Q1 2024 Archrock Inc Earnings Call

May 1, 2024

Okay.

Operator: Good morning. Welcome to the Archrock fourth quarter 2023 conference call. Your host for today's call is Megan Repine, Vice President of Investor Relations at Archrock. I will now turn the call over to Ms. Repine. You may now begin.

Good morning, welcome to the Archrock fourth quarter 'twenty 'twenty Conference call. Your host for today's call is Megan Repine, Vice President of Investor Relations at Archrock I will now turn the call over to you. Mr. <unk> you may now begin.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Thank you, Ellie. Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us on today's show.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Thank you, Ellie. Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us on today's webinar. With me today are Brad Childers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Archrock, and Doug Aron, Chief Financial Officer of Archrock. Yesterday, Archrock released its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2024. If you have not received a copy, you can find the information on the company's website at www.archrock.com.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Thank you Ali Hello, everyone and thanks for joining us on today's call with me today are Brad Childers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Archrock, and Doug Aron Chief Financial Officer of Archrock Yesterday, Archrock released its financial and operating results for the first quarter 2024, if you have not received a copy you.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: With me today are Brad Childers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Archrock and Doug Aron, Chief Financial Officer of Archrock. Yesterday, Archrock released its financial and operating results for the first quarter 2024. If you have not received a copy, you can find the information on the company's website at www.archrock.com.

You can find the information on the company's website at Www Dot Archrock Dot com. During this call we will make forward looking statements within the meaning of section 21 E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 based on our current beliefs and expectations as well as assumptions made by and information.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: During this call, we will make forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 based on our current beliefs and expectations, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Archrock's management. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Please refer to our latest filings with the SEC for a list of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements made during the meeting.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Available to Archrock management.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Please refer to our latest filings with the SEC for a list of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements made during this call.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: In addition, our discussion today will reference certain non-GAAP financial measures including Adjusted EBITDA, Gross Margin, Gross Margin Percentage, Pre-Cash Flow, Pre-Cash Flow after Dividend, and Cash Available for Dividend. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to our GAAP financial results, please see yesterday's press release in our Form 8K Furnished with the SEC. I'll now turn the call over to Brad to discuss Archrock's first quarter results and to provide an update of our business.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: In addition, our discussion today will reference certain non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, Gross Margin, Gross Margin Percentage, Pre-Cash Flow, Pre-Cash Flow for Dividend, and Cash Available for Dividend. For reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to our GAAP financial results, please see yesterday's press release in our Form 8K Filled with the SEC. I'll now turn the call over to Brad to discuss Archrock's first quarter results and provide an update on our business.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: In addition, our discussion today will reference certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EBITDA gross margin.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Gross margin percentage free cash flow free cash walk through dividend and cash available for dividend for reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to our GAAP financial results. Please see yesterday's press release, and our form 8-K furnished C C.

Megan Elizabeth Repine: Now I'll turn the call over to Brad to discuss our trucks first quarter results and to provide an update on our business.

Brad Childers: Thank you, Megan, and good morning, everyone. With a strong first quarter in the books, 2024 looks to be a promising and exciting year. Momentum in Archrock's earnings power is carrying into 2024, reflecting our excellent operational execution, high quality asset base, and innovative processes and technology. Among the highlights, our net income of $41 million was up from $16 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of $131 million was up $34 million or 35% versus the prior year period.

Brad Childers: Thank you, Megan, and good morning, everyone. With a strong first quarter in the books, 2024 looks to be a promising and exciting year. Momentum in Archrock's earnings power is carrying into 2024, reflecting our excellent operational execution, high-quality asset base, and innovative processes and technology. Among the highlights, our net income of $41 million was up from $16 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of $131 million was up $34 million, or 35%, versus the prior year period.

Brad: Thank you Megan and good morning, everyone.

Brad Childers: With a strong first quarter in the books 2024 looks to be a promising and exciting year.

Brad Childers: Momentum in Archrock earnings powers carrying into 2024, reflecting our excellent operational execution high quality asset base and innovative processes and technology.

Brad Childers: Among the highlights our net income of $41 million was up from $16 million in the first quarter of 2023.

Brad Childers: Adjusted EBITDA of $131 million was up $34 million or 35% versus the prior year period.

Brad Childers: This increase was driven by pricing and profitability gains across all segments. We maintained our sector-leading financial position, driving our leverage ratio to an all-time low of 3.2 times. We continue to increase shareholder returns. Our quarterly dividend per share was up 10% compared to a year ago, all while maintaining robust dividend coverage of 3.2 times for the quarter. In addition, we continued repurchasing shares under our buyback authorization. With inception to date, program purchases now totaling more than $10 million at an average price of $12.11 per share.

Brad Childers: This increase was driven by pricing and profitability gains across all segments.

Brad Childers: We maintained our sector, leading financial position driving our leverage ratio to an all time low of three two times.

Brad Childers: We continue to increase shareholder returns.

Brad Childers: Our quarterly dividend per share was up 10% compared to a year ago.

Brad Childers: All while maintaining a robust dividend coverage of three two times for the quarter.

Brad Childers: In addition, we continued repurchasing shares under our buyback authorization with inception to date program purchases now totaling more than $10 million at an average price of $12 11 per share.

Brad Childers: As Doug will discuss, because of our strong first quarter performance and confidence in our business outlook, we have raised the midpoint of our adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full year. Given the magnitude of the operational and financial improvements we've achieved, as well as the consistency in execution we've demonstrated, I'd like to take a moment to pause and say a couple of things. I want to thank our employees. Our performance is the result of the dedication and operating expertise our employees bring to deliver leading safety performance and excellent customer service each and every day. Thank you to the whole team.

Brad Childers: As Doug will discuss, because of our strong first quarter performance and confidence in our business outlook, we have raised the midpoint of our adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full year. Given the magnitude of the operational and financial improvements we've achieved, as well as the consistency in execution we've demonstrated, I'd like to take a moment to pause and say a couple of things. First... I want to thank our employees. Our performance is the result of the dedication and operating expertise our employees bring to deliver leading safety performance and excellent customer service each and every day. Thank you to the team.

Brad Childers: As Doug will discuss because of our strong first quarter performance and confidence in our business outlook. We have raised the midpoint of our adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full year.

Brad Childers: Given the magnitude of the operational and financial improvements, we've achieved as well as the consistency in execution, we've demonstrated I'd like to take a moment to pause and say a couple of things.

Brad Childers: First.

Brad Childers: I want to thank our employees.

Brad Childers: Our performance is the result of the dedication and operating expertise our employees bring to deliver leading safety performance and excellent customer service each and every day.

Brad Childers: Thank you for leading at Archrock and for a job well done. Second, I want to expand further on the remarkable and enduring business we've built. This year marks the 70th anniversary of our company's founding, and we kicked off the celebrations with the ringing of the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange last Friday.

Brad Childers: Thank you for leading at Archrock and for a job well done. Second, I want to expand further on the remarkable and enduring business we've built. This year marks the 70th anniversary of our company's founding and we kicked off celebrations with the ringing of the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange last Friday.

Speaker Change: Thank you to the team. Thank you for a leading at Archrock and for a job well done.

Brad Childers: Second I wanted to expand further on the remarkable and enduring business we built.

Brad Childers: This year marks the 70 <unk> anniversary of our company's founding and we kicked off celebrations with a ringing the opening bell the New York Stock Exchange last Friday.

Brad Childers: This milestone has given us the opportunity to reflect on where the company has been, the premier compression company we've built, and the promise that lies ahead of our transformed business. From our first-rate customer base to our highly standardized fleet and excellent customer service for which we are known in the field to our most recent digitization and emissions reduction efforts, the actions we've taken to enhance our business should benefit our performance for years to come.

Brad Childers: This milestone has given us the opportunity to reflect on where the company has been.

Brad Childers: The Premier compression company, we've built and the promise that lies ahead of our transformed business.

Brad Childers: From our first rate customer base to our highly standardized fleet and excellent customer service for which we're known in the field. So our most recent digitization and emissions reduction efforts. The actions we've taken to enhance our business should benefit our performance for years to come.

Brad Childers: We also continue to have confidence in the strong compression market fundamentals and see three primary drivers which should support a sustained opportunity set for Archrock. First, growth in natural gas production. The U.S. natural gas production forecasts we track are indicating flat natural gas production for 2024, following a record production year in 2023.

Brad Childers: We also continue to have confidence in the strong compression market fundamentals and see three primary drivers, which should support a sustained opportunity set for archrock.

Brad Childers: First growth in natural gas production.

Brad Childers: The U S natural gas production forecasts, we track are indicating flat natural gas production for 2024, following a record production year in 2023.

Brad Childers: Associated gas production in key Archrock oil producing markets, like the Permian, however, is still expected to increase. That forecasted increase in Permian natural gas production is certainly consistent with the increase in compression demand we have and will continue to experience there in 2024. In addition, the pause in total U.S. natural gas volume growth is expected to be short-lived given the visible slate of global LNG projects that have already been approved and sanctioned and are expected to result in increased U.S. natural gas production over the next five years and in a sustained call on U.S. natural gas production over the longer term. Domestic power generation could also provide upside to current domestic natural gas demand and production estimates as we're just beginning to understand the magnitude and timing of the possible opportunity that on-shoring AI data centers creates.

