Western Midstream(WES) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company generated record Adjusted EBITDA of $636 million, with an increase of approximately 5% sequentially, excluding negative non-cash cumulative revenue recognition adjustments [10][11][31] - For the full year 2025, the company reported a record Adjusted EBITDA of $2.48 billion, exceeding the midpoint of its guidance range [36] - The net income attributable to limited partners for Q4 2025 was $187 million, impacted by $120 million of transaction costs from the Aris acquisition [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas throughput decreased by 4% sequentially in Q4 2025, primarily due to lower volumes from the Delaware Basin and Powder River Basin, partially offset by record throughput from the DJ Basin [21] - Produced water throughput increased by 121% sequentially in Q4 2025, driven by the Aris acquisition [22] - For the full year 2025, natural gas throughput averaged 5.2 billion cubic feet per day, a 4% year-over-year increase, while crude oil and NGLs throughput averaged 514,000 barrels per day, a 1% year-over-year increase [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Delaware Basin remained the primary growth engine, with throughput records contributing to overall performance, while the DJ and Powder River Basins are expected to see declines [11][26] - The company anticipates that natural gas throughput will remain flat year-over-year in 2026, with crude oil and NGL throughput expected to decline by low- to mid-single digits [8][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s long-term growth strategy remains focused on mid- to low-single-digit Adjusted EBITDA growth, supported by producers' development plans and undrilled inventory [44][46] - The Aris acquisition is expected to contribute meaningfully to Adjusted EBITDA in 2026 and enhance the company's capabilities in produced water solutions [10][16] - The company plans to reduce its capital expenditure program for 2026 to $925 million, down from previous estimates, to align with revised producer activity levels [9][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased macroeconomic and commodity price-driven volatility, leading to a reduction in expected activity levels from producers [5][7] - The company expects continued pricing pressure in the near term due to Waha Hub pricing challenges, but anticipates new egress solutions to alleviate some of this pressure [12][60] - Management remains confident in the long-term demand for natural gas, particularly for power generation and LNG, which is expected to drive future growth [46] Other Important Information - The company achieved $40 million in targeted cost synergies from the Aris acquisition, with significant integration milestones completed ahead of schedule [17] - The company’s balance sheet remains strong, with net leverage around 3x throughout 2025, allowing for continued investment in growth opportunities [16][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company thinking about M&A and inorganic growth? - Management reiterated that their capital deployment strategy remains unchanged, focusing on opportunities for synergies and disciplined capital allocation [52][54] Question: Can you elaborate on the Waha pricing situation? - Management indicated that they are working on commercial solutions to help customers with Waha exposure and expect new egress solutions to help stabilize pricing [60] Question: What is the expected growth rate for the water business compared to gas and oil? - Management expects the water business to grow faster than gas and oil, with overall long-term growth for gas and oil assets projected at 2%-3% [70]