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Ardmore Shipping Corporation Announces Financial Results For The Twelve And Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE: ASC) ("Ardmore", the "Company" or "we") today announced results for the twelve months and three months ended December 31, 2020.

Highlights and Recent Activity

  • Reported a net loss of $6.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 or $0.18 loss per basic and diluted share, which includes $6.5 million in respect of loss on the sale of the Ardmore Seamariner and unrealized losses on derivatives; earnings adjusted for these costs (see Adjusted earnings in the Non-GAAP Measures section) are $0.5 million, or $0.02 Adjusted earnings per basic and diluted share. This compares to a net loss of $22.9 million, or $0.69 loss per basic and diluted share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
  • Reported Adjusted EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $57.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $53.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
  • Reported a net loss of $19.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 or $0.59 loss per basic and diluted share, which includes $6.4 million in respect of loss on the sale of the Ardmore Seamariner; loss adjusted for these costs (see Adjusted loss in Non-GAAP Measures section) of $13.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 or $0.39 Adjusted loss per basic and diluted share. This compares to a net income of $1.9 million, or $0.06 earnings per basic and diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2019.
  • Reported Adjusted EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $0.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $17.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019.
  • MR tankers earned $15,650 per day overall and $15,993 for Eco-design MRs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 while chemical tankers earned $14,332 per day for the period. MR tankers earned $9,436 per day overall and $9,603 for Eco-design MRs for the three months ended December 31, 2020 while chemical tankers earned $10,916 per day for the period.
  • In December 2020, Ardmore agreed to terms for the sale of the Ardmore Seamariner, a 2006-built 45,726 Dwt Eco-mod MR Tanker, which was sold for $10.0 million and delivered to the buyer on January 14, 2021.
  • Repurchased 98,652 shares under Ardmore's new share repurchase plan in the fourth quarter of 2020, at a weighted-average price of $2.91 per share.
  • Completed the previously announced $10.0 million loan facility for the Ardmore Seafarer with Iyo Bank, Japan. The facility has a duration of five years and is priced at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%.
  • Ardmore expects to publish its first annual Progress Report on February 15, 2021, presenting what Ardmore has accomplished over the past year on matters relating to environment, social progress and governance and setting out its approach to supporting the global energy transition and the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

Anthony Gurnee, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, commented:

During 2020, the product tanker market experienced its most extreme period of volatility in many years. During the first half, MR charter rates rose to record highs, peaking at $77,000 per day, while the second half saw charter rates reach new lows as the pandemic impacted oil demand and cargo volumes. Overall, despite the pronounced weakness in the fourth quarter, we are pleased to report a profitable year, with adjusted earnings of $0.5 million, eco-design spot MR performance of $15,990, and year-end cash at $58 million.

MR charter rates so far in the first quarter have risen noticeably from fourth quarter lows, from $9,600 / day to $11,700 / day, driven by modest economic recovery and winter market activity. Our chemical tankers performed well on a relative basis in the fourth quarter, earning $10,900 / day; we expect chemical tanker performance to improve over the course of 2021, given the high correlation of demand to global GDP growth. Overall, we remain cautious about the first half of 2021, but believe the second half will bring rapidly improving market conditions and set the stage for a full recovery driven by above-trend demand growth and constrained product tanker supply growth.

Beyond the immediate post-pandemic recovery, we believe product tankers will experience continued overall demand growth to the end of the decade, with global economic growth and refinery developments away from points of consumption more than offsetting the initial impact of the energy transition; however, we expect the energy transition to put a significant damper on tanker supply as new regulations such as EEXI accelerate the phase-out of inefficient vessels, resulting in a tight market.

As we look forward to a brighter future for the tanker market and opportunities in the energy transition, we must not forget the challenges and hardships the ongoing pandemic presents, most of all for our seafarers, but also our shore staff in lockdown and in travel-related quarantine on our behalf. We acknowledge their sacrifices and want to thank them sincerely for their perseverance and professionalism.

Summary of Recent and Fourth Quarter 2020 Events

Fleet

Fleet Operations and Employment

As at December 31, 2020, 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)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $15,650 per day. The Company's 15 Eco-Design MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $15,993 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and the Company's six Eco-Mod MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $14,284 per day.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company had 21 MR tankers trading in the spot market or on short-term time charters. The MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $9,436 per day in the fourth quarter of 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company's 15 Eco-Design MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $9,603 and the Company's six Eco-Mod MR tankers earned an average TCE rate of $9,052 per day.

In the first quarter of 2021, the Company expects to have 120 revenue days for its MR Eco-Design tankers on time charter, with the remaining days for its MR Eco-Design and all of its MR Eco-Mod tankers employed in the spot market. As of February 10, 2021, the Company had fixed approximately 45% of its total MR revenue days for the first quarter of 2021 at an average TCE rate of approximately $11,500 per day.

