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Suburban Propane Partners L.P. (SPH)
NYSE:SPH
US Market
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Suburban Propane (SPH) AI Stock Analysis

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SPH

Suburban Propane

(NYSE:SPH)

Rating:64Neutral
Price Target:
$19.50
▲(4.90% Upside)
Suburban Propane's overall stock score is driven by its stable financial performance and attractive valuation, particularly the high dividend yield. However, technical analysis indicates a lack of strong momentum, and the earnings call highlighted both strategic achievements and operational challenges. The company's focus on renewable energy and debt reduction is promising, but addressing revenue growth and operational issues is crucial for future performance.
Positive Factors
Acquisitions
The $53mn acquisition of a New Mexico and Arizona distributor is expected to improve gallons sold and EBITDA generation.
Market Index Performance
SPH benefited significantly from the recent Alerian index rebalancing, showing a 20% increase compared to a 10% increase for the broader AMZ index.
Weather Conditions
Colder temperatures are expected to improve results for the second quarter.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
SPH reported F4Q24 adj EBITDA results of $1mn that missed MSUSA ($5mn) and Street ($9mn) estimates.
Leverage Concerns
The weaker quarter raised leverage to 4.99x, which included higher debt on SPH's revolver to fund the acquisitions and other growth capex.
Valuation Concerns
The company maintains an Underweight rating due to valuation concerns, elevated leverage, and ongoing capital requirements for RNG projects.

Suburban Propane (SPH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Suburban Propane Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSuburban Propane Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail marketing and distribution of propane, fuel oil, and refined fuels. The company operates in four segments: Propane, Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels, Natural Gas and Electricity, and All Other. The Propane segment is involved in the retail distribution of propane to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers, as well as in the wholesale distribution to industrial end users. It offers propane primarily for space heating, water heating, cooking, and clothes drying in the residential and commercial markets; for use as a motor fuel in internal combustion engines to power over-the-road vehicles, forklifts, and stationary engines, as well as to fire furnaces, as a cutting gas to the industrial customers, and in other process applications; and for tobacco curing, crop drying, poultry brooding, and weed control in the agricultural markets. The Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels segment engages in the retail distribution of fuel oil, diesel, kerosene, and gasoline to residential and commercial customers for use primarily as a source of heat in homes and buildings. The Natural Gas and Electricity segment markets natural gas and electricity to residential and commercial customers in the deregulated energy markets in New York and Pennsylvania. The All Other segment sells, installs, and services a range of home comfort equipment, including whole-house heating products, air cleaners, humidifiers, and space heaters. As of September 25, 2021, the company served approximately 1.0 million residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers through 700 locations in 41 states primarily in the east and west coast regions of the United States, as well as portions of the Midwest region of the United States and Alaska. Suburban Energy Services Group LLC serves as a general partner of Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. The company was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey.
How the Company Makes MoneySuburban Propane generates revenue primarily through the sale of propane and related services. The company earns money by delivering propane to residential and commercial customers, charging for both the fuel itself and the delivery service. Additionally, Suburban Propane offers propane tank installation and maintenance services, which contribute to its revenue streams. The company also benefits from contracts with various commercial clients, including agricultural businesses and industrial operations. Seasonal demand for propane, particularly during winter months for heating purposes, significantly affects revenue. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with suppliers and investments in renewable energy sources, such as propane from biofuels, may also enhance its earnings potential.

Suburban Propane Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: 3.74%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 13, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call for Suburban Propane Partners reflected a balanced outlook, with several strategic achievements such as debt reduction, a strategic acquisition, and growth in renewable energy initiatives. However, challenges in RNG production and decreased federal D3 RIN prices, along with a higher net loss, offset some of the positive developments.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Counter-Seasonal Performance
Despite unseasonably warm temperatures and commodity price volatility, Suburban Propane Partners delivered a solid third quarter performance with propane volumes up slightly compared to the previous year.
Debt Reduction and Improved Leverage
Suburban Propane Partners reduced outstanding debt by $69 million, improving the consolidated leverage ratio from 4.54x to 4.33x.
Strategic Propane Acquisition
The acquisition in New Mexico during the first fiscal quarter showed benefits in the third quarter, contributing to customer base growth.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Expansion
Operational improvements and capital projects at RNG facilities in Columbus, Ohio, and Upstate New York are expected to boost RNG sales once fully operational.
Increased LCFS Credit Prices
LCFS credit prices increased by 30% following amendments to the LCFS program, which aim to accelerate carbon reduction targets.
Distribution Declared
A quarterly distribution of $0.325 per common unit was declared, equating to an annualized rate of $1.30 per common unit, with a healthy distribution coverage of 2.16x.
Collaborative Growth in Hydrogen
Suburban Propane Partners looks forward to collaborating with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas to accelerate Independent Hydrogen's localized hydrogen production and distribution model.
Negative Updates
RNG Production Challenges
Average daily RNG injection declined slightly due to downtime from operational improvement projects and multiple power outages at the Stanfield, Arizona facility.
Lower Federal D3 RIN Prices
Average federal D3 RIN prices decreased by 21% year-over-year, affecting revenue at the Stanfield RNG facility.
Increased Net Loss
The net loss for the third quarter increased to $10.8 million, or $0.17 per common unit, compared to a net loss of $8 million, or $0.12 per common unit, in the prior year.
Limited Impact of Cooler Temperatures
Although temperatures were 5% cooler than the prior year third quarter, the impact on heat-related demand was minimal and limited to certain parts of the Northeast.
Company Guidance
In the Suburban Propane Partners Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call for fiscal year 2025, several key metrics were discussed. Despite unseasonably warm temperatures, propane volumes for the third quarter slightly increased compared to the previous year. Average daily renewable natural gas (RNG) injection declined slightly due to operational improvements and power outages. However, improvements at the Stanfield, Arizona facility and advancing projects in Columbus, Ohio, and Upstate New York aim to enhance future RNG production. Financially, the company experienced a net loss of $10.8 million or $0.17 per common unit, compared to a $8 million loss or $0.12 per unit the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA remained steady at $27 million, while retail propane gallons sold were 71.9 million, consistent with the prior year. Operating and G&A expenses were roughly flat at $135.8 million, with a noted gain from insurance recovery. The company reduced debt by $69 million, improving the consolidated leverage ratio to 4.33x from 4.54x, aided by strong cash flow and proceeds from common units sales. The Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.325 per common unit, translating to an annualized rate of $1.30 per unit, with a healthy distribution coverage of 2.16x.

