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
                               
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders - Basic
                               
Continuing Operations
  $ 1.55     $ 0.43     $ 3.99     $ 1.03  
Discontinued Operations
    0.02       (0.17 )     0.64       0.90  
    $ 1.57     $ 0.26     $ 4.63     $ 1.93  
                                 
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders - Diluted
                               
Continuing Operations
  $ 1.54     $ 0.40     $ 3.87     $ 1.00  
Discontinued Operations
    0.02       (0.13 )     0.62       0.69  
    $ 1.56     $ 0.27     $ 4.49     $ 1.69  
* Income from Continuing Operations less Preferred Stock Dividends
                 



Note 6. Comprehensive Income
 
The following table summarizes components of comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Net Income
  $ 11,310     $ 2,317  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
               
Unrealized Holding Gain on Marketable Securities, Net of
  Deferred Taxes of $107 and $145, Respectively
    112       270  
Net Change in Fair Value of Derivatives, Net of Deferred Taxes
  of ($184) and ($64), Respectively
    (1,845 )     (566 )
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 9,577     $ 2,021  
 

 
The following table summarizes components of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Net Income
  $ 34,140     $ 14,010  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
               
  Unrealized Holding (Loss) on Marketable Securities,  Net of Deferred Taxes of $0 and ($48), Respectively
    -       (89 )
Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities, Net of
  Deferred Taxes of $38 and ($9), Respectively
    67       (16 )
Net Change in Fair Value of Derivatives, Net of Deferred Taxes
  of $(5) and ($55), Respectively
    (1,731 )     (211 )
Total Comprehensive Income
  $ 32,476     $ 13,694  

The net change in fair value of derivatives represents a decrease in the fair value of the eight interest rate swap agreements entered into with respect to five of our loans.  This decrease is due to the reversal in the forward yield curve projections due to the anticipated rate reductions. (See further discussion of interest rate risk in Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk on page 28)
 

 

 
Note 7. Income Taxes
 
We recorded a benefit for federal income taxes of $886,000 on our $8.6 million of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated entities in the first nine months of 2008, reflecting tax losses on operations taxed at the U.S. corporate statutory rate.  For the first nine months of 2007, our benefit was $1.1 million on our $3.1 million of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated entities.  There was a slight decrease in our tax benefit primarily due to improved earnings from our Jones Act ships which are taxed at the statutory rate and the reclassification of the tax provision on the sale of our LASH vessel from discontinued operations to continuing operations.
 

 
Note 8.  Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," for financial assets and financial liabilities.  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
 
SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Under SFAS 157, the price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not  adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able and willing to complete a transaction.
 
SFAS 157 requires the use of valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, to a single present value on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation techniques should be consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. In that regard, SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
 
w           Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
 
w          Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (including interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.
 
  w  
Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
 
 
The following table summarizes our financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2008, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 

(Amounts in thousands)
 
Level 1 Inputs
   
Level 2 Inputs
   
Level 3 Inputs
   
Total Fair Value
 
                         
Marketable securities
    3,665       -       -       3,665  
Derivative assets
    -       1       -       1  
Derivative liabilities
    -       (3,165 )     -       (3,165 )
 

 
Note 9.  New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September of 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years.  As discussed further in Note 8, this statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements.  We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 and the adoption has had no effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operation.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” – including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”).  SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities, and certain nonfinancial instruments that are similar to financial instruments.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008 and the adoption has had no effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operation.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging activities” – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.  SFAS 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  We have not yet determined the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and provides entities with an updated framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP.  The adoption of FASB 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.
 

 
Note 10.  Discontinued Operations
 
Our LASH Liner service previously consisted of our U.S. flag LASH service and TransAtlantic LASH service.  In 2007, we decided to discontinue both services based on unfavorable market conditions and higher operating costs.  We sold two LASH vessels and 225 barges in the first six months of 2007 and the one remaining International flag vessel and the remaining 235 barges in the first quarter of 2008, generating a gain of $9.0 million and $4.6 million for 2007 and 2008, respectively.  Total revenues associated with the LASH Liner services were $32.1 million and $0 for the first nine months of 2007 and 2008, respectively.
 
Our U.S. flag LASH service and TransAtlantic LASH service were reported in “Continuing Operations” as a part of our Liner segment in periods prior to June 30, 2007.  Both services have been restated to remove the effects of those operations from “Continuing Operations”.
 
 
 
Note 11.  Changes in Accounting Estimate
 
     In the first quarter of 2008, we adjusted the salvage value on our two container vessels and on our U.S. flag Coal Carrier.  We based this decision on expected future market values for scrap steel and the relatively short remaining economic life of those three vessels.  By reducing our depreciation expense, this adjustment increased our net income for the first nine months of 2008 by $2.0 million or $.27 per share.  The container vessels will be fully depreciated by the end of 2009 and the U.S. flag Coal Carrier by January of 2011.
 

 
 
Note 12. Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock
 
           On December 27, 2007 we announced, and on February 1, 2008 we completed, the redemption of our 800,000 outstanding shares of 6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock.  In lieu of cash redemption, holders of 462,382 shares of the Preferred Stock elected to convert their shares into 1,155,955 shares of our common stock. The remaining 337,618 outstanding shares of Preferred Stock were retired for cash (including accrued and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the redemption date), pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Stock.  As a result, we no longer have any shares of the 6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock outstanding. The total cash payment for the redemption of the Preferred Stock including the accrued and unpaid dividends was $17,306,299.  We recognized a charge to earnings of $1.37 million in the first quarter of 2008 from the redemption of the Preferred Stock.
 