Product / Chemical Tankers (IMO 2: 25,000 Dwt – 37,800 Dwt)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company's six Eco-Design product / chemical vessels earned an average TCE rate of $14,332 per day.

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company had six Eco-Design IMO 2 product / chemical tankers in operation, all of which were trading in the spot market. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company's six Eco-Design product / chemical vessels earned an average TCE rate of $10,916 per day.

In the first 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 February 10, 2021, the Company had fixed approximately 75% of its Eco-Design IMO 2 product / chemical tankers spot revenue days for the first quarter of 2021 at an average TCE rate of approximately $11,000 per day.

Drydocking

The Company had 142 drydock days, including repositioning days, in the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company expects to have 40 drydock days, including repositioning days, in the first quarter of 2021.

Capital Allocation Policy

Consistent with the Company's capital allocation policy, the Company is not declaring a dividend for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Vessel Sale

In December 2020, Ardmore agreed to terms for the sale of the Ardmore Seamariner and repaid all amounts outstanding under the related term loan on January 7, 2021.  The price for the subsequent sale of the vessel by Ardmore was $10.0 million, which was paid upon delivery of the vessel to the buyer on January 14, 2021.

Share Repurchase Plan

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 98,652 shares under the new share repurchase plan the Company adopted in September 2020, at a weighted-average price of $2.91 per share.

Financing

On December 17, 2020, the Company completed the previously announced $10.0 million loan facility for the Ardmore Seafarer, a 2010 Japanese MR product tanker delivered in August 2020, with Iyo Bank, Japan. The facility has a duration of five years and is priced at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%. The covenants and other conditions of the facility are consistent with those of Ardmore's existing debt facilities.

Progress Report

The Company expects to publish its first annual Progress Report on February 15, 2021, presenting what has been accomplished over the past year on matters relating to environment, social progress and governance. The Report also discusses the philosophy and rationale behind our efforts in these areas, and importantly, lays out our approach to support the global energy transition and the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the recent novel coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak a pandemic. In response to the outbreak, many countries, ports and organizations, including those where the Company conducts a large part of its operations, have implemented measures to combat the outbreak, such as quarantines and travel restrictions. Such measures have caused and will likely continue to cause severe trade disruptions. The extent to which COVID–19 will impact the Company's results of operations and financial condition, including possible impairments, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the virus and the measures taken to contain or treat its impact, among others. Accordingly, an estimate of the impact cannot be made at this time.

Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The Company reported a net loss of $19.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, or $0.59 loss per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.06 earnings per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2020 includes the held for sale loss on the Ardmore Seamariner of $6.4 million.  The Company reported Adjusted EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $0.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $17.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

The Company reported an Adjusted loss (see Non–GAAP Measures section) of $13.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, or $0.39 Adjusted loss per basic and diluted share, as compared to Adjusted earnings of $2.5 million, or $0.08 Adjusted earnings per basic and $0.07 Adjusted earnings per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2019. 

Results for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The Company reported a net loss of $6.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, or $0.18 loss per basic and diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $22.9 million, or $0.69 loss per basic and diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 includes the held for sale loss on the Ardmore Seamariner of $6.4 million. Net loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 includes the aggregate loss of $13.2 million on the sales of the Ardmore Seamaster and the previous vessel named the Ardmore Seafarer. The Company reported Adjusted EBITDA (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $57.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the $53.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

The Company reported Adjusted earnings (see Non-GAAP Measures section) of $0.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, or $0.02 Adjusted earnings per basic and diluted share, as compared to an Adjusted loss of $9.2 million, or $0.28 Adjusted loss per basic and diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $41.7 million, a decrease of $19.0 million from $60.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

The Company's average number of owned vessels increased to 26 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, from 25 for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The Company had revenue days of 2,267 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to 2,280 for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in revenue days was due to an increase in drydocking days during the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019, partially offset by the increase in the Company's average number of owned vessels. The Company had 26 and 25 vessels employed directly in the spot market as at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in revenue days resulted in a decrease in revenue of $0.4 million, while changes in spot rates resulted in a decrease in revenue of $18.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019.

Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses were $19.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $2.7 million from $22.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Voyage expenses decreased primarily due to the decrease in bunker prices for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019.

TCE Rate. The average TCE rate for our fleet was $9,764 per day for the three months ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $7,135 per day from $16,899 per day for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in average TCE rate was the result of lower spot rates for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019. TCE rates represent net revenues (or revenue less voyage expenses) divided by revenue days.

Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses were $16.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $0.4 million from $16.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. This increase is due to an increase in the average number of vessels in operation for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as well as the impact of COVID–19 and 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 $6,518 per vessel for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $6,707 per vessel for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

Charter Hire Costs. Charter hire costs were $1.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020. There were no charter hire costs incurred in the three months ended December 31, 2019. Ardmore chartered in one vessel in September 2020.

