First Quarter 2009 and Other Highlights

• Paid a $0.23 per common share dividend on March 3, 2009 to all shareholders of record as of February 20, 2009;
• Declared a dividend of $0.23 per common share, payable on May 28, 2009 to all shareholders of record as of May 18, 2009;
• Recorded net income excluding unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net(1) of $19.8 million, or $0.41 per diluted common share, for the first quarter;
• Recorded net income of $20.9 million, or $0.44 per diluted common share, for the first quarter;
• Recorded revenue of $59.6 million for the first quarter;
• Recorded a gain of $3.1 million on early extinguishment of debt (a $2.5 million gain net of related net income attributable to noncontrolling interest and income tax expense) in the first quarter; and
• Closed the purchase of the rights to manage the container fleet of Amphibious Container Leasing Limited (“Amficon”) effective as of May 1, 2009.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 06, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Textainer Group Holdings Limited (NYSE:TGH) (“Textainer” or the “Company”), the world’s largest lessor of intermodal containers based on fleet size, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009.

Total revenue for the quarter was $59.6 million, which was a decrease of $12.7 million, or 18%, compared to $72.2 million in the prior year quarter. This decrease was primarily due to an $11.4 million, or 83%, decrease in trading container sales proceeds to $2.3 million from $13.7 million in the prior year quarter due to a decline in the number of trading containers available for sale. As previously reported, the large quantity of trading containers sold in the first two quarters of 2008 were the result of transactions concluded near the end of 2007. We were able to sell many of these trading containers in the first half of 2008. We have since been unable to source purchase contracts of the same magnitude which has resulted in, trading sales being significantly lower in the second half of 2008 as was also the case in the first quarter of 2009. EBITDA(1) for the quarter was $42.2 million, which was a decrease of $2.0 million, or 5%, compared to $44.1 million in the prior year quarter.

Net income excluding unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net(1) for the quarter was $19.8 million, a 12% decrease from the $22.5 million earned in the prior year quarter. Net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net(1) for the quarter was $0.41 per share, a 13% decrease from the $0.47 per share in the prior year quarter. Net income for the quarter was $20.9 million, which was an increase of $3.5 million, or 20%, compared to $17.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to $1.3 million in unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net compared to $6.3 million in unrealized losses on interest rate swaps, net in the prior year quarter and a $3.1 million gain in the first quarter of 2009 on early extinguishment of debt (a $2.5 million gain net of related net income attributable to noncontrolling interest and income tax expense). This was the result of purchasing some of our 2005-1 Series Bonds.

John A. Maccarone, President and CEO of Textainer commented, “During a time of uncertainty for the global economy, Textainer achieved solid results in the first quarter of 2009. Importantly, as a direct result of having 70% of the Company’s fleet committed to long-term leases, we were able to achieve a first quarter average utilization of 90.7%. We have worked closely with our customers to extend expiring leases at favorable rates in order to minimize any decline in utilization rates. We have also taken advantage of market opportunities by acquiring the management rights to the Amficon fleet in the second quarter of 2009. This acquisition, which we expect to be immediately accretive to earnings, will cost effectively grow our fleet by 7% in a low risk manner during a challenging time. Further, the agreement doubles our fleet of flatrack and open top containers, a market segment that we have targeted as part of our strategic growth initiative.”

Mr. Maccarone continued, “We are also pleased to have drawn upon our sizeable contracted revenue stream and declared a $0.23 per share dividend for the quarter. We have paid consecutive quarterly dividends since our IPO in October 2007, with the dividends averaging 46% of net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net(1). Notably, we continue to pay dividends during a time when we have maintained a conservative payout ratio, significant financial flexibility, and no Capex commitments. Going forward, we intend to utilize our leading financial position, which includes over $350 million in liquidity, to take advantage of attractive acquisition opportunities that may arise which meet our strict valuation and diligence requirements.”

