Q2 2026 Western Midstream Partners LP Earnings Call

August 6, 2026

Operator: Good morning. My name is Tina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Western Midstream Partners Q2 2026 earnings conference call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the conference over to Daniel Jenkins, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Good. Good morning. My name is Tina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Western Midstream Partners second quarter 2026 earnings conference call.

Speaker #1: All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star, followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the conference over to Daniel Jenkins, Director of Investor Relations.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Good morning and welcome to Western Midstream second quarter 2026 conference call. Today's call, the accompanying slide deck, and last night's press release contain important disclosures regarding forward-looking statements and non-GAAP reconciliations.

Daniel Jenkins: Thank you. Good morning, welcome to Western Midstream's Q2 2026 conference call. Today's call, the accompanying slide deck, and last night's press release contain important disclosures regarding forward-looking statements and non-GAAP reconciliations. Please reference Western Midstream's most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q and other public filings for a description of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements we discuss today. Relevant reference materials are posted on our website. With me today are Oscar Brown, our Chief Executive Officer, Danny Holderman, our Chief Operating Officer, and Kristen Shults, our Chief Financial Officer. I'll now turn the call over to Oscar.

Speaker #2: Please reference Western Midstream's most recent Form 10-K, 10-Q, and other public filings for a description of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements we discussed today.

Speaker #2: Relevant reference materials are posted on our website. With me today are Oscar Brown, our Chief Executive Officer, Danny Holderman, our Chief Operating Officer, and Kristen Shults, our Chief Financial Officer.

Speaker #2: I'll now turn the call over to Oscar.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Daniel, and good morning, everyone. Yesterday, we reported record-adjusted EBITDA of $737 million, an increase of 8% sequentially, and 19% compared to the prior year period.

Oscar K. Brown: Thank you, Daniel, and good morning, everyone. Yesterday, we reported record adjusted EBITDA of $737 million, an increase of 8% sequentially and 19% compared to the prior year period. Our strong Q2 results reflect record throughput from our natural gas and produced water businesses in the Delaware Basin, approximately two and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition, and the benefit of our fixed recovery natural gas processing contracts in conjunction with higher overall commodity pricing. In mid-June, we closed the $1.6 billion acquisition of Brazos Delaware II, funded with approximately $800 million in cash and $800 million of West common units based on the volume-weighted average unit price at the time the acquisition agreement was signed. The Brazos acquisition expands our gathering and processing footprint in the Delaware Basin and reflects our discipline of only deploying capital that sustains or grows the distribution over time.

Oscar Brown: Thank you, Daniel, and good morning, everyone. Yesterday, we reported record adjusted EBITDA of $737 million, an increase of 8% sequentially and 19% compared to the prior year period. Our strong Q2 results reflect record throughput from our natural gas and produced water businesses in the Delaware Basin, approximately two and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition, and the benefit of our fixed recovery natural gas processing contracts in conjunction with higher overall commodity pricing.

Speaker #3: Our strong second-quarter results reflect record throughput from our natural gas and produced water businesses in the Delaware Basin, approximately 2 and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition, and the benefit of our fixed recovery natural gas processing contracts in conjunction with higher overall commodity pricing.

Speaker #3: In mid-June, we closed the $1.6 billion acquisition of Brazos Delaware II, funded with approximately $800 million in cash and $800 million of West Common Units, based on the volume-weighted average unit price at the time the acquisition agreement was signed.

Oscar Brown: In mid-June, we closed the $1.6 billion acquisition of Brazos Delaware II, funded with approximately $800 million in cash and $800 million of West common units based on the volume-weighted average unit price at the time the acquisition agreement was signed. The Brazos acquisition expands our gathering and processing footprint in the Delaware Basin and reflects our discipline of only deploying capital that sustains or grows the distribution over time.

Speaker #3: The Brazos acquisition expands our gathering and processing footprint in the Delaware Basin and reflects our discipline of only deploying capital that sustains or grows the distribution over time.

Speaker #3: It is accretive to per-unit metrics, protects the partnership's balance sheet and investment-grade credit ratings, and diversifies our customer base and ownership. The integration is off to a strong start.

Oscar K. Brown: It is accretive to per-unit metrics, protects the partnership's balance sheet and investment-grade credit ratings, and diversifies our customer base and ownership. The integration is off to a strong start. Our teams are focused on optimizing the legacy Brazos system and connecting it to the legacy West system, which we expect to be completed by year-end. This will enable us to direct more volumes to Brazos's processing plants that have spare capacity, enabling us to process more volumes internally and offload fewer volumes, thus creating more value for West unit holders. We also expect to capture approximately $15 to $20 million of cost synergies over the coming quarters in connection with the Brazos acquisition, primarily through general and administrative cost elimination and reduced operation and maintenance expense from supply chain efficiencies.

Oscar Brown: It is accretive to per-unit metrics, protects the partnership's balance sheet and investment-grade credit ratings, and diversifies our customer base and ownership. The integration is off to a strong start. Our teams are focused on optimizing the legacy Brazos system and connecting it to the legacy West system, which we expect to be completed by year-end. This will enable us to direct more volumes to Brazos's processing plants that have spare capacity, enabling us to process more volumes internally and offload fewer volumes, thus creating more value for West unit holders. We also expect to capture approximately $15 to 20 million of cost synergies over the coming quarters in connection with the Brazos acquisition, primarily through general and administrative cost elimination and reduced operation and maintenance expense from supply chain efficiencies.

Speaker #3: Our teams are focused on optimizing the legacy Brazos system and connecting it to the legacy West system which we expect to be completed by year-end.

Speaker #3: This will enable us to direct more volumes to Brazos's processing plants that have spare capacity enabling us to process more volumes internally and offload fewer volumes thus creating more value for West's unit holders.

Speaker #3: We also expect to capture approximately 15 to 20 million dollars of cost synergies over the coming quarters in connection with the Brazos acquisition, primarily through general and administrative cost elimination and reduced operational maintenance expense from supply chain efficiencies.

Speaker #3: Additionally, we have recently seen a number of wells previously planned for 2027 move into the second half of 2026 from several customers on the Brazos acreage.

Oscar K. Brown: We have recently seen a number of wells previously planned for 2027 move into H2 2026 from several customers on the Brazos acreage. We will continue to remain in close contact with these new customers regarding their near-term plans. We would expect these developments to result in increased throughput relative to our initial underwriting assumptions when we consummated the deal. For the remainder of the year, higher commodity prices continue to incentivize our customers to increase activity, particularly in the Delaware and Powder River Basins, positioning us for incremental throughput growth in 2027. In the Delaware Basin, multiple customers have communicated that they intend to accelerate activity into H2, which should drive throughput growth as we exit 2026 and into 2027.

Oscar Brown: We have recently seen a number of wells previously planned for 2027 move into H2 2026 from several customers on the Brazos acreage. We will continue to remain in close contact with these new customers regarding their near-term plans. We would expect these developments to result in increased throughput relative to our initial underwriting assumptions when we consummated the deal. For the remainder of the year, higher commodity prices continue to incentivize our customers to increase activity, particularly in the Delaware and Powder River Basins, positioning us for incremental throughput growth in 2027. In the Delaware Basin, multiple customers have communicated that they intend to accelerate activity into H2, which should drive throughput growth as we exit 2026 and into 2027.

Speaker #3: We will continue to remain in close contact with these new customers regarding their near-term plans but we would expect these developments to result in increased throughput relative to our initial underwriting assumptions when we consummated the deal.

Speaker #3: For the remainder of the year, higher commodity prices continue to incentivize our customers to increase activity particularly in the Delaware and Powder River basins positioning us for incremental throughput growth in 2027.

Speaker #3: In the Delaware Basin, multiple customers have communicated that they intend to accelerate activity into the second half of the year, which should drive throughput growth as we exit 2026 and into 2027.

Speaker #3: We also recently entered into new gathering and processing agreements with two of the most active producers in the Powder River Basin. These long-term agreements increase dedications to West by approximately 270,000 acres which contain over 1,000 remaining drilling locations and are backed by substantial minimum volume commitments.

Oscar K. Brown: We also recently entered into new gathering and processing agreements with two of the most active producers in the Powder River Basin. These long-term agreements increased dedications to West by approximately 270,000 acres, which contain over 1,000 remaining drilling locations and are backed by substantial minimum volume commitments. These agreements, plus the associated volume commitments, demonstrate producers' increasing focus on the Powder River Basin as they begin to more fully develop their vast acreage positions in the basin. Based on the strength of our H1 results, continued elevated commodity prices, and the Brazos acquisition, we are raising the midpoints of our full year 2026 adjusted EBITDA, distributable cash flow, and free cash flow guidance ranges by 10%, 10%, and 20% respectively.

