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Star Gas Partners (SGU)
NYSE:SGU
US Market

Star Gas Partners (SGU) AI Stock Analysis

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SGU

Star Gas Partners

(NYSE:SGU)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$13.50
▲(12.03% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by attractive valuation (low P/E and high dividend yield) and supportive technical momentum (trading above key moving averages with positive MACD). Financial performance is improving, but is tempered by historical balance-sheet weakness and recent cash flow softness. Earnings call tone was constructive on growth and EBITDA, with some cost and cash flow headwinds.
Positive Factors
Successful Acquisitions
Successful acquisitions have bolstered Star Gas Partners' market position, contributing positively to adjusted EBITDA and supporting long-term growth.
Improved Service and Installation Business
Enhancements in service and installation have increased gross profit, indicating effective operational improvements and potential for sustained profitability.
Increased Adjusted EBITDA
The rise in adjusted EBITDA reflects improved operational efficiency and successful integration of acquisitions, supporting financial stability.
Negative Factors
Negative Revenue Growth
Negative revenue growth highlights challenges in expanding sales, which could impact long-term financial performance if not addressed.
Increased Net Loss in Q3
The increased net loss in Q3 indicates financial strain, potentially affecting future profitability and necessitating cost management improvements.
Cash Flow Challenges
Negative cash flow growth suggests difficulties in generating cash, which could limit investment capacity and operational flexibility over time.

Star Gas Partners (SGU) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Star Gas Partners Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionStar Group, L.P. sells home heating and air conditioning products and services to residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers in the United States. It also sells diesel fuel, gasoline, and home heating oil on a delivery only basis, as well as provide plumbing services; and installs maintains, and repairs heating and air conditioning equipment. As of September 30, 2021, the company served approximately 422,200 full service residential and commercial home heating oil and propane customers and 71,100 customers on a delivery only basis. It also sells gasoline and diesel fuel to approximately 26,700 customers. Kestrel Heat, LLC operates as the general partner of the company. The company was formerly known as Star Gas Partners, L.P. and changed its name to Star Group, L.P. in October 2017. Star Group, L.P. was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut.
How the Company Makes MoneyStar Gas Partners generates revenue primarily through the sale of propane and heating oil to its customers. The company employs a revenue model that includes both retail and wholesale distribution, allowing it to cater to a diverse customer base. Key revenue streams include the sale of propane for residential heating, commercial applications, and industrial uses. Additionally, SGU earns income from service-related activities, such as the installation and maintenance of propane tanks and heating systems. The company may also benefit from strategic partnerships with suppliers and distributors, enhancing its supply chain and allowing for competitive pricing. Seasonal demand fluctuations, especially during winter months, significantly impact the company’s earnings, as propane is a critical heating source in many regions.

Star Gas Partners Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Dec 08, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 11, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a positive growth trajectory for Star Group, driven by increased heating oil and propane volumes, successful acquisitions, and improved service revenue. However, challenges such as increased customer attrition and higher operating costs present areas of concern.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Increase in Heating Oil and Propane Volume
The company reported a 12% year-over-year increase in heating oil and propane volume, totaling a 29 million gallon increase, driven by cooler temperatures and recent acquisitions.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $24.8 million or 22.2% year-over-year, reaching $136.4 million, with contributions from both the base business and recent acquisitions.
Successful Acquisition Strategy
Completed 4 transactions during fiscal 2025, adding just under 12 million gallons of heating oil and propane volume annually, with many additional opportunities under review.
Service and Installation Revenue Growth
Service and installation posted nearly 10% revenue growth over fiscal 2024, contributing to increased gross profit.
Negative Updates
Increased Net Customer Attrition
Net customer attrition rose modestly, influenced by a lower level of real estate activity and fewer new customer additions.
Higher Operating and Financing Costs
Increased operating expenses by $5 million in the fourth quarter and higher acquisition-related financing costs impacted profitability.
Lower Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow was lower than expected in the fourth quarter due to working capital tied up in receivables and inventory.
Company Guidance
During the Star Group Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter Results Conference Call, the company provided several key metrics reflecting their performance and strategic initiatives. Notably, the company achieved a 12% year-over-year increase in heating oil and propane volume, totaling 29 million gallons, attributed to colder temperatures and recent acquisitions. This growth contributed to a 22.2% rise in adjusted EBITDA, amounting to an increase of $24.8 million. Additionally, Star Group completed four acquisitions in fiscal 2025, adding nearly 12 million gallons of annual heating oil and propane volume. Capital allocation for the year included $81 million in acquisitions, $16 million in unit repurchases, and $26 million in distributions. Despite a slight increase in net customer attrition, the company noted improvements in customer satisfaction metrics. Overall, Star Group emphasized its commitment to enhancing shareholder value through strategic acquisitions, disciplined margin management, and investment in complementary service offerings, which saw nearly a 10% revenue increase compared to fiscal 2024.

