Star Group Q3 Net Loss Widens Y/Y on Lower Sales, Revenues Fall

Core Viewpoint - Star Group, L.P. (SGU) has experienced a decline in share price and underperformed against the S&P 500 index following its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, indicating challenges in revenue and profitability [1] Q3 Results - For the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2025, Star Group reported revenues of $305.6 million, a decrease of 7.8% from $331.6 million in the prior-year quarter, attributed to lower product sales volumes and decreased selling prices [2] - Home heating oil and propane volume fell by 3.8% to 36.2 million gallons, with customer attrition and warmer weather impacting performance [2] Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $16.6 million, compared to a loss of $11 million in the same period last year, with an adjusted EBITDA loss widening to $10.6 million from $4.1 million [3] - Loss per share was 48 cents, wider than the 31 cents loss in the previous year [3] Other Key Business Metrics - Service and installation performance improved, with gross profit rising by $0.6 million to $14 million, reflecting expense control [4] - Delivery and administrative expenses increased by $4.3 million year over year, primarily due to acquisition-related costs [4] Year-to-Date Performance - In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, volumes rose by 11.8% to 262.6 million gallons, supported by colder weather and acquisitions [5] - Product gross profit for the nine months grew by 13% to $480 million, with net income increasing by 45% year over year to $102.2 million [5] Management Commentary - Management highlighted improved service metrics and benefits from propane acquisitions, despite seasonal weaknesses and customer attrition [6] - The company aims to expand its customer base in propane and heating oil while diversifying revenue streams to mitigate weather sensitivity [6] Factors Influencing Results - Revenue decline was linked to reduced heating oil and propane demand due to warmer temperatures, which were 2% warmer than last year and 19.3% warmer than normal [7] - Selling prices fell alongside a 14.3% decline in wholesale product costs [7] Margin Pressures - Margins faced pressure from acquisition-related mix effects, although acquisitions contributed positively to adjusted EBITDA during a typically loss-making quarter [8] - Expense growth was primarily driven by acquisition-related integration costs, while base business expenses were managed tightly [8] Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving strong fiscal 2025 performance, citing benefits from acquisitions and improved operational execution [10] - The company is positioned as a more resilient and diversified energy provider capable of adapting to varied weather conditions [10] Other Developments - Star Group completed four acquisitions in fiscal 2025, with a focus on propane, which significantly contributed to quarterly results [11] - AI technology has been introduced into customer service interfaces to enhance responsiveness while maintaining a personal touch [11]