Oscar Brown: We also recently entered into new gathering and processing agreements with two of the most active producers in the Powder River Basin. These long-term agreements increased dedications to West by approximately 270,000 acres, which contain over 1,000 remaining drilling locations and are backed by substantial minimum volume commitments. These agreements, plus the associated volume commitments, demonstrate producers' increasing focus on the Powder River Basin as they begin to more fully develop their vast acreage positions in the basin. Based on the strength of our H1 results, continued elevated commodity prices, and the Brazos acquisition, we are raising the midpoints of our full year 2026 adjusted EBITDA, distributable cash flow, and free cash flow guidance ranges by 10%, 10%, and 20% respectively.

Speaker #3: These agreements plus the associated volume commitments demonstrate producers increasing focus on the Powder River Basin as they begin to more fully develop their vast acreage positions in the basin.

Speaker #3: Based on the strength of our first half results, continued elevated commodity prices and the Brazos acquisition, we are raising the midpoints of our full year 2026 adjusted EBITDA distributable cash flow and free cash flow guidance ranges by 10%, 10%, and 20% respectively.

Speaker #3: We now expect 2026 adjusted EBITDA to be between 2.75 billion and 2.95 billion dollars implying a midpoint of 2.85 billion dollars an increase of 250 million dollars compared to our original guidance range.

Oscar K. Brown: We now expect 2026 adjusted EBITDA to be between $2.75 billion and $2.95 billion, implying a midpoint of $2.85 billion, an increase of $250 million compared to our original guidance range. Additionally, we now expect 2026 distributable cash flow to be between $2.05 billion and $2.25 billion, and 2026 free cash flow between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, which represents increases of $200 million at the midpoints. Kristen will provide more detail on our updated guidance ranges shortly. Finally, as we announced in mid-June, JIP2, our second produced water treatment demonstration facility near Red Bluff Reservoir in Reeves County, Texas, was placed into service during Q2. It is now delivering approximately 1,000 barrels per day of reclaimed fresh water, roughly 10 times the volume of JIP1.

Oscar Brown: We now expect 2026 adjusted EBITDA to be between $2.75 billion and $2.95 billion, implying a midpoint of $2.85 billion, an increase of $250 million compared to our original guidance range. Additionally, we now expect 2026 distributable cash flow to be between $2.05 billion and $2.25 billion, and 2026 free cash flow between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, which represents increases of $200 million at the midpoints. Kristen will provide more detail on our updated guidance ranges shortly. Finally, as we announced in mid-June, JIP2, our second produced water treatment demonstration facility near Red Bluff Reservoir in Reeves County, Texas, was placed into service during Q2. It is now delivering approximately 1,000 barrels per day of reclaimed fresh water, roughly 10 times the volume of JIP1.

Speaker #3: Additionally, we now expect 2026 distributable cash flow to be between 2.05 billion and 2.25 billion dollars and 2026 free cash flow between 1.1 billion and 1.3 billion dollars which represents increases of 200 million dollars at the midpoints.

Speaker #3: Kristen will provide more detail on our updated guidance ranges shortly. Finally, as we announced in mid-June, JIP-2—our second produced water treatment demonstration facility near Red Bluff Reservoir in Reeves County, Texas—was placed into service during the second quarter.

Speaker #3: It is now delivering approximately 1,000 barrels per day of reclaimed fresh water roughly 10 times the volume of JIP-1. The facility is designed to refine operating cost, evaluate reliability, and demonstrate consistent reclaimed fresh water recovery for fit-for-purpose applications including industrial cooling, surface discharge, and non-consumptive agriculture irrigation while protecting existing water sources for surrounding communities.

Oscar K. Brown: The facility is designed to refine operating cost, evaluate reliability, and demonstrate consistent reclaimed fresh water recovery for fit-for-purpose applications, including industrial cooling, surface discharge, and non-consumptive agriculture irrigation, while protecting existing water sources for surrounding communities. We view JIP2 as a critical step towards sanctioning our first commercial-scale facility. In the Permian, crude oil and natural gas flow assurance does not happen without a solution for produced water, and each step forward on beneficial reuse deepens what we can offer producers across all three streams. Over the past few quarters, produced water handling has been our fastest-growing product line, and we believe that beneficial reuse provides another path for growth as water-to-oil ratios continue to increase and as produced water continues to outpace natural gas, crude oil, and NGL throughput growth.

Oscar Brown: The facility is designed to refine operating cost, evaluate reliability, and demonstrate consistent reclaimed fresh water recovery for fit-for-purpose applications, including industrial cooling, surface discharge, and non-consumptive agriculture irrigation, while protecting existing water sources for surrounding communities. We view JIP2 as a critical step towards sanctioning our first commercial-scale facility. In the Permian, crude oil and natural gas flow assurance does not happen without a solution for produced water, and each step forward on beneficial reuse deepens what we can offer producers across all three streams. Over the past few quarters, produced water handling has been our fastest-growing product line, and we believe that beneficial reuse provides another path for growth as water-to-oil ratios continue to increase and as produced water continues to outpace natural gas, crude oil, and NGL throughput growth.

Speaker #3: We view JIP-2 as a critical step towards sanctioning our first commercial-scale facility. In the Permian, crude oil and natural gas flow assurance does not happen without a solution for produced water and each step forward on beneficial reuse deepens what we can offer producers across all three streams.

Speaker #3: Over the past few quarters, produced water handling has been our fastest-growing product line and we believe that beneficial reuse provides another path for growth as water-to-oil ratios continue to increase and as produced water continues to outpace natural gas, crude oil, and NGL throughput growth.

Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn the call over to our Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Holderman, to discuss our operational performance in the second quarter. Daniel?

Oscar K. Brown: With that, I'll turn the call over to our Chief Operating Officer, Danny Holderman, to discuss our operational performance in Q2. Danny?

Oscar Brown: With that, I'll turn the call over to our Chief Operating Officer, Danny Holderman, to discuss our operational performance in Q2. Danny?

Speaker #4: Thank you, Oscar, and good morning, everyone. Second quarter natural gas throughput increased 3% sequentially driven by 2 and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition and another quarter of record natural gas throughput from the DJ Basin.

Daniel P. Holderman: Thank you, Oscar, good morning, everyone. Q2 natural gas throughput increased 3% sequentially, driven by two and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition and another quarter of record natural gas throughput from the DJ Basin. Additionally, our crude oil and NGLs throughput increased slightly, and our produced water throughput increased by approximately 5% on a sequential quarter basis. Our Q2 per Mcf adjusted gross margin for natural gas assets increased by $0.03 compared to the prior quarter, primarily driven by higher overall commodity pricing on excess natural gas liquids volumes under our fixed recovery contracts and by two and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition.

Danny Holderman: Thank you, Oscar, good morning, everyone. Q2 natural gas throughput increased 3% sequentially, driven by two and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition and another quarter of record natural gas throughput from the DJ Basin. Additionally, our crude oil and NGLs throughput increased slightly, and our produced water throughput increased by approximately 5% on a sequential quarter basis. Our Q2 per Mcf adjusted gross margin for natural gas assets increased by $0.03 compared to the prior quarter, primarily driven by higher overall commodity pricing on excess natural gas liquids volumes under our fixed recovery contracts and by two and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition.

Speaker #4: Additionally, our crude oil and NGLs throughput increased slightly and our produced water throughput increased by approximately 5% on a sequential quarter basis. Our second quarter per MCF adjusted gross margin for natural gas assets increased by 3 cents compared to the prior quarter.

Speaker #4: Primarily driven by higher overall commodity pricing on excess natural gas liquids volumes under our fixed recovery contracts and by 2 and a half weeks of contribution from the Brazos acquisition.

Speaker #4: We expect third quarter per MCF adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the second quarter as commodity prices have moderated but we now expect our full year 2026 adjusted gross margin to average approximately $1.30 per MCF.

Daniel P. Holderman: We expect Q3 per Mcf adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the Q2 as commodity prices have moderated, but we now expect our full year 2026 adjusted gross margin to average approximately $1.30 per Mcf. Our Q2 per barrel adjusted gross margin for crude oil and NGLs assets increased by $0.14 compared to the prior quarter, primarily driven by higher deficiency fees in the Delaware Basin. We expect our Q3 per barrel adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the Q2, but we still expect our full year 2026 to range between $3.10 and $3.15 per barrel for 2026. Our Q2 per barrel adjusted gross margin for produced water assets increased by $0.06 compared to the prior quarter, primarily driven by higher throughput.

Danny Holderman: We expect Q3 per Mcf adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the Q2 as commodity prices have moderated, but we now expect our full year 2026 adjusted gross margin to average approximately $1.30 per Mcf. Our Q2 per barrel adjusted gross margin for crude oil and NGLs assets increased by $0.14 compared to the prior quarter, primarily driven by higher deficiency fees in the Delaware Basin. We expect our Q3 per barrel adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the Q2, but we still expect our full year 2026 to range between $3.10 and $3.15 per barrel for 2026. Our Q2 per barrel adjusted gross margin for produced water assets increased by $0.06 compared to the prior quarter, primarily driven by higher throughput.

