Fleet
In February 2024, the Company provided notice to exercise its purchase options for both the Ardmore Seawolf and Ardmore Seahawk, which are currently under sale-leaseback arrangements. These vessel purchases are expected to close in June 2024.
During March and April 2024, the Company extended the charter-in period of three vessels at favorable rates until mid-2025.
In April 2024, the Company delivered the 2010-built Ardmore Seafarer to its buyer, and in a separate transaction, took delivery of the previously announced acquisition of a 2017 Korean-built MR product tanker, the Ardmore Gibraltar.
Geopolitical Conflicts
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted energy supply chains, caused instability and significant volatility in the global economy and resulted in economic sanctions by several nations. The ongoing conflict has contributed significantly to related increases in spot tanker rates.
Geopolitical tensions have increased since commencement of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. Since mid-December 2023, Houthi rebels in Yemen have carried out numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea area. As a result of these attacks, many shipping companies have routed their vessels away from the Red Sea, which has affected trading patterns, rates and expenses. Further escalation or expansion of hostilities of such crisis could continue to affect the price of crude oil and the oil industry, the tanker industry and demand for the Company’s services.
Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
The Company reported net income of $38.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, or $0.93 earnings per basic share and $0.92 earnings per diluted share, as compared to net income of $43.3 million, or $1.06 earnings per basic and $1.04 earnings per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $106.3 million, a decrease of $11.9 million from $118.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The Company’s average number of operating vessels was 26.0 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 26.7 for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The Company had 2,214 spot revenue days for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to 2,386 for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company had 25 vessels employed directly in the spot market as of March 31, 2024 compared with 26 vessels as of March 31, 2023. Increases in spot rates during the three months ended March 31, 2024 were offset by a decrease in spot revenue days, as a result of scheduled drydocking, resulting in a decrease in revenue of $12.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The Company had one product tanker employed under time charter as of March 31, 2024 as compared to none as of March 31, 2023. There were 29 revenue days derived from time charters for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to none for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in revenue days for time-chartered vessels resulted in an increase in revenue of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses were $30.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, a decrease of $6.1 million from $36.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The overall decrease included a $3.4 million decrease from lower bunker prices and a $2.7 million decrease in port and agency expenses plus commission costs.