Brad Childers: Associated gas production in key Archrock oil producing markets, like the Permian however, is still expected to increase. That forecasted increase in Permian natural gas production is certainly consistent with the increase in compression demand we have and continue to experience there in 2024. In addition, the pause in total U.S. natural gas volume growth is expected to be short-lived given the visible slate of global LNG projects that have already been approved and sanctioned and are expected to result in increased U.S. natural gas production over the next five years and in a sustained call on U.S. natural gas production longer term. Domestic power generation could also provide upside to current domestic natural gas demand and production estimates as we're just beginning to understand the magnitude and timing of the possible opportunity that onshoring of AI data centers creates.

Brad Childers: Associated gas production in key Archrock oil producing markets like the Permian, However is still expected to increase.

Brad Childers: That forecasted increase in Permian natural gas production is certainly consistent with the increase in compression demand, we have and continue to experience there in 2024.

Brad Childers: In addition, the pause in total U S. Natural gas volume growth is expected to be short lived given the visible slate of global LNG projects that have already been approved and sanctioned and are expected to result in increased U S. Natural gas production over the next five years and in a sustained call on USAA.

Brad Childers: Gas production longer term.

Brad Childers: Domestic power generation could also provide upside to current domestic natural gas demand and production estimates as we're just beginning to understand the magnitude and timing of a possible opportunity that onshoring of AI data centers creates.

Brad Childers: The second factor is the heightened capital discipline across the energy sector. Our customers, peers, and suppliers are balancing growth with returns to shareholders, after years of poor financial performance within the energy space. Investors are demanding higher financial returns and we believe the increased level of capital discipline that we're seeing throughout the oil and gas value chain supports this inflection. Third and finally, we're excited to be a crucial part of the value chain to provide cleaner, affordable, and reliable energy to the U.S. and the world in the form of natural gas, through Archrock's incremental investments in electric motor drive compression, and our work to bring methane emissions detection, measurement, and capture solutions to market. We intend to do our part.

Brad Childers: The second factor is the heightened capital discipline across the energy sector.

Brad Childers: Our customers peers and suppliers are balancing growth with returns to shareholders.

Brad Childers: After years of poor financial performance within the energy space investors are demanding higher financial returns and we believe the increased level of capital discipline that we're seeing throughout the oil and gas value chain supports this inflection.

Brad Childers: Third and finally, we're excited to be a crucial part of the value chain to provide cleaner affordable and reliable energy to the U S and the world in the form of natural gas.

Brad Childers: Through our trucks incremental investments and electric motor drive compression.

Brad Childers: And our work to bring methane emissions detection measurement and capture solutions to market.

Brad Childers: We intend to do our part.

Brad Childers: Success by the sector would help extend the use of our affordable and abundant natural gas resource as a low-emission source of reliable power generation, as well as the use of billions of dollars of existing energy infrastructure for decades to come. Moving on to our segments, our contract operations business segment continued to show broad-based signs of strength, including historically high levels of utilization, pricing, and profitability, which we currently expect to maintain throughout the year given the tightness in the market.

Brad Childers: Success by the sector would help extend the use of our affordable and abundant natural gas resource as a low-emission source of reliable power generation, as well as the use of billions of dollars of existing energy infrastructure for decades to come. Moving on to our segments, our contract operations business segment continued to show broad-based signs of strength, including historically high levels of utilization, Pricing, and Profitability, which we currently expect to maintain throughout the year given tightness in the market.

Brad Childers: Success by the sector would help extend the use of our affordable and abundant natural gas resource is a low emission source of reliable power generation as well as the use of billions of dollars of existing energy infrastructure for decades to come.

Brad Childers: Moving on to our segments our contract operations business segment continued to show broad based signs of strength, including historically high levels of utilization.

Brad Childers: Pricing and profitability, which we currently expect to maintain throughout the year given tightness in the market.

Brad Childers: A few observations of what we're experiencing will help demonstrate the market strength we are seeing. Demand, pricing, and returns for new build equipment remain robust. We are sold out of 2024 and we continue to book equipment well into 2025. While the growth continues to be led by the Permian, we're also seeing demand for new equipment in other markets, including the Rockies. Similar to 2023, STOP activity remains at low levels.

Brad Childers: A few observations of what we're experiencing will help demonstrate the market strength we are seeing. Demand, pricing, and returns for new build equipment remain robust. We are sold out of 2024, and we continue to book equipment well into 2025. While growth continues to be led by the Permian, we're also seeing demand for new equipment in other markets, including the Rocky. Similar to 2023, STOP activity remains at low levels.

Brad Childers: A few observations of what we are experiencing will help demonstrate the market strength we are seeing.

Brad Childers: Demand pricing and returns for Newbuild equipment remained robust.

Brad Childers: We are sold out of 2024, and we continue to book equipment well into 2025.

Brad Childers: While the growth continues to be led by the Permian. We're also seeing demand for new equipment in other markets, including the Rockies.

Brad Childers: Similar to 2023 stop activity remains at low levels.

Brad Childers: And market tightness in associated gas plays, like the Permian, is being further supported by demand for gas lift, given its cost-effectiveness and reliable uptime. Today, gas lift represents around 22% of our operating horsepower. This strength is evident in our quarterly performance metrics. We exited the first quarter with near-record utilization of 95%, and based on what we see in the market today, we expect to be able to maintain utilization in the mid-90s this year.

Brad Childers: And market tightness in associated gas plays, like the Permian, is being further supported by demand for gas lift, given its cost effectiveness and reliable uptime. Today, gas lift represents around 22% of our operating horsepower. This strength is evident in our quarterly performance metrics. We exited the first quarter with near-record utilization of 95%, and based on what we see in the markets today, we expect to be able to maintain utilization in the mid-90s this year.

Brad Childers: And market tightness and associated gas plays like the Permian.

Brad Childers: It is being further supported by demand for gas lift given its cost effectiveness and reliable uptime.

Brad Childers: Today gas lift represents around 22% of our operating horsepower.

Brad Childers: This strength is evident in our quarterly performance metrics, we exited the first quarter with near record utilization of 95% and based on what we see in the market today, we expect to be able to maintain utilization in the mid ninety's. This year.

Brad Childers: Given high levels of horsepower utilization for Archrock and the industry, we're maintaining the pricing prerogative and capturing additional rate increments. The first quarter marks our 10th consecutive quarter of sequential increases in our monthly revenue per horsepower, which increased by 5% to $20.62. Continued price increases and strong cost control drove an increase in our gross margin percentage to 65%, up 700 basis points year-over-year and 100 basis points compared to the last quarter.

Brad Childers: Given our high levels of horsepower utilization for Archrock and the industry were maintaining the pricing prerogative and capturing additional rate increments.

Brad Childers: The first quarter marks our 10th consecutive quarter of sequential increases in our monthly revenue per horsepower, which increased by 5% to $20 62.

Brad Childers: Continued price increases and strong cost control drove an increase in our gross margin percentage to 65% up 700 basis points year over year, and 100 basis points compared to last quarter.

Brad Childers: Looking ahead, we're focused on defending this high level of profitability and remain ambitious about driving additional profitability gains, especially as we leverage the capabilities of our investments in innovative technology to digitize and increasingly automate our operating platform. The aftermarket services segment had a solid quarter during what is typically a seasonally slower period.

Brad Childers: The aftermarket services segment had a solid quarter during what is typically a seasonally slower period.

Brad Childers: Revenues were up 8% year-over-year due to higher pricing and as great service is driving repeat business with customers. First quarter profitability exceeded our guidance expectations as we continue to focus on higher quality and higher margin work. Shifting to our Capital Allocation Framework for 2024. We remain committed to free cash flow generation as well as our returns-based approach to capital allocation, which is increasing capital returns to shareholders. Our recently declared quarterly dividend per share was up 10% on an annual basis, and our board of directors recently approved an extension of our share repurchase authorization with renewed available capacity of $50 million.

Douglas S. Aron: Revenues were up 8% year-over-year due to higher pricing and as great service is driving repeat business with customers. First quarter profitability exceeded our guidance expectation as we continue to focus on higher quality and higher margin work. Shifting to our Capital Allocation Framework for 2024, we remain committed to free cash flow generation as well as our returns-based approach to capital allocation, who are increasing capital returns to shareholders. Our recently declared quarterly dividend per share was up 10% on an annual basis, and our board of directors recently approved an extension of our share repurchase authorization with renewed available capacity of $50 million.

Brad Childers: Revenues were up 8% year over year due to higher pricing and has great service is driving repeat business with customers.

Brad Childers: First quarter profitability exceeded our guidance expectation as we continue to focus on higher quality and higher margin work.

Brad Childers: Shifting to our capital allocation framework for 2024.

Brad Childers: We remain committed to free cash flow generation as well as our returns based approach to capital allocation.

Brad Childers: We are increasing capital returns to shareholders. Our recently declared quarterly dividend per share was up 10% on an annual basis and our board of directors recently approved an extension of our share repurchase authorization with renewed available capacity of $50 million.