Speaker #4: Our second quarter per barrel adjusted gross margin for crude oil and NGLs assets increased by 14 cents compared to the prior quarter primarily driven by higher deficiency fees in the Delaware Basin.

Speaker #4: We expect our third quarter per barrel adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the second quarter but we still expect our full year 2026 to range between $3.10 and $3.15 per barrel for 2026.

Speaker #4: Our second quarter per barrel adjusted gross margin for produced water assets increased by 6 cents compared to the prior quarter primarily driven by higher throughput.

Speaker #4: We expect our third quarter per barrel adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the second quarter but we still expect our full year 2026 to average approximately $0.91 especially if the crude oil strip for 2026 remains elevated.

Daniel P. Holderman: We expect our Q3 per barrel adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the Q2, but we still expect our full year 2026 to average approximately $0.91, especially if the crude oil strip for 2026 remains elevated. For the remainder of the year, we now expect portfolio-wide average year-over-year throughput to increase by mid-single digits for natural gas and to decline by low single digits for crude oil and NGLs, reflecting 6.5 months of Brazos contribution and higher customer activity in the H2 of the year. Additionally, we now expect average produced water throughput to increase by approximately 85% year-over-year, driven by the Aris acquisition and strong performance from our legacy water business, which is slightly higher than our original expectation of approximately 80% growth coming into the year.

Danny Holderman: We expect our Q3 per barrel adjusted gross margin to be slightly lower than the Q2, but we still expect our full year 2026 to average approximately $0.91, especially if the crude oil strip for 2026 remains elevated. For the remainder of the year, we now expect portfolio-wide average year-over-year throughput to increase by mid-single digits for natural gas and to decline by low single digits for crude oil and NGLs, reflecting 6.5 months of Brazos contribution and higher customer activity in the H2 of the year. Additionally, we now expect average produced water throughput to increase by approximately 85% year-over-year, driven by the Aris acquisition and strong performance from our legacy water business, which is slightly higher than our original expectation of approximately 80% growth coming into the year.

Speaker #4: For the remainder of the year, we now expect portfolio-wide average year-over-year throughput to increase by mid-single digits for natural gas and to decline by low-single digits for crude oil and NGLs reflecting 6 and a half months of Brazos contribution and higher customer activity in the back half of the year.

Speaker #4: Additionally, we now expect average produced water throughput to increase by approximately 85% year-over-year driven by the ARIS acquisition and strong performance from our legacy water business which is slightly higher than our original expectation of approximately 80% growth coming into the year.

Speaker #4: In the Delaware Basin, we now expect average year-over-year throughput to increase by low- to mid-teens percentage growth for natural gas and for crude oil and NGLs to increase by low-single-digit percentage growth in 2026, with the Brazos acquisition being the primary driver of the improved forecast.

Daniel P. Holderman: In the Delaware Basin, we now expect average year-over-year throughput to increase by low- to mid-teens percentage growth for natural gas and for crude oil and NGLs to increase by low single digits percentage growth in 2026, with the Brazos acquisition being the primary driver of the improved forecast. During the Q2, we again saw certain customers curtail Delaware Basin throughput due to -WAHA natural gas pricing, but we exited the quarter with no curtailments as certain long-haul pipes returned from maintenance and the GCX expansion and the Hugh Brinson pipeline entered service. We expect WAHA pricing to be less volatile through the remainder of the year, particularly as the Blackcomb pipeline comes online later this year. In the DJ Basin, throughput outperformed in the H1 of the year, primarily driven by strong well performance and higher on loads from other midstream companies.

Danny Holderman: In the Delaware Basin, we now expect average year-over-year throughput to increase by low- to mid-teens percentage growth for natural gas and for crude oil and NGLs to increase by low single digits percentage growth in 2026, with the Brazos acquisition being the primary driver of the improved forecast. During the Q2, we again saw certain customers curtail Delaware Basin throughput due to negative WAHA natural gas pricing, but we exited the quarter with no curtailments as certain long-haul pipes returned from maintenance and the GCX expansion and the Hugh Brinson pipeline entered service. We expect WAHA pricing to be less volatile through the remainder of the year, particularly as the Blackcomb pipeline comes online later this year. In the DJ Basin, throughput outperformed in the H1 of the year, primarily driven by strong well performance and higher on loads from other midstream companies.

Speaker #4: During the second quarter, we again saw certain customers curtail Delaware Basin throughput due to negative Waha natural gas pricing but we exited the quarter with no curtailments as certain long-haul pipes returned from maintenance and the GCX expansion in the Huberinson pipeline entered service.

Speaker #4: We expect Waha pricing to be less volatile through the remainder of the year particularly as the Blackcomb pipeline comes online later this year. In the DJ Basin, throughput outperformed in the first half of the year primarily driven by strong well-performance and higher onloads from other midstream companies.

Speaker #4: This outperformance improves our full-year outlook for both natural gas and crude oil and NGLs throughput and we now expect a low single digit decline for natural gas and a mid-single digits decline for crude oil and NGLs on average year-over-year.

Daniel P. Holderman: This outperformance improves our full-year outlook for both natural gas and crude oil and NGLs throughput, and we now expect a low single-digit decline for natural gas and a mid-single-digits decline for crude oil and NGLs on average year-over-year. In the Powder River Basin, we now expect throughput to decline by mid to high single digits on average year-over-year. As Oscar previously mentioned, we recently signed long-term gathering and processing agreements with two large producers in the basin that add approximately 270,000 dedicated acres to WES's footprint, support years of development drilling, and are backed by multi-year minimum volume commitments. These customers plan to increase activity in the H2 of this year, driving volume growth as we exit 2026 and again in 2027.

Danny Holderman: This outperformance improves our full-year outlook for both natural gas and crude oil and NGLs throughput, and we now expect a low single-digit decline for natural gas and a mid-single-digits decline for crude oil and NGLs on average year-over-year. In the Powder River Basin, we now expect throughput to decline by mid to high single digits on average year-over-year. As Oscar previously mentioned, we recently signed long-term gathering and processing agreements with two large producers in the basin that add approximately 270,000 dedicated acres to WES's footprint, support years of development drilling, and are backed by multi-year minimum volume commitments. These customers plan to increase activity in the H2 of this year, driving volume growth as we exit 2026 and again in 2027.

Speaker #4: In the Powder River Basin, we now expect throughput to decline by mid to high single digits on average year-over-year as Oscar previously mentioned, we recently signed long-term gathering and processing agreements with two large producers in the basin that add approximately $270,000 dedicated acres to Wess's footprint, support years of development drilling, and are backed by multi-year minimum volume commitments.

Speaker #4: These customers plan to increase activity in the back half of this year driving volume growth as we exit 2026 and again in 2027. Finally, regional natural gas pricing has improved in the Rocky Mountains and we continue to expect mid-single digits percentage throughput growth from our other natural gas assets driven by a full year's contribution from Williams Mountain West pipeline expansion that tie in of Kinder Morgan's Altamont pipeline and Dar Chapita processing plant in Utah in 2025 and steady throughput at our Brisada plant in South Texas.

Daniel P. Holderman: Finally, regional natural gas pricing has improved in the Rocky Mountains, and we continue to expect mid-single digits % throughput growth from our other natural gas assets, driven by a full year's contribution from Williams MountainWest pipeline expansion, the tie-in of Kinder Morgan's Ultima pipeline and our Chipeta processing plant in Utah in 2025 and steady throughput at our Brasada plant in South Texas. With that, I'll turn the call over to Kristen to discuss our financial performance.

Danny Holderman: Finally, regional natural gas pricing has improved in the Rocky Mountains, and we continue to expect mid-single digits % throughput growth from our other natural gas assets, driven by a full year's contribution from Williams MountainWest pipeline expansion, the tie-in of Kinder Morgan's Ultima pipeline and our Chipeta processing plant in Utah in 2025 and steady throughput at our Brasada plant in South Texas. With that, I'll turn the call over to Kristen to discuss our financial performance.

Speaker #4: With that, I'll turn the call over to Kristen to discuss our financial performance.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Daniel, and good morning, everyone. During the second quarter, we generated net income attributable to limited partners of $395 million record adjusted EBITDA of $737 million and distributable cash flow of $537 million.

Kristen S. Shults: Thank you, Danny, and good morning, everyone. During Q2, we generated net income attributable to limited partners of $395 million, record adjusted EBITDA of $737 million and distributable cash flow of $537 million. Relative to Q1 2026, adjusted gross margin increased by $84 million, driven primarily by strong throughput growth from our produced water business, approximately two and a half weeks of throughput from the Brazos Delaware acquisition, and higher commodity prices on excess natural gas liquids volumes. Operation and maintenance expense increased approximately 8% quarter-over-quarter, mostly driven by higher disposal and land fees associated with the increased produced water throughput and higher chemicals and treating expense.

