Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream is positioned as an attractive passive income investment due to its stable cash flows and high dividend yield supported by long-term contracts with major energy companies [1][10]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Structure - Western Midstream operates essential energy midstream assets that generate stable cash flow, supporting an 8.8% cash distribution yield [1]. - The company has a market capitalization of $17 billion, with a gross margin of 53.34% and a dividend yield of 8.86% [6]. - The restructured contracts with Occidental Petroleum will not impact Western Midstream's free cash flow, as the company expects to offset reduced near-term cash flows with distribution savings and cost-saving initiatives [6][7]. Group 2: Contractual Agreements - Western Midstream has renegotiated natural gas gathering and processing contracts with Occidental Petroleum, transitioning to a simplified fixed-fee structure that reduces Occidental's near-term costs and enhances production growth [3]. - Occidental will transfer 15.3 million common units of Western Midstream, valued at $610 million, resulting in a decrease of Occidental's interest in the MLP from 42% to 40% [3]. - A new gas-gathering and processing agreement with ConocoPhillips will further diversify revenue, reducing related party revenue from Occidental by over 10% [4]. Group 3: Growth Prospects - The company anticipates maintaining a net leverage ratio near 3.0 times, even after a recent acquisition and planned capital spending of $1.1 billion in 2026, indicating a conservative financial strategy [7]. - Western Midstream's growth capital spending plan includes projects like the North Loving II gas processing plant and Pathfinder Pipeline, which are expected to fuel cash flow growth in the coming years [9]. - The MLP aims to deliver low-to-mid single-digit annual distribution growth, supported by predictable cash flows from long-term contracts [9].

Summary of Western Midstream Partners Fireside Chat Company Overview - **Company**: Western Midstream Partners (NYSE: WES) - **Industry**: Midstream Energy Sector, specifically focused on natural gas gathering and processing in the Delaware Basin Key Points Contract Amendments - **Renegotiated Contracts**: Western Midstream announced the renegotiation of natural gas gathering and processing contracts with Occidental Petroleum and a new agreement with ConocoPhillips [2][3] - **Contract Structure Changes**: Transition from a legacy cost-of-service structure to a simplified fixed-fee structure, enhancing competitiveness for acreage serviced by WESS [3] - **Volumetric Protections**: The amended contract with Occidental includes substantial minimum volume commitments, mitigating future throughput risk [3] Financial Implications - **Common Units Transfer**: Occidental will transfer approximately 15.3 million WESS common units, valued at about $610 million, which will decrease OXY's ownership in WESS from 42% to 40% [6] - **Annual Distribution Savings**: The transaction is expected to yield annual distribution savings of over $56 million starting in 2026 [6] - **Adjusted EBITDA Impact**: The total contract liability will increase to approximately $1.2 billion, with about $165 million recognized as revenue annually from 2026 to 2032 [7][8] Revenue Recognition - **Contract Liability**: The contract liability associated with the OXY agreement was $560 million as of December, with revenue recognition beginning in 2026 [10] - **Operating Cash Flow**: Starting in 2026, operating cash flows will reflect only the new fixed-fee rates, while revenues will include recognition of the contract liability [11] Cost Management - **Cost Reduction Initiatives**: WESS has implemented a cost reduction initiative, resulting in an 8% decrease in operations and maintenance costs in Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024 [15] - **Offsetting Cash Flow Reductions**: Ongoing distribution savings and cost reductions are expected to fully offset the reduction in free cash flow due to the transition to a fixed fee structure [16] Risk Mitigation - **Recontracting Risk**: The new amendments with OXY significantly reduce the percentage of WESS revenue generated by cost-of-service rates, with only 9% of total revenue remaining subject to such rates post-amendment [17][18] - **Long-term Contracts**: Significant fixed fee contracts with OXY are effective through the mid to late 2030s, providing stability [18][19] Strategic Outlook - **Future Growth**: WESS is positioned to capitalize on future growth in the Delaware Basin, with a focus on improving cost structure and process efficiency while pursuing growth opportunities [20] Additional Insights - **Market Positioning**: The amendments and strategic initiatives are aimed at enhancing WESS's competitiveness in the midstream market, reflecting a proactive approach to evolving market conditions [20]

Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners, LP has renegotiated natural-gas gathering and processing contracts in the Delaware Basin with Occidental Petroleum, transitioning to a fixed-fee structure that enhances drilling economics and supports development in the region [1][4]. Contract Amendments - The legacy cost-of-service structure has been replaced with a simplified fixed-fee structure, supported by acreage dedication, which is expected to align interests and position WES as a standalone midstream enterprise [1][4]. - Approximately 9% of WES's total revenue will remain under cost-of-service rates, with 1% expiring in the late 2020s, while the remaining provisions extend into the mid-to-late 2030s [4]. Financial Implications - The conversion to a fixed-fee structure is not expected to reduce Adjusted EBITDA through 2027, with minimal impact anticipated until 2032 [3]. - Occidental will transfer 15.3 million WES common units to WES, valued at approximately $610 million, resulting in a decrease of Occidental's ownership from 42% to 40% [4][10]. Revenue Diversification - WES has entered into a new agreement with ConocoPhillips for natural-gas volumes, which will reduce related-party revenue by over 10% and further diversify WES's revenue streams [4]. - The new contracts with Occidental and ConocoPhillips will be effective from January 1, 2026, and February 1, 2026, respectively [10]. Management Commentary - The President and CEO of WES emphasized that the transition to a fixed-fee structure is timely and logical, enhancing alignment with producers and diversifying the customer base [5]. - The changes are expected to provide greater clarity and confidence in WES's long-term earnings potential, supporting sustainable returns for stakeholders [5].

Targa Resources agreed to acquire Stakeholder Midstream, which provides natural gas gathering and processing services in the Permian Basin, for $1.25 billion in cash. ...

Core Viewpoint - Harvest Midstream has signed a purchase and sale agreement with MPLX LP to acquire a natural gas gathering and processing network for $1 billion, marking a significant step in its growth strategy [1][2]. Company Overview - Harvest Midstream is a Houston-based privately held midstream service provider focused on gathering, storage, transportation, treatment, and terminalling of crude oil and natural gas [3]. - The company has been expanding its national footprint through strategic acquisitions, enhancing its position as a critical infrastructure partner across multiple U.S. basins [3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes assets in the Uinta and Green River basins across Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, which will significantly expand Harvest's geographic reach [1][2]. - Uinta Basin assets consist of approximately 700 miles of gas gathering pipelines and 345 million cubic feet per day of active gas processing capacity [2]. - Green River Basin assets include around 800 miles of gas gathering and transportation pipelines and 500 million cubic feet per day of active gas processing capacity, along with 10,000 barrels per day of fractionator capacity [2]. Strategic Vision - The CEO of Harvest Midstream emphasized that this acquisition is part of a long-term vision to build a resilient midstream network to support America's energy needs [2]. - Following the acquisition, Harvest will assume full operational control and aims to deliver uninterrupted service while advancing its goal of creating a best-in-class, diversified midstream enterprise [3].

Acquisition Announcement - ONEOK, Inc. announced the acquisition of the remaining 49.9% interest in Delaware G&P LLC for $940 million, which includes $530 million in cash and $410 million in common stock [1][2] Delaware Basin JV Overview - Delaware Basin JV owns natural gas gathering and processing facilities in the Delaware Basin, with a total processing capacity exceeding 700 million cubic feet per day [2] Company Profile - ONEOK is a leading midstream operator providing essential energy products and services, including gathering, processing, transportation, and storage, through a pipeline network of approximately 60,000 miles [3] - The company is recognized as one of the largest integrated energy infrastructure companies in North America, contributing to energy security and meeting both domestic and international energy demands [3]