Dorian LPG(US:LPG)2026-02-05 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company declared a dividend of $0.70 per share, totaling $29.9 million, marking the eighteenth dividend payment and bringing total dividends distributed to over $725 million since the IPO [4] - The reported adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $74.2 million, with total cash interest expense of $6.8 million [10] - Free cash at the end of the quarter was $294.5 million, an increase of about $25 million from the prior quarter [11] - The debt balance at quarter end was $516 million, with a debt to total book capitalization ratio of 32.2% and net debt to total capitalization at 13.8% [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The TCE per available day achieved was $50,333, with the Helios pool earning a TCE of $50,500 per day for its spot and COA voyages [6][8] - Daily operating expenses for the quarter were $9,558, remaining flat compared to the prior quarter [9] - Time charter expenses for TCN vessels were $18.2 million, consistent with guidance [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global seaborne LPG trade reached a new quarterly record of over 37 million tons, with North America exports hitting a record of more than 18.5 million tons [15] - The VLGC market remained strong, with spot earnings well above long-term mid-cycle despite some volatility [4] - The average Baltic Index was lower than the previous quarter, but upward momentum was observed heading into 2026 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability, operating 16 scrubber-fitted vessels and 5 dual-fuel LPG vessels [21] - The company plans to maintain a balance between dividends, deleveraging, and fleet investment [14] - The delivery of a newbuilding ammonia-capable VLGC is expected at the end of March 2026, with a payment of about $62 million planned [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, citing strong production levels and a positive outlook for the year [35] - The company noted that geopolitical impacts on the world market are likely, but the attractiveness of LPG as a commodity supports the belief that risks can be mitigated [20] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory changes and the company's preparedness to meet future requirements [24] Other Important Information - The company completed 12 dry dockings in the past year, with one more scheduled, resulting in cost savings and emission reductions [5] - The average Dorian LPG fleet AER for 2025 was 6.24%, which is 10.4% better than the IMO required target for that year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the counterseasonal strength in the spot market? - Management indicated that uncertainties in the previous quarter led to a backlog of cargoes, which contributed to the current strength in the market [34][35] Question: Can you provide details on the charter rate for the Chaparral? - Management refrained from disclosing specific rates but noted that the charter was done opportunistically and is comparable to spot market earnings [38] Question: How will the new building be financed? - The company plans to finance the remaining payment for the new building, with more details to be provided later [41] Question: What improvements have the energy-saving devices resulted in? - Energy-saving devices generally provide around a 5% improvement in efficiency, with payback typically within a year [48][50]