Depreciation. Depreciation expense for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $8.3 million, an increase of $0.3 million from $8.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. This increase is primarily due to an increase in the average number of owned vessels for the three months ended December 31, 2020.

Amortization of Deferred Drydock Expenditures. Amortization of deferred drydock expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $1.7 million, an increase of $0.3 million from $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The increase is primarily due to an increased number of drydockings as the Company's fleet ages. 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 December 31, 2020 were $3.1 million, a decrease of $0.5 million from $3.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in staff costs and no travel in the fourth quarter of 2020.

General and Administrative Expenses: Commercial and Chartering. Commercial and chartering expenses are the expenses attributable to the Company's chartering and commercial operations departments in connection with the Company's spot trading activities. Commercial and chartering expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were $0.2 million, a decrease of $0.5 million from $0.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. This decrease is due to lower headcount and no travel in the fourth quarter of 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 December 31, 2020 were $3.9 million, a decrease of $2.8 million from $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Cash interest expense decreased by $2.3 million to $3.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, from $5.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decreased average LIBOR during the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019, as well as the Company entering into three-year floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with an average fixed interest rate of 0.32%. Amortization of deferred finance fees for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $0.5 million, a decrease of $0.5 million from $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

Liquidity

As at December 31, 2020, the Company had $58.4 million (December 31, 2019: $51.7 million) available in cash and cash equivalents. The Company drew down an additional $9.6 million from its revolving credit facilities in the fourth quarter in order to maintain a strong liquidity position and financial flexibility, resulting in an increase in amounts outstanding on these facilities. The following debt and lease liabilities (net of deferred finance fees) were outstanding as at the dates indicated:










As at



December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

Cash


$

58,365,330


$

51,723,107








Finance leases (net of sellers' credit)



194,824,384



212,799,694

Senior Debt



157,710,865



163,264,006

Revolving Credit Facilities



53,631,491



44,019,007

Total debt



406,166,740



420,082,707








Total net debt


$

347,801,410


$

368,359,600

Conference Call

The Company plans to have a conference call on February 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020. All interested parties are invited to listen to the live conference call and slide presentation by choosing from the following options:

  1. By dialing 844–492–3728 (U.S.) or 412–542–4189 (International) and referencing "Ardmore Shipping."
  2. By accessing the live webcast at Ardmore Shipping's website at www.ardmoreshipping.com.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

If you are unable to participate at this time, an audio replay of the call will be available through February 17, 2021 at 877–344–7529 or 412–317–0088. Enter the passcode 10151864 to access the audio replay. A recording of the webcast, with associated slides, will also be available on the Company's website. The information provided on the teleconference is only accurate at the time of the conference call, and the Company will take no responsibility for providing updated information.

About Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Ardmore owns and operates a fleet of MR product and chemical tankers ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 deadweight tonnes. Ardmore provides seaborne transportation of petroleum products and chemicals worldwide to oil majors, national oil companies, oil and chemical traders, and chemical companies, with its modern, fuel-efficient fleet of mid-size product and chemical tankers.

We are strategically focused on modern, fuel-efficient, mid-size product and chemical tankers. We actively pursue opportunities to exploit the overlap we believe exists between the clean petroleum product ("CPP") and chemical sectors in order to enhance earnings, and also seek to engage in more complex CPP trades, such as multi-grade and multi-port loading and discharging operations, where our knowledge of chemical operations is beneficial to our CPP customers. Our fuel-efficient operations are designed to enhance our investment returns and provide value-added service to our customers. We believe we are at the forefront of fuel efficiency and emissions reduction trends and are well positioned to capitalize on these developments with our fleet of Eco-design and Eco-mod vessels. Our acquisition strategy is to continue to build our fleet with Eco-design newbuildings and modern second-hand vessels that can be upgraded to Eco-mod. We have a resolute focus on both high-quality service and efficient operations, and we believe that our corporate overhead and operating expenses are among the lowest of our peers.

Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except as indicated)








As at



December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

ASSETS





Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents


58,365,330


51,723,107

Receivables, net of allowance for bad debts of $0.5 million (2019: $0.9 million)


