SGU Posts Narrower Y/Y Q4 Loss as Acquisitions & Margins Improve

Core Viewpoint - Star Group, L.P. reported a mixed performance in its fourth quarter and fiscal 2025 results, showing solid volume gains and improved profitability despite challenges from customer attrition and acquisition-related costs [1][2][3][4]. Earnings & Revenue Performance - Fiscal fourth-quarter revenues increased by 3.1% year over year to $247.7 million, primarily driven by higher installations and services revenues [2]. - The net loss narrowed to $28.7 million from a $35.1 million loss a year earlier, with a fourth-quarter loss of 84 cents per limited partner unit, improving from a $1 loss per unit in the prior-year quarter [3]. - For fiscal 2025, total revenues rose approximately 1% to $1.8 billion, while net income more than doubled to $73.5 million from $35.2 million in fiscal 2024 [4]. Key Business Metrics - Home heating oil and propane volume increased by 8.1% year over year to 20 million gallons in the fourth quarter, with a total volume increase of 11.5% to 282.6 million gallons for the year [5]. - Quarterly product gross profit rose by 6% to $45 million, and full-year product gross profit increased by $57 million, or 12% [6]. Expense Analysis - Operating expenses grew due to acquisition-related costs, higher depreciation and amortization, and weather hedge impacts, with fourth-quarter operating expenses increasing by $5 million [7]. - Full-year delivery, branch, and G&A expenses rose by $36.6 million, including a $10.6 million change in weather hedge expenses and $23 million of acquisition-related costs [7]. Management Commentary - Management highlighted disciplined cost controls, successful integration of acquisitions, and continued investment in installations and services as key drivers of improved profitability [8]. - Internal customer satisfaction indicators are improving, although fewer customer additions due to lower real estate activity remain a challenge [9]. Factors Influencing Performance - Acquisitions and colder weather were central to Star Group's stronger annual performance, with a 29-million-gallon increase in home heating oil and propane volume in fiscal 2025 [10]. - Weather hedge outcomes had a significant year-over-year impact, with hedge expenses of $3.1 million in fiscal 2025 compared to a $7.5 million credit in fiscal 2024 [11]. Other Developments - Star Group completed four acquisitions in fiscal 2025, adding nearly 12 million gallons of annual heating oil and propane volume, part of an ongoing consolidation strategy [12]. - The company invested approximately $81 million in acquisitions, repurchased $16 million in units, and paid out $26 million in distributions, aimed at long-term value creation [12]. Overall Assessment - Star Group achieved meaningful operational progress supported by acquisitions, improved margins, and strong cost discipline, despite challenges in customer gains and regulatory uncertainty heading into fiscal 2026 [13].