Douglas S. Aron: We're continuing to meet the needs of our customer base through new build industry. These investments will be funded by operations and supported by attractive returns. Finally, we maintain an industry-leading balance sheet and leverage position. With a debt we've repaid over the last four years, and more recently, the strong earnings momentum in the last several quarters, we are well within our target leverage ratio of three to 3.5 times. In summary, we have confidence in the favorable and durable macro environment, particularly given strong oil prices, which are driving sustainable compression demand in our key associated gas markets led by the Permian Basin.

Brad Childers: We're continuing to meet the needs of our customer base through the new build industry. These investments will be funded by operations and supported by attractive returns. Finally, we maintain an industry-leading balance sheet and leverage position. With the debt we've repaid over the last four years, and more recently, the strong earnings momentum in the last several quarters, we are well within our target leverage ratio of 3 to 3.5 times. In summary, we have confidence in the favorable and durable macro environment, particularly given strong oil prices, which are driving sustainable compression demand in our key associated gas markets, led by the Permian Basin.

Brad Childers: We're continuing to meet the needs of our customer base through new build investments.

Brad Childers: These investments will be funded by operations and supported by attractive returns.

Brad Childers: Finally, we maintained an industry, leading balance sheet and leverage position.

Brad Childers: With a debt we've repaid over the last four years and more recently the strong earnings momentum in the last several quarters, we are well within our target leverage ratio of three to three five times.

Brad Childers: In summary, we have confidence in the favorable and durable macro environment, particularly given strong oil prices, which are driving sustainable compression demand in our key associated gas markets led by the Permian Basin.

Brad Childers: Our transform platform is delivering meaningful growth in quarterly revenue gross margin and adjusted EBITDA.

Brad Childers: Strong cash flow is funding high return investments in our fleet and increased return of capital to investors. While we also continue to maintain a sector, leading balance sheet and financial flexibility.

Brad Childers: Our transform platform is delivering meaningful growth in quarterly revenue, gross margin, and adjusted EBITDA. Strong Cash Flow is funding high return investments in our fleet and increased return of capital to investors, while we also continue to maintain a sector-leading balance sheet and financial flexibility. As I open the call with, I am proud of Archrock's 70-year legacy. But with the market we see ahead and our transformed platform, I'm even more excited about our company's future. With that, I'd like to turn the call over to Doug for a review of our first quarter performance and provide additional color on our updated 2024 guidance.

Douglas S. Aron: Our transform platform is delivering meaningful growth in quarterly revenue, gross margin, and adjusted EBITDA. Strong Cash Flow is funding high return investments in our fleet and increased return of capital to investors, while we also continue to maintain a sector-leading balance sheet and financial flexibility. As I open the call with, I am proud of Archrock's 70-year legacy. But with the market we see ahead and our transformed platform, I'm even more excited about our company's future. With that, I'd like to turn the call over to Doug for a review of our first quarter performance and provide additional color on our updated 2024 guidance.

Brad Childers: As I opened the call with I am proud of Archrock 70 year legacy.

Brad Childers: But with the market, we see ahead and our transformed platform I'm, even more excited about our company's future.

Brad Childers: With that I'd like to turn the call over to Doug for a review of our first quarter performance and provide additional color on our updated 2020 for guidance.

Douglas S. Aron: Thanks Brad, and good morning everyone. Let's look at a summary of our first quarter results and then cover our financial outlook. Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $41 million. This included a non-cash $3 million long-lived asset impairment.

Douglas S. Aron: Thanks, Brad and good morning, everyone, let's look at a summary of our first quarter results and then cover our financial outlook.

Douglas S. Aron: Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $41 million.

Douglas S. Aron: This included a noncash 3 million long lived asset impairment.

Douglas S. Aron: We reported adjusted EBITDA of $131 million for the first quarter 2024. Underlying business performance was strong in the first quarter as we delivered higher total gross margin dollars for both segments on a sequential basis. Results further benefited from $2 million in net asset sale gains related to non-strategic horsepower sales. Turning to our business segment. Contract operations revenue came in at $223 million for the first quarter, up 5% compared to the fourth quarter. This increase was driven by higher prices.

Douglas S. Aron: We reported adjusted EBITDA of $131 million for the first quarter 2024.

Douglas S. Aron: Underlying business performance was strong in the first quarter as we delivered higher total gross margin dollars for both segments on a sequential basis.

Douglas S. Aron: Results further benefited from $2 million in net asset sale gains related to nonstrategic horsepower sales.

Douglas S. Aron: Turning to our business segment.

Douglas S. Aron: Contract operations revenue came in at $223 million for the first quarter up 5% compared to the fourth quarter.

Douglas S. Aron: This increase was driven by higher pricing.

Douglas S. Aron: First quarter 2024 exit utilization remained near an all-time high at 95 percent, but was down slightly compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily because we took delivery of 19,500 horsepower of new build units in March that were included in the total available horsepower, but not reflected in total operating horsepower, as the units did not begin generating revenue until April. On this point, please note that our utilization calculation methodology does not include newly acquired horsepower in our operating horsepower unless and until that horsepower is generating revenue, even if the units are under contract, which substantially all of our current backlog is.

Douglas S. Aron: First quarter 2024 exit utilization remained near an all-time high at 95 percent but was down slightly compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily because we took delivery of 19,500 horsepower of new build units in March that were included in the total available horsepower but not reflected in total operating horsepower as the units did not begin generating revenue until April. On this point, please note that our utilization calculation methodology does not include newly acquired horsepower in our operating horsepower unless and until that horsepower is generating revenue, even if the units are under contract, which substantially all of our current backlog is.

Douglas S. Aron: First quarter 2024 exit utilization remained near an all time high at 95%, but was down slightly compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, primarily because we took delivery of 19500 horsepower of Newbuild units in March that were included in the total avail.

Douglas S. Aron: <unk> horsepower, but not reflected in total operating horsepower as the units did not begin generating revenue until April.

Douglas S. Aron: On this point. Please note that our utilization calculation methodology does not include newly acquired horsepower in our operating horsepower unless and until that horsepower is generating revenue even if the units are under contract, which substantially all of our current backlog is.

Douglas S. Aron: Compared to the fourth quarter, we grew our gross margin dollars by 6%. This resulted in a gross margin percentage of 65% compared to 64% last quarter. In our aftermarket services segment, we reported first quarter 2024 revenue of $45 million, down slightly compared to the fourth quarter due to seasonality, but up 8% on a year-over-year basis. First quarter AMS gross margin of 23% compared to the fourth quarter of 22%. We exited the quarter with total debt of $1.6 billion and strong available liquidity of $478 million. Variable rate debt continue to represent less than 20% of our total long-term debt.

Douglas S. Aron: Compared to the fourth quarter, we grew our gross margin dollars by 6%. This resulted in gross margin. This resulted in a gross margin percentage of 65% compared to 64% last quarter.

Douglas S. Aron: In our aftermarket services segment, we reported first quarter 2020 for revenue of $45 million down slightly compared to the fourth quarter due to seasonality, but up 8% on a year over year basis.

Douglas S. Aron: First quarter Ams gross margin of 23% compared to the fourth quarter of 22%.

Douglas S. Aron: We exited the quarter with total debt of $1 $6 billion and strong available liquidity of $478 million.

Douglas S. Aron: Variable rate debt continue to represent less than 20% of our total long term debt.

Douglas S. Aron: Our leverage ratio at quarter end was 3.2 times, calculated as total debt divided by trailing 12 month adjusted EBITDA. This was down from 3.5 times at year-end 2023. We remain committed to maintaining a consistent leverage ratio of 3 to 3.5 times through cycle. In March, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Archrock's issuer credit rating to BB- from BB+, with a stable outline. S&P also raised the issue level rating on Archrock's senior unsecured debt to double B minus from single B plus.

Douglas S. Aron: Our leverage ratio at quarter end was 3.2 times, calculated as total debt divided by trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA. This was down from 3.5 times at year-end 2023. We remain committed to maintaining a consistent leverage ratio of 3 to 3.5 times through the cycle. In March, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Archrock's issuer credit rating to BB- from BB+, with a stable outline. S&P also raised the issue level rating on Archrock's senior unsecured debt to double B minus from single B plus.

Douglas S. Aron: Our leverage ratio at quarter end was three two times calculated as total debt divided by trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA.

Douglas S. Aron: This was down from three five times at year end 2023.

Douglas S. Aron: We remain committed to maintaining a consistent leverage ratio of three to three five times through cycles.

Douglas S. Aron: In March S&P global ratings upgraded Archrock issuer credit rating to double B minus from single B, plus with a stable outlook.

Douglas S. Aron: <unk> also raised the issue level rating on Archrock senior unsecured debt to double B minus from single B plus.

Douglas S. Aron: The strong financial flexibility I just described continue to support increased capital returns to our shareholders. We recently declared a first quarter dividend of $0.165 per share, or $0.66 on an annualized basis. This is consistent with the fourth quarter 2023 dividend level and up 10% versus the year ago period. Cash available for dividend for the first quarter of 2024 totaled $82 million, leading to impressive quarterly dividend coverage of 3.2 times. In addition to paying our quarterly dividend during the quarter, we repurchased approximately 83,000 shares for $1.2 million at an average price of $14.83 per share.

