Western Midstream(WES)2025-05-08 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company generated net income attributable to limited partners of $300 million and adjusted EBITDA of $594 million, with a decrease in adjusted gross margin by $8 million compared to Q4 2024 [16][18] - The company maintained a trailing twelve-month net leverage ratio of just below three times at quarter end, with liquidity of approximately $2.4 billion [6][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas throughput decreased by 2% sequentially, primarily due to lower volumes from the DJ Basin and Powder River Basin, while crude oil and NGL throughput decreased by 6% [9][10] - The adjusted gross margin for natural gas assets increased by $0.05 per 1,000 cubic feet, driven by higher excess natural gas liquids volumes and pricing [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects mid-single-digit percentage growth in year-over-year throughput for natural gas and produced water, and low-single-digit growth for crude oil and NGLs [12][14] - Delaware Basin is anticipated to continue being the main engine of throughput growth in 2025, with modest growth expected across all product lines [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes prudent capital allocation and maintaining a strong balance sheet, with net leverage at or below 3x, allowing for growth while increasing distributions [19][20] - The company is focused on organic growth projects backed by minimum volume commitments, which provide stability during commodity price fluctuations [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that recent market volatility has not changed their strategy, and they remain prepared to adjust plans based on customer activity and market conditions [6][19] - The company is closely monitoring customer capital discipline and operational efficiency in light of recent commodity price weakness [12][44] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly distribution of $0.91 per unit, representing a 4% increase over the prior quarter [17] - Bob Phillips, former CEO of Crestwood Equity Partners, has joined the board as an independent director, bringing significant midstream expertise [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will capital allocation change in a slower growth environment? - Management stated that their strategy remains unchanged, and they are prepared to take advantage of potential acquisitions if organic growth opportunities slow [24][25] Question: What is the guidance for the rest of the year? - Management expects volumes to pick up, driven by West Texas and Uinta, with no material changes to the outlook [26][27] Question: Any updates on the PATHFINDER project? - Management reported positive discussions with customers and midstream players, seeking minimum volume commitments for the pipeline [32][33] Question: How recent are conversations with producer customers regarding CapEx cuts? - Management indicated that conversations are ongoing and real-time, with no significant changes in guidance despite some producers announcing CapEx cuts [42][44] Question: How would CapEx look in a flat Permian production environment? - Management suggested that CapEx would likely be at the low end of the current guidance range if flat production occurs [66][68]