Q1 2026 Hess Midstream LP Earnings Call

May 4, 2026

Operator: Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Q1 2026 Hess Midstream Conference Call. My name is Kevin. I'll be your operator for today. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during the session, you'll need to press star 11 on your telephone. You'll hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again. Please be advised today's conference is being recorded for replay purposes. I would now like to turn the conference over to Jennifer Gordon, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please proceed.

Operator: Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Q1 2026 Hess Midstream Conference Call. My name is Kevin. I'll be your operator for today. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question during the session, you'll need to press star one one on your telephone. You'll hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please be advised today's conference is being recorded for replay purposes. I would now like to turn the conference over to Jennifer Gordon, Vice President of Investor Relations. Please proceed.

Speaker #1: At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. You will have the opportunity to ask a question during the session.

Speaker #1: You'll need to press star 11 on your telephone. You'll then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again.

Speaker #1: Please be advised today's conference is being recorded for replay purposes. I would now like to turn the conference over to Jennifer Gordon, Vice President of Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please proceed. Thank you, Kevin. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for participating in our first quarter earnings conference call. Our earnings release was issued this morning, and it appears on our website, www.hessmidstream.com.

Jennifer Gordon: Thank you, Kevin. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for participating in our Q1 earnings conference call. Our earnings release was issued this morning and appears on our website, www.hessmidstream.com. Today's conference call contains projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such statements. These risks include those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Hess Midstream's filings with the SEC. On today's conference call, we may discuss certain GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of the differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found in the earnings release. With me today are Jonathan Stein, Chief Executive Officer, and Mike Chadwick, Chief Financial Officer.

Speaker #1: Today's conference call contains projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities Laws. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

Speaker #1: That may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in such statements. These risks include those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Hess Midstream's filings with the SEC.

Jennifer Gordon: These risks include those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Hess Midstream's filings with the SEC. On today's conference call, we may discuss certain GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of the differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found in the earnings release. With me today are Jonathan Stein, Chief Executive Officer, and Mike Chadwick, Chief Financial Officer. I'll now turn the call over to Jonathan Stein.

Speaker #1: Also, on today's conference call, we may discuss certain gap financial measures. A reconciliation of the differences between these non-gap financial measures and the most directly comparable gap financial measures can be found in the earnings release.

Speaker #1: With me today are Jonathan Stein, Chief Executive Officer and Mike Chadwick, Chief Financial Officer. I'll now turn the call over to Jonathan Stein. Thanks, Jennifer.

Jennifer Gordon: I'll now turn the call over to Jonathan Stein.

Jonathan Stein: Thanks, Jennifer. Welcome, everyone, to our Q1 2026 earnings call. Today, I will discuss our Q1 performance and outlook for the remainder of the year, and then I'll hand the call over to Mike to review our financials. In the Q1, we continued to execute our operational priorities and deliver our financial strategy. We delivered solid operational performance and achieved our guidance, which included the impact of severe winter weather in January and February. In March, we completed an accretive $60 million share and unit repurchase on the public and our sponsor. Last week, we increased our distribution 2%, or approximately 8% on an annualized basis for Class A shares.

Jonathan Stein: Thanks, Jennifer. Welcome, everyone, to our Q1 2026 Earnings Call. Today, I will discuss our Q1 performance and outlook for the remainder of the year, and then I'll hand the call over to Mike to review our financials. In the Q1, we continued to execute our operational priorities and deliver our financial strategy. We delivered solid operational performance and achieved our guidance, which included the impact of severe winter weather in January and February. In March, we completed an accretive $60 million share and unit repurchase on the public and our sponsor. Last week, we increased our distribution 2%, or approximately 8% on an annualized basis for Class A shares.

Speaker #1: Welcome, everyone, to our first quarter 2026 earnings call. Today, I will discuss our first quarter performance and outlook for the remainder of the year, and then I'll hand the call over to Mike to review our financials.

Speaker #1: In the first quarter, we continue to execute our operational priorities and deliver our financial strategy. We delivered solid operational performance and achieved our guidance, which included the impact of severe winter weather in January and February.

Speaker #1: In March, we completed an accretive $60 million share and unit repurchase from the public and our sponsor. And last week, we increased our distribution 2%, to approximately 8% on an annualized basis for Class A shares.

Speaker #1: This increase included our targeted 5% annual increase for Class A shares, as well as a distribution-level increase following our repurchase that maintains our total distributed cash on a lower share and unit count.

Jonathan Stein: This increase included our targeted 5% annual increase for Class A shares and a distribution level increase following our repurchase that maintains our total distributed cash on a lower share and unit count. Turning to our results. During the quarter, throughput volumes averaged 430 million cubic feet per day for gas processing, 119,000 barrels of oil per day for crude terminaling, and 115,000 barrels of water per day for water gathering. In line with our guidance, throughput volumes were down compared to Q4, primarily due to severe winter weather in January and February, partially offset by recovery in March, as well as capture of additional third-party gas volumes.

Speaker #1: Turning to our results, during the quarter, throughput volumes averaged $430 million cubic feet per day for gas processing, $119,000 barrels of oil per day for crude terminaling, and $115,000 barrels of water per day for water gathering.

Speaker #1: In line with our guidance, throughput volumes were down compared to the fourth quarter, primarily due to severe winter weather in January and February, partially offset by recovery in March, as well as capture of additional third-party gas volumes.

Speaker #1: Consistent with our annual guidance, we continue to expect volumes to grow through the rest of the year, excluding the impact of planned maintenance at TGP in the second quarter that is expected to reduce volumes by 5 to 10 million cubic feet per day for the quarter.