Suburban Propane Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Suburban Propane presents a stable financial position with strong operational cash flows and decent profitability margins. However, the company faces challenges with high leverage and a declining revenue trend. The focus on operational efficiency is a positive sign, but the company needs to address revenue growth to improve its financial outlook.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The income statement shows a mixed performance. The TTM gross profit margin is approximately 4.35%, which is relatively low. The TTM net profit margin is around 7.19%, indicating moderate profitability. Revenue has shown a declining trend over the years, but the company managed to improve its EBIT and EBITDA margins in the TTM period to 18.27% and 22.25%, respectively, suggesting a focus on cost control and operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a challenging position with a high debt-to-equity ratio calculated at approximately 0.25, indicating significant leverage. The equity ratio stands at roughly 22.85%, reflecting a moderate level of equity financing. The return on equity (ROE) for the TTM is about 12.68%, indicating decent returns for shareholders despite the high leverage.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals a solid performance with a strong operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.63 for the TTM, indicating efficient cash generation from operations. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.59, highlighting effective capital expenditure management. However, free cash flow growth has been volatile, which could pose risks to future cash availability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.43B1.33B1.43B1.50B1.29B1.11B
Gross Profit722.73M804.98M361.00M789.34M803.28M724.95M
EBITDA246.15M216.47M260.39M259.64M296.59M252.13M
Net Income97.12M74.17M123.75M139.71M122.79M60.76M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.31B2.27B2.27B2.10B2.05B2.05B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.63M3.22M3.51M4.10M5.81M3.14M
Total Debt1.35B1.35B1.33B1.21B1.25B1.33B
Total Liabilities1.67B1.73B1.72B1.61B1.63B1.68B
Stockholders Equity646.11M547.06M546.36M-12.60M-17.58M-25.78M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow104.32M101.16M180.29M176.19M196.70M176.86M
Operating Cash Flow181.21M160.59M225.24M220.55M226.55M209.35M
Investing Cash Flow-136.58M-81.64M-170.64M-94.44M-34.08M-53.24M
Financing Cash Flow-51.48M-72.50M-44.63M-127.82M-189.81M-155.41M

Suburban Propane Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price18.59
Price Trends
50DMA
18.17
Positive
100DMA
18.80
Negative
200DMA
18.70
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.03
Negative
RSI
56.24
Neutral
STOCH
64.62
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SPH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 18.59 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.23, above the 50-day MA of 18.17, and below the 200-day MA of 18.70, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.03 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.24 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 64.62 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SPH.

Suburban Propane Risk Analysis

Suburban Propane disclosed 51 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Suburban Propane reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Suburban Propane Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (67)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$2.94B22.269.25%2.09%19.02%20.13%
71
Outperform
$1.67B16.137.36%4.80%8.40%17.90%
71
Outperform
$227.16M16.6212.11%3.60%12.04%5.89%
67
Neutral
$17.91B18.758.12%3.40%7.32%12.41%
64
Neutral
$1.20B12.4115.50%6.99%6.29%-1.67%
53
Neutral
$655.33M11.07-28.26%16.74%-15.03%-201.87%
42
Neutral
$1.82B2,080.95-0.59%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SPH
Suburban Propane
18.59
2.03
12.26%
CPK
Chesapeake Utilities
124.81
12.64
11.27%
NWN
Northwest Gas
40.83
4.03
10.95%
RGCO
Rgc Resources
22.00
2.24
11.34%
NFE
New Fortress Energy
2.39
-10.54
-81.52%
CTRI
Centuri Holdings, Inc.
20.50
4.34
26.86%

Suburban Propane Corporate Events

Dividends
Suburban Propane Announces Quarterly Distribution
Neutral
Jul 24, 2025

On July 24, 2025, Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. announced a quarterly distribution of $0.325 per Common Unit for the fiscal third quarter, equating to an annualized rate of $1.30 per Common Unit. The distribution is payable on August 12, 2025, to unitholders of record as of August 5, 2025. The announcement also highlighted that all distributions to foreign investors are subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding due to their connection with a U.S. trade or business. This decision reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing returns to its investors while complying with regulatory requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (SPH) stock is a Sell with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Suburban Propane stock, see the SPH Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Suburban Propane Schedules Q3 2025 Results Call
Neutral
Jul 23, 2025

On July 23, 2025, Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. announced its Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results Conference Call, scheduled for August 7, 2025. The call will discuss the company’s third-quarter results and business outlook, providing insights for analysts, investors, and stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (SPH) stock is a Sell with a $17.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Suburban Propane stock, see the SPH 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: Aug 13, 2025