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Summit Midstream Posts Q4 Loss, Eyes Growth With Acquisitions

Core Viewpoint - Summit Midstream Corporation (SMC) reported a significant decline in earnings and revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024, leading to a notable drop in stock price compared to the S&P 500 index [1][2]. Earnings Performance - SMC reported an adjusted loss per share of $2.19 for Q4 2024, compared to a loss of $1.29 in the same quarter of the previous year [2]. - Total revenues decreased by 16% year over year to $107 million, primarily due to lower gathering services revenues [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $46.2 million, down 38.4% from $75 million in Q4 2023, and for the full year 2024, adjusted EBITDA declined 23.3% to $204.6 million from $266.8 million in 2023 [2]. Segmental Performance - Rockies Segment: Adjusted EBITDA was $23.2 million, down $1.6 million from Q3 2024 due to lower liquids throughput and water sales, despite a 2.3% increase in natural gas volumes [3]. - Permian Segment: Adjusted EBITDA fell 9.0% year over year to $7.8 million, impacted by lower volumes on the Double E pipeline [3]. - Piceance Segment: Adjusted EBITDA declined 26.8% year over year to $11.8 million, with a 2.5% drop in volumes and higher operating expenses [3]. - Mid-Con Segment: Adjusted EBITDA increased 122% quarter over quarter to $12.8 million due to the Tall Oak Midstream acquisition and a 29% increase in throughput [4]. Key Business Metrics - The company connected 23 wells in Q4, contributing to a total of 156 well connections for the full year [5]. - Natural gas throughput on wholly-owned operated systems increased 10.5% sequentially to 737 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d), while liquids volumes declined 2.9% to 68 thousand barrels per day (Mbbl/d) [5]. - The Double E pipeline transported 613 MMcf/d in the quarter, generating $7.8 million in adjusted EBITDA [5]. Management Commentary - CEO Heath Deneke highlighted 2024 as a "transformational year" for SMC, mentioning key initiatives such as the $700 million divestiture of the Northeast segment and the acquisition of Tall Oak Midstream [7]. - The company aims to maintain financial discipline while pursuing accretive acquisitions to scale the business and has reinstated cash dividends on its Series A preferred stock [8]. Factors Influencing Results - The financial results were affected by a 26.7% year-over-year decline in gathering revenues to $49.6 million, partially offset by a 1.7% increase in natural gas, NGLs, and condensate sales totaling $49.7 million [10]. - Operating and maintenance expenses rose 10.2% year over year to $28 million, while general and administrative expenses increased 38.7% to $14.2 million [11]. 2025 Guidance - For 2025, SMC expects adjusted EBITDA of $245-$280 million, with total capital expenditure projected between $65 million and $75 million [12]. - The company anticipates well connections to be between 125-185, with a forecast for natural gas throughput of 900-965 MMcf/d and liquids volumes of 65-75 Mbbl/d [13]. Other Developments - SMC announced the acquisition of Moonrise Midstream in the DJ Basin for $90 million, which is expected to enhance processing capacity and alleviate capacity constraints [14]. - The company executed a $250 million add-on to its second-lien secured notes in January, resulting in a total leverage ratio of 3.9X at the end of 2024 [15]. - SMC's 2025 strategy focuses on integrating recent acquisitions and maintaining financial flexibility while positioning for growth opportunities [16].