Jefferies is predicting an inflection point in the small LPG carrier market and is expecting Nasdaq-listed StealthGas to return to the black in 2017.

Analyst Doug Mavrinac believes the sector’s orderbook is now nearly nonexistent, while increasing petrochemical activity and the normalization of LPG arbitrage pricing will aid demand growth.

His comments came after StealthGas yesterday reported a stronger than expected fourth quarter performance, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.04