 
Note 13.  Stock Based Compensation
 
    On April 30, 2008, our Compensation Committee granted 175,000 shares of restricted stock to certain executive officers.
The shares vest ratably over the respective vesting period, which is approximately four years for 160,000 shares and approximately three years for 15,000 shares. 
    
    The fair value of the Company’s restricted stock, which is determined using the average stock price as of the date of the grant, is applied to the total shares that are expected to fully vest and is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
 
    A summary of the activity for restricted stock awards during the three months ended September 30, 2008 is as follows:

 
Shares
Weighted Avg. Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested – June 30, 2008
175,000
$18.40
Shares Granted
   -
  -
Shares Vested
   -
   -
Shares Forfeited
   -
   -
Non-vested – September 30, 2008
175,000
$18.40

The following table summarizes the amortization of compensation cost, which we will include in administrative and general expenses, relating to all of the Company’s restricted stock grants as of September 30, 2008 (assuming that all awards vest over the periods described above):

Grant Date
 
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
Total
 
                                     
April 30, 2008
  $ 757,000     $ 1,135,000     $ 894,000     $ 401,000     $ 33,000     $ 3,220,000  
                                                 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company’s income before taxes and net income included $431,000 and $280,000, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense charges, while basic and diluted earnings per share were each charged $0.03 per share.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company’s income before taxes and net income included $284,000 and $185,000, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense charges, while basic and diluted earnings per share were each charged $0.02 per share.  There was no stock compensation expense or awards outstanding for the nine months or three months ended September 30, 2007.
 

 
Note 14.  Stock Repurchase Program
 
On January 25, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program for up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. We expect that any share repurchases under this program will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices. The timing and amount of any purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors. Purchases may be made pursuant to a program we have adopted under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act.  Through nine months ended September 30, 2008, we repurchased 491,572 shares of our common stock for $11.5 million, including 202,231 shares for $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2008.  Unless and until the Board otherwise provides, this new authorization will remain open indefinitely, or until we reach the 1,000,000 share limit.
 

 
Note 15.  Projection LLC Conditional Proposal
 
    On September 2, 2008, we received a conditional proposal from Projection LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Shipping Group LLC, to acquire all of our outstanding common stock at a purchase price of $25.75 per share, in cash.  On September 10, 2008, our Board of Directors unanimously voted to form a Special Committee comprised of independent directors of the Board.  The Special Committee announced on October 14, 2008 that they have retained Lazard Freres & Co. LLC to act as its financial advisor and Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP to act as its legal advisor.  The Special Committee intends to review and evaluate with its financial and legal advisors the proposal from Projection LLC, as well as any other proposals or alternative courses of action, and to provide its recommendations to the full Board.
 

 
Note 16.  Subsequent Events
 
    On October 29, 2008 our Board of Directors authorized the reinstitution of a quarterly cash dividend program beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The Company’s shareholders will be paid a $.50 cash dividend for each share of common stock held by them on the record date of November 14, 2008, payable on December 1, 2008.

 
 
 

 

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements
 
Certain statements made by us or on our behalf in this report or elsewhere that are not based on historical facts are intended to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are based on beliefs and assumptions about future events that are inherently unpredictable and are therefore subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from the anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  In this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the Company” refer to International Shipholding Corporation and its subsidiaries.
 
Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding (1) estimated fair values of capital assets, the recoverability of the cost of those assets, the estimated future cash flows attributable to those assets, and the appropriate discounts to be applied in determining the net present values of those estimated cash flows; (2) estimated scrap values of assets; (3) estimated proceeds from sale of assets and the anticipated cost of constructing or purchasing new or existing vessels; (4) estimated fair values of financial instruments, such as interest rate,  commodity and currency swap agreements; (5) estimated losses (including independent actuarial estimates) under self-insurance arrangements, as well as estimated gains or losses on certain contracts, trade routes, lines of business or asset dispositions; (6) estimated losses attributable to asbestos claims; (7) estimated obligations, and the timing thereof, to the U.S. Customs Service relating to foreign repair work; (8) the adequacy of our capital resources and the availability of additional capital resources on commercially acceptable terms; (9) our ability to remain in compliance with our debt covenants; (10) anticipated trends in government sponsored military cargoes; (11) our ability to effectively service our debt; (12) financing opportunities and sources (including the impact of financings on our financial position, financial performance or credit ratings), (13) anticipated future operating and financial performance, financial position and liquidity, growth opportunities and growth rates, acquisition and divestiture opportunities, business prospects, regulatory and competitive outlook, investment and expenditure plans, investment results, pricing plans, strategic alternatives, business strategies, and other similar statements of expectations or objectives, and (14) assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan” or “anticipate” and other similar words.
 