Jonathan Stein: Consistent with our annual guidance, we continue to expect volumes to grow through the rest of the year, excluding the impact of planned maintenance at TGP in Q2 that is expected to reduce volumes by 5 to 10 million cubic feet per day for the quarter. Turning to Hess Midstream's capital program. In Q1, we safely brought online the second of 2 new compressor stations after completing it in Q4 2025. In Q1, capital expenditures were $10 million, seasonally lower than Q4 2025 as severe winter weather restricted activity levels. We expect our capital spend to be seasonally higher in Q2 and Q3 as we continue to execute our program, including completion of greenfield high-pressure gathering pipeline infrastructure that we started in 2025.

Speaker #1: Turning to Hess Midstream's capital program, in the first quarter, we safely brought online the second of two new compressor stations after completing it in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Speaker #1: In the first quarter, capital expenditures were $10 million, seasonally lower than the fourth quarter of 2025, as severe winter weather restricted activity levels. We expect our capital spend to be seasonally higher in the second and third quarters as we continue to execute our program, including completion of greenfield high-pressure gathering pipeline infrastructure that we started in 2025.

Speaker #1: However, with the second compressor station online, and reflecting Chevron's move to longolaterals which reduces well-connect CapEx for Hess Midstream, we have now reduced our 2026 estimated capital expenditure by a third to approximately $100 million.

Jonathan Stein: With the second compressor station online and reflecting Chevron's move to longer laterals, which reduces well connect CapEx for Hess Midstream, we have now reduced our 2026 estimated capital expenditure by a third to approximately $100 million. As a result of this reduction, and together with the deferral of cash taxes, we are increasing our 2026 adjusted free cash flow guidance to $910 million to $960 million, reflecting a 20% increase year over year at the midpoint. Hess Midstream remains a leader in shareholder cash returns with one of the highest free cash flow yields across our peer set.

Speaker #1: As a result of this reduction, and together with the deferral of cash taxes, we are increasing our 2026 adjusted free cash flow guidance to $910 to $960 million.

Speaker #1: Reflecting a 20% increase year over year at the midpoint. Hess Midstream remains a leader in shareholder cash returns, with one of the highest free cash flow yields across our peer set.

Speaker #1: In summary, we remain focused on executing safe and reliable operations, while leveraging our historical investment in existing infrastructure to continue generating significant adjusted free cash flow.

Jonathan Stein: In summary, we remain focused on executing safe and reliable operations while leveraging our historical investment in existing infrastructure to continue generating significant adjusted free cash flow, allowing us to uniquely provide returns to our shareholders through going distributions and incremental share repurchases while simultaneously continuing to reduce our debt leverage. With that, I'll hand the call over to Mike to review our financial performance for Q1 and guidance.

Speaker #1: Allowing us to uniquely provide returns to our shareholders through growing distributions and incremental share repurchases, while simultaneously continuing to reduce our debt leverage. With that, I'll hand the call over to Mike, to review our financial performance for the first quarter and guidance.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Jonathan, and good morning, everyone. Today, I'll discuss our financial results for the first quarter of 2026, and provide an update on our second quarter financial guidance and outlook for 2026.

Michael Chadwick: Thanks, Jonathan, good morning, everyone. Today, I'll discuss our financial results for Q1 2026 and provide an update on our Q2 financial guidance and outlook for 2026. Turning to our results. For Q1 2026, net income was $158 million, compared to approximately $168 million in Q4 2025. Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was $300 million, compared with $309 million in Q4. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenues, primarily caused by severe winter weather in January and February. Total revenues, including pass-through revenues, decreased by approximately $15 million, resulting in segment revenue changes as follows. Gathering revenues decreased by approximately $14 million. Processing revenues decreased by approximately $6 million, while terminalling revenues increased by approximately $5 million.

Mike Chadwick: Thanks, Jonathan, good morning, everyone. Today, I'll discuss our financial results for Q1 2026 and provide an update on our Q2 financial guidance and outlook for 2026. Turning to our results. For Q1 2026, net income was $158 million, compared to approximately $168 million in Q4 2025. Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was $300 million, compared with $309 million in Q4. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenues, primarily caused by severe winter weather in January and February. Total revenues, including pass-through revenues, decreased by approximately $15 million, resulting in segment revenue changes as follows. Gathering revenues decreased by approximately $14 million. Processing revenues decreased by approximately $6 million, while terminalling revenues increased by approximately $5 million.

Speaker #1: Turning to our results, for the first quarter of 2026, net income was $158 million compared to approximately $168 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Speaker #1: Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 was $300 million, compared with $309 million in the fourth quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenues, primarily caused by severe winter weather in January and February.

Speaker #1: Total revenues, including pass-through revenues, decreased by approximately $15 million, resulting in segment revenue changes as follows. Gathering revenues decreased by approximately $14 million. Processing revenues decreased by approximately $6 million, while terminaling revenues increased by approximately $5 million.

Speaker #1: Total costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, pass-through costs and net of all proportional share of LM4 earnings decreased by approximately $6 million, primarily from lower seasonal maintenance and lower third-party offloads, resulting in adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2026 of $300 million.

Michael Chadwick: Total costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, pass-through costs, and net of our proportional share of LM4 earnings decreased by approximately $6 million, primarily from lower seasonal maintenance and lower third-party offloads, resulting in adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 of $300 million. Our gross adjusted EBITDA margin for Q1 2026 was maintained at approximately 83%, above our 75% target, highlighting our continued strong operating leverage. Q1 2026 capital expenditures were approximately $10 million, significantly lower than in Q4 2025 as severe winter weather limited activity. Net interest, excluding amortization of deferred finance costs, was approximately $53 million, resulting in adjusted free cash flow of approximately $237 million, an increase of 14% from Q4 2025.

Mike Chadwick: Total costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, pass-through costs, and net of our proportional share of LM4 earnings decreased by approximately $6 million, primarily from lower seasonal maintenance and lower third-party offloads, resulting in adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 of $300 million. Our gross adjusted EBITDA margin for Q1 2026 was maintained at approximately 83%, above our 75% target, highlighting our continued strong operating leverage. Q1 2026 capital expenditures were approximately $10 million, significantly lower than in Q4 2025 as severe winter weather limited activity. Net interest, excluding amortization of deferred finance costs, was approximately $53 million, resulting in adjusted free cash flow of approximately $237 million, an increase of 14% from Q4 2025.

