Dorian LPG Q2 FY26 slides reveal mixed performance as stock drops 7%

Published 06/11/2025, 18:46
Dorian LPG Q2 FY26 slides reveal mixed performance as stock drops 7%

Introduction & Market Context

Dorian LPG Ltd (NYSE:LPG) released its second quarter fiscal year 2026 investor presentation on November 6, 2025, revealing a mixed financial performance that failed to meet analyst expectations. The company's stock dropped 7.39% following the earnings announcement, with shares trading at $27.50 in extended trading, well below its 52-week high of $32.79.

The presentation highlighted the company's operational metrics against a backdrop of fluctuating Baltic VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier) Index rates, which oscillated between $60-$75 per day during the quarter. While Dorian emphasized strong time charter equivalent (TCE) rates and growing global LPG volumes, investors responded negatively to the company's earnings miss.

Quarterly Performance Highlights

Dorian LPG reported a fleet TCE rate of $53,725 per available day for Q2 FY26, with the Helios Pool (the company's commercial arrangement) achieving a TCE rate of $53,119 per available day. Fleet operating expenses were reported at $10,705 per calendar day, or $9,474 excluding drydocking costs.

The company's cash position stood at $268.3 million as of September 30, 2025, with total debt obligations of $530.0 million. This represents a decrease from the $349.5 million cash position reported in the same period last year.

As shown in the following chart of quarterly financial highlights and Baltic VLGC Index performance:

The company's net income for the quarter was $55.4 million, a substantial increase from $9.4 million in the same period last year. However, net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $46.4 million from $57.3 million year-over-year, suggesting potential operational challenges despite the higher reported income.

Detailed Financial Analysis

Dorian LPG's statement of cash flows reveals several important trends. While net income increased significantly year-over-year, cash from operating activities declined. The company used $13.3 million in investing activities compared to generating $0.2 million in the same period last year. Cash used in financing activities decreased to $42.7 million from $61.4 million in Q2 FY25.

The following cash flow statement provides additional detail:

According to the earnings report, Dorian LPG posted an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.31, falling short of the expected $1.37, and reported revenue of $124.1 million against a forecast of $125.14 million. The company declared a dividend of $0.65 per share, totaling approximately $27.8 million, demonstrating its commitment to returning value to shareholders despite the earnings miss.

Industry Position & Market Trends

The presentation highlighted growing global LPG trade volumes, with global liftings increasing 1% quarter-over-quarter and 4% year-over-year. U.S. waterborne exports showed similar growth patterns, while Middle East waterborne exports grew 4% quarter-over-quarter and 2% year-over-year.

The following chart illustrates these global seaborne volume trends:

East-West arbitrage opportunities remain a key driver for VLGC demand. The presentation included analysis of price differentials between U.S. Gulf Coast propane and Far East markets, which influence shipping routes and vessel utilization.

As shown in the following East-West arbitrage chart:

During the earnings call, Tim Hansen, Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted operational challenges, noting that "The spike in Panama Canal congestion demonstrated the tight supply-demand balance for VLGCs," which may have contributed to the company's performance relative to expectations.

Strategic Initiatives

Dorian LPG emphasized its sustainability efforts and fleet efficiency initiatives in the presentation. The company operates 16 scrubber-fitted vessels and five dual-fuel LPG vessels, with scrubber vessel daily savings for calendar Q3 2025 reported at $1,140 per calendar day net of all scrubber operating expenses.

The company noted that scrubbers produce better emissions in SOx and reduce both Particulate Matter and Black Carbon by 90% versus non-scrubber vessels. Fuel differentials between HSFO and VLSFO averaged $74 per metric ton, while the differential of LPG as fuel versus VLSFO stood at approximately $132 per metric ton.

John Lycouris, Head of Energy Transition, expressed confidence in the company's regulatory preparedness, stating, "We are confident that our company and fleet are well equipped and fully prepared to meet any regulatory challenges ahead."

Forward-Looking Statements

Looking ahead, Dorian LPG has projected EPS of $1.58 for Q3 FY2026 and revenue of $134.89 million. The company plans to focus on fleet efficiency and sustainability, with 75% of Q4 fixable days estimated at $57,000 TCE.

Ted Young, CFO, emphasized the company's balanced financial approach, stating, "We will continue to maintain a steady balance between dividends, deleveraging, and fleet investment."

Potential risks facing the company include geopolitical tensions affecting shipping routes, regulatory changes impacting fleet operations, market volatility in the LPG industry, and potential delays in fleet upgrades and dry dockings. The company's ability to navigate these challenges while improving operational efficiency will be crucial for future performance.

Despite the current earnings miss and stock price decline, Dorian LPG's strong cash position and growing global LPG trade volumes provide potential tailwinds for the company's long-term prospects, assuming it can address the operational issues that led to the current quarter's underperformance.

Full presentation:

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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