Kristen Shults: Thank you, Danny, and good morning, everyone. During Q2, we generated net income attributable to limited partners of $395 million, record adjusted EBITDA of $737 million and distributable cash flow of $537 million. Relative to Q1 2026, adjusted gross margin increased by $84 million, driven primarily by strong throughput growth from our produced water business, approximately two and a half weeks of throughput from the Brazos Delaware acquisition, and higher commodity prices on excess natural gas liquids volumes. Operation and maintenance expense increased approximately 8% quarter-over-quarter, mostly driven by higher disposal and land fees associated with the increased produced water throughput and higher chemicals and treating expense.

Speaker #2: Relative to the first quarter of 2026, adjusted gross margin increased by $84 million driven primarily by strong throughput growth from our produced water business approximately 2 and a half weeks of throughput from the Brazos Delaware acquisition and higher commodity prices on excess natural gas liquids volumes.

Speaker #2: Operation and maintenance expense increased approximately 8% quarter over quarter mostly driven by higher disposal and land fees associated with the increased produced water throughput and higher chemicals and treating expense.

Speaker #2: Inclusive of both the legacy ARIS and Brazos assets, we now expect our full year 2026 operation and maintenance expense to increase by approximately 20 to 25 percent year-over-year which is still a meaningful reduction on a combined company basis as we execute on synergy capture and operational cost reduction efforts.

Kristen S. Shults: Inclusive of both the legacy Aris and Brazos assets, we now expect our full year 2026 operation and maintenance expense to increase by approximately 20% to 25% year-over-year, which is still a meaningful reduction on a combined company basis as we execute on synergy capture and operational cost reduction efforts. For Q3 specifically, we expect operation and maintenance expense to increase in the high single digits % range, driven by the full quarterly run rate from Brazos, the increased asset maintenance and repair work that's typical during Q3, and higher expected utility cost. Pro forma, the Brazos acquisition, we now estimate reimbursements of approximately 60% of our portfolio-wide utility cost from our customers. Turning to cash flow, our Q2 cash flow from operating activities totaled $535 million, an increase of $65 million over Q1 2026.

Kristen Shults: Inclusive of both the legacy Aris and Brazos assets, we now expect our full year 2026 operation and maintenance expense to increase by approximately 20% to 25% year-over-year, which is still a meaningful reduction on a combined company basis as we execute on synergy capture and operational cost reduction efforts. For Q3 specifically, we expect operation and maintenance expense to increase in the high single digits % range, driven by the full quarterly run rate from Brazos, the increased asset maintenance and repair work that's typical during Q3, and higher expected utility cost. Pro forma, the Brazos acquisition, we now estimate reimbursements of approximately 60% of our portfolio-wide utility cost from our customers. Turning to cash flow, our Q2 cash flow from operating activities totaled $535 million, an increase of $65 million over Q1 2026.

Speaker #2: For the third quarter specifically, we expect operation and maintenance expense to increase in the high single digits percentage range, driven by the full quarterly run rate from Brazos, increased asset maintenance and repair work that's typical during the third quarter, and higher expected utility costs.

Speaker #2: Pro forma the Brazos acquisition, we now estimate reimbursements of approximately 60% of our portfolio-wide utility costs from our customers. Turning to cash flow, our second quarter cash flow from operating activities totaled $535 million.

Speaker #2: This represents an increase of $65 million over the first quarter of 2026. Our operating cash flow resulted in $264 million of free cash flow generation, and free cash flow after our first quarter 2026 distribution—paid on May 15th—was a use of cash of $111 million.

Kristen S. Shults: Our operating cash flow resulted in $264 million of free cash flow generation, and free cash flow after our Q1 2026 distribution that was paid on 15 May was a use of cash of $111 million. Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the quarter with more than $1.8 billion of total liquidity and a trailing 12-month net leverage ratio pro forma for a full year of Brazos' contribution of approximately 3.15 times. In June, we issued $700 million of 10-year senior notes to refinance the commercial paper and revolver borrowings used to fund the Brazos acquisition. The 123 basis point spread to US Treasuries was the tightest 10-year spread for any WES senior note issuance in the partnership's history.

Kristen Shults: Our operating cash flow resulted in $264 million of free cash flow generation, and free cash flow after our Q1 2026 distribution that was paid on 15 May was a use of cash of $111 million. Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the quarter with more than $1.8 billion of total liquidity and a trailing 12-month net leverage ratio pro forma for a full year of Brazos' contribution of approximately 3.15 times. In June, we issued $700 million of 10-year senior notes to refinance the commercial paper and revolver borrowings used to fund the Brazos acquisition. The 123 basis point spread to US Treasuries was the tightest 10-year spread for any WES senior note issuance in the partnership's history.

Speaker #2: Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the quarter with more than $1.8 billion of total liquidity and a trailing 12-month net leverage ratio pro forma for a full year of Brazos contribution of approximately 3.15 times.

Speaker #2: In June, we issued $700 million of 10-year senior notes to refinance the commercial paper and revolver borrowings used to fund the Brazos acquisition. The $123 basis point spread to US Treasuries was the tightest 10-year spread for any US 10-year senior note issuance in the partnership's history.

Speaker #2: On July 20th, we declared a quarterly distribution of $93 per unit unchanged from the prior quarter and it will be paid on August 14th to unit holders of record as of July 31st.

Kristen S. Shults: On 20 July, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.93 per unit, unchanged from the prior quarter. It will be paid on 14 August to unit holders of record as of 31 July. Turning to guidance, as Oscar mentioned, we are raising our 2026 adjusted EBITDA range to be between $2.75 billion and $2.95 billion, implying a new midpoint of $2.85 billion, an increase of $250 million at the midpoint relative to our initial guidance announced in late February. This reflects the contribution from the Brazos acquisition, the strong commodity price environment in H1 2026, and a higher commodity price forecast for H2, as well as increased customer activity levels in H2 of the year in both the Delaware and Powder River Basins, as both Oscar and Danny previously mentioned.

Kristen Shults: On 20 July, we declared a quarterly distribution of $0.93 per unit, unchanged from the prior quarter. It will be paid on 14 August to unit holders of record as of 31 July. Turning to guidance, as Oscar mentioned, we are raising our 2026 adjusted EBITDA range to be between $2.75 billion and $2.95 billion, implying a new midpoint of $2.85 billion, an increase of $250 million at the midpoint relative to our initial guidance announced in late February. This reflects the contribution from the Brazos acquisition, the strong commodity price environment in H1 2026, and a higher commodity price forecast for H2, as well as increased customer activity levels in H2 of the year in both the Delaware and Powder River Basins, as both Oscar and Danny previously mentioned.

Speaker #2: Turning to guidance, as Oscar mentioned, we are raising our 2026 adjusted EBITDA range to be between $2.75 billion and $2.95 billion, implying a new midpoint of $2.85 billion.

Speaker #2: An increase of $250 million at the midpoint relative to our initial guidance announced in late February. This reflects the contribution from the Brazos acquisition, the strong commodity price environment in the first half of 2026, and a higher commodity price forecast for the second half as well as increased customer activity levels in the second half of the year in both the Delaware and Powder River basins as both Oscar and Daniel previously mentioned.

Speaker #2: While second half 2026 commodity prices remain above what we modeled coming into the year, they have recently moderated causing us to use an average oil price of $71 per barrel for the second half of the year and resulting in a full year average price of approximately $77 per barrel.

Kristen S. Shults: While H2 2026 commodity prices remain above what we modeled coming into the year, they have recently moderated, causing us to use an average oil price of $71 per barrel for H2 of the year, resulting in a full year average price of approximately $77 per barrel. On capital, we are maintaining our 2026 capital expenditure range of $850 million to $1 billion, that we now expect to be toward the high end of the guidance range. This is primarily driven by new expansion opportunities in the Delaware and Powder River Basins that were not contemplated in our prior forecast. In particular, the new long-term gathering and processing agreements in the Powder River Basin will require incremental growth capital for expanded gathering facilities and additional compression, a portion of which will be spent in 2026.

Kristen Shults: While H2 2026 commodity prices remain above what we modeled coming into the year, they have recently moderated, causing us to use an average oil price of $71 per barrel for H2 of the year, resulting in a full year average price of approximately $77 per barrel. On capital, we are maintaining our 2026 capital expenditure range of $850 million to $1 billion, that we now expect to be toward the high end of the guidance range. This is primarily driven by new expansion opportunities in the Delaware and Powder River Basins that were not contemplated in our prior forecast. In particular, the new long-term gathering and processing agreements in the Powder River Basin will require incremental growth capital for expanded gathering facilities and additional compression, a portion of which will be spent in 2026.

Speaker #2: On capital, we are maintaining our 2026 capital expenditure range of $850 million to $1 billion. Though we now expect to be toward the high end of the guidance range.

Speaker #2: This is primarily driven by new expansion opportunities in the Delaware and Powder River basins that were not contemplated in our prior forecast. In particular, the new long-term gathering and processing agreements in the Powder River basin will require incremental growth capital for expanded gathering facilities and additional compression.