Douglas S. Aron: The strong financial flexibility I, just described continued to support increased capital returns to our shareholders.

Douglas S. Aron: We recently declared a first quarter dividend of $16.05 per share or <unk> 66 on an annualized basis.

Douglas S. Aron: This is consistent with the fourth quarter 2023 dividend level and up 10% versus the year ago period.

Douglas S. Aron: Cash available for dividend for the first quarter of 2024 totaled $82 million, leading to impressive quarterly dividend coverage of three two times.

Douglas S. Aron: In addition to paying our quarterly dividend during the quarter, we repurchased approximately 83000 shares for $1 2 million at.

Douglas S. Aron: At an average price of $14 83 per share.

Douglas S. Aron: Last week, our Board of Directors reauthorized our share repurchase program, which was set to expire in April, for an additional 24-month time period. The reauthorized share repurchase program allows us to repurchase up to an additional $50 million of outstanding common stock.

Douglas S. Aron: Last week, our board of directors authorized our reauthorized our share repurchase program, which was set to expire in April for an additional 24 months time period.

Douglas S. Aron: The reauthorized share repurchases program allow us to repurchase up to an additional $50 million of outstanding common stock.

Douglas S. Aron: Turning to guidance, we are executing well compared to the outlook we provided in February and are confident in our ability to sustain historically high levels of utilization, pricing and profitability for the balance of the year. Considering excellent first quarter performance, we are raising our 2024 Annual Adjusted EBITDA Guidance Range to $510 million to $540 million, from $500 to $530 million previously. The midpoint of our improved guidance range represents an increase of 17% compared to $450 million in 2023.

Douglas S. Aron: Turning to guidance, we are executing well compared to the outlook we provided in February and are confident in our ability to sustain historically high levels of utilization, pricing, and profitability for the balance of the year. Considering our excellent first quarter performance, we are raising our 2024 Annual Adjusted EBITDA Guidance Range to $510 million to $540 million, from $500 to $530 million previously. The midpoint of our improved guidance range represents an increase of 17% compared to $450 million in 2023.

Douglas S. Aron: Turning to guidance, we are executing well compared to the outlook. We provided in February and are confident in our ability to sustain historically high levels of utilization pricing and profitability for the balance of the year.

Douglas S. Aron: Considering excellent first quarter performance, we are raising our 2024 annual adjusted EBITDA guidance range to 510 million to $540 million.

Douglas S. Aron: $500 million to $530 million previously.

Douglas S. Aron: The midpoint of our improved guidance range represents an increase of 17% compared to $450 million in 2023.

Douglas S. Aron: We now expect 2024 growth capex to total approximately $100 million. This is flat compared to growth capex of $190 million in 2023 and slightly higher than our prior guidance of between $175 and $180 million. As a result.., as a result of approximately $20 million in carryover capex for new equipment that was expected to be delivered in late 2023 and was delayed. For clarity, if I misspoke, our guidance for 2024 growth capex is expected to be $190 million.

Douglas S. Aron: We now expect 2020 for growth Capex to total approximately $100 million.

Douglas S. Aron: This is flat compared to growth capex of $190 million in 2023, and slightly higher than our prior guidance of between 175 and $180 million as a result.

Douglas S. Aron: As a result of approximately $20 million in carryover cash capex for new equipment that was expected to be delivered in late 2023 and was delayed.

Douglas S. Aron: For clarity if I misspoke, our guidance for 2020 for growth Capex is expected to be $190 million.

Douglas S. Aron: Yes.

Douglas S. Aron: Importantly, we still expect to generate free cash flow after dividend, given the enhanced financial performance I just described, as well as the $14 million in non-strategic asset sale proceeds that we generated in the quarter, which reduced our net CAPEX forecast. Our full year 2024 maintenance CapEx forecast of $80 to $85 million and other CapEx forecasts of $20 to $25 million both remain unchanged. In summary, we are delivering exceptional execution reflecting four primary drivers which are also contributing to Archrock's strong outlook for 2024.

Douglas S. Aron: Importantly, we still expect to generate free cash flow after dividend, given the enhanced financial performance I just described, as well as the $14 million in non-strategic asset sale proceeds that we generated in the quarter, which reduced our net CAPEX fork. Our full year 2024 maintenance CAPEX forecast of $80 to $85 million dollars and other CAPEX forecasts of $20 to $25 million dollars both remain unchanged. In summary, we are delivering exceptional execution, reflecting four primary drivers which are also contributing to Archrock's strong outlook for 2024.

Douglas S. Aron: Importantly, we still expect to generate free cash flow after dividend given the enhanced financial performance I, just described as well as the $14 million in nonstrategic asset sale proceeds that we generated in the quarter, which reduced our net capex forecast.

Douglas S. Aron: Our full year 2020 for maintenance Capex forecast of $80 million to $85 million and other capex forecast of $20 million to $25 million both remain unchanged.

Douglas S. Aron: In summary, we are delivering exceptional execution, reflecting four primary drivers, which are also contributing to archrock strong outlook for 2024.

Douglas S. Aron: These drivers include our transformed platform, our strong financial position and prudent capital allocation, a robust market for compression, and a bright future for natural gas to meet the growing demand for cleaner energy. With that, Ellie, we'd now like to open up the line for questions.

Douglas S. Aron: These drivers include our transformed platform, our strong financial position and prudent capital allocation, a robust market for compression and a bright future for natural gas to meet the growing demand for cleaner energy.

Speaker Change: With that we'd now like to open up to question the line for questions.

Speaker Change: Okay.

Operator: Opening the floor for question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press star and number 1 on your telephone keypad. That's star and number 1 on your telephone keypad. Our first question comes from Jim Rollyson from Raymond James. Your line is now open.

Operator: Opening the floor for a question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, please press star and number one on your telephone keypad. That's star and number one on your telephone keypad. Our first question comes from Jim Rollyson from Raymond James. Your line is now open.

Speaker Change: Opening the floor for question and answer session.

Speaker Change: To ask a question. Please press star and number one on your telephone keypad Nexstar and number one on your telephone keypad. Our first question comes from Jim Rollyson from Raymond James Your line is now open.

James Michael Rollyson: Hey, good morning, everyone, and congrats on another fantastic operating quarter. Thanks, Jim.

James Michael Rollyson: Hey, good morning, everyone, and congrats on another fantastic operating quarter. Brad, thanks Jim.

James Michael Rollyson: Hey, good morning, everyone and congrats on another fantastic operating quarter.

Brad Childers: Brad Thanks, Jim.

Brad Childers: You and I have had this conversation many times in the past and you've talked about kind of ultimately in a cycle like we're in, the upside on pricing is kind of driven by where returns ultimately are and what your customers will allow you to take before they would be willing to do the projects themselves. And if you look at kind of where those returns are today, given what's happened on the cost inflation side, and the offsetting pricing gains you've had, I'm curious, you know, your, your average revenue per horsepower per month, I think you said was 20 and a half this, this quarter, and recently at our conference in Orlando, you know, I asked Doug about where leading edge was, and it was kind of in the mid-20s.

Brad Childers: You and I have had this conversation many times in the past, and you've talked about, kind of, the upside on pricing in a cycle like we're in. It's kind of driven by where returns ultimately are and what your customers will allow you to take before they would be willing to do the projects themselves. And if you look at kind of where those returns are today, given what's happened on the cost inflation side and the offsetting pricing gains you've had, I'm curious, you know, your average revenue per horsepower per month, I think you said was 20 and a half this quarter, and recently at our conference in Orlando, I asked Doug about where the leading edge was, and it was kind of in the mid-20s.

James Michael Rollyson: You and I have had this conversation many times in the past you've talked about kind of ultimately in a cycle like we're in the.

James Michael Rollyson: The upside on pricing.

James Michael Rollyson: It kind of driven by where returns ultimately are and what your customers will allow you to take before they would be willing to do the projects themselves.

James Michael Rollyson: And if you look at kind of where those returns are today, given what's happened on the cost inflation side and the offsetting pricing gains you've had.

James Michael Rollyson: I'm curious your your average revenue per horsepower per month, I think you said was $20 five this quarter and recently at our conference in Orlando.

James Michael Rollyson: Doug about where leading edge was it was kind of in the mid twenties I'm trying to understand where you think that pricing level can go given the backdrop of LNG of power demand growth et cetera.

Brad Childers: I'm trying to understand where you think that pricing level can go, given the backdrop of LNG, of power demand growth, etc. I mean, I presume mid-20s maybe isn't the stopping point, but it's certainly kind of the near-term bogey to try and aspire getting your whole fleet to. So just maybe some context around, you know, where you think leading edge is today and where you think that might go just based on the market backdrop.

James Michael Rollyson: Presume mid twenties, maybe isn't the stopping point.

James Michael Rollyson: But it certainly kind of the near term bogey to try and aspire getting your whole fleet to so just maybe some context around where you think leading edge is today and where do you think that might go just based on the market backdrop.

Brad Childers: Thanks, Jim. A few comments.