17,808,496


30,083,358

Prepaid expenses and other assets


3,683,910


1,940,030

Advances and deposits


2,516,646


4,114,065

Inventories


10,274,062


10,158,735

Vessel held for sale


9,895,000


Total current assets


102,543,444


98,019,295






Non-current assets





Vessels and vessel equipment, net


631,458,305


660,823,330

Deferred drydock expenditures, net


10,216,090


7,668,711

Advances for Ballast water treatment systems


2,568,874


384,408

Other non-current assets, net


678,632


917,222

Amount receivable in respect of finance leases


2,880,000


2,880,000

Operating lease, right-of-use asset


1,662,510


1,745,464

Total non-current assets


649,464,411


674,419,135






TOTAL ASSETS


752,007,855


772,438,430






LIABILITIES AND EQUITY





Current liabilities





Accounts payable


9,125,321


4,789,935

Accrued expenses and other liabilities


11,233,767


16,278,084

Accrued interest on debt and finance leases


769,304


880,183

Current portion of long-term debt


22,456,396


20,216,171

Current portion of finance lease obligations


18,454,222


17,975,322

Current portion of derivative liabilities


397,418


Current portion of operating lease obligations


463,559


289,231

Total current liabilities


62,899,987


60,428,926






Non-current liabilities





Non-current portion of long-term debt


188,054,568


187,066,842

Non-current portion of finance lease obligations


179,250,162


197,704,372

Non-current portion of derivative liabilities


433,974


Non-current portion of operating lease obligations


1,034,218


1,182,522

Total non-current liabilities


368,772,922


385,953,736






Stockholders' equity





Common stock


352,067


350,192

Additional paid in capital


418,180,983


416,841,494

Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(729,135)


Treasury stock


(15,635,765)


(15,348,909)

Accumulated deficit


(81,833,204)


(75,787,009)

Total stockholders' equity


320,334,946


326,055,768






TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


752,007,855


772,438,430

 

Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Unaudited Interim and Annual Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, except for shares)













Three months ended


Year ended



December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

Revenue, net


41,725,326


60,685,029


220,057,606


230,042,240










Voyage expenses


(19,888,091)


(22,606,473)


(81,253,212)


(96,056,391)

Vessel operating expenses


(16,422,424)


(15,971,685)


(62,546,733)


(62,546,606)

Charter hire costs


(1,211,978)



(1,367,528)


Depreciation


(8,268,960)


(8,032,954)


(32,187,324)


(32,322,695)

Amortization of deferred drydock expenditures


(1,712,360)


(1,359,418)


(6,198,245)


(4,803,069)

General and administrative expenses









Corporate


(3,063,281)


(3,561,327)


(15,122,906)


(14,951,996)

Commercial and chartering


(239,660)


(700,846)


(2,780,970)


(3,194,218)

Unrealized losses on derivatives


(25,588)



(113,591)


Interest expense and finance costs


(3,915,885)


(6,651,968)


(18,168,155)


(26,759,754)

Interest income


25,776


159,979


281,618


952,190

Loss on vessel held for sale


(6,447,309)



(6,447,309)


Loss on sale of vessels





(13,162,192)










(Loss) / Income before taxes


(19,444,434)


1,960,337


(5,846,749)


(22,802,491)










Income tax


(70,968)


(12,092)


(199,446)


(58,766)










Net (Loss) / Income


(19,515,402)


1,948,245


(6,046,195)


(22,861,257)










(Loss) / Earnings per share, basic and diluted


(0.59)


0.06


(0.18)


(0.69)










Adjusted (loss) / earnings (1)


(13,042,505)


2,485,146


514,705


(9,162,164)

Adjusted (loss) / earnings per share, basic


(0.39)


0.08


0.02


(0.28)

Adjusted (loss) / earnings per share, diluted


(0.39)


0.07


0.02


(0.28)










Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic


33,237,297


33,097,831


33,241,936


33,097,831

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted


33,237,297


33,409,296


33,443,250


33,097,831










____________________

(1)

Adjusted earnings / (loss) is a non-GAAP measure and is defined and reconciled under the "Non-GAAP Measures" section. Adjusted earnings / (loss) has been calculated as Earnings per share reported under US GAAP as adjusted for unrealized and realized gains and losses (see Non-GAAP Measures Section).

 

Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)








Year ended



December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES










Net loss


(6,046,195)


(22,861,257)

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





Depreciation


32,187,324


32,322,695

Amortization of deferred drydock expenditures


6,198,245


4,803,069

Share-based compensation


3,000,672


2,333,091

Loss on vessel held for sale


6,447,309


Loss on sale of vessels



13,162,192

Amortization of deferred finance fees


1,765,271


2,560,180

Unrealized losses on derivatives


113,591


Foreign exchange


108,978


(73,207)

Deferred drydock expenditures


(7,003,305)


(5,387,875)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:





Receivables


12,274,862


(2,623,226)

Prepaid expenses and other assets


(1,743,880)


137,453

Advances and deposits


1,597,419


(1,981,261)

Inventories


(115,327)


2,653,304

Accounts payable


2,543,080


(3,672,559)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities


(5,098,531)


(48,663)

Accrued interest on debt and finance leases


(135,064)


(852,676)

Net cash provided by operating activities


46,094,449


20,471,260






CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES





Proceeds from sale of vessels



26,557,707

Payments for acquisition of vessels and vessel equipment


(18,720,337)