Speaker #2: A portion of which will be spent in 2026. Over half of our 2026 capital program remains directed toward the construction of the Pathfinder pipeline and the North Loving 2 natural gas processing train.

Kristen S. Shults: Over half of our 2026 capital program remains directed toward the construction of the Pathfinder Pipeline and the North Loving-2 natural gas processing train. We continue to expect capital spending to remain elevated through Q3 before moderating in Q4 as we approach Pathfinder's and North Loving-2's expected in-service dates in Q1 and Q2 2027, respectively. We are increasing our distributable cash flow, or DCF guidance, to a range of $2.05 billion and $2.25 billion, implying a midpoint of $2.15 billion, an increase of $200 million at the midpoint. This again mostly reflects the Brazos acquisition and higher commodity price environment through 2026. We are also raising our free cash flow guidance to a range of $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, implying a midpoint of $1.2 billion, also an increase of $200 million at the midpoint.

Kristen Shults: Over half of our 2026 capital program remains directed toward the construction of the Pathfinder Pipeline and the North Loving-2 natural gas processing train. We continue to expect capital spending to remain elevated through Q3 before moderating in Q4 as we approach Pathfinder's and North Loving-2's expected in-service dates in Q1 and Q2 2027, respectively. We are increasing our distributable cash flow, or DCF guidance, to a range of $2.05 billion and $2.25 billion, implying a midpoint of $2.15 billion, an increase of $200 million at the midpoint. This again mostly reflects the Brazos acquisition and higher commodity price environment through 2026. We are also raising our free cash flow guidance to a range of $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, implying a midpoint of $1.2 billion, also an increase of $200 million at the midpoint.

Speaker #2: We continue to expect capital spending to remain elevated through the third quarter before moderating in the fourth as we approach Pathfinders and North Loving 2's expected in-service dates in the first and second quarters of 2027 respectively.

Speaker #2: We are increasing our distributable cash flow or DCF guidance to a range of $2.05 billion and $2.25 billion. Implying a midpoint of $2.15 billion.

Speaker #2: An increase of $200 million at the midpoint. This again mostly reflects the Brazos acquisition and higher commodity price environment through 2026. We are also raising our free cash flow guidance to a range of $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion.

Speaker #2: Implying a midpoint of $1.2 billion. Also an increase of $200 million at the midpoint. We continue to view free cash flow as a key indicator of the partnership's financial strengths while DCF provides investors an additional measure of our capacity to fund the distribution and a substantial portion of our expansion capital program.

Kristen S. Shults: We continue to view free cash flow as a key indicator of the partnership's financial strength, while DCF provides investors an additional measure of our capacity to fund the distribution and a substantial portion of our expansion capital program. Finally, turning to the distribution, our target of at least $3.70 per unit paid in 2026 remains unchanged. Our annualized run rate of $3.72 reflects the increased distribution rate of $0.93 per unit that commenced with the Q1 2026 distribution, that will be paid again on 14 August for the Q2 distribution. With that, I will now turn the call over to Oscar for closing remarks.

Kristen Shults: We continue to view free cash flow as a key indicator of the partnership's financial strength, while DCF provides investors an additional measure of our capacity to fund the distribution and a substantial portion of our expansion capital program. Finally, turning to the distribution, our target of at least $3.70 per unit paid in 2026 remains unchanged. Our annualized run rate of $3.72 reflects the increased distribution rate of $0.93 per unit that commenced with the Q1 2026 distribution, that will be paid again on 14 August for the Q2 distribution. With that, I will now turn the call over to Oscar for closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Finally, turning to the distribution, our target of at least $3.70 per unit paid in 2026 remains unchanged. Our annualized run rate of $3.72 reflects the increased distribution rate of 93 cents per unit that commenced with the first quarter 2026 distribution and that will be paid again on August 14th for the second quarter distribution.

Speaker #2: With that, I will now turn the call over to Oscar for closing remarks.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Kristen. Before we open the call for questions, I want to leave you with a few closing thoughts. First, Wes has multiple ways to win and grow across the portfolio and across all three product lines.

Oscar K. Brown: Thanks, Kristen. Before we open the call for questions, I want to leave you with a few closing thoughts. First, West has multiple ways to win and grow across the portfolio and across all three product lines: natural gas, crude oil and NGLs, and produced water. Higher customer activity in the Delaware Basin, combined with new commercial agreements and increasing rig count in the Powder River Basin, positions West for increasing natural gas throughput as we exit this year and again in 2027. The Brazos acquisition adds further momentum, and we continue to expect it to generate approximately $100 million of adjusted EBITDA in H2 2026. The Pathfinder Produced Water Pipeline and the North Loving II natural gas processing train will provide growth and financial uplift when both of those projects come online early in Q1 and Q2 2027, respectively.

Oscar Brown: Thanks, Kristen. Before we open the call for questions, I want to leave you with a few closing thoughts. First, West has multiple ways to win and grow across the portfolio and across all three product lines: natural gas, crude oil and NGLs, and produced water. Higher customer activity in the Delaware Basin, combined with new commercial agreements and increasing rig count in the Powder River Basin, positions West for increasing natural gas throughput as we exit this year and again in 2027. The Brazos acquisition adds further momentum, and we continue to expect it to generate approximately $100 million of adjusted EBITDA in H2 2026. The Pathfinder Produced Water Pipeline and the North Loving II natural gas processing train will provide growth and financial uplift when both of those projects come online early in Q1 and Q2 2027, respectively.

Speaker #3: Natural gas, crude oil and NGLs, and produce water. Higher customer activity in the Delaware basin combined with new commercial agreements and increasing recount in the Powder River basin positions Wes for increasing natural gas throughput as we exit this year and again in 2027.

Speaker #3: The Brazos acquisition adds further momentum and we continue to expect it to generate approximately $100 million of adjusted EBITDA in the second half of 2026.

Speaker #3: The Pathfinder produce water pipeline and the North Loving 2 natural gas processing train will provide growth and financial uplift when both of those projects come online early in the first and second quarters of 2027 respectively.

Speaker #3: Second, beneficial reuse remains an important longer-term extension of our produce water strategy. With JIP 2 now in service and producing roughly 10 times the reclaimed fresh water of JIP 1, we continue to progress our goal of sanctioning our first commercial scale facility adding another path for future growth.

Oscar K. Brown: Second, beneficial reuse remains an important longer-term extension of our produced water strategy. With JIP 2 now in service and producing roughly 10 times the reclaimed fresh water of JIP 1, we continue to progress our goal of sanctioning our first commercial scale facility, adding another path for future growth. Third, our growth is supported by our strong balance sheet and ample liquidity. We ended the quarter with more than $1.8 billion of total liquidity and a trailing 12-month net leverage ratio pro forma for a full year's contribution from Brazos of approximately 3.15 times. This financial strength gives us the flexibility to fund organic expansion while returning capital to unitholders and pursuing additional strategic M&A as we did with Brazos and Aris. Finally, West continues to offer one of the most compelling equity return profiles in the midstream sector.

Oscar Brown: Second, beneficial reuse remains an important longer-term extension of our produced water strategy. With JIP 2 now in service and producing roughly 10 times the reclaimed fresh water of JIP 1, we continue to progress our goal of sanctioning our first commercial scale facility, adding another path for future growth. Third, our growth is supported by our strong balance sheet and ample liquidity. We ended the quarter with more than $1.8 billion of total liquidity and a trailing 12-month net leverage ratio pro forma for a full year's contribution from Brazos of approximately 3.15 times. This financial strength gives us the flexibility to fund organic expansion while returning capital to unitholders and pursuing additional strategic M&A as we did with Brazos and Aris. Finally, West continues to offer one of the most compelling equity return profiles in the midstream sector.

Speaker #3: Third, our growth is supported by our strong balance sheet and ample liquidity. We ended the quarter with more than $1.8 billion of total liquidity and a trailing 12-month net leverage ratio pro forma for a full year's contribution from Brazos of approximately 3.15 times.

Speaker #3: This financial strength gives us the flexibility to fund organic expansion while returning capital to unit holders and pursuing additional strategic M&A as we did with Brazos and ARIS.

Speaker #3: Finally, Wes continues to offer one of the most compelling equity return profiles in the midstream sector. Our 12 to 14 percent potential total annual equity return is underpinned by a 7 to 9 percent current cash yield and a 4 to 5 percent long-term adjusted EBITDA growth rate driving further upside over time.

Oscar K. Brown: Our 12% to 14% potential total annual equity return is underpinned by a 7% to 9% current cash yield and a 4% to 5% long-term adjusted EBITDA growth rate, driving further upside over time. We exceeded that long-term growth rate in both 2024 and 2025, and we expect continued outperformance in 2026, generating expected total returns well above 14%. Combined with our strong balance sheet, investment-grade credit ratings, and ample liquidity, our compelling returns continue to differentiate West within the midstream sector. In closing, West enters H2 2026 from a position of strength. We delivered record adjusted EBITDA this quarter, raised full-year guidance, and made significant progress integrating the Brazos acquisition. Looking ahead, we have multiple paths to continued growth.

