ASC Stock Up 111% In 2026
Energy continues to be the hottest sector on Wall Street. Not a total surprise. That said, some industries are doing better than others. One overlooked area is marine shipping. Where the broader energy sector is up a robust 47% year-to-date, the SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (NYSEARCA:BOAT) has advanced 75% so far this year.
One great marine shipping stock that is doing even better, is Ardmore Shipping Corp (NYSE:ASC).
Bermuda-based Ardmore Shipping operates a fleet of modern petroleum products and chemical tankers. With a fleet of 24 owned vessels, it serves oil majors, oil companies, oil and chemical traders, chemical companies, and pooling service providers.
ASC stock is up 111% year to date and 79% on an annual basis. On October 28, ASC stock hit a new 52-week high of $21.35. It continues to trade near that level.
As of this October 28 writing, ASC stock is up:
- 15% over the last month
- 32% over the last three months
- 111% year to date
- 79% year over year
ASC stock may be trading at its highest level in approximately 2.5 years, but the outlook remains even brighter, with conservative Wall Street analyst’s providing a 12-month share price outlook of $23 to $24. This points to potential upside of approximately 11% to 15%. This would also put ASC stock well above its previous record high of $21.60.
Chart courtesy of StockCharts.com
Strong Q2 Earnings Growth
For the second quarter ended June 30, Ardmore reported net income of $60.5 million, or $1.48 per share, a big improvement over the second quarter 2025 net income of $9.0 million, or $0.22 per share. (Source: “Ardmore Shipping Corporation Announces Financial Results For The Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2026,” Ardmore Shipping Corporation, July 29, 2026.)
Adjusted earnings came in $48.3 million, or $1.18 per share, compared to adjusted earnings of $9.0 million, or $0.22 per share in the same prior year period.
It’s medium range tankers earned an average spot time charter equivalent (TCE) rate of $51,870 per day, more than double the daily second quarter 2025 TCE rate of $23,551. Chemical tankers earned an average spot TCE rate of $26,887 per day, up 32% from second quarter 2025 daily spot TCE rate of $20,409.
Increases Quarterly Dividend to $0.79/Share
Ardmore’s variable dividend policy is to pay out dividends on its shares of common stock equal to two-thirds of Adjusted earnings. As a result, payouts can vary significantly. In September 2025, it paid out $0.07 per share. Fast forward to September 2026, and its quarterly payout soared to $0.79 per share, or $1.37 per share on an annual basis, for a forward annual dividend yield of 6.62%.
The Lowdown on Ardmore Shipping Corp.
Ardmore is a great marine shipping company reporting strong financial results, including adjusted earnings, which is where its dividends come from.
For the just completed third quarter, management noted that TCE bookings, at the time it reported its second quarter results, were well above seasonal norms. Moreover, market conditions remain positive, driven by long-term fundamentals and ramped up by more immediate market forces.
It continues to return capital to shareholders while executing on targeted and measured growth. It also recently exercised its option for two additional product/chemical tankers, bringing its total newbuilding order to four vessels.
With its global platform, strong balance sheet and low cash breakeven, Ardmore is well-positioned to continue capitalizing on market opportunities. And that should continue to be a boon for its stock and dividends.
That’s good news for the 264 institutions that hold 85.87% of all outstanding shares. Three of the top holders include Blackrock Inc., Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, and Wellington Management Group, LLP. (Source: “Ardmore Shipping Corporation (ASC),” Yahoo! Finance, last accessed October 28, 2026.)
For information and education only; not investment, tax or legal advice. Yields and prices are as of the publication date.