Outlook

Industry

There have been no major container shipping line failures among our customers, despite the fact that the first quarter was very difficult for many of our liner companies. In addition, there are signs that the stimulus program in China is showing early results, with demand for containers from China’s domestic shipping lines and an improvement in Intra-Asia demand. We remain cautiously optimistic that the deep sea trades may benefit from increased cargo volumes in the near-term. Textainer also believes that the industry will continue to grow at approximately 2.4 times global GDP over the long term, a level that was achieved through several cycles from 1980 to 2007.

Regarding the supply-side fundamentals in the container industry, all of the dry freight container manufacturers in China are still closed and may not open until June, or later. As a result of this dynamic, once demand improves, we believe that Textainer’s customers may focus on leasing the Company’s existing containers after they absorb their own inventory. With no new production, the current surplus of containers may begin to be absorbed more quickly.

Textainer’s Operations

Textainer’s first quarter average utilization of 90.7% was strong by historical standards. While utilization is still declining, the rate of decline during the last seven weeks was significantly lower than in the first quarter. Further, approximately 80% of the containers which have been redelivered since the start of the fourth quarter of 2008 are in Asia, exactly where demand typically begins. The Company also has 70% of its fleet committed to long-term leases, which lessens the impact of any cyclical downturn.

Strategic Focus

Textainer has over $350 million of liquidity, and expects to pursue acquisitions and purchase-leasebacks at attractive valuations. The Company anticipates that there will be other opportunities to acquire competitors, similar to its recent acquisition of the management rights to the Amficon fleet, and complete purchase leaseback transactions at attractive terms.

Dividend

On May 5, 2009, Textainer’s board of directors approved and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share on Textainer’s issued and outstanding common shares, payable on May 28, 2009 to shareholders of record as of May 18, 2009. This dividend is unchanged from the prior quarter and will be the seventh consecutive quarterly dividend since Textainer’s October 2007 initial public offering, averaging 46% of net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net(1) during this period. The dividend represents 55% of net income excluding unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, net(1) for the first quarter. Textainer’s board of directors considers dividends on a quarterly basis. Historically, Textainer has paid about 50% of net income excluding unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps, net(1) in dividends, but the board of directors takes a fresh view every quarter and sets the dividend subject to cash needs for opportunities that may be available to us.

Second Quarter 2009 Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt

During April and May of 2009, the Company repurchased more of its 2005-1 Bonds, which will result in the recognition of a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $16.3 million (a $12.9 million gain net of related net income attributable to noncontrolling interest and income tax expense) in the second quarter of 2009.

Investors’ Webcast

Textainer will hold a conference call and a Webcast with an accompanying slide presentation at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday May 6, 2009 to discuss Textainer’s 2009 first quarter results. An archive of the Webcast will be available one hour after the live call through May 6, 2010. For callers in the U.S. the dial-in number for the conference call is 1-877-741-4244; for callers outside the U.S. the dial-in number for the conference call is 1-719-325-4773. To access the live Webcast or archive, please visit Textainer’s website at http://www.textainer.com.

About Textainer Group Holdings Limited

Textainer has operated since 1979 and is the world’s largest lessor of intermodal containers based on fleet size. We have a total of more than 1.3 million containers, representing over 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units, in our owned and managed fleet. We lease containers to more than 400 shipping lines and other lessees. We principally lease dry freight containers, which are by far the most common of the three principal types of intermodal containers, although we also lease specialized and refrigerated containers. We have also been one of the largest purchasers of new containers among container lessors over the last 10 years. We believe we are also one of the largest sellers of used containers, having sold more than 170,000 containers during the last two years to more than 1,000 customers. We provide our services worldwide via a network of 14 regional and area offices and over 330 independent depots in more than 150 locations.