(2,599,827)

Advances for Ballast water treatment systems


(2,184,466)


114,235

Payments for other non-current assets


(88,630)


(177,950)

Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities


(20,993,433)


23,894,165






CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES





Proceeds from long-term debt


20,375,243


201,462,500

Repayments of long-term debt


(18,017,863)


(222,198,713)

Repayments of finance leases


(18,650,009)


(26,510,556)

Payments for deferred finance fees


(220,000)


(2,298,587)

Repurchase of common stock


(286,856)


Payment of dividend


(1,659,308)


Net cash (used in) financing activities


(18,458,793)


(49,545,356)






Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


6,642,223


(5,179,931)






Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


51,723,107


56,903,038






Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year


58,365,330


51,723,107

 

Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Unaudited Other Operating Data

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise stated)













Three months ended


Year ended



December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

ADJUSTED EBITDA (1)


899,892


17,844,698


56,986,257


53,293,029










AVERAGE DAILY DATA


















MR Tankers Spot TCE per day (2)


9,436


17,725


15,650


15,382










Fleet TCE per day (2)


9,764


16,899


15,355


14,686










Fleet operating expenses per day (3)


6,134


6,244


6,070


6,112

Technical management fees per day (4)


384


463


439


450



6,518


6,707


6,509


6,562










MR Tankers Eco-Design









TCE per day (2)


9,603


18,149


15,993


15,781

Vessel operating expenses per day (5)


6,560


6,795


6,530


6,560










MR Tankers Eco-Mod









TCE per day (2)


9,052


16,133


14,284


14,062

Vessel operating expenses per day (5)


6,447


6,813


6,540


6,636










Prod/Chem Tankers Eco-Design (25k - 38k Dwt)









TCE per day (2)


10,916


14,284


14,332


12,420

Vessel operating expenses per day (5)


6,475


6,498


6,434


6,409










FLEET









Average number of owned operating vessels


26.0


25.0


25.4


25.6

____________________

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and is defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure under the "Non-GAAP Measures" section.

(2)

Time Charter Equivalent ("TCE") rate, a non-GAAP measure, represents net revenues (revenues less voyage expenses) divided by revenue days. Revenue days are the total number of calendar days the vessels are in the Company's possession less off-hire days generally associated with drydocking or repairs, and idle days associated with repositioning of vessels held for sale. Net revenue utilized to calculate TCE is determined on a discharge to discharge basis, which is different from how the Company records revenue under U.S. GAAP. Under discharge to discharge, revenues are recognized beginning from the discharge of cargo from the prior voyage to the anticipated discharge of cargo in the current voyage, and voyage expenses are recognized as incurred.

(3)

Fleet operating expenses per day are routine operating expenses and comprise crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. These amounts do not include expenditures related to upgradings and enhancements or other non-routine expenditures which were expensed during the period.

(4)

Technical management fees are fees paid to third-party technical managers.

(5)

Vessel operating expenses per day include technical management fees.

 

Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Fleet Details at December 31, 2020

(Expressed in Millions of U.S. Dollars, other than per share amount)














































Estimated Resale 


Estimated 





















Newbuilding


Depreciated











Cargo




Cargo


Inerting


Eco


Price (1)


Replacement

Vessel


IMO


Built


Country


DWT


Capacity (m3)


Engine Type


Segregations


System


Specification


December 31, 2020


Value (2)

Seavaliant


IMO2/3


Feb–13


S. Korea


49,998


53,361


6S50 ME-C8.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

24.68

Seaventure


IMO2/3


Jun–13


S. Korea


49,998


53,375


6S50 ME-C8.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.03

Seavantage


IMO2/3


Jan–14


S. Korea


49,997


53,288


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.80

Seavanguard


IMO2/3


Feb–14


S. Korea


49,998


53,287


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.89

Sealion


IMO2/3


May–15


S. Korea


49,999


52,928


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

27.49

Seafox


IMO2/3


Jun–15


S. Korea


49,999


52,930


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

27.59

Seawolf


IMO2/3


Aug–15


S. Korea


49,999


52,931


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

27.76

Seahawk


IMO2/3


Nov–15


S. Korea


49,999


52,931


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

28.03

Endeavour


IMO2/3


Jul–13


S. Korea


49,997


53,637


6S50 ME-C8.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.18

Enterprise


IMO2/3


Sep–13


S. Korea


49,453


52,774


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.38

Endurance


IMO2/3


Dec–13


S. Korea


49,466


52,770


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.67

Encounter


IMO2/3


Jan–14


S. Korea


49,494


52,776


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.73

Explorer


IMO2/3


Jan–14


S. Korea


49,478


52,775


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.82

Exporter


IMO2/3


Feb–14


S. Korea


49,466


52,770


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

25.91

Engineer


IMO2/3


Mar–14


S. Korea


49,420


52,789


6S50 ME-B9.2


6


IG Plant


Eco-Design


$

34.50


$

26.00

Seamariner


IMO3


Oct–06


Japan


45,726


52,280


6S50MC–6.1


3


Flue Gas


Eco-Mod


$

34.50


$

 10.00(3)

