Core Insights - WaterBridge Infrastructure LLC successfully raised $634 million in its IPO, with shares rising as much as 25% from the IPO price of $20 to an opening price of $25 [1][2] - The company has a market value of approximately $2.85 billion based on its trading price of $23.98 [2] - WaterBridge is a significant player in the water handling sector, particularly in the US shale industry, with around 2,500 miles of pipelines [3] Financial Details - The IPO involved the sale of 31.7 million shares at the high end of the marketed range of $17 to $20 each [1] - Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC expressed interest in purchasing up to $120 million worth of stock [2] - Proceeds from the IPO will be used to reduce debt and acquire a stake in WaterBridge held by Elda River Capital LLC [3] Industry Context - The water handling business is increasingly vital in oil production, especially in the Permian Basin, where wastewater generation is significant [4] - Water disposal activity in the Permian has increased over sevenfold in the past 15 years, highlighting the sector's growth [4] - The IPO follows Western Midstream Partners LP's acquisition of Aris Water Solutions Inc. for approximately $1.5 billion, indicating heightened interest in the water infrastructure sector [5] Company Background - WaterBridge is one of the largest water handlers in the US shale patch, emphasizing its strategic importance in the oil industry [3] - The company previously considered an IPO that could have valued it at over $1 billion in 2018 [5] - LandBridge Co., which shares management with WaterBridge, went public in June 2024, raising $283.5 million and seeing its shares more than triple from the IPO price [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to 2025, with revenues increasing to approximately $44 million, representing a 20% sequential increase and a 131% year-over-year growth [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $38.8 million, reflecting a sequential increase of 221% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 88% [11] - Free cash flow was approximately $15.8 million, with a free cash flow margin of 36%, although there was a quarter-over-quarter compression due to higher accounts receivable [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Resource sales and royalties increased by 118%, driven by increased brackish water sales and royalty volumes from newly acquired acreage [10] - Surface use royalties and revenues increased by 3% sequentially, with a 72% sequential increase in surface use royalty volumes [11] - Oil and gas royalties declined by 24% sequentially due to a decrease in net royalty production [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-oil and gas royalty revenue streams accounted for approximately 92% of overall revenue during Q1, up from 88% in the previous quarter [6] - The company is well-positioned in the Delaware Basin, where demand for water handling infrastructure continues to grow [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a diversified revenue model that insulates it from oil and gas price volatility, with a focus on non-mineral royalties [5] - The active land management strategy is expected to drive growth, particularly following the acquisition of the Wolfbone Ranch, which contributed to a significant increase in produced water royalty volumes [9] - The Speedway pipeline project is anticipated to enhance cash flow significantly once operational, with an expected capacity of up to 500,000 barrels a day [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic volatility, citing strong demand for services and no changes in production expectations from major customers [17][18] - The company remains optimistic about growth prospects, particularly in the core areas of operation, despite broader industry concerns [23] Other Important Information - The Board declared a dividend of $0.10 per Class A share, payable on June 19 to shareholders of record as of June 5 [12] - The company is actively pursuing value-enhancing land acquisitions while maintaining a strong balance sheet for financial flexibility [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Permian activity levels on produced water handling growth - Management noted that the majority of their business is insulated from commodity price exposure, with 92% of revenue from non-mineral royalties, indicating a strong position despite potential production slowdowns [16] Question: Demand for the Speedway pipeline and its growth impact - Management indicated that the pipeline could generate approximately $30 million a year in cash flow once operational, with initial payments expected in the fourth quarter [19] Question: Update on data centers in West Texas - Management stated that updates on data centers would be available in 12 to 18 months, with ongoing strong traction in discussions [25] Question: Growth in produced water volumes across the basin - Management confirmed expectations for water growth to eclipse oil growth in core development areas due to deeper intervals and flatter production decline rates [34] Question: Desalination opportunities and power generation discussions - Management highlighted ongoing pilot projects with partners and the increasing demand for power generation in West Texas, indicating a positive outlook for future developments [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong start to 2025, with revenues increasing to approximately $44 million, representing a 20% sequential increase and a 131% year-over-year growth [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $38.8 million, reflecting a sequential increase of 221% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 88% [10] - Free cash flow was approximately $15.8 million, with a free cash flow margin of 36%, although there was a quarter-over-quarter compression due to higher accounts receivable [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Resource sales and royalties increased by 118%, driven by increased brackish water sales and royalty volumes from newly acquired acreage [9] - Surface use royalties and revenues increased by 3% sequentially, supported by a 72% sequential increase in surface use royalty volumes [10] - Oil and gas royalties declined by 24% sequentially due to a decrease in net royalty production, with volumes falling from 11.99 BOE per day in Q4 2024 to 9.23 BOE per day in Q1 2025 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-oil and gas royalty revenue streams accounted for approximately 92% of overall revenue during Q1, up from approximately 88% in the previous quarter [5] - The company continues to see strong demand for water handling infrastructure in the Delaware Basin, which is a key driver of business through its affiliate company Waterbridge [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its active land management strategy in 2025, with strong growth driven by the acquisition of the Wolfbone Ranch [7] - The Wolfbone Ranch contributed to a greater than 70% quarter-over-quarter increase in produced water royalty volumes, underpinned by a minimal annual revenue commitment of $25 million for each of the next five years [8] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and pursue value-enhancing land acquisitions as part of its capital allocation priorities for 2025 [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model, emphasizing that the majority of revenue streams are insulated from oil and gas price volatility [4] - Despite macroeconomic volatility, management has not observed any changes in production expectations from major customers, indicating a stable demand for services [16] - The company anticipates continued growth in produced water handling, particularly in core areas where demand remains strong [22] Other Important Information - The Board declared a dividend of $0.10 per Class A share, payable on June 19 to shareholders of record as of June 5 [11] - The Speedway pipeline project is expected to provide significant cash flow once operational, with an anticipated capacity of up to 500,000 barrels a day [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Permian activity levels on produced water handling growth - Management stated that the majority of the business is insulated from commodity price exposure, with 92% of revenue from non-mineral royalties, indicating a strong position despite potential production slowdowns [15] Question: Demand for the Speedway pipeline and its growth impact - Management indicated that the pipeline could generate approximately $30 million a year in cash flow once operational, with initial payments expected in the fourth quarter [18] Question: Update on data centers in West Texas - Management noted that traction remains strong, with ongoing discussions about power generation needs in West Texas, which could benefit the company [25][27] Question: Growth in produced water volumes across the basin - Management confirmed that water growth is expected to eclipse oil growth in core development areas due to deeper intervals and flatter PDP declines [32] Question: Desalination opportunities and Waterbridge's perspective - Management highlighted ongoing pilot projects with Five Point and the potential for desalination efforts to be economically beneficial, although feasibility at scale is still being evaluated [35][36]