Operating loss for the first quarter of 2009 was $3.9 million, versus operating income of $4.4 million in the prior year first quarter. Operating margin for the first quarter of 2009 was negative 3.4 percent, versus 3.9 percent in the first quarter 2008.
Interest expense for the first quarter 2009 increased to $7.6 million from $3.3 million in the first quarter 2008. The increase in interest expense was largely able to be attributed to the increase in amortization of and early extinguishment of deferred financing costs primarily related to the extension of the company's prior second lien credit facility in December 2008, as well as increased collateral monitoring fees on behalf of the company's senior lender. The amortization and early extinguishment of deferred financing costs amounted to approximately $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2009, and collateral monitoring fees of approximately $0.4 million.