Speaker #1: Our gross adjusted EBITDA margin for the first quarter of 2026 was maintained at approximately 83%, above our 75% target, highlighting our continued strong operating leverage.

Speaker #1: First quarter of 2026 capital expenditures were approximately $10 million, significantly lower than in the fourth quarter of 2025, as severe winter weather limited activity.

Speaker #1: Net interest excluding amortization of deferred finance costs was approximately $53 million, resulting in adjusted free cash flow of approximately $237 million, an increase of 14% from the fourth quarter of 2025.

Speaker #1: We had a drawn balance of $343 million on our revolving credit facility at the end of the first quarter of 2026. For the second quarter of 2026, we expect net income to be approximately $150 million to $160 million, and adjusted EBITDA to be approximately flat with the first quarter at $295 million to $305 million.

Michael Chadwick: We had a drawn balance of $343 million on our revolving credit facility at the end of Q1 2026. For Q2 2026, we expect net income to be approximately $150 million to $160 million and adjusted EBITDA to be approximately flat with the first quarter at $295 million to $305 million, which includes the impact of planned Q2 maintenance at the Tioga Gas Plant. We expect adjusted free cash flow in Q2 2026 to decrease relative to Q1 2026 as capital expenditures in Q2 are projected to be seasonally higher than Q1.

Mike Chadwick: We had a drawn balance of $343 million on our revolving credit facility at the end of Q1 2026. For Q2 2026, we expect net income to be approximately $150 million to $160 million and adjusted EBITDA to be approximately flat with the first quarter at $295 million to $305 million, which includes the impact of planned Q2 maintenance at the Tioga Gas Plant. We expect adjusted free cash flow in Q2 2026 to decrease relative to Q1 2026 as capital expenditures in Q2 are projected to be seasonally higher than Q1.

Speaker #1: Which includes the impact of planned second quarter maintenance at the Tioga gas plant. We expect adjusted free cash flow in the second quarter of 2026 to decrease relative to the first quarter of 2026, as capital expenditures in the second quarter are projected to be seasonally higher than the first quarter.

Speaker #1: As we said in our fourth quarter call, we expect second-half volumes to be higher than the first half, helping to drive higher EBITDA in the second half of the year.

Michael Chadwick: As we said in our Q4 call, we expect H2 volumes to be higher than H1, helping to drive higher EBITDA in H2 of the year. For the full year 2026, we continue to expect net income of between $650 million and $700 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $1.225 billion and $1.275 billion in 2026, approximately flat at the midpoint compared with 2025. As Jonathan mentioned, our cash position is strong and notable among our peer set.

Mike Chadwick: As we said in our Q4 call, we expect H2 volumes to be higher than H1, helping to drive higher EBITDA in H2 of the year. For the full year 2026, we continue to expect net income of between $650 million and $700 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $1.225 billion and $1.275 billion in 2026, approximately flat at the midpoint compared with 2025. As Jonathan mentioned, our cash position is strong and notable among our peer set.

Speaker #1: For the full year 2026, we continue to expect net income of between $650 million and $700 million, and adjusted EBITDA of between $1 billion 225 million and $1 billion 275 million in 2026, approximately flat at the midpoint compared with 2025.

Speaker #1: As Jonathan mentioned, our cash position is strong, and notable among our peer set. We now expect full year 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $105 million, and expect to generate adjusted free cash flow of between $910 million and $960 million, and excess adjusted free cash flow of approximately $280 million after fully funding our targeted 5% annual distribution growth.

Michael Chadwick: We now expect full year 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $105 million and expect to generate adjusted free cash flow of between $910 million and $960 million, and excess adjusted free cash flow of approximately $280 million after fully funding our targeted 5% annual distribution growth, which we expect to use for incremental shareholder returns and debt repayment. As mentioned, we no longer expect to pay $50 million of cash taxes in 2026 and do not expect to pay material cash taxes until after 2028, following the recent interim guidance from the IRS on the application of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax. In March, we executed an accretive 60 million share repurchase transaction from both the sponsor and the public.

Mike Chadwick: We now expect full year 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $105 million and expect to generate adjusted free cash flow of between $910 million and $960 million, and excess adjusted free cash flow of approximately $280 million after fully funding our targeted 5% annual distribution growth, which we expect to use for incremental shareholder returns and debt repayment. As mentioned, we no longer expect to pay $50 million of cash taxes in 2026 and do not expect to pay material cash taxes until after 2028, following the recent interim guidance from the IRS on the application of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax. In March, we executed an accretive 60 million share repurchase transaction from both the sponsor and the public.

Speaker #1: Which we expect to use for incremental shareholder returns and debt repayment. As mentioned, we no longer expect to pay $15 million of cash taxes in 2026, and do not expect to pay material cash taxes until after 2028, following the recent interim guidance from the IRS on the application of the corporate alternative minimum tax.

Speaker #1: In March, we executed an accretive $60 million share repurchase transaction from both the sponsor and the public, and as the year progresses, we will continue to evaluate additional opportunities for incremental returns of capital.

Michael Chadwick: As the year progresses, we will continue to evaluate additional opportunities for incremental returns of capital. This concludes my remarks. We will be happy to answer any questions. I will now turn the call over to the operator.

Mike Chadwick: As the year progresses, we will continue to evaluate additional opportunities for incremental returns of capital. This concludes my remarks. We will be happy to answer any questions. I will now turn the call over to the operator.

Speaker #1: So this concludes my remarks. We will be happy to answer any questions. I will now turn the call over to the operator. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question or a comment at this time, please press star one one on your telephone. If your question has been answered and you wish to remove yourself from the queue, please press star one one again. We will pause for a moment while we compile our Q&A roster. Our first question comes from Jeremy Tonet with J.P. Morgan Securities. Your line is open.

