Ardmore Shipping Corporation announced results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Highlights and Recent Activity
Reported a net loss of $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, or $0.37 loss per basic and diluted share. This compares to net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.20 loss per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Reported EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Reported a net loss of $29.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 or $0.88 loss per basic and diluted share, which includes deferred finance fees written off and unrealized gains on derivatives; losses adjusted for these items (see Adjusted (loss) / earnings in the Non-GAAP Measures section) are $29.0 million, or $0.86 Adjusted loss per basic and diluted share. This compares to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.41 basic and $0.40 diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Adjusted earnings were $13.6 million, or $0.41 Adjusted earnings per basic and diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Reported EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $56.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020
MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $10,904 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and $11,237 per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Chemical tankers earned an average TCE rate of $8,400 per day (comprising average rates of $10,387 per day on chemical cargos and $6,652 per day on Clean Petroleum Product (“CPP”) cargos) for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and $10,882 per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
In September 2021, Ardmore extended its sustainability-linked finance facility with ABN AMRO for a further year until June 2023; the facility contains a pricing adjustment feature linked to Ardmore’s performance on carbon emission reduction and other environmental and social initiatives. The facility’s performance targets for carbon emission reduction align with the International Maritime Organization’s targets for GHG emissions reduction.
In July 2021, Ardmore extended an agreement to time charter-in a 2010 Japanese-built MR product tanker for one year at a net rate of $11,500 per day, plus a one-year extension option.
In October, e1 Marine completed its first sale of a hydrogen generator to a leading US based global marine engine manufacturer for a pilot project. The sale is on profitable terms and expected to lead to a commercial licensing agreement for e1 Marine. In addition, Element 1 Corp. is entering into a joint research agreement with Aramco Americas to apply a carbon capture system to Element 1’s hydrogen generator.
Anthony Gurnee, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“While our earnings through the first nine months of 2021 reflect the very tough prevailing market conditions during the period, our strong balance sheet and low-cost structure have enabled us to hold our own and we believe that we have now reached a turning point, with the product and chemical tanker markets showing signs of real recovery.
Having experienced an unprecedentedly sharp drop in tanker demand earlier in the pandemic, a full oil demand recovery is now well underway, and an extensive global oil inventory destocking seems to be reaching its logical end-point. As a consequence, we believe that we are now very close to an inflection point for product and chemical tanker demand, beyond which rates should rebound strongly.
At the moment, we are seeing improved spot performance, as well as higher period and FFA (futures) rates being taken by charterers looking to secure cover in what is expected to be a much stronger market. Our spot MR voyages booked over the last two weeks have averaged $15,300 / day and our chemical tankers $17,400 / day, while Eco-Design MR one-year TC rates have improved to $15,500 / day, and the FFA Atlantic triangulation TCE rates for December through March now stand at $16,200 / day.
On this basis, we expect a much improved second half of the fourth quarter and a good run through the winter, where many additional factors may be in play that provide a further boost to tonne-mile demand, such as low Atlantic Basin refined product inventories, an end to oil inventory de-stocking, “energy crisis” spill over in the form of gas-to-oil switching for power generation, and typical winter weather disruptions and supply dislocations. Longer term, we are very positive given the fundamentals of demand growth and the visibility that we have on highly constrained product and chemical tanker supply growth.
In the meantime, Ardmore remains well positioned in terms of both market upside and financial strength, is maintaining its low-cost structure and strong relative chartering performance and is making good progress in our energy transition plan including multiple positive developments with e1 Marine alongside world-class commercial partners.”
Summary of Recent and Third Quarter 2021 Events
Fleet
Fleet Operations and Employment
As at September 30, 2021, the Company had 27 vessels in operation, including 21 MR tankers ranging from 45,000 deadweight tonnes (Dwt) to 49,999 Dwt (15 Eco-Design and six Eco-Mod) and six Eco-Design IMO 2 product / chemical tankers ranging from 25,000 Dwt to 37,800 Dwt.
MR Tankers (45,000 Dwt – 49,999 Dwt)
At the end of the third quarter of 2021, the Company had 21 MR tankers trading in the spot market or on time charters. The MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $10,904 per day in the third quarter of 2021. In the third quarter of 2021, the Company’s 15 Eco-Design MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $11,051 and the Company’s six Eco-Mod MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $10,422 per day.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company expects to have 30% of its revenue days for its MR Eco-Design tankers on time charter. The remaining 70% of days for its MR Eco-Design and all of its MR Eco-Mod tankers are expected to be employed in the spot market. As of November 10, 2021, the Company had fixed approximately 50% of its total MR revenue days for the fourth quarter of 2021 at an average TCE rate of approximately $10,450 per day.
Product / Chemical Tankers (IMO 2: 25,000 Dwt – 37,800 Dwt)
At the end of the third quarter of 2021, the Company had six Eco-Design IMO 2 product / chemical tankers in operation, all of which were trading in the spot market. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company’s six Eco-Design product / chemical vessels earned an average TCE rate of $8,400 per day (comprising average rates of $10,387 per day on chemical cargos and $6,652 per day on Clean Petroleum Product (“CPP”) cargos).
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company expects to have all revenue days for its Eco-Design IMO 2 product / chemical tankers employed in the spot market. As of November 10, 2021, the Company had fixed approximately 60% of its Eco-Design IMO 2 product / chemical tankers spot revenue days for the fourth quarter of 2021 at an average TCE rate of approximately $11,400 per day.