Brad Childers: Thanks, Jim. A few comments. First, when I think of spot pricing on a year-over-year basis, the good news is that, 23 to 24, we still see pricing momentum, and we see spot prices rising. Now, though, more in the single digits compared to what we experienced over the last three years. Second, we know we have an opportunity to continue to see pricing gains on the installed base, and we're excited about that. It is reflected in our guidance, for sure, but that is the opportunity that we see in pricing. The market is still supportive of price increases, and we like both what's going on on a spot pricing basis as well as the opportunity to bring up the installed base, not just new starts.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Jim a few comments first when I think of spot pricing on a year over year basis. The good news is that 23% to 24, we still see pricing momentum and we see spot pricing up now, though more in the single digits compared to what we experienced over the last three years.

Brad Childers: First, when I think of spot pricing on a year-over-year basis, the good news is that 23 to 24, we still see pricing momentum and we see spot pricing up. Now, though, more in the single digits compared to what we experienced over the last three years. Second, we know we have an opportunity to continue to see pricing gains on the installed base. We're excited about that.

James Michael Rollyson: Yeah.

James Michael Rollyson: Second we know we have an opportunity to continue to see pricing gains on the installed base and we're exciting excited about that and it is reflected in our guidance.

Brad Childers: It is reflected in our guidance, for sure. But that's the opportunity that we see on pricing, the market is still supportive of price increases, and we like both what's going on on a spot pricing basis as well as the opportunity to bring up the installed base, not just new starts. The second comment I'd make is that it... We would not give forward-looking guidance on pricing for a future range period.

Speaker Change: For sure, but that's the opportunity we don't see we see on pricing is that the market is still supportive of price increases and we like both whats going on on the spot pricing basis as well as the opportunity to bring up the installed base not just new starts.

Brad Childers: The second comment I'd make is that we would not give forward-looking guidance on pricing at a future range period. It's probably just not the prerogative of us to guide pricing or set a future pricing level. So I'd like to just pull back on that. We're not gonna be able to share a target or a range for future pricing for a lot of reasons. So just so you know, we don't really wanna go there at all.

Speaker Change: The second comment I'd make is that.

Speaker Change: We would not.

Speaker Change: Give forward looking guidance on pricing at a future range.

Speaker Change: Period, it's probably just not the priority of us to to guide pricing set and future pricing level. So I'd like to just pull back off of that we're not going to be able to share.

Brad Childers: It's probably just not the prerogative of us to guide pricing or to set a future pricing level. So I'd like to just pull back off of that. We're not gonna be able to share a target or a range for future pricing for a lot of reasons. So just so you know, we don't really wanna go there at all.

Speaker Change: A target or a range for future pricing for a lot of reasons. So just so you know we don't we don't really want to go there.

Speaker Change: At all but a real point that you raised in your question is that.

Brad Childers: But a real point that you raised in your question is that. You know, our returns are good. But the market's going to require higher returns going forward of our customers and of us. The price for new units today is up something like 30% since 2021. Pricing and inflation for parts. Pricing and inflation for the cost of labor are all up. Pricing had to go up to regain and recover that territory, and candidly, we have.

Brad Childers: But a real point that you raised in your question is that, you know, our returns are good, but the market's going to require higher returns going forward from our customers and from us. The price for new units today is up something like 30% since 2021. Pricing and inflation for parts. Pricing and inflation for the cost of labor are all up. Pricing had to go up to regain and recover that territory, and candidly, we have.

Speaker Change: Our returns are good.

Speaker Change: But the market is going to require higher returns going forward of our customers and have us.

James Michael Rollyson: The price for new units today is up something like 30% since 2021.

James Michael Rollyson: Pricing.

James Michael Rollyson: And inflation for parts.

James Michael Rollyson: Pricing and inflation for the cost of labor are all up pricing had to go up to regain and recover that territory and candidly we have but in addition cost of capital is up and returns on investment expectations are also as an industry we have to deliver.

Brad Childers: But in addition, cost of capital is up, and returns on investment expectations are also up. As an industry, we have to deliver better returns. As a business, we have to deliver better returns, and we believe that our customer base is supportive of that because they're seeing the same demands from their industry.

James Michael Rollyson: Got it. That's helpful color.

James Michael Rollyson: Returns as a business we have to deliver better returns and we believe that our customer base is supportive of that because they're seeing the same demands from their investors.

James Michael Rollyson: Got it. That's helpful color.

Brad Childers: That's exactly kind of where I'm going just with this, what the implication is for the trajectory of pricing from here, maybe switching gears on the Free cash flow side. I mean, you guys obviously have continued to bring leverage down. Your dividend coverage climbed again to over three times, leading to the dividend increase. I'm curious how you think or how you and the board think about distributing that cash. You boosted dividends by 10% this last quarter.

Speaker Change: Got it that's helpful color on exactly kind of where I'm going just with us.

James Michael Rollyson: B, what the implication is for the trajectory of pricing from here.

James Michael Rollyson: Maybe switching gears on the.

Brad Childers: That's exactly kind of where I'm going just with this is kind of the what the implication is for the trajectory of pricing from here, maybe switching gears on the Free cash flow side, I mean, you guys obviously have continued to bring leverage down, your dividend coverage climbed again to over three times, led to the dividend increase. I'm curious how you think or how you and the board think about distributing that cash.

James Michael Rollyson: Free cash flow side, I mean, you guys. Obviously have continued to bring leverage down your dividend coverage.

James Michael Rollyson: It climbed again to over three times led to the dividend increase.

James Michael Rollyson: I'm curious, how you think or how you and the board think.

James Michael Rollyson: About distributing that cash you boosted dividend, 10%. This last quarter you just refresh the buyback program you guys have been probably lighter users so far on the buyback program, but trying to.

Brad Childers: You boosted dividends 10% this last quarter. You just refreshed the buyback program. You guys have been probably lighter users so far on the buyback program, but trying to, you know, walk through maybe how you think about allocating that capital between debt repayment, now that that's leverages in your targeted zone, versus dividend growth versus using the buyback program? And are you just opportunistic on the buyback? Or like, how do you think about that structure?

Brad Childers: You just refreshed the buyback program. You guys have been probably lighter users of the buyback program so far, but trying to. Walk through maybe how you think about allocating that capital between debt repayment, now that that's leveraged in your targeted zone, versus dividend growth, versus using the buyback program. And are you just opportunistic on the buyback, or how do you think about that structure?

James Michael Rollyson: Walk through maybe how you think about allocating that capital between debt repayment now that Thats leverages in your targeted zone versus dividend growth versus using the buyback program and are you just opportunistic on the buyback or how do you think about that structure.

Brad Childers: First, we're really excited about the financial position and the financial flexibility that we have on our platform and in our structure and balance sheet today. We fully intend to be focused on generating great returns of cash to our investors, and it's an exciting time to be in the position we're in with the number of leaders we have to pull. So starting off with the dividend, we acknowledge that 10% increase year-over-year has been good and with the financial performance that we have now, we will be revisiting that dividend rate with our board every quarter to discuss what the right level is going to be.

Brad Childers: First, we're really excited about the financial position and the financial flexibility that we have on our platform and in our structure and balance sheet today. We fully intend to be focused on generating great returns of cash to our investors, and it's an exciting time to be in the position we are in with the number of leaders we have to attract. So starting off with the dividend, we acknowledge that the 10% increase year over year has been good, and with the financial performance that we have now, we will be revisiting that dividend rate with our board every quarter to discuss what the right level is going to be.

James Michael Rollyson: First we're really excited about the financial position and financial flexibility that we have on our platform and in our structure and balance sheet today, we fully intend to be focused.

James Michael Rollyson: On generating great returns of cash to our investors and it's an exciting time to be in the position. We're in with the number of levers we have to pull so starting off with the dividends.

James Michael Rollyson: <unk> acknowledged that 10% increase year over year has been good and with the financial performance that we have now we will be revisiting that.

James Michael Rollyson: The dividend rates with our board every quarter to discuss what the right <unk>.

Brad Childers: But note, our goal is to deliver a consistent dividend and dividend growth through the cycle. We're at a strong part in the cycle, and so we want to be thoughtful about how we do that. Second, on buybacks, we are going to target being as systematic as we can be in the execution of the share repurchases over time. That does take into account price and returns, however, because our entire approach is to put our cash where we can generate the best returns.

Brad Childers: But note, our goal is to deliver a consistent dividend and dividend growth through the cycle. We're at, you know, at a strong part in the cycle, and so we want to be thoughtful about how we do that. Second, on buybacks, we are going to target being as systematic as we can be in execution of the share repurchases over time. That does take into account price and returns, however, because our entire approach is to put our cash where we can generate the best returns.

James Michael Rollyson: Level is going to be but notes our goal is to deliver a consistent dividend and dividend growth through the cycle. We're at you had a strong part in the cycle and so we want to be thoughtful about how we do that second on buybacks, we are going to target being as systematic as we can be.

James Michael Rollyson: Execution of the share repurchases over time that does take into account pricing returns. However, because our entire approach is to put our cash where we can generate the best returns and when we can do that for equity. We absolutely are going to do that for equity as opposed to debt because the returns on that right now we know what that looks like that's the easiest to compete.