Sealeader


IMO3


Jun–08


Japan


47,451


52,527


6S50MC–6.1


3


Flue Gas


Eco-Mod


$

34.50


$

18.48

Sealifter


IMO3


Aug–08


Japan


47,463


52,534


6S50MC–6.1


3


Flue Gas


Eco-Mod


$

34.50


$

18.74

Sealancer


IMO3


Jul–08


Japan


47,472


52,467


6S50MC–6.1


3


Flue Gas


Eco-Mod


$

34.50


$

18.59

Seafarer


IMO3


Jun–10


Japan


49,999


52,111


6S50MC-6.1


3


Flue Gas


Eco-Mod


$

34.50


$

21.08

Dauntless


IMO2


Feb–15


S. Korea


37,764


41,620


6S50 ME-B9.2


14


Nitrogen


Eco-Design


$

33.00


$

25.87

Defender


IMO2


Feb–15


S. Korea


37,791


41,620


6S50 ME-B9.2


14


Nitrogen


Eco-Design


$

33.00


$

25.91

Cherokee


IMO2


Jan–15


Japan


25,215


28,475


6S46 ME-B8.3


12


Nitrogen


Eco-Design


$

28.50


$

22.13

Cheyenne


IMO2


Mar–15


Japan


25,217


28,490


6S46 ME-B8.3


12


Nitrogen


Eco-Design


$

28.50


$

22.37

Chinook


IMO2


Jul–15


Japan


25,217


28,483


6S46 ME-B8.3


12


Nitrogen


Eco-Design


$

28.50


$

22.69

Chippewa


IMO2


Nov–15


Japan


25,217


28,493


6S46 ME-B8.3


12


Nitrogen


Eco-Design


$

28.50


$

23.01
























$

620.85










































Cash / Debt / Working Capital / Other Assets


$

(339.14)

















Total Asset Value (Assets) (4)


$

281.71

















DRV / Share (4)(5) 


$

8.49










































Ardmore Commercial Management (6)


$

20.61

















Total Asset Value (Assets & Commercial Mgt.) (4)


$

302.32

















DRV / Share (4)(5) 


$

9.11


























____________________

1.

Based on the average of two broker estimates of prompt resale for a newbuild vessel of equivalent deadweight tonne at a yard in South Korea as at December 31, 2020.

2.

Depreciated Replacement Value ("DRV") is based on estimated resale price for a newbuild vessel depreciated for the age of each vessel (assuming an estimated useful life of 25 years on a straight-line basis and assuming a residual scrap value of $300 per tonne which is in line with Ardmore's depreciation policy). The Company's estimates of DRV assume that its vessels are all in good and seaworthy condition without the need for repair and, if inspected, that they would be certified in class without notations of any kind. Vessel values are highly volatile and, as such, the Company's estimates of DRV may not be indicative of the current or future value of its vessels, or prices that the Company could achieve if it were to sell them.

3.

Ardmore Seamariner recognized as held for sale as at December 31, 2020 and subsequently delivered to the buyer on January 14, 2021.

4.

Depreciated Asset Value ("DRV") and DRV per share are non-GAAP measures. Management believes that many investors use DRV as a reference point in assessing valuation of fleets of ships and similar assets.

5.

DRV / Share calculated using 33,186,603 shares outstanding as at December 31, 2020.

6.

Ardmore Commercial Management is management's estimate of the value of Ardmore's commercial management and pooling business. The estimate is based on industry standard commercial management and pooling fees in determining revenue less Ardmore's commercial and chartering overhead (as stated in Ardmore's Statement of Operations) and applying an illustrative multiple to the resulting net earnings of 7x. The multiple is illustrative only and may not be indicative of the valuation multiple the Company could achieve if it were to sell its commercial management and pooling business. Revenue of this business is comprised of (i) commission (1.25% for standard product tankers and 2.5% for chemical tankers) on gross freight based on estimated current TCE rates grossed up for voyage expenses and (ii) administration fee of $300 per vessel per day. These rates may vary over time.

CO2 Emissions Reporting (1)

In April 2018, the International Maritime Organization's ("IMO") Marine Environment Protection Committee ("MEPC") adopted an initial strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions from ships, setting out a vision to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping and phase them out as soon as possible. Ardmore is committed to transparency and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the Company's industry. Ardmore's reporting methodology is in line with the framework set out within the IMO's Data Collection System ("DCS") initiated in 2019.























