Black Stone Minerals(BSM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $91.7 million for Q3 2025, with Adjusted EBITDA at $86.3 million [10] - Mineral and royalty production increased to 34.7 thousand BOE per day, a 5% increase from the previous quarter [10] - Distributable cash flow for the quarter was $76.8 million, representing a coverage ratio of 1.21 times [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The increase in production was primarily driven by strong volumes in the Permian Basin [10] - Total production volumes reached 36.3 thousand BOE per day, with 57% of oil and gas revenue coming from oil and condensate production [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is optimistic about the natural gas market outlook, particularly due to increasing demand from LNG and power sectors [11] - The company expects to see significant gas growth from the Shelby Trough, with over 50 wells anticipated to be drilled annually [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing acquisitions in the Haynesville expansion and is working on a development agreement covering 220,000 gross acres [4][5] - The focus remains on increasing production and distribution outlook through ongoing development agreements and new projects in the Permian [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the company, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a multi-year forecast rather than short-term fluctuations [27] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from the expected stability in natural gas markets, suggesting that now is an opportune time to invest in shares [28] Other Important Information - The company added $20 million in mineral and royalty acquisitions during the quarter, bringing total acquisitions since September 2023 to approximately $193 million [8] - Management highlighted the potential for significant inventory in the Shelby Trough and surrounding areas, indicating ongoing geological exploration [22][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on KLX area discussions and interest following Expand's entry - Management indicated progress in discussions, now at the half-yard line, with expectations to finalize soon [18] - Interest in commitments remains robust, with operating partners able to exceed minimum annual commitments [20] Question: Volume trends for Q4 and 2026 - Management remains cautious about updating guidance but is optimistic about Aethon volumes and Permian developments coming online [26] Question: Natural gas differentials and hedging strategy - The company maintains a consistent hedging strategy and is focused on high-interest acreage to mitigate challenges related to Waha pricing [34][35]