Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. Announces Second Quarter Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Suburban Propane Partners (NYSE:SPH) reported Q2 fiscal 2026 net income of $137.5M or $2.07 per common unit and Adjusted EBITDA of $175.3M (flat year-over-year). Retail propane gallons sold were 161.6M (flat). The partnership reduced debt by $64.3M, declared a quarterly distribution of $0.325 per unit, and reported a Consolidated Leverage Ratio of 4.34x. Average Mont Belvieu propane prices fell 23.1% year-over-year. The company recognized $3.5M of production tax credits and expects ~200,000 MMBtu annual RNG capacity additions later this fiscal year.
Positive
- Reduced total debt by $64.3M in Q2
- First-half Adjusted EBITDA increased $8.4M (3.4%) year-over-year
- Recognized $3.5M of production tax credits (PTCs)
- Expected RNG capacity addition of ~200,000 MMBtu/year in H2
Negative
- Average propane prices (Mont Belvieu) down 23.1% year-over-year
- Consolidated Leverage Ratio remains elevated at 4.34x
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SPH declined 2.06% while key peers were mixed: NWN -5.22%, CTRI -2.36%, MDU -0.84% versus OPAL +0.88% and ARIS +2.88%, suggesting a company-specific reaction rather than a uniform utilities move.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 05 | Q1 2026 earnings | Positive | +0.6% | Stronger net income, higher Adjusted EBITDA and propane volumes versus prior year. |
| Aug 07 | Q3 2025 earnings | Neutral | -2.5% | Net loss narrowed with flat Adjusted EBITDA and notable debt reduction and RNG updates. |
| May 08 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | -5.9% | Strong net income and Adjusted EBITDA growth driven by colder weather and higher volumes. |
| Feb 06 | Q1 2025 earnings | Negative | -4.2% | Lower net income with flat Adjusted EBITDA and slightly weaker propane volumes. |
| Nov 14 | FY 2024 results | Negative | -8.9% | Full-year decline in net income, Adjusted EBITDA and propane gallons sold amid warm weather. |
Earnings releases have often been followed by negative price reactions, even when results or trends were stable or improving.
Across the last five earnings events since Nov 2024, SPH has reported a mix of improving and weaker results: Q4 FY2024 showed lower net income and Adjusted EBITDA, Q1 FY2025 delivered flat EBITDA, and Q2 FY2025 produced a strong jump in net income and volumes. More recently, Q1 FY2026 saw higher net income and Adjusted EBITDA. Despite several fundamentally positive quarters, shares often traded lower after earnings, indicating a tendency for cautious market reactions.
Historical Comparison
In the past five earnings releases, SPH’s average move was -4.18%. Today’s -2.06% reaction to Q2 FY2026 results sits within that historical range and is slightly less negative than typical.
Earnings history shows pressure in FY2024 with lower net income and Adjusted EBITDA, followed by mixed but improving quarterly trends in FY2025 and early FY2026. RNG projects in New York and Ohio, and periodic debt reduction, have been recurring themes alongside stable quarterly distributions.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement detailed Q2 FY2026 results with net income of $137.5M and Adjusted EBITDA of $175.3M, essentially flat year-over-year, plus more than $64.0M of debt reduction and a maintained quarterly distribution of $0.325 per unit. Historically, SPH’s earnings releases have produced an average move of about -4.18%, even in stronger quarters. Investors monitoring this update may focus on first-half Adjusted EBITDA growth of $8.4M, RNG expansion milestones, and leverage trends around the reported 4.34x ratio.
Key Terms
adjusted ebitda financial
ebitda financial
renewable natural gas medical
anaerobic digester technical
production tax credits financial
mmbtu technical
derivative instruments financial
mark-to-market financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was
In announcing these results, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael A. Stivala said, "The fiscal 2026 second quarter presented a vastly different weather pattern across our operating footprint, with sustained colder temperatures and several winter storms across the eastern half of
Mr. Stivala continued, "In our renewable natural gas ("RNG") operations, with the capital investments and process improvements implemented since acquiring the
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Stivala commented, "With another quarter of strong operating performance, and our capital projects in the RNG platform winding down, we utilized excess cash flows generated during the second quarter to reduce total debt by more than
Retail propane gallons sold in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 of 161.6 million gallons were flat compared to the prior year second quarter, as the impact of cooler temperatures across much of the eastern half of
Average propane prices (basis
Combined operating and general and administrative expenses of
During the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the Partnership utilized cash flows from operating activities to repay
As previously announced on April 23, 2026, the Partnership's Board of Supervisors declared a quarterly distribution of
About Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. ("Suburban Propane") is a publicly traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in
Suburban Propane is supported by three core pillars: (1) Suburban Commitment to Excellence – showcasing Suburban Propane's almost 100-year legacy, and ongoing commitment to the highest standards for dependability, flexibility, and reliability that underscores Suburban Propane's commitment to excellence in customer service; (2) SuburbanCares – highlighting continued dedication to giving back to local communities across Suburban Propane's national footprint; and (3) Go Green with Suburban Propane – promoting propane and renewable propane as versatile, low-carbon energy solutions and investing in the next generation of innovative, renewable energy alternatives.
