Hess Midstream LP(US:HESM)2025-07-30 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, net income was $180 million compared to $161 million in Q1 2025, and adjusted EBITDA increased to $316 million from $292 million in Q1 2025 [16][18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for Q2 was maintained at approximately 80%, above the target of 75%, indicating strong operating leverage [17] - The company expects adjusted free cash flow of approximately $725 million to $775 million for the full year 2025, with capital expenditures projected at $300 million [10][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, throughput volumes averaged 449 million cubic feet per day for gas processing, 137,000 barrels per day for crude terminaling, and 138,000 barrels per day for water gathering, with gas processing and oil terminaling volumes increasing by approximately 6% and 10% respectively from Q1 2025 [12][13] - Gathering revenues increased by approximately $16 million, processing revenues by $9 million, and terminaling revenues by $4 million compared to Q1 2025 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is reaffirming its full-year 2025 oil and gas throughput guidance, expecting volume growth in Q3 2025, partially offset by higher seasonal maintenance activity [13] - The North Dakota Pipeline Authority anticipates that Bakken gas will grow over the long term, with oil remaining relatively flat [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue delivering operational excellence and financial performance, with a focus on a disciplined, low-risk investment strategy to meet basin demand while maintaining reliable operations [14] - The financial strategy prioritizes return of capital to shareholders, with a targeted annual distribution growth of at least 5% through 2027 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational performance and growth trajectory, with expectations of approximately 10% volume growth across all oil and gas systems in 2025 compared to 2024 [9] - The company highlighted the importance of the partnership with Chevron to optimize the Bakken development, maintaining a focus on high utilization of infrastructure [60][61] Other Important Information - Hess Midstream's senior unsecured debt was upgraded to an investment grade rating of BBB- following the Chevron merger [10] - The company has returned over $2 billion to shareholders through repurchases since 2021 and increased distributions per Class A share by more than 60% [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Chevron's view on Bakken and rig count changes - Management indicated that they are currently running four rigs and have seen strong upstream performance, with updates to the development plan expected towards the end of the year [22][24] Question: Capital allocation and appetite for buybacks - Management confirmed that they expect to continue repurchases at a rate of approximately $100 million per quarter, maintaining their financial flexibility of $1.25 billion through 2027 [25][26] Question: Trends in Gas-to-Oil Ratios (GORs) and Bakken outlook - Management noted that GORs are expected to increase over the long term, with Bakken gas anticipated to grow, while oil production remains stable [31][32] Question: Guidance and performance expectations - Management expressed confidence in maintaining guidance, with expectations of higher EBITDA in the second half of the year despite some seasonal maintenance costs [41][42] Question: Governance structure post-GIP exit - Management emphasized the importance of balanced governance and the implementation of mechanisms requiring independent director approval for key decisions [52][53] Question: Chevron's involvement in buybacks - Management clarified that there would be no change in the buyback strategy, with participation expected to align with public ownership levels [45][46]