Oscar Brown: Our 12% to 14% potential total annual equity return is underpinned by a 7% to 9% current cash yield and a 4% to 5% long-term adjusted EBITDA growth rate, driving further upside over time. We exceeded that long-term growth rate in both 2024 and 2025, and we expect continued outperformance in 2026, generating expected total returns well above 14%. Combined with our strong balance sheet, investment-grade credit ratings, and ample liquidity, our compelling returns continue to differentiate West within the midstream sector. In closing, West enters H2 2026 from a position of strength. We delivered record adjusted EBITDA this quarter, raised full-year guidance, and made significant progress integrating the Brazos acquisition. Looking ahead, we have multiple paths to continued growth.

Speaker #3: We exceeded that long-term growth rate in both '24 and '25 and we expect continued outperformance in 2026 generating expected total returns well above 14 percent.

Speaker #3: Combined with our strong balance sheet, investment-grade credit ratings, and ample liquidity, our compelling returns continue to differentiate Wes within the midstream sector. In closing, Wes enters the second half of 2026 from a position of strength.

Speaker #3: We delivered record adjusted EBITDA this quarter, raised full year guidance, and made significant progress integrating the Brazos acquisition. Looking ahead, we have multiple paths to continued growth.

Speaker #3: Pathfinder and North Loving 2 are progressing on schedule rising activity across most of our core basins and several recent commercial successes that will strengthen our growth profile for years to come.

Oscar K. Brown: Pathfinder and North Loving II are progressing on schedule, rising activity across most of our core basins, and several recent commercial successes that will strengthen our growth profile for years to come.

Oscar Brown: Pathfinder and North Loving II are progressing on schedule, rising activity across most of our core basins, and several recent commercial successes that will strengthen our growth profile for years to come.

Speaker #3: I am confident our team's ability to execute and continue creating value for our unit holders. I also want to say thank you to our entire Western Midstream Workforce for their continued hard work, engagement, and dedication to our partnership.

Oscar K. Brown: I am confident in our team's ability to execute and continue creating value for our unitholders. I also want to say thank you to our entire Western Midstream workforce for their continued hard work, engagement, and dedication to our partnership. We lead with our core values of partnership, customer focus, resourcefulness, and performance to deliver on our mission of improving lives through safe, sustainable, and efficient energy delivery. With that, we'll open the call for questions.

Oscar Brown: I am confident in our team's ability to execute and continue creating value for our unitholders. I also want to say thank you to our entire Western Midstream workforce for their continued hard work, engagement, and dedication to our partnership. We lead with our core values of partnership, customer focus, resourcefulness, and performance to deliver on our mission of improving lives through safe, sustainable, and efficient energy delivery. With that, we'll open the call for questions.

Speaker #3: We lead with our core values of partnership, customer focus, resourcefulness, and performance to deliver on our mission of improving lives through safe, sustainable, and efficient energy delivery.

Speaker #3: With that, we'll open the call for questions.

Speaker #1: As a reminder to ask a question, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. Your first question comes from the line of Gabe Maureen with Mizuho.

Operator: As a reminder, to ask a question, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. Your first question comes from the line of Gabe Moreen with Mizuho. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hey, good morning team. I just had a quick question I guess on with the acceleration of activity from some of your customers into the back half of this year.

Gabe Moreen: Hey, good morning, team. I just had a quick question, I guess, with the acceleration of activity from some of your customers into the back half of this year. Can you just talk about any revised expectations for filling up the spare processing capacity you've got for Brazos? Also at North Loving and expansion there and what it may mean also for potential future processing expansions.

Speaker #4: Can you just talk about any revised expectations for filling up the spare processing capacity you've got for Brazos? And then also at North Loving and the expansion there and what it may mean also for future processing potential future processing expansions.

Speaker #5: Sure. Thanks, Gabe. It's Oscar. Yeah, I think we are increasingly bullish on some of the outlook for gas as probably no surprise. We do have excess capacity at Brazos.

Oscar K. Brown: Sure. Thanks, Gabe. It's Oscar. Yeah, I think we are increasingly bullish on some of the outlook for gas, as probably no surprise. We do have excess capacity at Brazos. It'll probably take us towards the end of the year to connect the systems, we won't really be taking advantage of that significantly until that time, and we expect to move a lot of volumes, especially volumes we've been offloading onto the plant. That said, the customer base there is much more active than we expected and we underwrote in the transaction. We're probably going to see that plant head towards being full pretty quickly, never mind us shifting over offloaded volumes. I guess with respect to additional capacity, we continue to review our processing stack. I think we are definitely in the mode of trying to understand the outlook.

Oscar Brown: Sure. Thanks, Gabe. It's Oscar. Yeah, I think we are increasingly bullish on some of the outlook for gas, as probably no surprise. We do have excess capacity at Brazos. It'll probably take us towards the end of the year to connect the systems, we won't really be taking advantage of that significantly until that time, and we expect to move a lot of volumes, especially volumes we've been offloading onto the plant. That said, the customer base there is much more active than we expected and we underwrote in the transaction. We're probably going to see that plant head towards being full pretty quickly, never mind us shifting over offloaded volumes. I guess with respect to additional capacity, we continue to review our processing stack. I think we are definitely in the mode of trying to understand the outlook.

Speaker #5: It'll probably take us towards the end of the year to connect the systems. So we won't really be taking advantage of that significantly until that time.

Speaker #5: And we expect to move a lot of volumes, especially volumes we've been offloading onto the plant. That said, the customer base there is much more active than we expected.

Speaker #5: And we underwrote in the transaction. So we're probably going to see that plant head towards being full pretty quickly. Never mind us shifting over offloaded volumes.

Speaker #5: And then I guess with respect to additional capacity, we continue to review our processing stack. I think we are definitely in the mode of trying to understand the outlook.

Speaker #5: We'll know more as we progress through the year. We're probably at capacity in terms of space at North Loving. So our next plant would maybe be somewhere else but we're certainly in that mode now at considering where to move plant capacity next.

Oscar K. Brown: We'll know more as we progress through the year. We're probably at capacity in terms of space at North Loving, so our next plan would maybe be somewhere else. We're certainly in that mode now, considering where to move site capacity next. It's a pretty good outlook.

Oscar Brown: We'll know more as we progress through the year. We're probably at capacity in terms of space at North Loving, so our next plan would maybe be somewhere else. We're certainly in that mode now, considering where to move site capacity next. It's a pretty good outlook.

Speaker #5: But it's a pretty good outlook.

Speaker #4: Great. Thanks, Oscar. Maybe if I can ask again on I'll follow up on Pathfinder. You mentioned the projects progressing according to plan. Can you talk about contracting strategies there?

Gabe Moreen: Great. Thanks, Oscar. Maybe if I can ask again on a follow-up on Pathfinder. You mentioned the project's progressing according to plan. Can you talk about contracting strategy there? There's been a lot of discussion on your call here in the remarks about water and how that's your fastest growing area. Just how that may translate to Pathfinder beyond your anchor customer with Oxy. Sorry, your contract with Oxy.

Speaker #4: There's been a lot of discussion on your call here in the remarks about water and how that's your fastest growing area. Just how that may translate to Pathfinder beyond kind of your anchor customer with Oxy.

Speaker #4: Sorry, your contract with Oxy.

Speaker #5: Yeah, no, thanks, Gabe. So Pathfinder's going extremely well. I would say it's going better than planned. We've done a lot of work to bring down the total capital costs from the original sort of budget.

Oscar K. Brown: Yeah. No. Thanks, Gabe. Pathfinder's going extremely well. I would say it's going better than planned. We've done a lot of work to bring down the total capital cost from the original sort of budget, and so that's gone well. We've also done, you'll remember we announced some land work where we've gained some excess pore space capacity and sort of did a little reroute in part of the system. That helped with capital costs and returns as well. With the base Oxy contract, that takes a little less than a third of the capacity of the pipe. With some of the work we've done around the commercial side, that team has been successful in winning sort of incremental gathering and disposal opportunities that will ultimately, over the long term, need to utilize Pathfinder. We priced that in accordingly.

Oscar Brown: Yeah. No. Thanks, Gabe. Pathfinder's going extremely well. I would say it's going better than planned. We've done a lot of work to bring down the total capital cost from the original sort of budget, and so that's gone well. We've also done, you'll remember we announced some land work where we've gained some excess pore space capacity and sort of did a little reroute in part of the system. That helped with capital costs and returns as well. With the base Oxy contract, that takes a little less than 1/3 of the capacity of the pipe. With some of the work we've done around the commercial side, that team has been successful in winning sort of incremental gathering and disposal opportunities that will ultimately, over the long term, need to utilize Pathfinder. We priced that in accordingly.

