USA pression Partners(USAC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $20.5 million and operating income of $69.4 million for Q1 2025, with net cash provided by operating activities at $54.7 million [11] - Adjusted gross margins were nearly 67%, consistent with previous quarters [11] - Average revenue per horsepower reached an all-time high of $21.6, reflecting a 1% increase sequentially and a 6% increase year-over-year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total fleet horsepower remained approximately 3.9 million, unchanged from the prior quarter, while revenue-generating horsepower was flat sequentially but up 2% year-over-year [12] - Average utilization for the quarter was 94.4%, slightly down from 94.5% in the previous quarter [12] - Expansion capital expenditures were $22.2 million, while maintenance capital expenditures were $10.9 million, indicating a focus on reconfiguration and new horsepower [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company holds the largest contract compression fleet in the Northeast, totaling around 900,000 horsepower, benefiting from strong demand in the data center market [7] - Key upstream companies in the Permian and Northeast reaffirmed their full-year capital production targets despite softening commodity prices [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined growth, particularly in acquiring large horsepower, while monitoring market conditions closely [6][9] - A transition to new IT and HR functions is underway, with an ERP implementation planned for Q1 2026 to improve business management [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while commodity prices have softened, the compression business is sustained by long-term agreements, making it less susceptible to short-term price fluctuations [9] - The company anticipates maintaining adjusted operating margins and is committed to reducing its leverage ratio while funding new growth projects [13][14] Other Important Information - The company has completed its idle to active initiative, with large horsepower utilization remaining close to full [6] - A promotion of Chris Wasson to Chief Operating Officer was highlighted, recognizing his leadership in the Permian operations [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2025 - Management confirmed maintaining the guidance range of $590 million to $610 million for adjusted EBITDA, with Q1 performance aligning with the midpoint of this range [20][21] Question: Growth Outlook Beyond 2025 - Management indicated strong interest in 2026 proposals, with ongoing discussions and RFPs being undertaken despite current macroeconomic uncertainties [22][25] Question: Operating Horsepower Growth - The addition of 40,000 horsepower in Q1 is below the full-year forecast, but management is optimistic about fulfilling remaining orders by year-end [29] Question: Contracting Environment - Management noted no significant changes in contract duration or terms, with a preference for longer-term contracts to mitigate economic volatility [37][38] Question: Lead Times and Manufacturing Changes - Lead times for equipment remain stable, with no significant delays reported, although potential impacts from tariffs are being monitored [39][40] Question: Asset Sales and Portfolio Optimization - The company continues to look for ways to optimize its portfolio, with modest asset sales and swaps being part of the strategy [43][45]