For additional information on Suburban Propane, please visit www.suburbanpropane.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to future business expectations and financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership, based on management's current good faith expectations and beliefs concerning future developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including the following:
- The impact of weather conditions on the demand for propane, renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas, renewable natural gas ("RNG") and electricity;
- The impact of climate change and potential climate change legislation on the Partnership and demand for propane, renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas, RNG and electricity;
- Volatility in the unit cost of propane, renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas, RNG and electricity, the impact of the Partnership's hedging and risk management activities, and the adverse impact of price increases on volumes sold as a result of customer conservation;
- The ability of the Partnership to compete with other suppliers of propane, renewable propane, fuel oil, RNG and other energy sources;
- The impact on the price and supply of propane, renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels from the political, military or economic instability of the oil producing nations, including hostilities in the
Middle East , Russian military action inUkraine , global terrorism and other general economic conditions, including the economic instability resulting from natural disasters; - Economic volatility and downturns, including as a result of tariffs, trade conflict and related uncertainty;
- The ability of the Partnership to acquire and maintain sufficient volumes of, and the costs to the Partnership of acquiring, reliably transporting and storing, propane, renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels;
- The ability of the Partnership to attract and retain employees and key personnel to support the growth of our business;
- The ability of the Partnership to retain customers or acquire new customers;
- The impact of customer conservation, energy efficiency, general economic conditions and technology advances on the demand for propane, renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas, RNG and electricity;
- The ability of management to continue to control expenses and manage inflationary increases in fuel, labor and other operating costs;
- Risks related to the Partnership's renewable fuel projects and investments, including the willingness of customers to purchase fuels generated by the projects, the permitting, financing, construction, development and operation of supporting facilities, the Partnership's ability to generate a sufficient return on its renewable fuel projects, the Partnership's dependence on third-party partners to help manage and operate renewable fuel investment projects, and increased regulation and dependence on government funding for commercial viability of renewable fuel investment projects;
- The generation and monetization of environmental attributes produced by the Partnership's renewable fuel projects, changes to legislation or regulations concerning the generation and monetization of environmental attributes and pricing volatility in the open markets where environmental attributes are traded;
- The impact of changes in applicable laws and government regulations, or their interpretations, including those relating to the environment and climate change, permitting, human health and safety, derivative instruments, the sale or marketing of propane and renewable propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas, RNG and electricity, including the impact of recently adopted and proposed changes to
New York law and changed regulatory priorities, and other regulatory developments that could impose costs and liabilities on the Partnership's business; - The impact of changes in tax laws that could adversely affect the tax treatment of the Partnership for income tax purposes;
- The impact of legal risks and proceedings on the Partnership's business;
- The impact of operating hazards that could adversely affect the Partnership's reputation and its operating results to the extent not covered by insurance;
- The Partnership's ability to make strategic acquisitions, successfully integrate them and realize the expected benefits of those acquisitions;
- The ability of the Partnership and any third-party service providers on which it may rely for support or services to continue to combat cybersecurity threats to their respective and shared networks and information technology;
- Risks relating to the Partnership's plans to diversify its business;
- Risks related to the Partnership's current and future debt obligations that may limit its ability to make distributions to Unitholders, as well as its financial flexibility;
- The impact of current conditions in the global capital, credit and environmental attribute markets, and general economic pressures; and
- Other risks referenced from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and those factors listed or incorporated by reference into the Partnership's most recent Annual Report under "Risk Factors."
Some of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 27, 2025 and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date made. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as otherwise required by law.
