Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company generated record Adjusted EBITDA of $636 million, with an increase of approximately 5% sequentially, excluding negative non-cash cumulative revenue recognition adjustments [10][11][31] - For the full year 2025, the company reported a record Adjusted EBITDA of $2.48 billion, exceeding the midpoint of its guidance range [36] - The net income attributable to limited partners for Q4 2025 was $187 million, impacted by $120 million of transaction costs from the Aris acquisition [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas throughput decreased by 4% sequentially in Q4 2025, primarily due to lower volumes from the Delaware Basin and Powder River Basin, partially offset by record throughput from the DJ Basin [21] - Produced water throughput increased by 121% sequentially, driven by the Aris acquisition [22] - For the full year 2025, natural gas throughput averaged 5.2 billion cubic feet per day, a 4% year-over-year increase, while crude oil and NGLs throughput averaged 514,000 barrels per day, a 1% year-over-year increase [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects natural gas throughput to remain flat year-over-year in 2026, with crude oil and NGL throughput declining by low- to mid-single digits [26] - The Delaware Basin is anticipated to be the primary driver of throughput growth, despite expected declines in the DJ and Powder River Basins [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid- to low-single-digit Adjusted EBITDA growth in the long term, supported by producers' development plans and undrilled inventory on serviced acreage [44][46] - The Aris acquisition is expected to contribute meaningfully to Adjusted EBITDA in 2026 and enhance the company's produced water solutions capabilities [10][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased macroeconomic and commodity price-driven volatility affecting producer activity levels, particularly in the Delaware Basin [5][7] - The company remains confident in its long-term growth strategy despite a transition year in 2026, with stable long-term contract structures supporting financial stability [9][10] Other Important Information - The capital expenditure program for 2026 has been reduced to a midpoint of $925 million, down from at least $1.1 billion, reflecting a disciplined approach to capital allocation [9][40] - The company achieved $40 million in targeted cost synergies from the Aris acquisition, with 85% expected to be realized by the end of Q1 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company thinking about M&A and inorganic growth? - Management reiterated that the strategy remains unchanged, focusing on capital deployment to sustain or grow distributions, with a preference for M&A opportunities that offer synergies [52][56] Question: Can you elaborate on the Waha pricing situation? - Management indicated that new egress solutions expected in the second half of the year should help alleviate pricing volatility, and they are working with customers to find commercial solutions [58][59] Question: What is the expected growth rate for the water business compared to gas and oil? - Management expects the water business to grow faster than gas and oil, with core business growth projected at 2%-3% over time [70]

Record 2025 performance was driven by throughput growth in the Delaware and DJ Basins and the strategic acquisition of Aris Water Solutions. Management characterizes 2026 as a transition year due to a temporary reallocation of producer activity away from WES-serviced acreage in the Delaware Basin. Natural gas throughput faced headwinds from third-party curtailments linked to volatile Waha Hub pricing, which management expects to persist through mid-2026. The Aris integration is ahead of schedule, ac ...

Core Viewpoint - The midstream master limited partnership (MLP) sector is currently a strong investment opportunity due to high yields and solid financial health of the companies involved [1][2]. Company Summaries Western Midstream - Western Midstream Partners offers a yield of 9.2%, making it one of the most attractive high-yield stocks available [4]. - The company has a market capitalization of $16 billion and a gross margin of 53.34% [5][6]. - It has a leverage ratio of 2.8 and is expanding its operations, including the acquisition of Aris Water Solutions and the development of the Pathfinder Pipeline [6][7]. - The company plans to grow its distribution at a mid-single-digit rate in the coming years [7]. Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer has an 8% yield and is in strong financial shape, with a market cap of $56 billion and a gross margin of 12.85% [8][9]. - Approximately 90% of its business is fee-based, providing stability as it is less exposed to commodity price fluctuations [7][9]. - The company is investing nearly $10 billion in growth capital expenditures over the next two years, with an expected return in the mid-teens [10]. - Energy Transfer aims to grow its distribution by 3% to 5% annually [10]. Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners has a yield of 6.8% and has consistently raised its payout for 27 consecutive years [11]. - The company has a market cap of $69 billion and a gross margin of 12.74% [12]. - It maintains a coverage ratio of 1.5 and a leverage ratio of 3.3, indicating a solid financial position [11][12]. - Enterprise is expected to reduce capital expenditures next year, leading to strong free cash flow and flexibility for capital allocation [13][14].