Brad Childers: And when we can do that for equity, we absolutely are going to do that for equity as opposed to debt because the returns on debt right now, we know what that looks like, and that's the easiest to compute. And finally, We're in a position where the market ahead is going to be robust. What we see, and I said it in my comments, is flat natural gas production in the U.S. for 2024 is going to change in 2025 and beyond.

James Michael Rollyson: And finally.

James Michael Rollyson: We're in a position where the market ahead is going to be robust, what we see and I said it in my comments is flat natural gas production in the U S. For 2024 is going to change in 2025 and beyond our customers are working on getting ready for that we are working on getting ready for that as well so.

Brad Childers: Our customers are working on getting ready for that. We are working on getting ready for that as well. So we see a bit of a pause right now, but growth ahead. So that capital allocation is also going to going to go toward funding that growth for the benefit of our customers. But finally, you know, with the net result that we absolutely are going to work hard to generate free cash flow in the capital allocation scheme. So that's the way we think about it, Jim, and we're just excited that we know that that means we have future opportunities to return more capital to our investors.

James Michael Rollyson: We see a bit of a pause right now but growth ahead. So that capital allocation is also going to go towards funding that growth for the benefit of our customers.

James Michael Rollyson: But finally with the net result that we absolutely are going to work hard to generate free cash flow in the capital allocation schemes. So thats the way, we think about it Jim and we're just excited that we know that that means we have future opportunities to return more capital to our investors.

Douglas S. Aron: I would just say one more thing. Hey, one second, Jim. At the risk of being defensive, which is definitely not the intent when you reference slightly less usage, perhaps, under that share buyback program, I would offer as a differentiator against any other public compression company that we are the only ones delivering both growth in horsepower, growth in dividend, and a share repurchase program. I think all of those are shareholder-friendly and things that owners of Archrock have both appreciated and will continue to appreciate into the future.

Douglas S. Aron: I would just say one more thing. Hey, one second, Jim, at the risk of being defensive, which is definitely not the intent when you reference slightly less usage, perhaps under that share buyback program, I would offer as a differentiator against any other public compression company that we, I believe, are the only ones delivering, you know, both, you know, growth in horsepower, growth in dividend, and a share repurchase program. And so I think all of those are, are, you know, shareholder friendly, and, and things that owners of Archrock have both appreciated and will continue to appreciate into the future.

James Michael Rollyson: I would just say up 100 homes.

Speaker Change: One second Jim at the risk of being defensive which is definitely not.

James Michael Rollyson: Intent when you referenced slightly less usage, perhaps under that share buyback program I would offer as a differentiator against any other public compression company.

Speaker Change: That we I believe are the only ones delivering.

Speaker Change: <unk>.

Speaker Change: Growth in horsepower growth in dividend and a share repurchase program and so.

Speaker Change: I think all of those are shareholder friendly and things that owner.

Speaker Change: Owners of Archrock have both appreciate it and we'll continue appreciate into the future.

Douglas S. Aron: Absolutely, Doug. It wasn't a slight against you. It was more just a relative where capital is going between dividends.

James Michael Rollyson: Absolutely, Doug. It wasn't a slight against you. It was more just a relative where capital is going between dividends.

Speaker Change: Absolutely Doug wasn't a slate against us it was more just a relative where capital is going between didn't take it that way just just a short advertise with Jim. Thanks, sure well, it's a high class problem to have to choose which path to take of many so congrats again guys. Thanks.

James Michael Rollyson: I didn't take it that way. Just a short advertisement, Jim. Thanks. Sure. Well, it's a high class problem to have to choose which path to take out of many. So congrats again, guys. Thanks.

Douglas S. Aron: I didn't take it that way. Just a short advertisement, Jim. Thanks. Sure. Well, it's a high-class problem to have to choose which path to take out of many. So, congrats again, guys. Thanks.

Speaker Change: Thank you Jim.

Operator: Our next question comes from Selman Akyol from Stifle. Your line is now open. Thank you. Good morning.

Speaker Change: Our next question comes from Selman <unk> from Stifel. Your line is now open thank.

Selman Akyol: Thank you. Good morning. Good morning.

Selman: Thank you good morning.

Selman: Good morning.

Selman Akyol: So you talked about the gas lift market, and I was wondering if you could expand a little bit on that. What kind of opportunities you see there? Maybe talk a little bit about the custard demand you're seeing there. And then does that also have similar economics relative to? What do you think of coming off the back side of the plants and transplanting?

Selman: So you talked about the gas lift market and I was wondering if you could expand a little bit on that.

Selman: What kind of opportunities you see there.

Selman: Maybe talk a little bit about the customer demand youre seeing there and then does that.

Selman: Also.

Selman: Similar economics relative to.

Selman: Ladies into of coming off the back side of the plant and transportation.

Brad Childers: Thanks, Selman. I'll talk about the market opportunity first. Number one, what we see for gas lift has grown proportionately with what we've seen for gathering. Stated differently, the percentage and mix of what we have for compression on gas lift on a horsepower basis has basically been a consistent percentage compared to the entire fleet in application to gathering and gas lift. It's moved around a little bit, but it's been very consistent.

Brad Childers: Thanks. I'll talk about the market opportunity first. Number one, what we see for gas lift has grown proportionately with what we've seen for gathering. Stated differently, the percentage and mix of what we have for compression on gas lift on a horsepower basis has basically been a consistent percentage compared to the entire fleet in application to gathering and gas lift. It's moved around a little bit, but it's been very consistent.

Speaker Change: Thanks, Paul and then I'll talk about the market opportunity first.

Speaker Change: Number one what we see for gas lift it's grown proportionately with what we've seen for gathering stated differently. The percentage in mix of what we have for compression non gas lift on a horsepower basis has basically been a consistent percentage compared to the entire fleet and application.

Selman: Gathering and gas lift it's moved around a little bit, but it's been very consistent.

Brad Childers: So, and as you know, gas lift is really directed for oil production. It's used, you know, like an ESP or, uh, other technology to help relieve the pressure in the wellbore itself to facilitate oil production. So gas lift is very directly tied to oil production, as opposed to just pure gas production and gas gathering. And that means that, uh, it's a good market because we see in the forecast for oil growth, uh, going forward. And especially in the Permian.

Brad Childers: So, and as you know, gas lift is really directed for oil production. It's used to, you know, like an ESP or, uh, other technology to help relieve the pressure in the wellbore itself to facilitate, uh, production. So gas lift very directly tied to oil production, as opposed to just pure gas production and gas gathering. And that means that, uh, it's a, it's a good market because we see in, you know, forecast for oil growth, uh, going forward. And especially in the Permian. So it's super strong market. Um, we're going to, I think, continue to see good growth there and we're going to benefit from it.

Selman: So and as you know gas lift is really directed for oil production it's used to.

Selman: Like an ESP or other technology to help relieve the.

Selman: Pressure in the Wellbore itself to facilitate production so gas lift very directly tied to oil production as opposed to just pure gas production and gas gathering and that means that it's a good market because we see forecast for oil growth going forward and especially in the Permian. So it's.

Brad Childers: So it's a super strong market. Um, we're going to, I think, continue to see good growth there, and we're going to benefit from it. As far as the back part of your question, um, related to what we see on the, on the, uh, the recompression post plant, no, the, they're totally different applications to, to be direct, um, that's much more of a transportation and gathering application than, yeah, I misspoke on that.

Selman: Super strong market.

Selman: We're going to I think continue to see good growth there.

Selman: And we're going to benefit from it as far as the back part of your question.

Brad Childers: As far as the back part of your question, um, related to what we see on the, on the, uh, the recompression post plant, um, no, the, the, they're totally different applications to, to be direct, um, that's much more of a transportation and gathering application than, yeah, I misspoke on that. I guess what I'm, I'm just curious is if you think about just the gathering side of it versus the gas lift, is it the same contract tenor? Is it the same pricing? Are you seeing all the same dynamics in one? Yeah, the dynamics are very comparable. The economics are identical. Compression equipment is the same in both applications.

Selman: To what we see on the on the.

Selman: The Recompression post plants no.

Selman: They are totally different applications to be direct that's much more of a transportation and gathering applications. Then, yes, I misspoke on that I guess, what I am just curious as you think about just the gathering side of it versus the gas lift is it the same contract tenor or is it. The same pricing are you seeing all the same dynamics in one versus the other.

Brad Childers: I guess what I'm wondering is if you think about just the gathering side of it versus the gas lift, is it the same contract tenor? Is it the same pricing? Are you seeing all the same dynamics in one? Yeah, the dynamics are very comparable. The economics are identical. Compression equipment is the same in both applications. Be safe out there. Be well.

Selman: Yes, the dynamics are very comparable the economics are identical compression equipment is the same.

Selman: In both applications.

Selman: Understood.

Selman Akyol: understood, and then you You undertook an optimization effort, I guess, through data gathering. Can you talk about how's that going and where you see that going?

Brad Childers: Understood, and then you. You undertook an optimization effort, I guess, through data gathering. Can you talk about how's that going and where you see that?

Selman: And then.

Selman: You undertook an optimization effort I guess through data gathering can you talk about how is that going and where you see that.

