Antero Midstream (AM)2025-05-01 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Antero Midstream generated 79 million, a 7% increase year-over-year, marking the eleventh consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow after dividends [13] - Leverage declined to approximately 2.9 times as of March 31, 2025, indicating improved financial stability [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an increase in gathering and processing volumes, with expectations for low to mid single-digit year-over-year growth in gathering volumes for 2025 compared to 2024 [12] - Capital expenditures as a percentage of EBITDA stood at 17%, highlighting Antero Midstream's capital efficiency compared to peers in the midstream industry [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Appalachian region is experiencing significant growth in natural gas demand, particularly for power generation and data centers, with expectations for natural gas demand to double for powering data centers by 2030 [10] - The percentage of data centers expected to be powered by natural gas has increased from 50% to 70%, indicating a strong market trend [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Antero Midstream is focused on capital efficiency and returning capital to shareholders, with plans to allocate approximately 65% of its EBITDA for dividends, debt reduction, and share repurchases [15] - The company is well-positioned for future growth due to its investment-grade upstream counterparty and extensive natural gas and water systems in the region [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for natural gas demand, particularly in the Appalachian region, and highlighted ongoing discussions regarding local power demand [21] - The medium to long-term outlook for the company is viewed as increasingly positive, with a flexible capital allocation strategy to capitalize on high-return opportunities [16] Other Important Information - Antero Midstream has achieved significant reuse savings of approximately 50 million across all three stations constructed with relocated underutilized units [6] - The company has secured materials and pricing for its capital projects through 2026, minimizing impacts from tariffs and macroeconomic factors [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential for in-basin demand growth - Management noted ongoing discussions about local power demand, particularly for data centers, and expressed confidence in Antero Midstream's infrastructure to support future growth [21][22] Question: Outlook for propane and risk mitigation strategy - Management reiterated confidence in the long-term outlook for propane, emphasizing its unique position in the residential and commercial markets [23][26] Question: Joint venture production outlook - Management indicated that current production is running about 4% over nameplate capacity, with potential for reevaluation based on future prices and market conditions [28][29] Question: Capital allocation strategy - Management confirmed a continued focus on debt reduction and share buybacks, while remaining open to M&A opportunities as they arise [35][36] Question: Water service expectations - Management expects to service a similar number of wells in Q2 as in Q1, maintaining guidance of 70 to 75 wells serviced [46][47]