Star Group(US:SGU)2025-12-09 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $24.8 million, or 22.2%, for Fiscal 2025 [5][12] - Net income for Fiscal 2025 was $73.5 million, an increase of $38.2 million compared to the prior year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $136.4 million, reflecting an $18.5 million increase in the base business and a $17 million increase from recent acquisitions [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Home heating oil and propane volume increased by 29 million gallons, or 12%, to 283 million gallons for Fiscal 2025 [10][11] - Product gross profit rose by $57 million, or 12%, to $525 million, driven by increased volume and higher margins [11] - Installation and service revenue grew nearly 10% over Fiscal 2024 [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Temperatures in the company's operational areas were 8% colder than the prior year but 8% warmer than normal [10] - The company experienced a modest rise in net customer attrition, although internal customer satisfaction indicators improved [5][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow and diversify by continuing acquisitions in heating oil and propane, while managing customer attrition and maximizing service profitability [7] - The acquisition program remains a key component of the business strategy, with four transactions completed in Fiscal 2025 [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted the difficulty in predicting the impact of the regulatory environment, particularly in New York, on future operations [16] - The company is actively reviewing its sales and marketing strategies to attract more customers amid lower real estate activity [24] Other Important Information - The company invested approximately $81 million in acquisitions and $16 million in unit repurchases during Fiscal 2025 [7] - Delivery, branch, and G&A expenses rose by $36.6 million, largely due to recent acquisitions [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the regulatory environment in New York - Management indicated it is difficult to predict the impact of the regulatory environment as plans are still in flux [16] Question: Customer attrition trends and future outlook - Management acknowledged a low level of prospect activity and noted that while loss rates are decreasing, new customer gains are a challenge [22][24] Question: Acquisition pipeline and free cash flow concerns - Management confirmed an active acquisition pipeline with several opportunities under review and addressed concerns about free cash flow being lower than expected due to working capital tied up in receivables and inventory [25][27][28]