Speaker #5: And so that's gone well. We've also done you'll remember we announced some land work where we've gained some excess porespace capacity and sort of did a little reroute in part of the system.

Speaker #5: So that helped with capital cost and returns as well. So with the base Oxy contract that takes a little less than a third of the capacity of the pipe, and with some of the work we've done around the commercial side, that team has been successful in winning sort of incremental gathering and disposal opportunities that will ultimately over the long term need to utilize Pathfinder.

Speaker #5: We priced that in accordingly, so we're seeing that sort of chip away at the excess capacity. So right now, we're looking at returns that have moved up—our expected returns are up about 500 basis points, from high single digits to 10 percent or 15 percent, which you'd expect with all the work we've done.

Oscar K. Brown: We're seeing that sort of chip away at the excess capacity. Right now we're looking at returns have moved up about our expected returns by about 500 basis points from high single digits, 10% on this asset, to closer to 15%, which you'd expect with all the work we've done. Then as we continue to fill that pipe into the next year or so, once it comes online, we expect returns to get into the 20% range. Everything fundamentally about the water business, quite honestly from our perspective, is much better than we thought and has improved more quickly than we anticipated when we sanctioned this project. I think Pathfinder becomes kind of like a header system or a loop in terms of our entire integrated water system in New Mexico and Texas. We probably will see another big contractor too.

Oscar Brown: We're seeing that sort of chip away at the excess capacity. Right now we're looking at returns have moved up about our expected returns by about 500 basis points from high single-digits, 10% on this asset, to closer to 15%, which you'd expect with all the work we've done. Then as we continue to fill that pipe into the next year or so, once it comes online, we expect returns to get into the 20% range. Everything fundamentally about the water business, quite honestly from our perspective, is much better than we thought and has improved more quickly than we anticipated when we sanctioned this project. I think Pathfinder becomes kind of like a header system or a loop in terms of our entire integrated water system in New Mexico and Texas. We probably will see another big contractor too.

Speaker #5: And then as we continue to fill that pipe into the next year or so, once it comes online, would expect returns to get into the 20 percent range.

Speaker #5: So everything fundamentally about the water business quite honestly from our perspective is much better than we thought. And it's improved more quickly than we anticipated when we sanctioned this project.

Speaker #5: So I think Pathfinder becomes kind of like a header system or a loop in terms of our entire integrated water system in New Mexico and Texas.

Speaker #5: So we probably will see another big contractor too, but I think as well we're going to see the utilization of that pipe in more integrated expansion of our overall gathering disposal system.

Oscar K. Brown: I think as well, we're going to see the utilization of that pipe in more integrated expansion of our overall gathering disposal system. It's evolving. No change in our bullishness on filling the pipe and that timeline. Perhaps some change in the mix of what the contracts look like as a result of the changing environment here. The final point on that one too is we're responding to the sort of changing customer outlooks on how they want to handle their water and what they want out of their water service providers. Our largest customers are getting very specific on where they want the water disposed, where they want it moved to, how they want to sort of manage it and track it, which I think creeps us in particular as sort of a signal that this is a growing challenge for our customers.

Oscar Brown: I think as well, we're going to see the utilization of that pipe in more integrated expansion of our overall gathering disposal system. It's evolving. No change in our bullishness on filling the pipe and that timeline. Perhaps some change in the mix of what the contracts look like as a result of the changing environment here. The final point on that one too is we're responding to the sort of changing customer outlooks on how they want to handle their water and what they want out of their water service providers.

Speaker #5: So it's evolving. No change in our bullishness on filling the pipe and that timeline. Perhaps the change in the mix of what the contracts look like as a result of the changing environment here.

Speaker #5: And the final point on that one too is we're responding to sort of changing customer outlooks on how they want to handle their water and what they want their water service providers.

Speaker #5: So, our largest specifics are on where they want the water disposed, where they want it moved to, how they want to sort of manage it and track it, which I think creates, for us in particular, sort of a signal that this is a growing challenge for our customers.

Oscar Brown: Our largest customers are getting very specific on where they want the water disposed, where they want it moved to, how they want to sort of manage it and track it, which I think creeps us in particular as sort of a signal that this is a growing challenge for our customers.

Speaker #5: It's critical to overall oil and gas flow assurance and they want to deal with counterparties or investment grade and can move water all over the system and we could find ourselves sometimes moving water north and east and sometimes moving it to the south.

Oscar K. Brown: It's critical to overall oil and gas flow assurance. They want to deal with counterparties that are investment-grade and can move water all over the system. We could find ourselves sometimes moving water north and east and sometimes moving it to the south. A lot of flexibility in that pipe and sort of the integrated footprint we now have. Appreciate the callers. Thanks, Oscar.

Oscar Brown: It's critical to overall oil and gas flow assurance. They want to deal with counterparties that are investment-grade and can move water all over the system. We could find ourselves sometimes moving water north and east and sometimes moving it to the south. A lot of flexibility in that pipe and sort of the integrated footprint we now have. Appreciate the callers. Thanks, Oscar.

Speaker #5: So a lot of flexibility in that pipe and sort of the integrated footprint we now have.

Speaker #4: Appreciate the callers. Thanks, Oscar.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Gabe Moreen: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Jeremy Tonette with JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Jeremy Tonet with JPMorgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Good morning. Thank you for taking questions. This is Francina on for Jeremy. And just wanted to touch a bit on kind of the guide update here.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Good morning. Thank you for taking questions. This is Francina on for Jeremy. Just wanted to touch a bit on kind of the guide update here with the $200 million range, provided between that, and a couple of levers that we've identified on our end being the Q2 Brazos giving us $100 million in H2, commodity prices, and then throughput outlook being improved. Is that a fair characterization of kind of the main figures that we're looking to in H2 to kind of drive us toward the higher end of the range versus the lower end? Can you maybe talk a little bit about that? Maybe just thinking about shaping results through the end of the year.

Speaker #6: With the $200 million range provided, between that and a couple of levers that we've identified on our end—being the 2Q Brazos giving us $100 million in the second half, commodity prices, and then throughput outlook being improved.

Speaker #6: Is that a fair characterization of kind of the main figures that we're looking to in the second half to kind of drive us toward the higher end of the range versus the lower end?

Speaker #6: Can you talk a little bit about that? And then maybe just thinking about shaping results through the end of the year, can we kind of expect a linear step-up from 2Q into 4Q or how will that O&M increase really play at the end of the year?

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Can we kind of expect a linear step up from Q2 into Q4, or how will that O&M increase really by the end of the year? That'd be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #6: That would be helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #7: Yeah. So I think you are thinking about it correctly. When we revised guidance, the thought processes that came in for establishing the new midpoint had to do with Brazos, the 100 million you referenced, and then if you're using our commodity price sensitivity that we've got within our deck, we've had about a 20-dollar change in WTI from when we first set budget.

Kristen S. Shults: Yes. I think you are thinking about it correctly. When we revised guidance, the thought processes that came in for establishing the new midpoint had to do with Brazos, the $100 million you referenced. If you're using our commodity price sensitivity that we've got within our deck, we've had about a $20 change in WTI from when we first set budget. That's about $80 million of incremental commodities that we're seeing through all of 2026. The remainder, as you mentioned, we are seeing increased throughput on the system. We also are doing just a great job on the asset side and the recovery side at our plants. That's all contributed to the $250 move in adjusted EBITDA up to that new midpoint. As we go through the rest of the year, we do expect OpEx to increase slightly.

Kristen Shults: Yes. I think you are thinking about it correctly. When we revised guidance, the thought processes that came in for establishing the new midpoint had to do with Brazos, the $100 million you referenced. If you're using our commodity price sensitivity that we've got within our deck, we've had about a $20 change in WTI from when we first set budget. That's about $80 million of incremental commodities that we're seeing through all of 2026. The remainder, as you mentioned, we are seeing increased throughput on the system. We also are doing just a great job on the asset side and the recovery side at our plants. That's all contributed to the $250 move in adjusted EBITDA up to that new midpoint. As we go through the rest of the year, we do expect OpEx to increase slightly.

Speaker #7: And so that's about 80 million dollars of incremental commodities that we're seeing through all of 2026. And then the remainder as you mentioned, we are seeing increased throughput on the system and we've also are doing just a great job on the asset side and the recovery side at our plant.

Speaker #7: So that's all contributed to the 250 move. And adjusted EBITDA up to that new midpoint. As we go through the rest of the year, we do expect OpEx to increase slightly.

Speaker #7: We're obviously we've got Brazos in the mix now. And so you only had about a half a month of Brazos in second quarter. And so as we get that all mixed in, we'd expect that to raise a little bit more and then we're obviously seeing the increased throughput just on this system as we've talked about some of the rigs coming from 27 and pushing it to 2026.