Speaker #1: If you have a question or a comment at this time, please first press star one-one on your telephone. If your question has been answered and you wish to remove yourself from the queue, please press star one-one again.

Speaker #1: We will pause for a moment while we compile our Q&A roster. Our first question comes from Jeremy Tonette with JPMorgan Securities. Your line is open.

[Analyst] (J.P. Morgan Securities): Good morning, everyone. This is Francina on for Jeremy. Thank you so much for taking questions. Just wanted to zoom in a bit more on the change to CapEx here and what this means for well connects/turn in line activity for the year, and whether there are any read-throughs or changes to growth expectations for year-end or into 2027 that we can derive from this. Thank you.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Good morning, everyone. This is Francina on for Jeremy. Thank you so much for taking questions. Just wanted to zoom in a bit more on the change to CapEx here and what this means for well connects/turn in line activity for the year, and whether there are any read-throughs or changes to growth expectations for year-end or into 2027 that we can derive from this. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Good morning, everyone. This is Francina on for Jeremy. Thank you so much for taking questions. I just wanted to zoom in a bit more on the change to CapEx here, and what this means for WelConnect/Turn-In-Line activity for the year, and whether there are any read-throughs or changes to growth expectations for year-end or into 2027 that we can derive from this.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Hi. Thanks for the question. No, look, if you look at what's been happening with CapEx for us, really since the end of last year, we've really been reducing CapEx as we are approaching the end of our infrastructure build-out, which has been really years in the making, as we continue to build out our strategic footprint in the market.

Jonathan Stein: Hi, thanks for the question. No, look, if you look at what's been happening with CapEx for us, really since the end of last year, we've really been reducing CapEx as we are approaching the end of our infrastructure build-out, which has been really years in the making as we continue to build out our strategic footprint in the Bakken. You know, CapEx was low in Q1. That was really, as I mentioned, due to really restricted activity, due to the weather as well as seasonal dynamics.

Speaker #4: CapEx was low in the first quarter. That was really, as I mentioned, due to restricted activity because of the weather, as well as seasonal dynamics that are normal for the first quarter.

Jonathan Stein: That's normal for Q1, we do expect that to be the low point of the year and then pick up as we continue to build out over the next few quarters, including, as I mentioned, completing our greenfield high-pressure gathering pipeline infrastructure we started last year, expect to complete this year. Really, you know, really nothing in terms of changing strategically. The kinda downsizing, if you will, of our guidance this year from 150 to approximately $100 million is really right-sizing our CapEx to account for things like upstream efficiencies, like longer laterals, which as I discussed, can have the effect of reducing well connects CapEx for us.

Speaker #4: And we do expect that to be the low point of the year, and then pick up as we continue to build out over the next few quarters, including as I mentioned, completing our Greenfield high-pressure gathering pipeline infrastructure.

Speaker #4: We started last year expecting to complete this year, so really, really nothing in terms of changing strategically. The kind of downsizing, if you will, of our guidance this year from $150 million to approximately $100 million is really right-sizing our CapEx to account for things like upstream efficiencies, like longer laterals, which, as I discussed, can have the effect of reducing well-connect CapEx for us.

Speaker #4: So that's very positive. It really, if you reflect on this, it's really just an extraordinary business model that with the lower CapEx that we are spending, we're really generating significant free cash flow that supports, of course, our 5% targeted distribution growth, as well as incremental returns of capital to our shareholders, like the shareholder repurchase we did this quarter, as well as the simultaneously being able to do debt repayment.

Jonathan Stein: That's very positive. It, if we reflect on this, it's really just an extraordinary business model that with the lower CapEx that we are spending, we're really generating significant free cash flow that supports, of course, our 5% targeted distribution growth, as well as incremental returns of capital to our shareholders, like the share repurchase we did this quarter, as well as simultaneously being able to do debt repayment.

[Analyst] (J.P. Morgan Securities): Thank you. That's helpful. Would just like to touch a bit on kind of the third-party outlook here and whether you've had any changes to that since the Middle East conflict has been ensuing. Thank you.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Thank you. That's helpful. Would just like to touch a bit on kind of the third-party outlook here and whether you've had any changes to that since the Middle East conflict has been ensuing. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you. That's helpful. And we'd just like to touch a bit on kind of the third-party outlook here and whether you've had any changes to that since the Middle East conflict has been ensuing.

Speaker #3: Thank you.

Speaker #4: Sure. In terms of third parties, I mean, nothing I would say in terms of major macro changes. We did have some additional third-party volume in the first quarter, as I mentioned. That was really some additional throughput from other midstream providers.

Jonathan Stein: Sure. In terms of third parties, I mean, nothing, I would say, in terms of, you know, major macro changes. We did have some additional third-party volume in Q1, as I mentioned. That was really some additional throughput from other midstream providers. That really highlights, as we said in the past, optionality that we have in our system that allows flexibility for others to be able to utilize it during operational challenges that they have. We're still targeting 10% third-party volumes, and that's incorporated into our guidance and any additional third-party volumes with the upside. Not seeing anything dramatic, just the normal, like I said, third parties coming to utilize optionality in our system, but nothing, no major changes due to macro environment at this point.

Speaker #4: And that really highlights, as we said in the past, the optionality that we have in our system that allows flexibility for others to be able to utilize it during operational challenges that they have.

Speaker #4: We're still targeting 10% third-party volumes, and that's incorporated into our guidance. Any additional third-party volumes would be upside. I'm not seeing anything dramatic—just the normal, like I said, third parties coming to utilize optionality in our system.

Speaker #4: But nothing, no major changes due to macro environment at this point.

Speaker #3: That's super helpful. Thank you again.

[Analyst] (J.P. Morgan Securities): That's super helpful. Thank you again.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): That's super helpful. Thank you again.

