Suburban Propane(US:SPH)2025-08-07 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net loss for Q3 was $10.8 million or $0.17 per common unit, compared to a net loss of $8 million or $0.12 per common unit in the prior year [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $27 million, consistent with the prior year [11] - Total gross margin for Q3 was $163.5 million, unchanged from the prior year [13] - The consolidated leverage ratio improved to 4.33 times compared to 4.54 times at the end of the second quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail propane gallons sold in Q3 were 71.9 million gallons, in line with the prior year [12] - Average wholesale propane prices increased by 4.7% compared to the prior year [12] - Average daily RNG injection declined slightly compared to the prior year due to operational downtime [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Propane inventories at the end of Q3 were at 75.7 million barrels, flat compared to June 2024 and roughly 10% higher than historical averages [13] - California LCFS credit prices increased by 30% since the amendments were finalized in late June 2025, while average Federal D3 RIN prices were down 21% year over year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term strategic growth plan focuses on fostering the growth of the core propane business while investing in lower carbon renewable energy alternatives [18] - The company is advancing capital projects at RNG facilities in Columbus, Ohio, and Upstate New York, expected to increase overall RNG sales once operational [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted strong cash flow generation in Q3 due to collections on receivables and highlighted the impact of warm temperatures on propane volumes [7][10] - The company remains focused on operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives, including potential M&A opportunities [18][29] Other Important Information - The quarterly distribution declared was $0.0325 per common unit, equating to an annualized rate of $1.3 per common unit, with a distribution coverage of 2.16 times [16] - The company is actively monitoring regulatory developments related to RNG tax credits and the OBVA bill [22][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on RNG rulemaking and tax credits - Management indicated no credits recognized under 45Z until final regulations are released, expected by the end of the calendar year [22] Question: Timing of New York and Columbus projects - Columbus and Upstate New York projects are on track for late this calendar year into early next year, while Arizona improvements are ongoing with no major timeline [27] Question: Size of insurance payout benefit and O&M trends - The insurance payout benefit was less than $2 million, offsetting inflation impacts, with expected inflation around 3% going forward [28] Question: M&A activity - The company is seeing a typical pipeline of M&A opportunities and remains focused on strategic growth through acquisitions [29]