Important Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are not statements of historical facts and include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) Textainer’s belief that its acquisition of the management rights to the Amficon fleet are expected to be immediately accretive to earnings and will cost effectively grow our fleet by 7% in a low risk manner during a challenging time; (ii) that there are signs that the stimulus program in China is showing early results, with demand for containers from China’s domestic shipping lines, and an improvement in Intra-Asia demand; (iii) that Textainer remains cautiously optimistic that the deep sea trades may benefit from increased cargo volumes in the near-term; (iv) Textainer’s belief that the industry will continue to grow at approximately 2.4 times global GDP over the long term, a level that was achieved through several cycles from 1980 to 2007; (v) Textainer’s belief that once container demand improves, its customers may focus on leasing our existing containers after they absorb their own inventory; (vi) Textainer’s expectation that, with no new container production, the current surplus of containers may begin to be absorbed more quickly; (vii) Textainer’s expectation that containers redelivered in Asia is where demand typically begins and (viii) Textainer’s expectation that there will be other opportunities to acquire competitors, similar to our recent acquisition of the management rights to the Amficon fleet, and complete purchase leaseback transactions at attractive terms. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risk that the current global financial crisis and global recession may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including the risk that the current global financial crisis and global recession may delay or prevent Textainer’s customers from making payments; the risk that gains and losses associated with the disposition of equipment may fluctuate; Textainer’s ability to finance the continued purchase of containers; the demand for leased containers depends on many political and economic factors beyond Textainer’s control; lease and freight rates may decline; the demand for leased containers is partially tied to international trade; Textainer faces extensive competition in the container leasing industry; the international nature of the container shipping industry exposes Textainer to numerous risks; and other risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in Textainer’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For a discussion of some of these risks and uncertainties, see Item 3 “Key Information-- Risk Factors” in Textainer’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2009.

Textainer’s views, estimates, plans and outlook as described within this document may change subsequent to the release of this press release. Textainer is under no obligation to modify or update any or all of the statements it has made herein despite any subsequent changes Textainer may make in its views, estimates, plans or outlook for the future.

TEXTAINER GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Net Income to Net Income Excluding Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Interest Rate Swaps, Net Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited) (All currency expressed in United States dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(1) The following is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, a reconciliation of net income to net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net and a reconciliation of net income per diluted common share to net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. EBITDA (defined as net income before interest income and interest expense, realized and unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net, income tax expense, net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, depreciation and amortization expense and the related impact on net income attributable to noncontrolling interest), net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net (defined as net income before unrealized losses on interest rate swaps, net and the related impact on income tax (benefit) expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest) and net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net (defined as net income per diluted common share before unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net and the related impact on income tax expense and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest) are not financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from operations or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. EBITDA, net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net and net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net are presented solely as supplemental disclosures. Management believes that EBITDA may be a useful performance measure that is widely used within our industry and net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net may be a useful performance measure because Textainer intends to hold its interest rate swaps until maturity and over the life of an interest rate swap held to maturity the unrealized gains or losses will net to zero. EBITDA is not calculated in the same manner by all companies and, accordingly, may not be an appropriate measure for comparison. Management also believes that net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net and net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net are useful in evaluating our operating performance because unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net is a noncash, non-operating item. We believe EBITDA, net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net and net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net provides useful information on our earnings from ongoing operations. We believe that EBITDA provides useful information on our ability to service our long-term debt and other fixed obligations and on our ability to fund our expected growth with internally generated funds. EBITDA, net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net and net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider either of them in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results or cash flows as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

• They do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
• They do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
• EBITDA does not reflect interest expense or cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
• Although depreciation is a noncash charge, the assets being depreciated may be replaced in the future, and neither EBITDA, net income excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net or net income per diluted common share excluding unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net reflects any cash requirements for such replacements;
• They are not adjusted for all noncash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows; and
• Other companies in our industry may calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

SOURCE: Textainer Group Holdings Limited

Textainer Group Holdings Limited
Mr. Tom Gallo, 415-658-8227
Investor Relations Director
ir@textainer.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009