Our forward-looking statements are based upon our judgment and assumptions as of the date such statements are made concerning future developments and events, many of which are outside of our control.  These forward looking statements, and the assumptions upon which such statements are based, are inherently speculative and are subject to uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements.  Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations may include, without limitation, our ability to (i) identify customers with marine transportation needs requiring specialized vessels or operating techniques; (ii) secure financing on satisfactory terms to repay existing debt or support operations, including to acquire, modify, or construct vessels if such financing is necessary to service the potential needs of current or future customers;  (iii) obtain new contracts or renew existing contracts which would employ certain of our vessels or other assets upon the expiration of contracts currently in place, on favorable economic terms; (iv) manage the amount and rate of growth of our  administrative and general expenses and costs associated with operating certain of our vessels; and (v) manage our growth in terms of implementing internal controls and information systems and hiring or retaining key personnel, among other things.
 
       Other factors include (vi) changes in cargo, charter hire, fuel, and vessel utilization rates; (vii) the rate at which competitors add or scrap vessels in the markets as well as demolition scrap prices and the availability of scrap facilities in the areas in which we operate; (viii) changes in interest rates which could increase or decrease the amount of interest we incur on borrowings with variable rates of interest, and the availability and cost of capital to us; (ix) the impact on our financial statements of nonrecurring accounting charges that may result from our ongoing evaluation of business strategies, asset valuations, and organizational structures; (x) changes in accounting policies and practices adopted voluntarily or as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; (xi) changes in laws and regulations such as those related to government assistance programs and tax rates; (xii) the frequency and severity of claims against us, and unanticipated outcomes of current or possible future legal proceedings; (xiii) unplanned maintenance and out-of-service days on our vessels; (xiv) the ability of customers to fulfill obligations with us; (xv) the performance of unconsolidated subsidiaries; (xvi) our ability to effectively handle our leverage by servicing and meeting the covenant requirements in each of our debt instruments, thereby avoiding any defaults under those instruments and avoiding cross defaults under others; (xvii) other economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors which may affect our operations; (xviii) political events in the United States and abroad, including terrorism, and the U.S. military's response to those events; (xix) election results, regulatory activities and the appropriation of funds by the U.S. Congress; and (xx) unanticipated trends in operating expenses such as fuel and labor costs and our ability to recover these fuel costs through fuel surcharges.
 
You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any one or more factors may cause actual results to differ from those reflected in any forward-looking statements.  You are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements for any reason.
 
 
 
Executive Summary

The net income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $11.3 million as compared to net income of $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The 2007 third quarter results included a loss of $1.1 million from discontinued LASH operations. Gross voyage profits improved significantly from $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $16.5 million for the same period in 2008.
 
As expected, our Time Charter segment experienced marked improvements, generating a gross voyage profit of $14.4 million for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to $5.3 million for the same period of 2007. This significant improvement for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was driven primarily by the carriage of supplemental cargoes on our U.S. Flag Pure Car Truck Carriers, which results we believe will return to historical average levels for the fourth quarter. In addition to the supplemental cargoes, our U.S. Flag Jones Act Coal Carrier recorded improved results due to an increase in the number of vessel operating days in the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007.
 
Results of our Rail-Ferry segment continued to improve, reporting an increase in gross voyage profits of $700,000 for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the vessels continue to operate on a fairly consistent schedule despite unfavorable weather conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
 
Administrative and general expenses were higher than the comparable 2007 period primarily due to higher compensation expense related to bonus accruals, supplemental relocation assistance, and advisory costs related to our evaluation of an unaffiliated shipping company’s conditional proposal to purchase the Company’s outstanding shares.  We expect similar results for the fourth quarter of 2008 due to anticipated bonus payments and the continued evaluation of the aforementioned conditional proposal.
 
Lower interest expense reflects the Company’s reduced debt position, while the drop in investment income reflects lower short term investment rates.  The Company’s average investment rate in the third quarter of 2008 was approximately 1.9% as compared to 4.5% for the third quarter of 2007.  Given the current uncertainty in the worldwide credit markets, the Company has currently invested the majority of its available cash in government backed Treasury Funds which are yielding less than 1% per annum.  In consideration of the recent moves by the Federal Reserve, we have re-instituted investments in the short-term commercial paper market.  We will continue to monitor the conditions of the market with the plan to re-invest in higher yielding instruments.
 
The Company’s income tax provision was $470,000 for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to a benefit of $175,000 for the same period in 2007.  The additional provision is directly related to the higher results from the U. S. flag Jones Act Coal Carrier which is taxed at the corporate statutory rate.
 
On October 29, 2008 our Board of Directors authorized the reinstitution of a quarterly cash dividend program beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The Company’s shareholders will be paid a $.50 cash dividend for each share of common stock held by them on the record date of November 14, 2008, payable on December 1, 2008.




10 





RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

   
Time Charter
         
Rail-Ferry
             
(All Amounts in Thousands)
 
Contracts
   
COA
   
Service
   
Other
   
Total
 
2008
                             
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 132,244     $ 14,605     $ 30,152     $ 3,077     $ 180,078  
Voyage Expenses
    95,586       13,505       24,772       1,169       135,032  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    10,880       -       3,953       9       14,842  
Gross Voyage Profit
    25,778       1,100       1,427       1,899       30,204  
 
2007
                                       
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 119,466     $ 12,839     $ 13,323     $ 1,512     $ 147,140  
Voyage Expenses
    89,112       8,036       12,070       966       110,184  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    10,823       1,613       2,947       3       15,386  
Gross Voyage (Loss) Profit
    19,531       3,190       (1,694 )     543       21,570  

Gross voyage profits increased from $21.6 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $30.2 million in the first nine months of 2008.  Revenues increased from $147.1 million to $180.1 million and voyage expenses increased from $110.2 million to $135.0 million in the first nine months of 2007 and 2008, respectively.  The changes of revenues and expenses associated with each of our segments are discussed within the following analysis.
 