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Propane | $ | 491,142 | $ | 525,256 | $ | 817,532 | $ | 855,539 | |||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels | 32,354 | 33,364 | 50,521 | 51,025 | |||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity | 8,778 | 9,025 | 14,677 | 15,078 | |||||||||||
All other | 18,932 | 20,018 | 38,862 | 39,350 | |||||||||||
551,206 | 587,663 | 921,592 | 960,992 | ||||||||||||
Costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||
Cost of products sold | 207,500 | 242,362 | 338,339 | 389,524 | |||||||||||
Operating | 139,500 | 139,377 | 266,659 | 262,530 | |||||||||||
General and administrative | 30,044 | 29,911 | 57,917 | 56,764 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16,251 | 17,600 | 33,115 | 34,699 | |||||||||||
393,295 | 429,250 | 696,030 | 743,517 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 157,911 | 158,413 | 225,562 | 217,475 | |||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | — | — | 1,183 | — | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 19,694 | 20,567 | 39,450 | 40,179 | |||||||||||
Other, net | 555 | 729 | 1,256 | 20,196 | |||||||||||
Income before provision for (benefit from) income | 137,662 | 137,117 | 183,673 | 157,100 | |||||||||||
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 120 | (4) | 351 | 559 | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 137,542 | $ | 137,121 | $ | 183,322 | $ | 156,541 | |||||||
Net income per Common Unit - basic | $ | 66,565 | $ | 64,876 | $ | 66,416 | $ | 64,711 | |||||||
Weighted average number of Common Units | 2.07 | 2.11 | 2.76 | 2.42 | |||||||||||
Net income per Common Unit - diluted | $ | 66,904 | $ | 65,262 | $ | 66,712 | $ | 65,034 | |||||||
Weighted average number of Common Units | 2.06 | 2.10 | 2.75 | 2.41 | |||||||||||
Supplemental Information: | |||||||||||||||
EBITDA (a) | $ | 173,607 | $ | 175,284 | $ | 256,238 | $ | 231,978 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (a) | $ | 175,340 | $ | 175,044 | $ | 258,745 | $ | 250,345 | |||||||
Retail gallons sold: | |||||||||||||||
Propane | 161,593 | 162,027 | 271,758 | 267,766 | |||||||||||
Refined fuels | 7,469 | 7,760 | 12,006 | 12,127 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures: | |||||||||||||||
Maintenance | $ | 7,203 | $ | 8,041 | $ | 13,316 | $ | 12,659 | |||||||
Growth | $ | 17,527 | $ | 11,268 | $ | 31,219 | $ | 30,493 | |||||||
(a) | EBITDA represents net income before deducting interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding the unrealized net gain or loss on mark-to-market activity for derivative instruments and other items, as applicable, as provided in the table below. Our management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental measures of operating performance and we are including them because we believe that they provide our investors and industry analysts with additional information that we determined is useful to evaluate our operating results. |
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under accounting principles generally accepted in
The following table sets forth our calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | March 28, 2026 | March 29, 2025 | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 137,542 | $ | 137,121 | $ | 183,322 | $ | 156,541 | |||||||
Add: | |||||||||||||||
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 120 | (4) | 351 | 559 | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 19,694 | 20,567 | 39,450 | 40,179 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16,251 | 17,600 | 33,115 | 34,699 | |||||||||||
EBITDA | 173,607 | 175,284 | 256,238 | 231,978 | |||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | — | — | 1,183 | — | |||||||||||
Equity in losses and impairment charges for | 375 | 504 | 896 | 22,745 | |||||||||||
Unrealized non-cash losses (gains) on changes in fair | 1,358 | (744) | 428 | (4,378) | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 175,340 | $ | 175,044 | $ | 258,745 | $ | 250,345 | |||||||
We also reference gross margins, computed as revenues less cost of products sold as those amounts are reported on the consolidated financial statements. Our management uses gross margin as a supplemental measure of operating performance and we are including it as we believe that it provides our investors and industry analysts with additional information that we determined is useful to evaluate our operating results. As cost of products sold does not include depreciation and amortization expense, the gross margin we reference is considered a non-GAAP financial measure.
The unaudited financial information included in this document is intended only as a summary provided for your convenience, and should be read in conjunction with the complete consolidated financial statements of the Partnership (including the Notes thereto, which set forth important information) contained in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed by the Partnership with the SEC. Such report, once filed, will be available on the public EDGAR electronic filing system maintained by the SEC.
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SOURCE Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.