Dorian LPG(US:LPG)2025-08-01 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a TCE (Time Charter Equivalent) 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][17] 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] - The company completed 10 of its 12 planned dry dockings for 2025, with two more expected in the upcoming quarter [9][15] - Daily operating expenses (OpEx) for the quarter were $10,108, down from $11,001 in the previous quarter [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. LPG exports continued a multi-year growth trend, supported by expansions at U.S. fractionation plants and export terminal capacity [7] - Middle Eastern exports increased following the partial unwinding of OPEC plus quotas, contributing to a stable market environment [7][21] - The Eastern market improved by approximately 46% over the quarter, while the Western market improved nearly 16% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning capital to shareholders, with a dividend of $0.60 per share, totaling $25,600,000, reflecting a commitment to prudent earnings distribution [6][18] - There is an ongoing initiative to convert some VLGCs (Very Large Gas Carriers) to facilitate the carriage of ammonia, enhancing fleet commercial optionality [9][29] - The company aims to balance shareholder distributions, debt reduction, and fleet investment while maintaining a constructive market view [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the market proved resilient, with freight risk strengthening due to healthy arbitrage economics and geopolitical tensions [7] - The company expects a strong increase in rates for the upcoming quarter, with approximately 70% of the pool's fixable days estimated at a TCE in excess of $67,000 per day [12] - Management expressed confidence in the market's adaptability and the ability to recover from external shocks, such as tariffs and geopolitical events [19][23] Other Important Information - The company has returned over $900,000,000 in cash through dividends and share repurchases since inception [16] - The company operates 16 scrubber-fitted vessels and five dual-fuel LPG vessels, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability [27][30] - The company has developed a decarbonization planning tool to model compliance costs and support long-term value creation [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the current market strength? - Management attributed the market strength to the U.S.'s ability to produce and export NGLs, with a positive balance in the market due to incremental growth [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 were disrupted? - Management views ethane carriers as an overhang that could enter the VLGC market if ethane trade were to stop, but they are confident that this scenario is unlikely [46][48]