Time Charter Contracts:  The increase in this segment’s gross voyage profit from $19.5 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $25.8 million in the first nine months of 2008 was primarily due to an increase in the carriage of supplemental cargoes on our U.S. flag Pure Car Truck Carriers.  Revenues increased for this segment from $119.5 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $132.2 million in the first nine months of 2008.  This improvement in revenues is the result of the aforementioned increase in supplemental cargoes and operating one additional Foreign flag Pure Car Truck Carrier in 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.
 
Contracts of Affreightment:  Gross voyage profit for this segment declined from a profit of $3.2 million for the first nine months of 2007 to $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2008 due to higher costs associated with operating the segment’s vessel under an operating lease in 2008 compared to owning the vessel in 2007.  The benefits derived under an operating lease are reflected in a lower net effective tax rate.  The increase in revenue from $12.8 million in 2007 to $14.6 million in 2008 was due to increased voyages and freight rate escalation for increasing fuel costs in 2008.
 
Rail-Ferry Service:  Gross voyage profit for this segment improved from a $1.7 million loss in the first nine months of 2007 to a $1.4 million profit in the first nine months of 2008.  This increase was due to additional sailings in 2008 as well as increased cargo volumes which were carried as a result of the addition of second decks on each rail-ferry vessel.  Operation of the second decks began in the third quarter of 2007.  Revenues for this segment increased from $13.3 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $30.2 million in the first nine months of 2008 due to the additional sailings and increased cargo volumes utilizing second deck capacity.
 
Other:  Gross profit increased from a profit of $543,000 in the first nine months of 2007 to $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2008.  This increase was primarily due to 2007 adjusted earnings for Dry Bulk, recorded in 2008, and negative changes in estimates of insurance reserves in 2007.


Other Income and Expense
 
Administrative and general expenses increased from $13.3 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $15.3 million in the first nine months of 2008 primarily due to legal fees related to the on-going evaluation process of a conditional proposal to purchase our outstanding shares,accounting fees, consulting charges, bonuses, and the addition of our new executive stock compensation program.

The following table shows the significant A&G components for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 respectively.

(Amounts in Thousands)
 
Year to Date as of
 September 30,
       
A&G Account
 
2008
   
2007
   
Variance
 
                   
Wages & Benefits
  $ 10,536     $ 9,079     $ 1,457  
Legal/Accounting Fees
    990       686       304  
Relocation Expenses
    803       651       152  
Consulting Charges
    759       503       256  
Other
    2,255       2,392       (137 )
TOTAL:
  $ 15,343     $ 13,311     $ 2,032  

  Interest expense decreased from $7.9 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $5.4 million in the first nine months of 2008 due primarily to the retirement of our 7 ¾ % senior notes in October 2007.
 
Loss on Redemption of Preferred Stock:  On February 1, 2008, we redeemed 337,618 shares of our 6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock.  The redemption price was $51 per share representing a $4.06 per share premium from its carrying book value.  Accordingly, we recorded a $1.37 million loss in the first quarter from the redemption. The remaining 462,382 Preferred shares were converted by the holders of those shares into 1,155,955 shares of our Common Stock.
 
       Investment Income decreased from $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $612,000 in the first nine months of 2008 due to a  decrease in available cash and lower rate of return on our short-term investments.
 

 
Income Taxes
 
We recorded a benefit for federal income taxes of $886,000 on our $8.6 million of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated entities in the first nine months of 2008, reflecting tax losses on operations taxed at the U.S. corporate statutory rate.  For the first nine months of 2007, our benefit was $1.1 million on our $3.1 million of income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated entities.  There was a slight decrease in our tax benefit primarily due to improved earnings from Jones Act ships which are taxed at the 35% statutory rate and the reclassification of the tax provision on the sale of our LASH vessel from discontinued operations to continued operations.
 

 
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Entities
 
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities, net of taxes, increased from $4.1 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $20.0 million in the first nine months of 2008.  The improved results came from our 50% investment in Dry Bulk, a company owning two Cape-Size Bulk Carriers and one Panamax-Size Bulk Carrier.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, our portion of the earnings of this investment was $19.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.  The 2008 earnings include an after-tax gain on the sale of one of Dry Bulk’s vessels, a Panamax Bulk Carrier, of approximately $15.8 million in June 2008.
 
During the second quarter of 2007, Dry Bulk entered into a ship purchase agreement with a Japanese company for two Handymax Bulk Carrier Newbuildings scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2012.  Total investment in the newbuildings is anticipated to be approximately $74.0 million, of which our share would be 50% or approximately $37.0 million.  We expect to make our interim construction payments, scheduled to begin in January 2011, with cash generated from our Dry Bulk operations and bank financing, with long-term financing determined at delivery.
 