Speaker #1: One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from Javikay with Goldman Sachs. Your line is open.

Operator: One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from John Mackay with Goldman Sachs. Your line is open.

John Mackay: Hey, team. Thank you for the time. Last call, you guys spent some time talking about a little bit of the evolution on the balance sheet side, thinking about lower leverage over time. I'm just wondering, we're a quarter later now, if you've had some time to kind of refine that and if you have a kind of longer term leverage target you wanna put out there relative to the kind of distribution growth and maybe some buyback cadence you've talked about.

Speaker #5: Hey, team. Thank you for the time. Last call, you guys spent some time talking about a little bit of the evolution on the balance sheet side, thinking about lower leverage over time.

Speaker #5: I'm just wondering—we're a quarter later now—if you've had some time to kind of refine that, and if you have a longer-term leverage target you want to put out there, relative to the kind of distribution growth and maybe some buyback cadence you've talked about.

Michael Chadwick: Yeah, no, I can talk to that. Thanks, John, for the question. There's no change really to our return of capital approach that we outlined in our December guidance note or as we talked about in our Q4 call in February. We do plan to use a portion of our free cash flow, as we said then, after distributions to pay down debt. It's a conservative financial strategy that's consistent with the volume profile and Chevron's target for about 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day plateau production in the Bakken. We'll still have a balanced strategy, though, that includes incremental return of capital beyond our 5% annual distribution growth, and we plan to have a stronger balance sheet as a result.

Mike Chadwick: Yeah, no, I can talk to that. Thanks, John, for the question. There's no change really to our return of capital approach that we outlined in our December guidance note or as we talked about in our Q4 call in February. We do plan to use a portion of our free cash flow, as we said then, after distributions to pay down debt. It's a conservative financial strategy that's consistent with the volume profile and Chevron's target for about 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day plateau production in the Bakken. We'll still have a balanced strategy, though, that includes incremental return of capital beyond our 5% annual distribution growth, and we plan to have a stronger balance sheet as a result.

Speaker #2: Yeah, no, I can talk to that. And thanks, John, for the question. There's no change, really, to our return of capital approach that we outlined in our December guidance note, or as we talked about in our Q4 call in February.

Speaker #2: So we do plan to use a portion of our free cash flow, as we said then, after distributions, to pay down debt. And it's a conservative financial strategy that's consistent with the volume profile and Chevron's target for about 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day plateau production in the Bakken.

Speaker #2: So we’ll still have a balanced strategy, though, that includes incremental return of capital beyond our 5% annual distribution growth, and we plan to have a stronger balance sheet as a result.

Speaker #2: So all of that is underpinned, obviously, by the MVCs that we have out to 2028, and they continue to provide some significant downside protection.

Michael Chadwick: All of that is underpinned, obviously, by the MVCs that we have out to 2028. They continue to provide some significant downside protection. We're still aiming for about $1 billion of free cash flow after distributions through 2028. As I said, we'll use that, you know, obviously every distribution or every share buyback is approved by our board and that'll be set by our board. We plan to use that for incremental return of capital and paying down our debt. No change there, really.

Mike Chadwick: All of that is underpinned, obviously, by the MVCs that we have out to 2028. They continue to provide some significant downside protection. We're still aiming for about $1 billion of free cash flow after distributions through 2028. As I said, we'll use that, you know, obviously every distribution or every share buyback is approved by our board and that'll be set by our board. We plan to use that for incremental return of capital and paying down our debt. No change there, really.

Speaker #2: And we're still aiming for about a billion dollars of free cash flow after distributions through 2028. And as I said, we'll use that obviously every distribution or every share buyback is approved by our board.

Speaker #2: And that'll be set by our board. But we plan to use that for incremental return of capital and paying down our debt. So no change there, really.

Speaker #5: All right, I appreciate that. Second one—apologies, it's a little bit in the weeds—strong in the quarter. Just wondering if there's any kind of one-off in there, or if this new, kind of implied rate is the go-forward we should think of.

John Mackay: All right. I appreciate that. Second one, apologize, it's a little bit in the weeds, terminals revenue was really strong in the quarter. Just wondering if there's any kind of one-off in there or this new kind of implied rate is the go forward we should think of.

Speaker #2: Yeah. I think you're reading that right. There is an element of implied rate in there. In the terminals, and that's if you recall, it's a cost of service rate that gets adjusted every year for our expectation of OPEX, CAPEX, and any volumes that drives a targeted return on that.

Michael Chadwick: Yeah, I think you're reading that right. There is an element of implied rate in there in the terminals. That's as you recall, it's cost of service rate that gets adjusted every year for our expectation of OpEx, CapEx and any volumes that drives, you know, a targeted return on that. That's part of the reason why you're seeing better, stronger performance. There is just a tariff adjustment.

Mike Chadwick: Yeah, I think you're reading that right. There is an element of implied rate in there in the terminals. That's as you recall, it's cost of service rate that gets adjusted every year for our expectation of OpEx, CapEx and any volumes that drives, you know, a targeted return on that. That's part of the reason why you're seeing better, stronger performance. There is just a tariff adjustment.

Speaker #2: So that's part of the reason why you're seeing better, stronger performance there is just the tariff adjustment.

Speaker #5: Do you mind just reminding us kind of the structure of that contract going forward? Thank you.

John Mackay: Do you mind just reminding us kind of the structure of that contract going forward? Thank you.

Speaker #2: So that goes through to 2033, and it's rebalanced every year. As part of a calculation that aims to return a specific mid-teen return, it'll be based on what we anticipate as the actual volumes, CAPEX, OPEX, in order to serve that.

Michael Chadwick: That goes through to 2033, and it's rebalanced every year as part of a calculation that aims to return a specific mid-teen return, and it'll be based on what we anticipate as the actual volumes, CapEx, OpEx, in order to serve that and to generate that return. The tariffs will flex up and down accordingly. If we have lower volumes anticipated, then the tariff will go up. If we have lower CapEx, for example, then the tariff will go down. That's through to 2033.

