Kinetik (KNTK) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported a just-equity bid of $243 million, distributable cash flow of $158 million, and free cash flow of $51 million [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for the midstream logistics segment was $151 million, down 13% year-over-year, primarily due to lower commodity prices and higher operating expenses [15] - The updated full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance range is now $965 million to $1.005 billion, reflecting a decline from previous expectations due to commodity price volatility [16][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The midstream logistics segment faced challenges from lower commodity prices and increased costs, while the pipeline transportation segment generated an adjusted EBITDA of $95 million [15] - The startup of the King's Landing facility is expected to enhance processing capacity, with over 100 million cubic feet per day being consistently flowed [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Waha natural gas pricing has declined by over 50% since February, significantly impacting the company's earnings and operational decisions [17] - The Delaware Basin rig count has decreased by nearly 20% since the beginning of the year, indicating a cautious stance from producers [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a multi-year organic investment strategy, including projects like King's Landing and the ECCC pipeline, to enhance market access and deliver value [13][10] - A new agreement with Competitive Power Ventures to connect to a 1,350-megawatt energy center demonstrates the company's ability to unlock value through strategic partnerships [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the past quarters and emphasized the need for improved forecasting and cost management [12] - Despite current headwinds, management remains confident in the long-term strategy and the potential for value creation through organic growth initiatives [21] Other Important Information - The company has secured a five-year European LNG pricing agreement, which will enhance its service offerings and provide customers with diversified pricing exposure [10] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in the data center market, leveraging its infrastructure to connect gas supply to power generation sources [77] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of producer delays on future development - Management indicated that delays are primarily within the current quarter and are not significantly pushing development into 2026, with most benefits expected in 2026 [26][29] Question: Development expectations in the Yazo formation - Management noted that the northwest shelf is seeing good geology and continued activity, with robust EMP M&A activity indicating potential future development [32][34] Question: Hedging strategy for commodity exposure - The company is relatively well-hedged for 2025 and aims to maintain 40-80% of equity volumes hedged on a rolling 12-month basis for 2026 [45] Question: Timing for King's Landing 2 announcement - Management stated that planning for King's Landing 2 is contingent on the development activity and gas packages coming online, with a potential 24-month timeline for the project [46][48] Question: Managing Waha exposure until 2028 - The company is actively managing existing capacity and has secured additional capacity to the Gulf Coast to mitigate exposure [72] Question: Update on in-basin power project - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with upstream customers regarding the power project, which is seen as important for managing controllable costs [73]