Kinetik (US:KNTK)2025-05-08 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kinetic reported first quarter adjusted EBITDA of $250 million, a 7% year-over-year increase driven by process gas volume growth and margin expansion in the Midstream Logistics segment [7][14] - Distributable cash flow was $157 million, and free cash flow reached $120 million [14] - The company affirmed full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1.09 billion to $1.15 billion, expecting a meaningful acceleration in adjusted EBITDA growth during the second half of the year [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Midstream Logistics segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $159 million, up 11% year-over-year due to increased process gas volumes and margin expansion from Northern Delaware assets [14] - The Pipeline Transportation segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $94 million, down 2% year-over-year, primarily due to the absence of contributions from Gulf Coast Express following the sale of equity interest [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kinetic's operations are primarily focused on the Permian Basin, which is expected to remain resilient despite macroeconomic challenges [9][10] - The company anticipates over 1 billion cubic feet per day of gas growth per year, even if Permian crude production remains flat [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Kinetic is focused on providing flow assurance and operational reliability to producer customers, with a strong emphasis on organic and inorganic growth opportunities [10][12] - The company announced a $500 million share repurchase program, reflecting management's confidence in Kinetic's value proposition [13][21] - Future capital expenditures are expected to be discretionary and flexible, with less than $50 million of committed growth capital in 2026 [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged elevated volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty but expressed confidence in Kinetic's ability to navigate these challenges [7][20] - The company is seeing some indirect impacts of lower commodity prices, leading to adjustments in gas process volume growth assumptions from approximately 20% to high teens growth [18][19] - Management remains optimistic about the long-term growth outlook, projecting a 10% compound annual growth rate through 2029 [23][26] Other Important Information - Kinetic has made substantial progress on strategic projects, including the commissioning of the King's Landing complex [7][19] - The company has a strong hedging strategy, with approximately 83% of expected gross profit sourced from fixed fee agreements [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term growth drivers - Management highlighted that the 10% compound annual growth rate is supported by contractual resets and growth in New Mexico, with a focus on operational efficiency [23][26] Question: Capital allocation and buybacks - Management confirmed a flexible approach to capital allocation, emphasizing the value seen in the current share price and the potential for M&A opportunities [28][30] Question: Macro environment and CapEx adjustments - Management indicated that further production cuts could lead to adjustments in capital expenditures, but emphasized a customer-specific approach to decision-making [49][52] Question: Commodity exposure and hedging - Management stated that approximately 83% of gross profit is fee-based, with plans to continue hedging against commodity price fluctuations [61][63] Question: Performance of acquired assets - The Barilla Draw acquisition has exceeded expectations, with significant activity anticipated in the coming years [105][106]