Selman: Yes.

Brad Childers: Pretty exciting stuff, to be honest, because over the last Three years, we've added telemetry to every unit in the field with multiple points of data coming in off of the edge devices that's being collected through a data engine that we are just starting to really figure out how to utilize very well to improve and drive great customer service, economics and efficiency in the field, and the technicians and service managers that are really on the front end of utilizing that, preventative and predictive maintenance perspective, we can look at what's going on with the units remotely and start to diagnose and address issues before they turn into downtime. That's super exciting.

Brad Childers: Pretty exciting stuff, to be honest, because over the last Three years, we've added telemetry to every unit in the field with multiple points of data coming in off of edge devices. It's being collected through a data engine that we are just starting to really figure out how to utilize very well to improve and drive great customer service, economics and efficiency in the field, and the technicians and service managers that are really on the front end of utilizing that.

Speaker Change: It's pretty exciting stuff to be honest because over the last.

Selman: Three years, we have added telemetry to every unit in the field with multiple points of data coming in off the edge devices.

Speaker Change: Being collected through a data engine that we are just starting to really figure out how to utilize very well to improve and drive great customer service.

Speaker Change: Economics and efficiency in the field.

Speaker Change: And the technicians and service managers that are really on the front end of utilizing that what's great about the information that's coming in is that on a.

Brad Childers: What's great about the information that's coming in is that on a.., preventative and predictive maintenance perspective, we can look at what's going on with the units remotely and start to diagnose and address issues before they turn into downtime. That's super exciting. We can do a lot of that work over the air through adjustments with increasing efforts to automate aspects of what we're operating in the field today. So all of that, we believe, is going to continue to allow us to offer a differentiated level of customer service and a much higher level of efficiency.

Speaker Change: Preventative and predictive maintenance perspective, we can look at what's going on with the units remotely and start to diagnose and address issues before they turn into downtime. That's super exciting we can do a lot of that work over the air.

Brad Childers: We can do a lot of that work over the air through adjustments and increasing efforts to automate aspects of what we're operating in the field today. So all of that, we believe, is going to continue to allow us to offer a differentiated level of customer service and a much higher level of efficiency. We expect to have to roll out the trucks and go touch the units less than in the past when we did not have this technology available for us. So it's a pretty exciting time. That's the way that optimization is working.

Speaker Change: Through adjustments with increasing.

Speaker Change: Efforts to automate aspects of what were operating in the field today. So all of that we believe is going to continue to allow us to offer a differentiated level of customer service and a much higher level of efficiency, we expect to have to roll the trucks.

Brad Childers: We expect to have to roll the trucks and go touch the units less than in the past when we did not have this technology available for us. So it's a pretty exciting time. That's the way that optimization is working.

Speaker Change: And touch the units less than in the past when we did not have this technology available for us. So it's a pretty exciting time, that's the way that optimization is working.

Selman Akyol: Any ideas on when we should start expecting to see that show up in margins?

Brad Childers: Any ideas on when we should start expecting to see that show up in margins?

Speaker Change: Any ideas when we should start expecting to see that show up in margins.

Brad Childers: You're seeing some of that show up in margins already. And by the way, the beauty of that is the customers are also experiencing that at a customer service level. So when you think about the amount of profitability that we should be allowed in this business, given the investments we've made, the improvements in service that we're delivering, we're pretty ambitious that we should be able to turn that into margin on a go-forward basis as well. Understood.

Speaker Change: Youre seeing some of that show up in margins already.

Speaker Change: And by the way the beauty of that is the customers are also experiencing that at a customer service level. So when you think about the amount of profitability that we should be allowed in this business given the investments we've made the improvements in service that we're delivering we're pretty ambitious that we should be able to turn that into margin on a go.

Speaker Change: Core basis as well.

Selman Akyol: understood, and then last one just in terms of following up on the last question and some of your answers there, you talked, I guess, about seeing LNG and talking about sort of robust growth ahead, and I'm just translating that in my mind.

Speaker Change: Understood and then.

Speaker Change: Last one just in terms of following up to the last question in some of your answers there you talk I guess about.

Speaker Change: Seeing LNG and talking about.

Speaker Change: Sort of robot robust growth ahead, and I am just translating.

Speaker Change: Translating that in my mind to sort of Capex budgets as you think about capital edge.

Speaker Change: Capital allocation so.

Speaker Change: I guess you are positioning us to expect.

Speaker Change: Higher capex expenditures going forward into 'twenty five 'twenty six.

Brad Childers: Directly, no. We are not positioning the expectation for higher CAPEX in 2025, and yet we are also not providing guidance for 2025. It's still early going in 2024. It's going to be a while before we can get there.

Brad Childers: Directly, no. We are not positioning the expectation for higher CapEx in 2025, and yet we are also not providing guidance for 2025. It's still really going in 2024. It's gonna be a while before we can get there.

Speaker Change: Directly no we are not positioning the expectation for higher Capex in 2025, and yet we're also not providing guidance for 2025.

Speaker Change: Still early going in 2024, it's going to be a while before we can get there, but what I would say is that we're excited that the market remains as tight and as robust as we are seeing.

Speaker Change: We are not adjusting our capital allocation framework and we're not trying to guide an expectation of a different level of investment in the future. We still remain very dedicated to returning cash to investors and to generate free cash flow.

Speaker Change: Perfect. Thanks, so much.

Speaker Change: Yes. Thank you.

Operator: Our next question comes from Josh Jane from Daniel Energy Partners. Your line is now open.

Operator: Our next question comes from Josh Jank from Daniel Energy Partners. Your line is now open.

Speaker Change: Our next question comes from Josh <unk> Cheng Cheng Energy Partners. Your line is now open.

Josh Cheng: Thanks, Good morning.

Josh Cheng: Good morning welcome.

Josh Jank: I just wanted to go back to something you noted on your last conference call that 30% of equipment is typically leased, 70% owned, but in the Permian that lease percentage is much higher. I was hoping you guys could just expand on why exactly that is and where you expect the Permian to rank from sort of an incremental horsepower standpoint over the next couple

Josh Jane: I just wanted to go back to something you noted on your last conference call, that 30% of equipment is typically leased, 70% owned, but in the Permian, that lease percentage is much higher. I was hoping you guys could just expand on why exactly that is and where you expect the Permian to rank from sort of an incremental horsepower standpoint over the next couple of years.

Josh Cheng: I just wanted to go back to something you'd noted on your last conference call that 30% of equipment is typically at least 70% owned but in the Permian that lease percentage is much higher.

Josh Cheng: And you guys could just expand on why exactly that is and where you expect the Permian to rank from sort of an incremental horsepower standpoint over the next couple of years.

Brad Childers: Yes, thank you for the question. First, the data on this is not 100% known. That is, we don't have complete, accurate visibility into the amount of horsepower owned and operated by all the customers. So, our comments are, we believe, directional and accurate, but not exact just because that information is not available.

Brad Childers: Yes, thank you for the question. First, the data on this is not 100% known. That is, we don't have complete, accurate visibility into the amount of horsepower owned and operated by all the customers. So our comments are, we believe, directional and accurate, but not exact just because that information is not available.

Speaker Change: Yes. Thank you for the question first the data on this is not.

Josh Cheng: 100% known that is we don't have complete accurate visibility into the amount of horsepower owned and operated by all the customers. So our comments are we believe our directional and accurate but.

Josh Cheng: Not not exact just because that information is not available so with that caveat what I would share is that the Permian was growing fast over the most recent period of time at a time when the entire industry, including the producers and the mid streamers service providers compression service providers were all folks.

Brad Childers: So, with that caveat, what I'd share is that the Permian was growing fast over the most recent period of time, at a time when the entire industry, including the producers and the midstreamers, service providers, and compression service providers, was all focused on capital discipline and reining that in. That was supportive of candidly more outsourcing for capital reasons by the producers and by the midstreamers than we had experienced before this most recent capital discipline era. We think that was one driver.

Brad Childers: So with that caveat, what I'd share is that the Permian was growing fast over the most recent period of time, at a time when the entire industry, including the producers and the midstreamers, service providers, compression service providers, were all focused on capital discipline and reining that in. That was supportive of candidly more outsourcing for capital reasons, we think, by the producers and by the midstreamers than we had experienced before this most recent capital discipline era. We think that was one driver.

Josh Cheng: <unk> on capital.

Josh Cheng: Discipline in reining that in that was supportive.

Josh Cheng: Candidly more outsourcing for capital reasons, we think by the producers and by the mid streamers than we had experienced before this most recent capital discipline era. We think that was one driver and the second thing that we know is a driver as the availability of compression experienced in labor.

Brad Childers: The second thing that we know as a driver is the availability of compression experience and labor. I think our customer base was very happy to outsource more to the industry because it's expertise and labor that's available from us that was not necessarily one pocket of experience they wanted to build for themselves. So with those factors, I think, being the primary drivers of the market, we think that the amount of horsepower that's gone into the Permian has not been aligned with that 70-30 balance.

Josh Cheng: Our customer base was very happy.

Josh Cheng: To outsource more to the industry because its expertise in that labor that's available.

