Stolt-Nielsen reports improved third-quarter performance
Stolt-Nielsen Limited reported higher profit and revenue for the third quarter of 2026, although earnings from its tanker business declined compared with the same period last year.
The company recorded a net profit of $84.4 million for the quarter ending August 31, up from $64 million a year earlier. Revenue increased to $776.5 million from $699.9 million.
The quarterly result included a $15.4 million gain from the sale of a 50% interest in Avenir LNG Limited. Earnings per share rose to $1.59 from $1.20, while consolidated EBITDA increased to $194.1 million from $191.7 million.
For the first nine months of 2026, Stolt-Nielsen reported a net profit of $183.6 million on revenue of $2.24 billion. This compared with a profit of $290.6 million and revenue of $2.09 billion during the same period in 2025.
The year-on-year comparison was affected by $75.2 million in one-off gains recorded during the first nine months of 2025, related to the step-up of equity investments in Avenir LNG and Hassel Shipping 4.
Stolt Tankers earnings decline
Stolt Tankers recorded an operating profit of $52.1 million in the third quarter, down from $57.2 million a year earlier.
Average deep-sea time-charter equivalent revenue stood at $24,121 per operating day, compared with $24,838 in the third quarter of 2025.
Udo Lange, Chief Executive Officer of Stolt-Nielsen Limited, said the tanker division’s earnings declined year on year but remained stable compared with the previous quarter. Firmer average freight rates were offset by lower volumes and higher bunker costs.
Elsewhere in the group, Stolthaven Terminals increased operating profit to $27.1 million from $26.3 million, while Stolt Tank Containers reported an operating profit of $13.1 million, up from $11.7 million.
Stolt-Nielsen said Stolthaven Terminals recorded higher utilisation during the quarter. Stolt Tank Containers, meanwhile, continued integrating the Suttons business.
Corporate and Other, which includes Stolt Sea Farm and Stolt-Nielsen Gas, posted an operating profit of $8.5 million, including the impact of the fair-value adjustment for biological assets. That compared with $14.2 million a year earlier.
Avenir LNG transaction completed
During the quarter, Stolt-Nielsen completed the sale of a 50% interest in Avenir LNG to NYK Line. The transaction generated the $15.4 million gain included in third-quarter net profit.
Lange said the transaction established a strategic partnership aimed at developing small-scale LNG and LNG bunkering.
He also addressed the July attack on Stolt Magnesium off Oman. Stolt-Nielsen said it has insurance coverage and expects the incident to have a minimal financial impact on the company. No seafarers suffered physical injuries, while the cargo was secured.