Mike Chadwick: That goes through to 2033, and it's rebalanced every year as part of a calculation that aims to return a specific mid-teen return, and it'll be based on what we anticipate as the actual volumes, CapEx, OpEx, in order to serve that and to generate that return. The tariffs will flex up and down accordingly. If we have lower volumes anticipated, then the tariff will go up. If we have lower CapEx, for example, then the tariff will go down. That's through to 2033.

Speaker #2: And to generate that return. So the tariffs reflect up and down accordingly. So if we have lower volumes anticipated, then the tariff will go up.

Speaker #2: And if we have lower CAPEX, for example, then the tariff will go down. And that's through to 2033.

John Mackay: All right. Thank you very much.

Speaker #5: All right. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from Doug Erwin with Citi. Your line is open.

Operator: One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from Doug Irwin with Citi. Your line is open.

Speaker #6: Hey, thanks for the question. I just wanted to pick up on the second quarter guidance you gave here. I think my math, just looking at the full-year midpoint, implies something around 8% growth in the second half of the year.

Doug Irwin: Hey, thanks for the question. I just wanted to pick up on the Q2 guidance you gave here. I think my math, just looking at the full year midpoint, implies something around 8% growth in the H2 of the year. Can you maybe just talk about some of the drivers you see contributing to that growth in the H2 and where there might be some risk to the upside or downside from here?

Speaker #6: Could you maybe just talk about some of the drivers you see contributing to that growth in the second half, and where there might be some risk to the upside or downside from here?

Speaker #4: Sure. Let me start. I mean, on the volume side, really, as we said, Q1 is, I'd say, really the low point in terms of volume.

Jonathan Stein: Sure. Let me start. I mean, on the volume side, really, as we said, you know, Q1 is, I'd say, really the low point in terms of volume. We do have planned maintenance in TGP in Q2, so that takes out 5 to 10 million cubic feet per day. Absent that, we would have seen some additional growth into Q2. Then as the year really progresses, obviously better weather, you know, Chevron continues to do longer laterals, so you'll start to see that pick up as those completions get completed later in the year and, you know, more wells come online. That will also drive some additional volume. As well as we continue to grow through the year. No change to our overall guidance.

Speaker #4: We do have planned maintenance in TGP in the second quarter that takes out 5 to 10 million cubic feet per day, absent that we would have seen some additional growth into Q2.

Speaker #4: And then as the year really progresses, obviously, better weather, Chevron continues to do longer laterals, so you'll start to see that pick up as those completions get completed later in the year.

Speaker #4: And more wells come online, so that will also drive some additional volumes as well as we continue to grow through the year. So no change to our overall guidance.

Speaker #4: And yeah, that's about right—about 8% on the EBITDA basis increase in the second half. And really, that's going to be driven by just really the flow or cadence, if you will, of volumes as we kind of come off this low point, really due to weather, get through this maintenance in the second quarter, and then continued volume growth from there.

Jonathan Stein: Yeah, that's about right, about an 8% on the EBITDA basis increase in the H2. Really that's gonna be driven by just really the flow of cadence, if you will, of volumes as we kinda come off this low point really due to weather, get through this maintenance in Q2, then continued volume growth from there.

Doug Irwin: Understood. Then my second just maybe on the broader growth outlook beyond 2026. I mean, we have Chevron's messaging to plateauing volumes in the Bakken around that 200,000 barrels equivalent level. Like you seem to kind of keep squeezing out more free cash flow from the business. I'm just curious if there's any appetite to pursue inorganic opportunities or maybe any other ways to kind of put some of that free cash flow to work from here. Should we really just kind of expect the buybacks and debt repayment to be the primary focus from here?

Speaker #6: Understood. And then my second, just maybe on the broader growth outlook beyond '26. I mean, we have Chevron’s messaging to plateauing volumes in the bucket around that 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent.

Speaker #6: But you seem to kind of keep squeezing out more free cash flow from the business. I'm just curious if there's any appetite to pursue inorganic opportunities or maybe any other ways to kind of put some of that free cash flow to work from here.

Speaker #6: Or should we really just kind of expect the buybacks and debt repayment to be the primary focus from here?

Speaker #4: Sure. Let me start a little bit, and then I'll turn it over to Mike. He can talk a little bit about capital allocation. But yeah, I think it's a good opportunity to really reflect that if you kind of look around, there's been a lot of changes around us over the past year or two.

Jonathan Stein: Sure. Let me start a little bit, then I'm gonna turn it over to Mike. He can talk a little bit about, you know, capital allocation. Yeah, I think it's a good opportunity to really reflect that, you know, if you kind of look around, you know, there's been a lot of changes around us for the past year or two, and here we are 9 to 10 months after the acquisition of Hess by Chevron. Really, I think so much at Hess Midstream remains the same. In terms of where we are now, as you mentioned, Chevron targeting approximately 200,000 barrels oil equivalent per day while continuing to optimize the development plan. That development plan underpins our volume guidance and EBITDA growth. Remember with that EBITDA growth really driven by inflation escalators and reduction in CapEx.

Speaker #4: And here we are, nine to ten months after the acquisition of Hess by Chevron. And really, I think so much of Hess Midstream remains the same.

Speaker #4: In terms of where we are now, as you mentioned, Chevron is targeting approximately 200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. While continuing to optimize the development plan, really that development plan underpins our volume guidance and EBITDA growth.

Speaker #4: And remember, with that, EBITDA growth is really driven by inflation escalates and reduction in CapEx. While also, Chevron continues to bring lessons from other basins to the bucket, like longer laterals, workover optimization, and increased chemicals to improve productivity.

