Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a TCE per available day of $39,726, despite a heavy drydock schedule resulting in 195 days not available for revenue generation [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $38,600,000, but would have been $49,500,000 after adjustments for bonuses and dry docking expenses [14] - Free cash at the end of the quarter was reported at $278,000,000, with a debt balance of $543,500,000, resulting in a debt to total book capitalization of 34.4% [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Helios Pool reported spot rates for the quarter of about $37,700, indicating strong performance in the charter out portfolio [11] - Daily OpEx for the quarter was $10,108, down from $11,001 in the previous quarter, with spares and stores costs leading the decline [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. LPG exports continued a multi-year growth trend, supported by ongoing expansion at U.S. fractionation plants and export terminal capacity [7] - The Eastern market improved by approximately 46% over the quarter, while the Western market improved nearly 16% [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability, with plans to upgrade vessels to carry ammonia cargoes, enhancing commercial optionality [30] - The company aims to balance shareholder distributions, debt reduction, and fleet investment while maintaining a constructive market view [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that geopolitical tensions and tariff escalations have created a resilient market, with freight rates strengthening despite uncertainties [7][20] - The company expects continued positive market conditions due to limited new build deliveries and capacity expansion at U.S. Gulf terminals [26] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.60 per share, totaling $25,600,000, reflecting a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [6] - The company has completed 10 of its 12 planned dry dockings for 2025, with two more expected to be completed in the upcoming quarter [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the current market strength compared to last year? - Management attributed the market strength to the U.S.'s ability to produce and export NGLs, along with the industry's adaptability to trade barriers [36][38] Question: Why is the freight rate capturing a larger share of the export spread? - The increase in terminal capacity has allowed freight rates to capture a larger portion of the arbitrage compared to previous years [39][40] Question: What would happen if ethane trade in the U.S. were to stop? - Management indicated that ethane carriers would likely enter the VLGC market if ethane trade were halted, but they do not foresee this happening due to strong demand from China [48][49]