📊 SPH Key Takeaways
Is Suburban Propane Partners LP (SPH) a Good Investment?
Strong profitability metrics (43.7% net income growth, 7.9% revenue growth) are contradicted by critical cash flow deterioration and severe liquidity constraints. Negative operating cash flow of -$47.7M despite profitable operations, combined with minimal cash reserves ($1.3M) and elevated leverage ($1.3B debt), indicates fundamental solvency concerns. The disconnect between earnings and cash generation raises quality-of-earnings red flags.
Why Buy Suburban Propane Partners LP Stock? SPH Key Strengths
- Strong net income growth of 43.7% YoY with 42.1% EPS growth indicates operational improvement and margin expansion
- Operating margin of 18.3% demonstrates reasonable pricing power and cost control within the propane retail segment
- Interest coverage of 3.4x suggests current debt service capacity from earnings, though under stress
- Revenue growth of 7.9% YoY indicates stable demand for essential retail propane services
SPH Stock Risks: Suburban Propane Partners LP Investment Risks
- Critical negative operating cash flow of -$47.7M despite profitability signals fundamental cash generation dysfunction or working capital distress
- Dangerously depleted cash position of $1.3M against $2.4B asset base creates acute refinancing and liquidity crisis risk
- Current ratio of 0.87x and quick ratio of 0.61x both critically below 1.0x threshold, indicating inability to cover near-term obligations
- High debt load of $1.3B combined with negative operating cash flow makes sustainability of leverage questionable
- Severe earnings-to-cash-flow disconnect raises concerns about quality of earnings and reliance on non-cash charges or unsustainable working capital management
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating Cash Flow - must urgently return to positive; persistent negative OCF is unsustainable given debt levels
- Liquidity Position - cash & equivalents and working capital trends; critical need for cash injection or refinancing
- Current and Quick Ratios - trajectory toward 1.0x+ minimum; monitor default risk and covenant compliance
- Debt Service Coverage - ability to service $1.3B debt from deteriorating cash generation
- Working Capital Components - analyze receivables, inventory, and payables changes driving negative cash flow
Suburban Propane Partners LP (SPH) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
SPH Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
SPH vs Consumer Sector: How Suburban Propane Partners LP Compares
How Suburban Propane Partners LP compares to Consumer sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Suburban Propane Partners LP Stock Overvalued? SPH Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Suburban Propane Partners LP has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Consumer sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Suburban Propane Partners LP Balance Sheet: SPH Debt, Cash & Liquidity
SPH Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Suburban Propane Partners LP's revenue has grown significantly by 11% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $1.92 reflects profitable operations.
SPH Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
SPH Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $370.4M | $19.4M | $0.30 |
| Q3 2025 | $254.6M | -$14.8M | $-0.23 |
| Q2 2025 | $498.1M | $111.5M | $1.72 |
| Q1 2025 | $365.8M | $19.4M | $0.30 |
| Q3 2024 | $254.6M | -$5.3M | $-0.08 |
| Q2 2024 | $498.1M | $104.5M | $1.62 |
| Q1 2024 | $365.8M | $24.5M | $0.38 |
| Q3 2023 | $278.6M | -$2.5M | $-0.04 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Suburban Propane Partners LP Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
SPH SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Suburban Propane Partners LP (CIK: 0001005210)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about SPH
What is the AI rating for SPH?
Suburban Propane Partners LP (SPH) has an AI rating of SELL with 72% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are SPH's key strengths?
Claude: Strong net income growth of 43.7% YoY with 42.1% EPS growth indicates operational improvement and margin expansion. Operating margin of 18.3% demonstrates reasonable pricing power and cost control within the propane retail segment.
What are the risks of investing in SPH?
Claude: Critical negative operating cash flow of -$47.7M despite profitability signals fundamental cash generation dysfunction or working capital distress. Dangerously depleted cash position of $1.3M against $2.4B asset base creates acute refinancing and liquidity crisis risk.
What is SPH's revenue and growth?
Suburban Propane Partners LP reported revenue of $370.4M.
Does SPH pay dividends?
Suburban Propane Partners LP does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find SPH SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Suburban Propane Partners LP (CIK: 0001005210) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is SPH's EPS?
Suburban Propane Partners LP has a diluted EPS of $0.69.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is SPH a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Suburban Propane Partners LP has a SELL rating with 72% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is SPH stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for SPH: ROE of N/A (sector avg: 18%), net margin of 12.4% (sector avg: 8%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy SPH stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Suburban Propane Partners LP a combined SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is SPH's free cash flow?
Suburban Propane Partners LP's operating cash flow is $-47.7M, with capital expenditures of $19.8M. FCF margin is -18.2%.
How does SPH compare to other Consumer stocks?
Vs Consumer sector averages: Net margin 12.4% (avg: 8%), ROE N/A (avg: 18%), current ratio 0.87 (avg: 1.5).