 
Discontinued Operations
 
Our LASH Liner service previously consisted of our U.S. flag LASH service and TransAtlantic LASH service.  In 2007, we decided to discontinue both services based on unfavorable market conditions and higher operating costs.  We sold two LASH vessels and 225 barges in the first six months of 2007 and the one remaining International flag vessel and the remaining 235 barges in the first quarter of 2008, generating a gain of $9.1 million and $4.6 million for 2007 and 2008, respectively.  Total revenues associated with the LASH Liner services were $32.1 million and $0 for the first six months of 2007 and 2008, respectively.
 
Our U.S. flag LASH service and TransAtlantic LASH service were reported in “Continuing Operations” as a part of our Liner segment in periods prior to June 30, 2007.  Both services have been restated to remove the effects of those operations from “Continuing Operations”.


 
11 


 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
 
   
Time Charter
         
Rail-Ferry
             
(All Amounts in Thousands)
 
Contracts
   
COA
   
Service
   
Other
   
Total
 
2008
                             
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 49,197     $ 4,745     $ 11,015     $ 1,194     $ 66,151  
Voyage Expenses
    31,389       4,478       8,563       519       44,949  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    3,454       -       1,246       2       4,702  
Gross Voyage Loss Profit
    14,354       267       1,206       673       16,500  
2007
                                       
Revenues from External Customers
  $ 39,912     $ 4,322     $ 6,752     $ 320     $ 51,306  
Voyage Expenses
    30,895       2,595       5,016       66       38,572  
Vessel and Barge Depreciation
    3,680       405       1,227       -       5,312  
Gross Voyage (Loss) Profit
    5,337       1,322       509       254       7,422  

Gross voyage profit increased from $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $16.5 million in the third quarter of 2008.  Revenues increased from $51.3 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $66.2 million in the third quarter of 2008.  Voyage expenses increased from $38.6 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $44.9 million in the third quarter of 2008.  The changes of revenue and expenses associated with each of our segments are discussed within the following analysis below.
 
         Time Charter Contracts:  The increase in this segment’s gross voyage profit from $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $14.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 was primarily due to an increase in the carriage of supplemental cargoes on our U.S. flag Pure Car Truck Carriers.  Revenues increased for this segment from $39.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $49.2 million in the third quarter of 2008.  This improvement in revenues is the result of the aforementioned increase in supplemental cargoes.
 
        Contracts of Affreightment:  Gross voyage profit decreased from $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $267,000 in the third quarter of 2008 due to the higher costs associated with operating the segment’s vessel under an operating lease in 2008 compared to owning the vessel in 2007.  The benefits derived under an operating lease are reflected in a lower net effective tax rate.  The $423,000 increase of revenues for this segment was due to freight rate escalation for increasing fuel costs.
 
Rail-Ferry Service:  Gross voyage profit improved from $509,000 in the third quarter of 2007 to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2008 due to additional sailings in 2008 as well as increased cargo volumes which could be carried as a result of the addition of the second decks.  Operation of the second decks began in the third quarter of 2007.  Revenues for this segment increased from $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2008 due to the additional sailings and increased cargo volumes utilizing second deck capacity.
 
Other:  Gross profit increased from $254,000 in the third quarter of 2007 to $673,000 in the third quarter of 2008.  This increase was primarily due to a change in estimate of $300,000 related to a settled insurance claim.

 
Other Income and Expense
 
Administrative and general expenses increased from $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to annual salary increases, the addition of our new executive stock compensation program, legal fees related to the on-going evaluation process of a conditional proposal to purchase our outstanding shares, accounting fees, and supplemental employee relocation costs associated with the move to Mobile, Alabama.

 The following table shows the significant A&G components for the third quarter of 2008 and 2007 respectively.

(Amounts in Thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
       
A&G Account
 
2008
   
2007
   
Variance
 
                   
Wages & Benefits
  $ 3,595     $ 2,921     $ 674  
Legal/Accounting Fees
    265       112       153  
Relocation Expenses
    211       (356 )     567  
Consulting Charges
    242       279       (37 )
Other
    1,124       1,152       (28 )
TOTAL:
  $ 5,437     $ 4,108     $ 1,329  

Interest expense decreased from $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2008 primarily to the retirement of our 7 ¾ %  senior notes during October 2007.
 

 
Income Taxes
 
We recorded a provision for federal income taxes of $457,000 on our $9.4 million income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated entities in the third quarter of 2008 as a result of profits from entities subject to U.S. Corporate Statutory rate.  For the third quarter of 2007, our benefit was $175,000 on our $1.8 million income from continuing operations before income from unconsolidated entities.  For further information on certain tax laws and elections, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, including Note G to the financial statements.  Our qualifying U.S. flag operations continue to be taxed under a “tonnage tax” regime rather than under the normal U.S. corporate income tax regime.
 

 
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Entities
 
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities, net of taxes, increased from $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $2.2 million in the third quarter of 2008.  The improved results came from our 50% investment in Dry Bulk, a company owning two Cape-Size Bulk Carriers and one Panamax-Size Bulk Carrier.  For the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, our portion of the earnings of this investment was $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively.  The 2008 earnings include an $800,000 adjustment to the gain recorded on the sale of a Panamax Bulk Carrier in the second quarter of 2008.
 
During the second quarter of 2007, Dry Bulk entered into a ship purchase agreement with a Japanese company for two Handymax Bulk Carrier Newbuildings scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2012.  Total investment in the newbuildings is anticipated to be approximately $74.0 million, of which our share would be 50% or approximately $37.0 million.  We expect to make our interim construction payments, scheduled to begin in January 2011, with cash generated from our Dry Bulk operations and bank financing, with long-term financing determined at delivery.  While we believe it is not significant, the current credit market crisis may result in the increase in borrowing cost on permanent financing.
 