Star Gas Partners Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitability improved meaningfully in 2025 (higher net income and better margins), but the balance sheet remains mixed due to a history of negative equity and ongoing moderate leverage. Cash generation is positive with solid free cash flow, though operating cash flow and free cash flow declined versus 2024, reflecting some volatility.
Income Statement
71
Positive
Annual results show a meaningful rebound in profitability in 2025, with net income rising to about $73.5M from ~$32.1M in 2024 and net margin improving to ~4.1% (from ~1.8%). Revenue has been volatile—down in 2023–2024, then up sharply in 2025 (+41.4%). Profitability is positive and improving recently, but margins remain relatively modest and prior-year performance was uneven.
Balance Sheet
56
Neutral
Leverage is moderate with debt-to-equity around ~0.9–1.1 in 2023–2025 and total debt roughly stable (~$244M–$285M). Equity has improved materially versus 2020–2022, when equity was negative (a key historical risk signal). Return on equity strengthened to ~23.5% in 2025 (from ~11.9% in 2024), but the balance sheet’s history of negative equity and ongoing reliance on debt keep the profile more mixed than strong.
Cash Flow
63
Positive
Cash generation is generally positive, with free cash flow remaining solid in 2025 (~$56.0M) and covering net income at ~0.79x. However, cash flow weakened in 2025 versus 2024 (operating cash flow ~$71.0M vs ~$111.0M; free cash flow down ~31%), indicating less cash conversion year over year. Overall, the business produces cash, but recent momentum has softened and cash flow has been somewhat variable across years.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.78B1.78B1.77B1.95B2.01B1.50B
Gross Profit479.72M0.00470.33M438.40M451.63M444.17M
EBITDA146.96M123.93M92.60M94.89M93.05M163.69M
Net Income52.80M73.50M32.10M29.34M35.29M87.74M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets937.33M937.33M939.61M875.48M912.48M853.86M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments24.68M24.68M117.33M45.19M14.62M4.77M
Total Debt285.26M285.26M283.56M243.75M351.97M285.49M
Total Liabilities624.38M624.38M675.72M611.75M654.56M575.66M
Stockholders Equity312.95M312.95M269.61M268.34M-15.61M-14.04M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow60.60M56.03M100.33M114.65M15.21M53.79M
Operating Cash Flow70.95M70.95M110.98M123.66M33.91M68.88M
Investing Cash Flow-99.85M-99.85M-61.19M-28.20M-32.63M-50.33M
Financing Cash Flow-63.75M-63.75M22.35M-64.89M8.57M-70.69M

Star Gas Partners Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price12.05
Price Trends
50DMA
11.92
Positive
100DMA
11.68
Positive
200DMA
11.57
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.25
Negative
RSI
70.11
Negative
STOCH
64.37
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SGU, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 12.05 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 12.24, above the 50-day MA of 11.92, and above the 200-day MA of 11.57, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.25 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 70.11 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.37 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SGU.

Star Gas Partners Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
$416.82M6.9420.37%6.14%1.04%111.69%
71
Outperform
$8.81B19.638.27%6.88%-5.18%-33.14%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
51
Neutral
$1.50B-3.48-23.84%3.30%-15.32%-442.37%
50
Neutral
$859.62M19.1710.09%-10.27%131.17%
49
Neutral
$101.29M-0.96-30.91%29.09%
43
Neutral
$482.46M-2.34-31.94%2.59%-192.73%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SGU
Star Gas Partners
12.64
1.54
13.88%
CLNE
Clean Energy Fuels
2.20
-0.90
-29.03%
WKC
World Kinect
26.91
-0.16
-0.60%
SUN
Sunoco
57.58
3.60
6.67%
CAPL
Crossamerica Partners
22.55
1.65
7.89%
AMTX
Aemetis
1.53
-0.62
-28.84%

Star Gas Partners Corporate Events

Dividends
Star Gas Partners Announces Quarterly Cash Distribution
Positive
Jan 15, 2026

On January 15, 2026, Star Group, L.P. declared a quarterly distribution of $0.1850 per common unit for its fiscal first quarter, which ended on December 31, 2025, with a record date of January 26, 2026 and a payment date set for February 4, 2026. The distribution announcement underscored the partnership’s continued cash returns to unit holders following the end of its first fiscal quarter, providing income visibility for investors in a sector exposed to fuel price volatility, weather-driven demand and evolving energy and environmental regulations.

The most recent analyst rating on (SGU) stock is a Buy with a $13.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Star Gas Partners stock, see the SGU Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Star Gas Partners Announces Quarterly Distribution
Positive
Oct 16, 2025

On October 16, 2025, Star Group, L.P. announced a quarterly distribution of $0.1850 per common unit for the fiscal fourth quarter ending September 30, 2025. The record date is set for October 27, 2025, with payment scheduled for November 5, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing value to its stakeholders and maintaining its position as a leading energy distributor in the U.S.

The most recent analyst rating on (SGU) stock is a Hold with a $13.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Star Gas Partners stock, see the SGU Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 16, 2026