Antero Midstream (AM) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, adjusted EBITDA was $285 million, a 4% year-over-year increase driven by higher gathering and compression volumes [5] - Free cash flow after dividends for Q4 was $85 million, contributing to a leverage reduction to 2.7x and approximately $48 million in share repurchases [5] - For the full year 2025, free cash flow after dividends reached a record $325 million, a 30% increase compared to 2024 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition of HG Midstream for $1.1 billion adds over 400 undeveloped locations in the Marcellus Shale, enhancing Antero Midstream's competitive position [3] - The company expects 8% year-over-year EBITDA growth and 11% year-over-year free cash flow growth in 2026, driven by the integration of the acquired assets [4][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates generating over $1.2 billion in adjusted EBITDA for 2026, reflecting an 8% increase year-over-year [7] - The capital budget for 2026 is set between $190 million and $220 million, focusing on well connections, water capital, and compression asset integration [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Antero Midstream's strategy emphasizes capital-efficient organic growth and the integration of acquired assets to enhance free cash flow [3][8] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet with leverage in the low 3x range while executing a balanced return of capital program [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued EBITDA growth and capital efficiency, projecting high single-digit growth beyond 2027 [12] - The integration of the water system and the development program is expected to provide significant growth visibility [4] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 20% return on invested capital (ROIC) in 2025, indicating strong capital efficiency [5] - The acquisition is fully financed, allowing for value accretion to existing shareholders without the need for equity financing [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term growth outlook post-acquisition - Management indicated that the 3 rig, 2 crew program will support continued growth beyond 2027, with expected throughput volume growth of about 200 million a day [12] Question: Growth plans for Antero Resources (AR) and implications for Antero Midstream (AM) - Management noted that AM's capital requirements remain minimal due to existing infrastructure, while AR is well-positioned to meet growing demand over the next 5-10 years [15][16]