 
Discontinued Operations
 
Our LASH Liner service previously consisted of our U.S. flag LASH service and TransAtlantic LASH service.  In 2007, we decided to discontinue both services based on unfavorable market conditions and higher operating costs.  Total revenues associated with the LASH Liner services were $7.6 million and $0 for the third quarter of 2007 and 2008, respectively.
 
Our U.S. flag LASH service and TransAtlantic LASH service were reported in “Continuing Operations” as a part of our Liner segment in periods prior to June 30, 2007.  Both services have been restated to remove the effects of those operations from “Continuing Operations”.

 
 
12 

 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the more detailed Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included elsewhere herein as part of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
        Our working capital (which we define as the difference between our total current assets and total current liabilities) increased from $23.2 million at December 31, 2007, to $45.6 million at September 30, 2008.  This increase was primarily due to the distribution of $25.5 million from an unconsolidated entity related to the sale of a Panamax Bulk Carrier in July 2008.  Cash and cash equivalents increased in the first nine months of 2008 by $36.2 million to a total of $50.3 million.  This increase was a result of cash provided by operating activities of $34.7 million and cash provided by investing activities of $40.5 million, partially offset by cash used by financing activities of $39.0 million.  Total current liabilities of $38.8 million as of September 30, 2008 included current maturities of long-term debt of $12.8 million.
 
        Operating activities generated a positive cash flow after adjusting net income of $34.7 million for the first nine months of 2008 for non-cash provisions such as depreciation and amortization.  Net cash provided by operating activities also included the add back of the non-cash loss of $1.4 million on the early redemption of Preferred Stock, the deduction of the non-cash $4.6 million from the gain on the sale of LASH assets, and the deduction of the non-cash $20.0 million from the equity in net income of unconsolidated entities. We received cash dividends of $4.0 million from our investments in these unconsolidated entities.
 
Cash provided by investing activities of $40.5 million included proceeds from the sale of our discontinued LASH liner service assets of $10.8 million, proceeds from Dry Bulk’s sale of the Panamax Bulk Carrier of $25.5 million, proceeds from the sale of short term investments of $2.1 million and principal payments received under direct financing leases of $5.6 million, partially offset by capital improvements of $3.5 million, including improvements to our information technology systems and additional tank work on our Rail-Ferry vessels.
 
Cash used for financing activities of $39.0 million included regularly scheduled debt payments of $9.6 million, payment of $17.3 million on the early redemption of our Preferred Stock, and $11.5 million of repurchases of our common stock.
 
In March of 2008, we signed an agreement with Regions Bank to provide us with an unsecured revolving line of credit for $35 million.  This facility replaced the prior secured revolving line of credit for the like amount.  As of September 30, 2008, $6.4 million of the $35 million revolving credit facility, which expires in April of 2010, was pledged as collateral for letters of credit, and the remaining $28.6 million was available.
 
 
Debt and Lease Obligations – As of September 30, 2008, we held three vessels under operating leases, two vessels under bareboat charter agreements and six vessels under time charter agreements.  The types of vessels held under these agreements include four Pure Car/Truck Carriers, three Breakbulk/Multi Purpose vessel, a Molten Sulphur Carrier, two Container vessels and a Tanker vessel.  We also conduct certain of our operations from leased office facilities.  Refer to our 2007 form 10-K for a schedule of our contractual obligations.
 
We entered into a new lease agreement on our New York City office which became effective October 1, 2008.  The length of the lease is nine years and nine months, with graduated payments starting after an initial nine month period of free rent.  The agreement calls for total annual payments of $451,000 for years one through five and total annual payments of $488,000 for years six through nine.  The rent expense, along with the associated leasehold improvements will be amortized using the straight-line method over the lease-term.
 
 In the unanticipated event that our cash flow and capital resources are not sufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional equity capital, enter into financings of our unencumbered vessels, or restructure our debt.  We believe we have sufficient liquidity despite the disruption of the capital and credit markets and can continue to fund working capital and capital investment liquidity needs through cash flow from operations.  While not significant to date, the disruption in capital and credit markets may result in increased borrowing costs associated with short-term and long-term debt.  We have no significant debt maturities due in 2009, $40.0 million due in September 2010, $18 million due in September 2013, and $6 million due in September 2015.
 
 
Bulk Carriers - We have a 50% interest in Dry Bulk, which owns two Cape-Size Bulk Carriers and one remaining Panamax-Size Bulk Carrier.  This investment is accounted for under the equity method and our share of earnings or losses are reported in our consolidated statements of income net of taxes.  Dry Bulk has entered into a ship purchase agreement with a Japanese company for two Handymax Bulk Carrier Newbuildings scheduled to be delivered in 2012.  Total investment in the Newbuildings is anticipated to be approximately $74.0 million, of which our share would be 50% or approximately $37.0 million.  During the period of construction up to delivery, where 50% of the projected overall costs will be expended, Dry Bulk plans to finance the interim construction costs with equity contributions of up to 15% with the 85% balance of the cost being financed with a bank financing bridge loan.  While it is anticipated that the required equity contributions will be covered by Dry Bulk’s earnings, if they are not, our anticipated share of these interim equity contributions could be approximately $2.7 million.  Upon completion and delivery, Dry Bulk plans to establish permanent long-term financing.
 