Jonathan Stein: While also, you know, Chevron continues to bring lessons from other basins to the Bakken, like longer laterals, workover optimization, and increased chemicals to improve productivity. We're also benefiting from that. Longer laterals, for example, obviously make the wells more economic by decreasing the break even, but also, as I talked about, impact has been seen in a positive way by reducing our well connect capital requirements as less wells are needed. That's really the driver of that free cash flow. Our financial strategy continues to be the same. 5% distribution growth can be achieved even at MVC levels and significant, obviously, free cash flow. You know, with all the things that have changed around us, we continue to have all the elements of visibility, consistency, shareholder returns, and balance sheet strength.

Speaker #4: We're also benefiting from that. Longer laterals, for example, obviously make the wells more economic. By decreasing the break-even, but also as I talked about, impact Hess Midstream in a positive way by reducing our well connect capital requirements as less wells are needed.

Speaker #4: And that's really the driver of that free cash flow. So our financial strategy continues to be the same—5% distribution growth can be achieved even at MVC levels, and significant, obviously, free cash flow.

Speaker #4: So, with all the things that have changed around us, we continue to have all the elements of visibility, consistency, shared returns, and balance sheet strength.

Speaker #4: They've always been our hallmark. And so, with so much changing around us, we're continuing to execute our strategy, focused on operating our assets safely and reliably.

Jonathan Stein: They've always been our hallmark, with so much changing around us, we're continuing to execute our strategy, focused on operating our assets safely and reliably and executing our financial strategy. You know, all that says is, you know, a lot remains the same in terms of, you know, looking at bolt-on opportunities. We've always said that we'll look at those, the bar remains high relative to our existing business model, which continues to be really differentiated, relative to others in the sector. Maybe I'll turn it over to Mike. He can talk a little bit about, you know, with this higher free cash flow, really a lot of the same in terms of our capital allocation strategy as well.

Speaker #4: And executing our financial strategy. So all that says is a lot remains the same. In terms of looking at bolt-on opportunities, we've always said that we'll look at those.

Speaker #4: But the bar remains high relative to our existing business model, which continues to be really differentiated relative to others in the sector. Maybe I'll turn it over to Mike.

Speaker #4: He can talk a little bit about, with this higher free cash flow, really a lot of the same in terms of our capital allocation strategy as well.

Speaker #2: Yeah, no, thanks, Joe. Jonathan, I think you summarized it pretty well. I think what I'd add to that is, obviously, as we think about our debt-to-EBITDA leverage target, we don't have a specific target in mind, but we will naturally see our 3x current debt leverage drop as we continue to grow EBITDA.

Michael Chadwick: No, thanks, Jonathan Stein, Jonathan. I think you summarized it pretty well. I think what I'd add to that is obviously as we think about our debt, you know, EBITDA leverage target, we don't have a specific target in mind, but we will naturally see our 3x current debt leverage drop as we continue to grow EBITDA without increasing the absolute level of debt. You know, that will naturally de-lever us, but with some portion of our free cash flow after distributions that we'll use for debt payment, we'll see that de-lever even further.

Mike Chadwick: No, thanks, Jonathan Stein, Jonathan. I think you summarized it pretty well. I think what I'd add to that is obviously as we think about our debt, you know, EBITDA leverage target, we don't have a specific target in mind, but we will naturally see our 3x current debt leverage drop as we continue to grow EBITDA without increasing the absolute level of debt. You know, that will naturally de-lever us, but with some portion of our free cash flow after distributions that we'll use for debt payment, we'll see that de-lever even further.

Speaker #2: Without increasing the absolute level of debt. And as we all that'll naturally deliver us, but with some portion of our free cash flow after distributions that we'll use for debt payment, we'll see that deliver even further.

Speaker #2: But what I would say is that, with our current guidance out to 2028, and with the ambition to continue to do some shareholder return of capital, then the math would not support us getting really down far below 2.5 times leverage by 2028.

Michael Chadwick: What I would say is that with our current guidance out to 2028, and with the ambition to continue to do some shareholder return of capital, then the math would not support us getting really down far below 2.5x leverage by 2028. That gives you a bit of a range as to where we're expecting our leverage to sit in the longer term through 2028. As Jonathan said, you know, it's steady as you go. We are, you know, pretty good from a cash position. We look forward to rolling out the next three years with some good coverage with our MVCs and with transparency to our volume throughput driven by Chevron's targeted 200,000 barrels of oil per day planned out production.

Mike Chadwick: What I would say is that with our current guidance out to 2028, and with the ambition to continue to do some shareholder return of capital, then the math would not support us getting really down far below 2.5x leverage by 2028. That gives you a bit of a range as to where we're expecting our leverage to sit in the longer term through 2028. As Jonathan said, you know, it's steady as you go. We are, you know, pretty good from a cash position. We look forward to rolling out the next three years with some good coverage with our MVCs and with transparency to our volume throughput driven by Chevron's targeted 200,000 barrels of oil per day planned out production.

Speaker #2: So, that gives you a bit of a range as to where we're expecting our leverage to sit in the longer term, through 2028. But as Jonathan said, it's steady as she goes.

Speaker #2: We are pretty good from a cash position, and we look forward to rolling out the next three years with some good coverage with our MVCs.

Speaker #2: And with transparency to our volume throughput, driven by Chevron's targeted 200,000 barrels of oil per day plant production.

Doug Irwin: Got it. Thanks for the time.

Speaker #6: Got it. Thanks for the time.

Jonathan Stein: Thanks.

Speaker #4: Thanks.

Operator: One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from Praneeth Satish with Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Speaker #3: One moment for our next question. Our next question comes from Praneeth Satish with Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Speaker #7: Good morning. Thank you. So beyond the drilling and completion efficiencies that Chevron has highlighted in the bucket, are there any other longer-term costs or structural opportunities or changes that you and Chevron are working towards that could show up in your business? Maybe put differently, as your capital intensity comes down?