Three months ended


Twelve months ended




December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019












Number of Owned Vessels in Operation (at period end)


27


25


27


25


Fleet Average Age


7.7


6.4


7.7


6.4












CO2 Emissions Generated in Metric Tonnes


99,479


98,650


389,721


422,984


Distance Travelled (Miles)


359,556


343,784


1,441,703


1,467,784


Fuel Consumed in Metric Tonnes


31,355


31,526


122,899


133,761












Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) for the period (2)










Fleet


6.18 g / tm


6.46 g / tm


6.04 g / tm


6.41 g / tm


MR Eco-Design


5.87 g / tm


6.20 g / tm


5.71 g / tm


6.11 g / tm


MR Eco-Mod


6.58 g / tm


6.05 g / tm


6.36 g / tm


6.30 g / tm


Chemical


7.22 g / tm


8.08 g / tm


7.40 g / tm


8.14 g / tm












Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) for the period (3)










Fleet


14.53 g / ctm


12.92 g / ctm


12.37 g / ctm


12.84 g / ctm


MR Eco-Design


14.90 g / ctm


13.33 g / ctm


12.01 g / ctm


12.54 g / ctm


MR Eco-Mod


16.46 g / ctm


12.96 g / ctm


12.82 g / ctm


12.98 g / ctm


Chemical


12.12 g / ctm


11.84 g / ctm


13.20 g / ctm


13.66 g / ctm












Wind Force (% greater than 4 on Beaufort Scale)


50.70%


42.40%


42.16%


44.65%












tm = tonne-mile










ctm = cargo tonne-mile










Ardmore Performance

Ardmore is continuing to perform well, on an annual basis on both AER and EEOI.  Notably results vary quarter to quarter depending on ship activity, ballast / laden ratio, cargo carried, weather, waiting time and time in port, however analysis is presented on a trailing 12-month basis to provide an accurate assessment of Ardmore's progress and to mitigate any seasonality.
The impact of weather was higher in the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to prior periods (based on Beaufort Scale wind force rating being greater than 4), which adversely affects the ability to optimize fuel consumption.
Ardmore's carbon emissions for 2020 are 389,721 metric tonnes of CO2, a decrease of 7.9% in comparison to 2019. On an overall basis Ardmore's AER for the period decreased by 5.8% to 6.04 g / tm in 2020, from 6.41 g / tm in 2019.
While the EEOI shows a decrease of a 3.6% to 12.37 g / ctm, from 12.84 g / ctm.
Continued improvements are being achieved through a combination of technological advancements and operational optimization.

____________________

1 Ardmore's emissions data is based on the reporting tools and information reasonably available to Ardmore and its applicable third-party technical managers for Ardmore's owned fleet. Management assesses such data and may adjust and restate the data to reflect latest information. It is expected that the shipping industry will continue to refine the performance measures for emissions and efficiency over time.  AER and EEOI metrics are impacted by external factors such as charter speed, vessel orders and weather, in conjunction with overall market factors such as cargo load sizes and fleet utilization rate. As such, variance in performance can be found in the reported emissions between two periods for the same vessel and between vessels of a similar size and type. Furthermore, other companies may report slight variations (e.g. some shipping companies report CO2 in tonnes per kilometre as opposed to CO2 in tonnes per nautical mile) and consequently it is not always practical to directly compare emissions from different companies. The figures reported above represent Ardmore's initial findings; the Company is committed to improving the methodology and transparency of its emissions reporting in line with industry best practices. Accordingly, the above results may vary as the methodology and performance measures set out by the industry evolve.

2 Annual Efficiency Ratio ("AER") is a measure of carbon efficiency using the parameters of fuel consumption, distance travelled, and design deadweight tonnage ("DWT"). AER is reported in unit grams of CO2 per ton-mile (gCO2/dwt-nm). It is calculated by dividing (i) mass of fuel consumed by type converted to metric tonnes of CO2 by (ii) DWT multiplied by distance travelled in nautical miles

3 Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator ("EEOI") is a tool for measuring CO2 gas emissions in a given time period per unit of transport work performed. It is calculated by dividing (i) mass of fuel consumed by type converted to metric tonnes of CO2 by (ii) cargo carried in tonnes multiplied by laden voyage distance in nautical miles. This calculation is performed as per IMO MEPC.1/Circ684

Non-GAAP Measures
This press release describes EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted earnings / (loss), which are not measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are defined and reconciled below. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA before certain items that Ardmore believes are not representative of its operating performance, including gain or loss on sale of vessels. Adjusted earnings / (loss) excludes certain items from net income / (loss), including gain or loss on sale of vessels and write-off of deferred finance fees, because they are considered to be not representative of its operating performance.