 
Dividend Payments – Our Preferred Stock accrued cash dividends at a rate of 6.0% per annum from the date of issuance in early January 2005 through January 31, 2008.  All such shares were either redeemed or converted into shares of our common stock on February 1, 2008.
 
On October 29, 2008 our Board of Directors authorized the reinstitution of a quarterly cash dividend program beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The Company’s shareholders will be paid a $.50 cash dividend for each share of common stock held by them on the record date of November 14, 2008, payable on December 1, 2008.
 
 
 Environmental Issues – We have not been notified that we are a potentially responsible party in connection with any environmental matters, and we have determined that we have no known risks for which assertion of a claim is probable that are not covered by third party insurance, third party indemnification or our self-retention insurance reserves.  Our environmental risks primarily relate to oil pollution from the operation of our vessels.  We have pollution liability insurance coverage with a limit of $1 billion per occurrence, with deductible amounts not exceeding $500,000 for each incident.
 
In January 2008 we were notified that the United States Coast Guard was conducting an investigation on the SS MAJOR STEPHEN W. PLESS regarding an alleged discharge of untreated bilge water by one or more members of the crew.  The USCG has inspected the ship and interviewed various crew members.  The United State Attorney’s Office is completing its discovery process.  We believe at this time that we are not a target of this investigation.
 
 
Stock Repurchase Program - On January 25, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program for up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. We expect that any share repurchases under this program will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices. The timing and amount of any purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors.  Through September 30, 2008, we repurchased 491,572 shares of our common stock for $11.5 million.  Unless and until the Board otherwise provides, this new authorization will remain open indefinitely or until we reach the 1,000,000 share limit.  (See Part II, Item 2Unregistered Sales of Equity Securuties and Use of Proceeds on page 29)
 
 
New Accounting Pronouncements – In September of 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years.  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements.  We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 and the adoption has had no effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” – including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 155 (“SFAS No. 159”).  SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities, and certain nonfinancial instruments that are similar to financial instruments, at fair value.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We adopted FAS 159 on January 1, 2008 and the adoption has had no effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging activities” – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.  SFAS 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  We have not yet determined the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 161 will have on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and provides entities with an updated framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP.  The adoption of FASB 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position.




13 

 
ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the ordinary course of our business, we are exposed to foreign currency, interest rate, and commodity price risk.  We utilize derivative financial instruments including interest rate swap agreements, commodity swap agreements, and forward exchange contracts to manage certain of these exposures.  We hedge only firm commitments or anticipated transactions and do not use derivatives for speculation.  We neither hold nor issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
 
 
Interest Rate Risk.  The fair value of our cash and short-term investment portfolio at September 30, 2008, approximated its carrying value due to the short-term duration.  The potential decrease in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates at year-end for our investment portfolio is not material.
 
The fair value of long-term debt at September 30, 2008, including current maturities, was estimated to equal the carrying value of $135.7 million.
 
We have entered into eight interest rate swap agreements with commercial banks, two in September of 2005, one in November of 2005, two in September of 2007, one in November of 2007, one in January of 2008 and one in February of 2008 in order to reduce the possible impact of higher interest rates in the long-term market.  The January 2008 agreement does not become effective until March 2009.  For each of these “variable to fixed” swap agreements, we have swapped our exposure from variable rates to fixed rates.  While these arrangements are structured to reduce our exposure to increases in interest rates, they also limit the benefit we might otherwise receive from any decreases in interest rates.  As of September 30, 2008, 100% of our long-term and short-term debt obligations were at fixed rates as a result of the interest rate swap agreements, and 67.2% of this debt is U.S. Dollar denominated and 32.8% of this debt is Yen denominated.  Our weighted average cost of U.S. Dollar denominated debt is 5.08%, while our Yen denominated cost of debt is 2.0%.
 
The fair value of these agreements at September 30, 2008, estimated based on the amount that the banks would receive or pay to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current market conditions and interest rates, is a liability of $3.1 million.  A hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates as of September 30, 2008 would have resulted in a $4.7 million liability.

 
Commodity Price Risk.  As of September 30, 2008, we do not have commodity swap agreements in place to manage our exposure to price risk related to the purchase of the estimated 2008 fuel requirements for our Rail-Ferry Service segment.  We have fuel surcharges in place for our Rail-Ferry Service, which we expect to effectively manage the price risk for those services during 2008.  If we had commodity swap agreements, they could be structured to further reduce our exposure to increases in fuel prices.  A 20% increase in the price of fuel for the period January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 would have resulted in an increase of approximately $443,000 in our fuel costs, including the fuel surcharges to our customers for the same period, and in a corresponding decrease of approximately $0.06 in our basic earnings per share based on the shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2008.  Our charterers in the Time Charter and Contract of Affreightment segments are responsible for purchasing vessel fuel requirements or paying increased freight rates to cover the increased cost of fuel; thus, we have little fuel price risk in these segments.
 