Praneeth Satish: Good morning. Thank you. You know, beyond the drilling and completion efficiencies that Chevron has highlighted in the Bakken, are there any other longer-term costs or structural opportunities or changes that you and Chevron are working towards that could show up in your business? Maybe put differently, you know, as your capital intensity comes down, are there scenarios where some of those savings kind of flow back to Chevron through alternative commercial structures or anything like that?

Speaker #7: Are there scenarios where some of those savings kind of flow back to Chevron through alternative commercial structures or anything like that?

Speaker #4: Well, what I would say is, look, in terms of efficiencies and optimization, those are all really win-win. I'll give the example of longer laterals, which reduced the break-even.

Jonathan Stein: Well, what I would say is, look, in terms of efficiencies and optimization, those are all really win-wins. I gave the example of, you know, of longer laterals which reduce the break even, obviously increase the number of wells available economic to drill, and that also, as I said, reduces our capital and makes it just all efficient all around. In terms of, you know, the contract structure, if that's what you're kind of alluding to there, you know, look, just a reminder, you know, 85% of revenues are fixed fee. That continues, together with the cost of services Mike mentioned on the terminalling and water gathering, that continues through the end of 2033.

Speaker #4: Obviously, it increased the number of wells available and economic to drill. And that also, as I said, reduces our capital and makes it just all efficient all around.

Speaker #4: In terms of the contract structure, if that's where you're kind of alluding to there—look, just a reminder, 85% of revenues are fixed fee.

Speaker #4: That continues, together with the cost of services Mike mentioned on the terminaling and water gathering, that continues through the end of 2033. So, really including this year, another eight years.

Jonathan Stein: Really including this year, another 8 years. You know, that contract structure provides Hess Midstream with visibility and consistency, as I mentioned, two of our hallmarks of what we've always been part of. Look, before the end of 2023, there's no contractual mechanism to change the tariff to renegotiate the contract. There's also governance guardrails, including the need for special approval, including at least one of the independent directors to prevent any unilateral action by Chevron. In addition, of course, the just normal conflicts committee process for any proposed contract changes. Look, right now we're focused on working with Chevron in terms of optimizing operationally, to really continue to help develop the Bakken in just the most optimized way possible.

Speaker #4: That contract structure provides Hess Midstream with visibility and consistency. As I mentioned, two of our hallmarks of what we've always been part of. So look, before the end of 2033, there's no contractual mechanism to change the task to renegotiate the contract.

Speaker #4: There are also governance guardrails, including the need for special approval, which requires at least one of the independent directors to prevent any unilateral action by Chevron.

Speaker #4: In addition, of course, there are just normal conflicts committee processes for any proposed contract changes. So, look, right now we're focused on working with Chevron in terms of optimizing operationally, to really continue to help develop the bucket in just the most optimized way possible.

Praneeth Satish: Gotcha. No, that makes sense. Seems like a win-win here. Maybe just a clarifying question on terminals. You mentioned it's a cost of service contract. It stepped up this quarter. It was quite a large step up, I guess, when we kind of translate that to EBITDA. Just to be clear, is this kind of the Q1 run rate? Is that something that we can assume for the balance of the year kind of going forward?

Speaker #7: Gotcha. No, that makes sense. Seems like a win-win here. Maybe just a clarifying question on terminals. So, you mentioned it's a cost-of-service contract.

Speaker #7: It's stepped up this quarter. It was quite a large step up, I guess, when we kind of translate that to EBITDA. And so just to be clear, is this kind of the Q1 run rate?

Speaker #7: Is that something that we can assume for the balance of the year, kind of going forward?

Speaker #2: Yeah, I think it'll be it is based on both the tariffs and also what throughputs we had now. Q1, I'd say, was a little bit of a impacted quarter because of the weather.

Michael Chadwick: I think it'll be based on both the tariffs and also what throughputs we had. Q1, I'd say, was a little bit of a impacted quarter because of the weather. You know, we'll see how that plays out when we get into more stable territory in Q2, Q3, and the rest of the year. Yes, I think a part of that is obviously the step up in the tariff because of the cost of service formula. I wouldn't say that I would extrapolate completely on the Q1, but definitely that's gonna be a factor.

Mike Chadwick: I think it'll be based on both the tariffs and also what throughputs we had. Q1, I'd say, was a little bit of a impacted quarter because of the weather. You know, we'll see how that plays out when we get into more stable territory in Q2, Q3, and the rest of the year. Yes, I think a part of that is obviously the step up in the tariff because of the cost of service formula. I wouldn't say that I would extrapolate completely on the Q1, but definitely that's gonna be a factor.

Speaker #2: And so we'll see how that plays out when we get into more stable territory in Q2, Q3, and the rest of the year. But yes, I think a part of that is obviously the step up in the tariffs because of the cost of service.

Speaker #2: And so I wouldn't say that I would extrapolate completely on the Q1, but definitely that's going to be a factor.

Speaker #4: Yeah. Look, the only thing I would just say on terminaling also is, as Mike explained the rates—no need to repeat that. But you do see more third parties terminaling. One-off can have some variation quarter to quarter, because that's a place where people can just come up and do short-term terminaling.

Jonathan Stein: Yeah. Look, the only thing I would just say on terminaling also is, as Mike explained the rates, no need to repeat that, but you know, you do see more third parties terminaling one-off, can have some variation quarter to quarter.

Michael Chadwick: Yeah

Jonathan Stein: ... because that's a place where people can just come up and do, you know, short-term terminaling, kind of walk up so to speak, or short-term arrangements.

Mike Chadwick: Yeah

Jonathan Stein: ... because that's a place where people can just come up and do, you know, short-term terminaling, kind of walk up so to speak, or short-term arrangements.

Speaker #4: Kind of walk-up, so to speak, or short-term arrangements.

Speaker #7: Gotcha. Thank you.

Praneeth Satish: Gotcha. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. At this time, there are no further questions. This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.