These non-GAAP measures are presented in this press release as the Company believes that they provide investors with a means of evaluating and understanding how Ardmore's management evaluates operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA increases the comparability of the Company's fundamental performance from period to period. This increased comparability is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods of interest expense, taxes, depreciation or amortization, which items are affected by various and possibly changing financing methods, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect net income between periods. The Company believes that including EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted earnings / (loss) as financial and operating measures assists investors in making investment decisions regarding the Company and its common stock.

These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP measures may not have a standardized meaning and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. All amounts in the tables below are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated.












Three months ended


Year ended

Reconciliation of net (loss) / income to EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

Net (loss) / Income


(19,515,402)


1,948,245


(6,046,195)


(22,861,257)

Interest income


(25,776)


(159,979)


(281,618)


(952,190)

Interest expense and finance costs


3,915,885


6,651,968


18,168,155


26,759,754

Income tax


70,968


12,092


199,446


58,766

Unrealized losses on derivatives


25,588



113,591


Depreciation


8,268,960


8,032,954


32,187,324


32,322,695

Amortization of deferred drydock
expenditures


1,712,360


1,359,418


6,198,245


4,803,069

EBITDA


(5,547,417)


17,844,698


50,538,948


40,130,837

Loss on vessel held for sale


6,447,309



6,447,309


Loss on sale of vessels





13,162,192

ADJUSTED EBITDA


899,892


17,844,698


56,986,257


53,293,029












Three months ended


Year ended

Reconciliation of net (loss) / income to Adjusted (loss) /
earnings


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019


December 31, 2020


December 31, 2019

Net (loss) / Income


(19,515,402)


1,948,245


(6,046,195)


(22,861,257)

Loss on vessel held for sale


6,447,309



6,447,309


Loss on sale of vessels





13,162,192

Write-off of deferred finance fees



536,901



536,901

Unrealized losses on derivatives


25,588



113,591


Adjusted (loss)/ earnings (1)


(13,042,505)


2,485,146


514,705


(9,162,164)










Adjusted (loss) / earnings per share, basic


(0.39)


0.08


0.02


(0.28)

Adjusted (loss) / earnings per share, diluted


(0.39)


0.07


0.02


(0.28)










Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic


33,237,297


33,097,831


33,241,936


33,097,831

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted


33,237,297


33,409,296


33,443,250


33,097,831

____________________

1 Adjusted (loss) / earnings has been calculated as Earnings per share reported under US GAAP as adjusted for realized and unrealized gains and losses
(see Non-GAAP Measures section).

Forward Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "believe", "anticipate", "intends", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "may", "expect", and similar expressions.

Forward looking statements in this press release include, among others, the following statements: future operating or financial results; global and regional economic conditions and trends; shipping market trends and market fundamentals, including tanker demand and future growth rates; the effect of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the Company's business, financial condition and the results of operation; the Company's expectations regarding the timing and impact of economic recovery from the novel coronavirus pandemic; expected employment of the Company's vessels during the first quarter of 2021; expected drydocking days in the first quarter of 2021; management's estimates of the Depreciated Replacement Value (DRV) of its vessels; management's estimate of the value of the Company's commercial management and pooling business; and trends in the Company's  performance as measured by energy efficiency and emission-reduction metrics; regarding emissions; the impact of energy transition on the Company and the markets in which the Company operates; expected timing of publication of Progress Report on Ardmore's ESG goals; and expected continuation of refinement by the shipping industry of performance measures for emissions and efficiency. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, including, without limitation, Ardmore management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Company's control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The Company cautions readers of this release not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include: the amount of the world tanker fleet used for storage purposes; current expected spot rates compared with current and expected charter rates; the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with the Company; the strength of world economies and currencies; general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values; changes in demand for and the supply of tanker vessel capacity; changes in the projections of spot and time charter or pool trading of the Company's vessels; the effect of the novel coronavirus pandemic on, among others, oil demand, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operation, including our liquidity; fluctuations in oil prices; changes in the Company's operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs; general domestic and international political conditions; potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, piracy or political events; the market for the Company's vessels; competition in the tanker industry; availability of financing and refinancing; charter counterparty performance; changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities; the Company's ability to charter vessels for all remaining revenue days during the first quarter of 2021 in the spot market; vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hire; and other factors. Please see the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Form 20–F for the year ended December 31, 2020, for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

Investor Relations Enquiries:

Mr. Leon Berman

Mr. Bryan Degnan

The IGB Group

The IGB Group

45 Broadway, Suite 1150

45 Broadway, Suite 1150

New York, NY 10006

New York, NY 10006

Tel: 212–477–8438

Tel: 646–673–9701

Fax: 212–477–8636

Fax: 212–477–8636

Email: lberman@igbir.com

Email: bdegnan@igbir.com

 

SOURCE Ardmore Shipping Corporation

Investor Enquiries

Mr Leon Berman, The IGB Group
Tel: +1 212-477-8438 Fax: +1 212-477-8636
Email: lberman@igbir.com