StealthGas(GASS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $44.5 million, a 10% increase from $40.4 million in Q3 2024, but below the record $47.2 million achieved in Q2 2025 [3][9] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $14.4 million, slightly above last year's figure, with earnings per share on an adjusted basis at $0.39 for the quarter [3][11] - The company achieved a debt-free status after repaying $86 million in total during 2025 and $350 million over the last three years [3][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fleet days increased by 7% due to the addition of two vessels, contributing to the revenue growth [9] - Voyage expenses rose to $7.2 million, driven by increased port and bunker expenses, while operational utilization decreased to 90.3% [10] - TCE revenues for the quarter were $37.3 million, reflecting seasonal low activity [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global LPG exports grew by 5% in the first nine months of 2025, with US exports showing close to 6% growth [15][16] - The European market is expected to see a record import of 8 million metric tons of competitive US LPG in 2025, significantly impacting demand [16] - Chinese LPG imports recorded a 1% growth in the first eight months of 2025, despite trade tensions affecting the US-China LPG trade [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a conservative approach with a visible revenue stream, securing $130 million in contracted revenues [4] - There is a focus on selling older tonnage and replacing it with newer vessels, with a recent agreement to sell the Eco Invictus [4] - The company has achieved a significant debt reduction strategy, enhancing its competitiveness and cash flow break-even point [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged the seasonal weakness in Q3 but expressed optimism for the winter season as markets firm up [22] - There is a belief in a return to normalcy in geopolitics, which should positively influence market sentiment and rates [22] - Long-term demand for LPG is expected to grow, driven by US production and increasing demand from Asia [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has scheduled dry dockings for two more vessels in Q4, totaling six for the next year [6] - The company maintains strong liquidity with cash expected to reach $100 million by year-end [12] - The company has not engaged in share buybacks during Q3, maintaining a total of $21.2 million in buybacks since 2023 [4] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the LPG market given the geopolitical tensions? - Management indicated that while geopolitical tensions have created volatility, the long-term outlook remains positive due to increasing demand for LPG and infrastructure projects in the US and Middle East [22][23] Question: How is the company managing its fleet and operational costs? - The company has focused on maintaining operational efficiency despite inflationary pressures, achieving lower cost levels compared to peers [10][11] Question: What are the expectations for the upcoming quarters? - Management expects a firming market as the winter season approaches, with a positive sentiment anticipated to support rates [22]