Josh Cheng: US that was not necessarily one pocket of experienced they wanted to build for themselves.

Josh Cheng: So with those factors I think being the primary drivers of the market. We think that the the amount of horsepower that's gone into the Permian has not been aligned with that 70 30 balance we don't know if it's more 60 40.

Brad Childers: We don't know if it's more 60-40, but that's probably a fair estimate of what we think has happened in that part of the market. And as evidence of that, by the way, we know there's more compression that is operated by outsourced service providers like Archrock, and certainly including Archrock, in the midstream sector than there ever has been in the past. So, we think that the direction is clear, but the numbers are not.

Josh Cheng: But thats, probably a fair estimate of what we think has happened in that part of the market.

Josh Cheng: And as evidence of that by the way we know there's more compression that is operated by the outsource service providers like Archrock, and certainly including Archrock in the midstream sector than there ever has been in the past so we think that.

Josh Cheng: The direction is clear the numbers or not.

Josh Jane: That's great. Thank you.

Speaker Change: That's great. Thank you and maybe just one other question geographically could you sort of.

Brad Childers: And maybe just one other question. Geographically, could you sort of walk around the areas outside of the Permian where you might expect to see growth? You mentioned the Rockies in your prepared remarks. I'm just curious how you see other markets across the U.S. developing here, not only through the end of this year but moving forward into 2025 and 2026. Sure.

Speaker Change: Walk around.

Speaker Change: The areas outside of the Permian, where you might expect to see growth you mentioned the Rockies in your prepared remarks I'm just curious how you see.

Josh Cheng: The other markets across the U S developing.

Speaker Change: <unk> not only through the end of this year, but moving forward into 'twenty five 'twenty six.

Speaker Change: Sure.

Brad Childers: The pockets where we've seen the most traction and growth recently and where we expect to see so in the future outside of the Permian include certainly the Rockies, South Texas, and the Northeast. That's where we've experienced growth, and that's where we believe we will see incremental growth. But I'm going to be clear, 60% of our growth in our CapEx is going into the Permian today, and everything else is participating in the remainder. And so the Permian remains the market for growth, and everything else is an incremental growth opportunity for us.

Speaker Change: The pockets, where we've seen the most traction and growth recently and what we expect to see so in the future outside of the Permian include.

Speaker Change: Certainly the Rockies, South, Texas, and the northeast, that's where we've experienced the growth and that's where we believe we will see incremental growth, but I'm going to be clear, 60% of our growth and our capex is going into the Permian today and everything else is participating in the <unk> and the remainder and so the perm.

Speaker Change: <unk> remains the market for growth and everything else as an incremental growth opportunity for us.

Speaker Change: Great. Thank you very much.

Speaker Change: Thank you.

Operator: Before we proceed to the next question, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star and number 1 on your telephone keypad. Our next question comes from Stephen Ferazani from Coyote. Your line is now open.

Speaker Change: Before we proceed to the next question if you'd like to ask a question. Please press star and number one on your telephone keypad. Our next question comes from Steve.

Steve: Zani from Sidoti Your line is now open.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Afternoon, Brad, Doug. I wanted to ask about the continued strength in the aftermarket. It's multiple quarters, over $45 million in revenue, and now a second out of four quarters where your margin is 23% or better. Many quarters ago, you talked about the strength coming from pent-up demand coming out of COVID and maintenance overdue, but you're continuing to grow that business. It's up 8% year over year. The same type of demand patterns you're seeing on the contract compression or anything different going on in the aftermarket.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Good afternoon, Brad Doug.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: To ask about the continued strength in aftermarket, it's multiple quarters over $45 million in revenue and now.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Second out of four quarters, when your margins, 23% or better.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Multiple quarters ago, we talked you talked about the strength coming from pent up demand coming out of Covid and maintenance overdue, but youre continuing to grow that business up 8% year over year same type of demand patterns, you're seeing on the contract compression or anything different going on in aftermarket.

Brad Childers: Steve, thanks for the question. The driver really of the revenue, but certainly the margin expansion that you're seeing in AMS is due to a couple of things. Number one, the mix.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Steve Thanks for the question.

Steve: The driver really of the revenue, but certainly the margin expansion that youre seeing in Ams is due to a couple of things number one the mix. So we're seeing a higher amount of service work compared to just parts pull through in.

Brad Childers: So we're seeing a higher amount of service work compared to just parts pulled through, and that's certainly impacting the margin. And second, the team did a great job of seeking higher-margin work with customers. And then finally, I'm just going to point out that the market for labor is really tight today, and we have a tremendously talented workforce that is in high demand. We don't necessarily see that abating. And I'm also going to just close with, however, it's a notoriously difficult business to fork. So, with that caveat, we still are very bullish and ambitious with the value that we're going to get through the AMS business segment in 2024.

Steve: And that's certainly impacting the margin and second the team's done a great job of seeking a higher margin work with customers and then finally I'm just going to point out that the market for labor is really tight today and we have a tremendously talented workforce that is in high demand we don't necessarily.

Steve: We see that abating.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: And I'm also going to just close with however is a notoriously difficult business to forecast.

Speaker Change: So with that caveat, we still are very very bullish ambitious the value that we're going to get from through the Ams business segment in 2024.

Brad Childers: You noted how much of that's tied to the strength of your service personnel and your response times. How has it worked for you in terms of ability to retain labor and labor costs? Is it easier in what would be a weaker market and other ends of oil and gas right now?

Speaker Change: You noted how much of that is tied to the strength in your service personnel in your response times. How has it worked for you in terms of ability to retain labor and labor costs is it easier in would be.

Speaker Change: A weaker market in other ends of oil and gas right now.

Brad Childers: Directly, the answer is yes; this slight lull that we're seeing in natural gas, production growth, and in the market right now as everybody's getting ready for what's going to be a ramp up in 25 and beyond has given us an opportunity to stabilize, and we've seen that in the labor pool a bit. That said, we still cannot get enough labor. More labor is going to equate to more work and growth in our AMS business, in particular. So we're still fighting the good fight to bring in and train as much talent as we can. The market is really still looking for more. Great

Speaker Change: Directly the answer is yes.

Speaker Change: Slight lull that we're seeing in natural gas.

Speaker Change: Production growth and.

Speaker Change: And in the market right now is everybody is getting ready for what is going to be a ramp in 'twenty five and beyond has.

Speaker Change: It has given us an opportunity to stabilize and we've seen <unk> seen that in the labor pool, a bit that said, we still cannot get enough labor more labor is going to equate to more work and growth in our Ams business. In particular, so were still fighting the good fight to bring in as much bringing in trade.

Speaker Change: <unk> as much talent as we can the market is really still looking for more.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Great. Just a quick one on the fleet high grading, what's left in terms of Make Ready on idle capacity. I know your maintenance capex was down. Again, I'm assuming it was reduced. Make Ready and general asset sales. Are we at the latter stages on that?

Speaker Change: Great.

Speaker Change: Just a quick one on the fleet high grading what's left in terms of.

Speaker Change: Make ready on idle capacity you guys I know your maintenance Capex was down again I'm, assuming it was produced make ready and general asset sales.

Speaker Change: At the latter stages from them.

Speaker Change: We are.

Brad Childers: We're really happy with the progress we've made to standardize the fleets and, you know, improve our fleet competitiveness, fleet age, all of that was really critical before we invested in and added the technology to the fuel that we've added, but we still have a few pockets in some of the outlying basins that we would be willing to sell for the right price. But candidly, in the market that we're in, we're just as happy to continue to operate it as we are to part with it. So it's all going to be a function of the buyer's appetite and the assignment of value. Thanks very much.

Speaker Change: We're really happy with the progress we've made to standardize the fleets.

Speaker Change: To improve our fleet competitiveness fleet age all of that was really critical before we invested in and added the technology into the field that we've added.

Speaker Change: But we still have a few pockets.

Speaker Change: In some of the outlying basins that we would be willing to sell for the right price, but candidly in the market that we're in we're just as happy to continue to operate as.

Speaker Change: As we are to part with it so it's all going to be a function of the buyers appetite and assignment of value.

Stephen Michael Ferazani: Great, thanks very much. Thank you.

Speaker Change: Great. Thanks very much.

Speaker Change: Thank you.

Operator: There are no more questions. Now, I'd like to turn the call back over to Mr. Childers for final remarks.

Speaker Change: There are no more questions.

Mr. Childers: Now I'd like to turn the call back over to Mr. Childers for final remarks.

Brad Childers: Great. Thank you, everyone, for participating in our first quarter call. Archrock is in an enviable position, and the market is strong. 2024 is off to a great start, and I look forward to updating you on our progress. Next quarter.

Childers: Great. Thank you everyone for participating in our first quarter call.

Mr. Childers: Archrock is in an enviable position in the market is strong 2024 is off to a great start and we look forward to updating you on our progress next quarter. Thank.

Childers: Thank you everyone.

Operator: Thank you all for attending today's call. We hope you have a wonderful day. You may now disconnect.

Speaker Change: Thank you all for attending today's call. We hope you have a wonderful day you may now disconnect.

Speaker Change: Thanks.

Speaker Change: [music].

Q1 2024 Archrock Inc Earnings Call

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