Drydocking
The Company had 80 drydock days (including repositioning) in the third quarter of 2021. The Company expects to have no drydock days in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Capital Allocation Policy
Consistent with the Company’s capital allocation policy, the Company is not declaring a dividend, in respect of its common shares, for the third quarter of 2021.
Financing
In September 2021, the Company extended its sustainability-linked finance facility with ABN AMRO for a further year until June 2023; the facility was originally completed in July 2020 on a two-year term and contains a pricing adjustment feature linked to the Company’s performance on carbon emission reduction and other environmental and social initiatives. The facility’s performance targets for carbon emission reduction align with the International Maritime Organization’s targets for GHG emissions reduction. The facility reflects Ardmore’s current strong performance on Environmental Social and Governance (“ESG”) initiatives, including (a) carbon emission levels which significantly outperform the targets set out under the Poseidon Principles, (a global framework for responsible ship finance to help incentivize decarbonization in the shipping industry) and (b) having a very diverse organization with employees representing 10 nationalities and of which 59% are female. The pricing structure in the facility will reward the Company for maintaining its carbon emission reduction trajectory and overall performance on ESG.
Chartered-in Vessel
In July 2021, the Company extended an agreement to time charter-in a 2010 Japanese-built MR product tanker for one year at a net rate of $11,500 per day, plus a one-year extension option.
Investments: e1 Marine and Element 1 Corp
In October, e1 Marine (the Company owns 33% of e1 Marine) completed its first sale of a hydrogen generator to a leading US based global marine engine manufacturer for a pilot project. The sale is on profitable terms and expected to lead to a commercial licensing agreement for e1 Marine. In addition, Element 1 Corp. (the Company owns 10% of Element 1 Corp.) is entering into a joint research agreement with Aramco Americas to apply a carbon capture system to Element 1’s hydrogen generator.
COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, ports and organizations, including those where Ardmore conducts a large part of its operations, have implemented measures to combat the outbreak, such as quarantines and travel restrictions. Such measures have caused severe trade disruptions. In addition, the pandemic has resulted and may continue to result in a significant decline in global demand for refined oil products. As Ardmore’s business is the transportation of refined oil products on behalf of oil majors, oil traders and other customers, any significant decrease in demand for the cargo Ardmore transports could adversely affect demand for its vessels and services. The extent to which the pandemic may impact Ardmore’s results of operations and financial condition, including possible impairments, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, among others, new information which may emerge concerning the virus and of its variants and the level of the effectiveness and delivery of vaccines and other actions to contain or treat its impact. Accordingly, an estimate of the impact on the Company cannot be made at this time.
Results for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
The Company reported a net loss of $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, or $0.37 loss per basic and diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.20 loss per basic and diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The Company reported EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $7.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
The Company reported a net loss of $29.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, or $0.88 loss per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.41 basic and $0.40 diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The Company reported EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
The Company reported an Adjusted loss (see Non–GAAP Measures section) of $29.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, or $0.86 Adjusted loss per basic and diluted share, as compared to Adjusted earnings of $13.6 million, or $0.41 Adjusted earnings per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Results for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020
Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $47.2 million, an increase of $2.0 million from $45.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
The Company’s average number of operating vessels increased to 27 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from 25.5 for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
The Company had 4 product tankers employed under time charters as at September 30, 2021, compared with none as at September 30, 2020. Revenue days derived from time charters were 362 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to none for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in revenue days for time-chartered vessels resulted in an increase in revenue of $5.0 million.
The Company had 2,024 spot revenue days for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to 2,334 for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The Company had 23 and 26 vessels employed directly in the spot market as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in spot revenue days resulted in a decrease in revenue of $6.0 million, while changes in spot rates resulted in an increase in revenue of $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses were $23.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $6.3 million from $16.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Voyage expenses increased primarily due to the increase in bunker prices resulting in an increase of $8.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in spot revenue days of $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.
TCE Rate. The average TCE rate for the Company’s fleet was $10,319 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $2,113 per day from $12,432 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in average TCE rate was the result of lower spot rates for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. TCE rates represent net revenues (or revenue less voyage expenses) divided by revenue days.
Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses were $15.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $0.6 million from $16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. This decrease is due to the timing of vessel operating expenses between quarters. Vessel operating expenses, by their nature, are prone to fluctuations between periods. Average fleet operating expenses per day, including technical management fees, were $6,373 per vessel for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $6,714 per vessel for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Charter Hire Costs. Charter hire costs were $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $2.1 million from $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Ardmore chartered-in one vessel in September 2020 and another in June 2021.
Depreciation. Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021, was $8.0 million, consistent with $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Amortization of Deferred Drydock Expenditures. Amortization of deferred drydock expenditures for the three months ended September 30, 2021, was $1.1 million, a decrease of $0.6 million from $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The deferred costs of drydockings for a given vessel are amortized on a straight-line basis to the next scheduled drydocking of the vessel.
General and Administrative Expenses: Corporate. Corporate-related general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were $4.3 million, an increase of $0.2 million from $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
General and Administrative Expenses: Commercial and Chartering. Commercial and chartering expenses are the expenses attributable to Ardmore’s chartering and commercial operations departments in connection with its spot trading activities. Commercial and chartering expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were $0.8 million, consistent with $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Interest Expense and Finance Costs. Interest expense and finance costs include loan interest, finance lease interest, and amortization of deferred finance fees. Interest expense and finance costs for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were $4.4 million, an increase of $0.4 million from $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Cash interest expense increased by $0.3 million to $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to an increased average LIBOR during the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. Amortization of deferred finance fees for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $0.4 million, consistent with $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
Source: Hellenic Shipping News