         Foreign Exchange Rate Risk.  There have been no material changes in market risk exposure for the foreign currency risk described in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 

         Pension Plan Risk.  As a result of the current capital market crisis, we have experienced a significant decline in the market value of plan assets.  While the plan is appropriately funded under the new regulatory requirements for plan year 2008, this short-term decline may affect funding required in 2009. As a result, in addition to the $1.2 million contributed to our pension plan for the nine months ended 2008, we are evaluating additional contributions for the fourth quarter. However, any further contributions to the pension plan during 2008 would be discretionary contributions and are not required to satisfy the minimum regulatory funding requirement specified by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and as amended under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. We will continue to monitor the performance of the pension plan assets and market conditions as we evaluate the amount of our contribution to the plan for 2008.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures,” as that phrase is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).
 
Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures have been effective as of the end of the period covered by this report in providing reasonable assurance that they have been timely alerted of material information required to be disclosed in this quarterly report.  During the third quarter of 2008, we did not make any changes to our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or that we believe are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals.  Because of inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to error or fraud could occur and not be detected.

 
 

 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
On January 25, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program for up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. We expect that any share repurchases under this program will be made from time to time for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices. The timing and amount of any purchases under the program will be determined by management based upon market conditions and other factors.  Through September 30, 2008, we repurchased 491,572 shares of our common stock for $11.5 million.  Unless and until the Board otherwise provides, this new authorization will remain open indefinitely, or until we reach the 1,000,000 share limit.

This table provides certain information with respect to the Company’s purchase of shares of its common stock during the third fiscal quarter of 2008:
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
                         
Period
 
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
   
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
   
(d) Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
 
July 1, 2008 – July 31, 2008
    202,231     $ 23.744       202,231       508,428  
August 1, 2008 - August 30, 2008
    -       -       -       -  
September 1, 2008 – September 31, 2008
    -       -       -       -  
 
 
 
14 

 
ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS
(a)           EXHIBIT INDEX

Part II Exhibits:

3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference)

3.2
By-Laws of the Registrant

4.1
Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 1980 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and among LCI Shipholdings, Inc. and Central Gulf Lines, Inc., as Joint and Several Borrowers, the banks and financial institutions listed therein, as Lenders, Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft as Facility Agent and Security Trustee, DnB NOR Bank ASA, as Documentation Agent, and the Registrant, as Guarantor (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2, dated December 10, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2004, to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-120161) and incorporated herein by reference)

10.2
Credit Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2004, by and among LCI Shipholdings, Inc., Central Gulf Lines, Inc. and Waterman Steamship Corporation, as Borrowers, the banks and financial institutions listed therein, as Lenders, Whitney National Bank, as Administrative Agent, Security Trustee and Arranger, and the Registrant, Enterprise Ship Company, Inc., Sulphur Carriers, Inc., Gulf South Shipping PTE Ltd. and CG Railway, Inc., as Guarantors (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.3 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2, dated December 10, 2004 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2004, to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-120161) and incorporated herein by reference)

10.3
Credit Agreement, dated September 26, 2005, by and among Central Gulf Lines, Inc., as Borrower, the banks and financial institutions listed therein, as Lenders, DnB NOR Bank ASA, as Facility Agent and Arranger, and Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Security Trustee and Arranger, and the Registrant, as Guarantor (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.4
Credit Agreement, dated December 13, 2005, by and among CG Railway, Inc., as Borrower, the investment company, Liberty Community Ventures III, L.L.C., as Lender, and the Registrant, as Guarantor (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.5
Consulting Agreement, dated January 1, 2006, between the Registrant and Niels W. Johnsen (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.6
Consulting Agreement, dated April 30, 2007, between the Registrant and Erik F. Johnsen (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.7
International Shipholding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.8
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Grant of Non-Qualified Stock Options under the International Shipholding Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.9
Description of Life Insurance Benefits Provided by the Registrant to Niels W. Johnsen and Erik F. Johnsen Plan (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.10
Memorandum of Agreement of the Registrant, dated as of August 24, 2007, providing for the Registrant’s purchase of one 6400 CEU Panamanian flagged pure car and truck carrier (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference) (Confidential treatment requested on certain portions of this exhibit.  An unredacted version of this exhibit has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

10.11
Loan Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2007, by and amongWaterman Steamship Corporation, as borrower, the Registrant, as guarantor, DnB NOR Bank ASA, as facility agent and security trustee. (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.12
SHIPSALES Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2007, by and between East Gulf Shipholding, Inc., as buyer, and Clio Marine Inc., as seller. (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference) (Confidential treatment requested on certain portions of this exhibit.  An unredacted version of this exhibit has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)

10.13
Facility Agreement, dated as of January 23, 2008, by and among East Gulf Shipholding, Inc., as borrower, the Registrant, as guarantor, the banks and financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, DnB NOR Bank ASA, as facility agent, and Deutsche Schiffsbank Aktiengesellschaft, as security trustee. (filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference)

10.14
Change of Control Agreement, by and between the registrant and Niels M. Johnsen, effective as of August 6, 2008.

10.15
Change of Control Agreement, by and between the registrant and Erik L. Johnsen, effective as of August 6, 2008.

10.16
Change of Control Agreement, by and between the registrant and Manuel G. Estrada, effective as of August 6, 2008.

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 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* filed with this report
 
15
 
 
 

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


INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION


/s/ Manuel G. Estrada
_____________________________________________
Manuel G. Estrada
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


Date:   November 7, 2008