Western Midstream(US:WES)2025-11-05 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income attributable to limited partners of $332 million and adjusted EBITDA of $634 million in Q3 2025, with adjusted gross margin remaining relatively flat compared to the previous quarter [17][20] - Operating and maintenance expenses decreased by 5%, or $12 million quarter-over-quarter, due to reduced asset maintenance and repair expenses [17][18] - Cash flow from operating activities totaled $570 million, generating free cash flow of $397 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas throughput increased by 2% sequentially, driven by higher throughput from the Chipeta plant in Utah and increased volumes in South Texas [7] - Crude oil and NGLs throughput decreased by 4% sequentially, primarily due to decreased throughput from the Delaware Basin [8] - Produced water throughput remained flat sequentially, with expectations for a 40% year-over-year increase in Q4 2025 due to the Aris acquisition [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Delaware Basin throughput was in line with expectations, with low double-digit year-over-year growth anticipated for natural gas and low to mid-single digits for crude oil and NGLs [10][12] - The DJ Basin is expected to see flat year-over-year throughput growth for natural gas and low to mid-single digits for crude oil and NGLs [12] - The Powder River Basin is projected to have flat throughput growth for both natural gas and crude oil and NGLs [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Aris Water Solutions positions the company as a leader in produced water midstream solutions in the Delaware Basin, enhancing its commercial capabilities [4][24] - The company aims to capture $40 million in annual run rate synergies from the Aris acquisition and is focused on organic growth alongside potential inorganic opportunities [4][15][67] - The company is maintaining a disciplined capital allocation framework while planning for significant capital expenditures in 2026 [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to address produced water challenges in the Delaware Basin and highlighted the importance of regulatory engagement [4][24] - The company anticipates continued throughput growth in the Delaware Basin, driven by the Aris acquisition and ongoing projects [10][15] - Management acknowledged potential commodity price weakness impacting certain basins but remains optimistic about overall growth prospects [12][58] Other Important Information - The company expects to be at the high end of its previously announced 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $2.35 billion to $2.55 billion, including contributions from Aris [20] - The company declared a quarterly distribution of $0.91 per unit, consistent with the prior quarter [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on O&M expense sustainability - Management confirmed that the reduction in O&M expenses is sustainable and ongoing cost management initiatives are expected to yield further improvements [30][34] Question: Potential for distribution step-ups with major projects - Management indicated that distribution step-ups are possible with major projects or acquisitions, but will be balanced against market conditions and yield considerations [35][37] Question: Update on the Pathfinder project and pore space agreement - Management noted that the pore space agreement enhances project efficiency and flexibility, with positive implications for returns [40][41] Question: Plans for expanding gas and oil infrastructure in New Mexico - Management plans to pursue both organic and inorganic growth opportunities in New Mexico, leveraging the Aris footprint [45][46] Question: Outlook for 2026 and potential portfolio gaps - Management expects overall product growth across all three product lines in 2026, with a focus on the Delaware Basin and cost-cutting initiatives [56][58] Question: Synergies from the Aris acquisition - Management is confident in achieving the $40 million in synergies and anticipates additional operational synergies to emerge in the near term [64][67]