Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved record revenue of $208.9 million, a 2% increase compared to the pro forma Q3 revenue [14] - Full year 2025 pro forma revenues reached $790 million, representing a 19% year-over-year increase compared to pro forma 2024 revenues [5][14] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA was $402.8 million, a 16% year-over-year increase [15] - The company reported a full-year net loss of $58.1 million and a Q4 net loss of $13.6 million [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Produced water volumes in Q4 reached 2.6 million barrels per day, with full year combined volumes averaging 2.4 million barrels per day, marking a 15% year-over-year growth [5] - The Kraken project was brought online, contributing an initial capacity of approximately 450,000 barrels per day [10] - The Speedway Phase 1 project was oversubscribed, with expectations for significant volume growth in 2026 and beyond [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in the Delaware Basin, which is experiencing high demand for produced water handling solutions due to evolving industry needs [6][7] - The water-to-oil ratios in the Delaware Basin are among the highest in the U.S., driving continued growth in produced water volumes [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its operational and commercial momentum in 2026, focusing on high-return organic growth projects and expanding its water infrastructure network [6][8] - There is a strategic emphasis on maintaining a conservative balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities, including potential M&A [16][38] - The company plans to initiate construction on the New Devon Project in Q4 2026, further expanding its infrastructure [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's position entering 2026, citing strong commercial momentum and the potential for upside in produced water handling volumes [14][18] - The current macro environment is seen as more favorable than when the 2026 guidance was set, suggesting potential for higher activity levels [25][46] Other Important Information - The company declared an inaugural quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share [16] - Total liquidity at year-end was $527 million, including $52 million in cash and $475 million undrawn under a new credit facility [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: 2026 produced water handling volumes guidance - Management acknowledged that the guidance reflects a conservative approach based on previous market conditions, but noted potential for upside if the current macro environment holds [25][26] Question: Opportunities from the Devon and Coterra merger - Management expressed excitement about the merger and the potential for growth opportunities, particularly with the Devon team [27][28] Question: Acceleration of growth project opportunities - Management confirmed that several commercial projects are firming up, which will support the foundation for Speedway Phase Two [34] Question: Capital allocation philosophy post-growth project spend - Management emphasized prioritizing high-return organic growth projects while remaining open to M&A opportunities [38] Question: Expectations for Speedway Phase Two - Management indicated that CapEx for Phase Two is included in the budget and is based on firm commercial projects [48] Question: Evolution of rates for water takeaway - Management noted that rates are increasing due to higher demand and capital needs for projects, with new rates significantly higher than previous averages [56] Question: Capacity to handle more produced water volumes - Management stated that the company could exceed the peak of 2.9 million barrels per day, highlighting the importance of having infrastructure in place [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, WaterBridge achieved record revenue of $208.9 million, a 2% increase compared to the pro forma Q3 revenue [14] - Full year 2025 pro forma revenues reached $790 million, representing a 19% annual increase compared to pro forma 2024 revenues [5][14] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA was $402.8 million, a 16% year-over-year increase [15] - The company reported a full-year net loss of $58.1 million [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Produced water volumes in Q4 2025 increased to 2.6 million barrels per day, with full year combined volumes averaging 2.4 million barrels per day, reflecting a 15% year-over-year growth [5][10] - The Kraken project was brought online, contributing an initial capacity of approximately 450,000 barrels per day [11] - The Speedway Phase 1 project was oversubscribed, with expectations for significant volume growth in 2026 and beyond [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - WaterBridge's produced water handling capacity exceeds 5 million barrels per day across over 2,600 miles of integrated pipeline [6] - The company has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 22% in produced water handling volumes since 2022 [7] - Rates for produced water takeaway are increasing due to rising demand, with new contracts expected to drive higher unit-level revenue [58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - WaterBridge aims to continue its operational and commercial momentum in 2026, focusing on high-return organic growth projects and expanding its water infrastructure network [8][16] - The company is committed to maintaining a conservative balance sheet while exploring selective strategic acquisitions [16][39] - Future growth is anticipated from the Speedway Phase II project and potential Phase III developments, driven by increasing demand for water solutions [56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position entering 2026, highlighting strong commercial momentum and opportunities for growth [14][18] - The current macro environment is viewed as more favorable than when the 2026 guidance was set, suggesting potential upside in produced water handling volumes [25][46] - Management noted that the merger between Devon and Coterra could present incremental growth opportunities for WaterBridge [27][29] Other Important Information - The company ended 2025 with total liquidity of $527 million, including $52 million in cash and cash equivalents [15] - Capital expenditures in Q4 2025 were $89.2 million, primarily for the development of Speedway Phase 1 [16] - An inaugural quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share was declared [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: 2026 produced water handling volumes guidance - Management acknowledged that the guidance reflects a conservative approach based on previous producer feedback when oil prices were lower, but noted potential for upside in the latter half of 2026 [25][26] Question: Opportunities from the Devon and Coterra merger - Management expressed excitement about the merger and the potential for growth opportunities, particularly with the Devon team [27][29] Question: Acceleration of growth project opportunities - Management confirmed that several commercial projects are firmed up and will serve as the foundation for Speedway Phase II, with additional capital allocated for these projects [35][36] Question: Capital allocation philosophy post-growth project spend - Management emphasized prioritizing high-return organic growth projects while remaining open to M&A opportunities, maintaining a healthy balance sheet, and considering dividends and buybacks in the future [39][40] Question: Capacity to handle more produced water volumes - Management indicated that the company could exceed the peak of 2.9 million barrels per day, highlighting the importance of having infrastructure in place to accommodate larger multi-well pads [65][66]

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]

Core Insights - The record performance in 2025 was primarily driven by throughput growth in the Delaware and DJ Basins, along with the strategic acquisition of Aris Water Solutions [1] - Management views 2026 as a transition year due to a temporary reallocation of producer activity away from WES-serviced acreage in the Delaware Basin [1] - Natural gas throughput is facing challenges from third-party curtailments related to volatile Waha Hub pricing, which is expected to continue through mid-2026 [1] Financial Performance - The integration of Aris is ahead of schedule, achieving $40 million in targeted synergies, positioning WES as a leader in produced water solutions and beneficial reuse [1] - Aggressive cost-reduction initiatives have successfully lowered operations and maintenance expenses by over $100 million on an annualized basis from Q1 to Q4 2025 [1] Strategic Developments - Strategic contract renegotiations with Oxy, including the exchange of gas gathering contracts for WES units, have improved operating leverage and financial flexibility [1]

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].