Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG) Shares Gap Down – Time to Sell?

Dorian LPG Ltd. (NYSE:LPG)’s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $45.32, but opened at $43.09. Dorian LPG shares last traded at $43.78, with a volume of 90,252 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on LPG shares. Freedom Capital cut Dorian LPG from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, May 22nd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Dorian LPG from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Saturday. Dnb Carnegie upgraded shares of Dorian LPG from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, May 18th. Pareto Securities reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Dorian LPG in a research note on Thursday, May 21st. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Dorian LPG from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research report on Thursday, May 28th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Dorian LPG currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $55.00.

Dorian LPG Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $41.36 and a 200 day simple moving average of $36.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.80 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 2.65 and a current ratio of 2.67.

Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 19th. The shipping company reported $1.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.48. Dorian LPG had a return on equity of 18.01% and a net margin of 40.22%.The company had revenue of $153.27 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $128.87 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.25 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 102.0% on a year-over-year basis.

Dorian LPG Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a special dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 12th. Investors of record on Monday, July 27th will be given a $1.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, July 27th.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Ted Kalborg sold 15,373 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.06, for a total value of $692,707.38. Following the transaction, the director owned 66,348 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,989,640.88. This trade represents a 18.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 20,000 shares of Dorian LPG stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.38, for a total transaction of $707,600.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 157,842 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,584,449.96. This represents a 11.25% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders own 13.60% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dorian LPG

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of LPG. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Dorian LPG by 1,003.8% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,446 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,315 shares during the last quarter. KBC Group NV bought a new stake in shares of Dorian LPG during the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Dorian LPG by 429.5% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,652 shares of the shipping company’s stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 1,340 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Dorian LPG in the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, Hilton Head Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Dorian LPG in the 4th quarter valued at $49,000. 62.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Dorian LPG Company Profile

Dorian LPG Ltd., incorporated in Bermuda and headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a leading owner and operator of modern very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The company specializes in the maritime transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), primarily propane and butane, for energy producers, commodity traders and trading houses around the world.

Dorian LPG’s fleet comprises over 30 state-of-the-art VLGCs, each designed for fuel efficiency and environmental performance. These vessels operate under medium- and long-term time charter agreements, providing predictable employment and supporting a stable charter revenue profile through contracts with major international energy companies.

The company serves global energy markets by transporting LPG cargoes along major trade routes linking production centers in the Middle East, U.S.