Kristen S. Shults: Obviously, we've got Brazos in the mix now, you only had about a half a month of Brazos in Q2. As we get that all mixed in, we'd expect that to raise a little bit more. We're obviously seeing the increased throughput just on the system as we talked about some of the rigs coming from 2027 and pushing it to 2026. We do still expect to see the DJ declining in H2 of this year. That's going to play into the adjusted EBITDA and the curve that we see there.

Kristen Shults: Obviously, we've got Brazos in the mix now, you only had about a half a month of Brazos in Q2. As we get that all mixed in, we'd expect that to raise a little bit more. We're obviously seeing the increased throughput just on the system as we talked about some of the rigs coming from 2027 and pushing it to 2026. We do still expect to see the DJ declining in H2 of this year. That's going to play into the adjusted EBITDA and the curve that we see there.

Speaker #7: We do still expect to see the DJ declining in the back half of this year. And so that's going to play into the adjusted EBITDA and the curve that we see there.

Speaker #6: Thank you. That's very helpful. And then wanted to dig a bit deeper just on the inorganic growth opportunity set at hand. Brazos seem to be kind of a nice add to the overall portfolio.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): Thank you. That's very helpful. Wanted to dig a bit deeper just on the inorganic growth opportunity set at hand. Brazos seemed to be kind of a nice adder to the overall portfolio. I'm sure that there are many other opportunities here. If you could maybe just describe that opportunity set and then maybe the strategy that you're taking with these opportunities, or is it going to be a higher mix of bolt-ons is what you're looking for, or a kind of larger acquisition to reinvent the strategy?

Speaker #6: And I'm sure that there are many other opportunities here. So if you could maybe just describe that opportunity set and then maybe the strategy that you're taking with these opportunities or is it going to be kind of a higher mix of bolt-ons is what you're looking for?

Speaker #6: Or a kind of larger acquisition to reinvent the strategy?

Speaker #5: Sure. So our M&A strategy is sort of unchanged. We like to talk about programmatic M&A and all that really means is just staying vigilant in the market and looking for opportunities that fit sort of our deal our ideal parameters.

Oscar K. Brown: Sure. Our M&A strategy is sort of unchanged. We like to talk about programmatic M&A, all that really means is just staying vigilant in the market and looking for opportunities that fit our ideal parameters. For us, that's sustaining or growing the distribution. It's protecting the balance sheet and our investment-grade ratings, diversifying our customer and ownership profile. We don't always get all those, but the key ones that are critical, we measure in terms of per unit metrics, so accretive on per unit metrics. With that discipline, there's still opportunities certainly out there. Our strong preference is always to grow organically where we can deploy capital, generally at higher returns with less risk, in terms of execution. We're certainly seeing that in our two big projects that we've been executing well on here recently.

Oscar Brown: Sure. Our M&A strategy is sort of unchanged. We like to talk about programmatic M&A, all that really means is just staying vigilant in the market and looking for opportunities that fit our ideal parameters. For us, that's sustaining or growing the distribution. It's protecting the balance sheet and our investment-grade ratings, diversifying our customer and ownership profile. We don't always get all those, but the key ones that are critical, we measure in terms of per unit metrics, so accretive on per unit metrics. With that discipline, there's still opportunities certainly out there. Our strong preference is always to grow organically where we can deploy capital, generally at higher returns with less risk, in terms of execution. We're certainly seeing that in our two big projects that we've been executing well on here recently.

Speaker #5: And for us, that's sustaining or growing the distribution, it's protecting the balance sheet and our investment grade ratings. That's diversifying our customer and ownership profile.

Speaker #5: We don't always get all those, but the key ones that are critical, we measure in terms of per unit metrics. So accretive on per unit metrics.

Speaker #5: So, with that discipline, there are still opportunities certainly out there. Our strong preference is always to grow organically, where we can deploy capital generally at higher returns with less risk in terms of execution, and we're certainly seeing that in our two big projects.

Speaker #5: That we've been executing well on here recently. So all that's pretty unchanged and we'll try to continue to be opportunistic and look for ways to improve our footprint, improve the diversity of assets that we have.

Oscar K. Brown: All that's pretty unchanged. We'll try to continue to be opportunistic and look for ways to improve our footprint, improve the diversity of assets that we have and how we optimize those, going forward.

Oscar Brown: All that's pretty unchanged. We'll try to continue to be opportunistic and look for ways to improve our footprint, improve the diversity of assets that we have and how we optimize those, going forward.

Speaker #5: And how we optimize those going forward.

Speaker #6: I'll leave it there. Thank you so much, team.

[Analyst] (JPMorgan): I'll leave it there. Thank you so much, team.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Oscar K. Brown: Thank you.

Oscar Brown: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Again, if you would like to ask a question, simply press star one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: Again, if you would like to ask a question, simply press star one on your telephone keypad. Our next question is from Burke Sansiviero with Wolfe Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Burke Sanseviero with Wolf Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Hi, good morning. Just piggybacking off the last M&A question there. Just how focused are you on the Permian Basin for bolt-on M&A relative to other basins?

Burke Sansiviero: Hi. Good morning. Just piggybacking off the last M&A question there. Just how focused are you on the Permian Basin, for bolt-on M&A relative to other basins? Would you say going outside the Permian is a higher bar?

Speaker #8: And would you say going outside the Permian is a higher bar?

Speaker #5: Yeah, I guess what we've seen is we certainly love the Permian, and all the data says it continues to be sort of the best long-term basin.

Oscar K. Brown: Yeah, I guess, what we've seen is, we certainly love the Permian. All the data says it continues to be sort of the best long-term basin, in the United States. We continue to be super fans there and like transactions there. There are opportunities in other basins for sure. Again, if an opportunity sort of checks all the boxes I just mentioned, we'll certainly consider it. Importantly, our evangelize and our ability to leverage the footprints that we have. If there's something out there that sort of fits our parameters, we'll certainly look at it. We also tend to see outside the Permian, valuations are just more reasonable, in terms of short-term metrics, and so we think about that as well.

Oscar Brown: Yeah, I guess, what we've seen is, we certainly love the Permian. All the data says it continues to be sort of the best long-term basin, in the United States. We continue to be super fans there and like transactions there. There are opportunities in other basins for sure. Again, if an opportunity sort of checks all the boxes I just mentioned, we'll certainly consider it. Importantly, our evangelize and our ability to leverage the footprints that we have. If there's something out there that sort of fits our parameters, we'll certainly look at it. We also tend to see outside the Permian, valuations are just more reasonable, in terms of short-term metrics, and so we think about that as well.

Speaker #5: In the United States, and so we continue to be super fans there, and I like transactions there. There are opportunities in other basins for sure.

Speaker #5: And again, if an opportunity sort of checks all the boxes I just mentioned, we'll certainly consider it. And importantly, our advantage ge lies in our ability to leverage the footprints that we have.

Speaker #5: So, if there's something out there that sort of fits our parameters, we'll certainly look at it. We also tend to see that, outside the Permian, valuations are just more reasonable.

Speaker #5: In terms of short-term metrics. And so we think about that as well. So again, the Permian sort of our key basin, but we like our other footprints we have.

Oscar K. Brown: Again, the Permian's sort of our key basin, but we like the other footprints we have, and we'll continue to look for opportunities there.

Oscar Brown: Again, the Permian's sort of our key basin, but we like the other footprints we have, and we'll continue to look for opportunities there.

Speaker #5: And we'll continue to look for opportunities there.

Speaker #8: Thanks for that. And can you just speak more on the water treating plans and how soon you could sanction a standalone west project? And then how much capital do you think the company could deploy to this opportunity set over time?

Burke Sansiviero: Thanks for that. Can you just speak more on the water trading plans and how soon you could sanction a standalone WES project? Then how much capital do you think the company could deploy to this opportunity set over time?

Speaker #7: And you were asking about the water reuse? Is that right?

Kristen S. Shults: You're asking about the water reuse, is that right?

Kristen Shults: You're asking about the water reuse, is that right?

Speaker #8: Yes, the beneficial reuse.

Burke Sansiviero: Yes, the beneficial reuse.

Speaker #5: Oh, yeah, definitely. So really that's such a key so again, kind of all the things we discussed so far in the call have been in sort of real-time growth opportunities that we have at this very moment.

Oscar K. Brown: Oh, yeah, definitely. Again, all the things we've discussed so far in the call have been the real-time growth opportunities that we have at this very moment. Beneficial reuse, water treatment, and the like are a key component of the next stage of our growth and driving that as well. Hopefully, frankly, adding on to our base growth rates that we've been talking about. It's a key strategy for us. Our entire water business sets up well for that. One is really large footprint across two states. The Pathfinder Pipeline itself gives us a lot of optionality for scale projects at its terminus. Given today, it'll have an 800,000-barrel-a-day capacity on the pipe and easily expandable to over 1 million barrels a day. We've got all the pieces in place.

Oscar Brown: Oh, yeah, definitely. Again, all the things we've discussed so far in the call have been the real-time growth opportunities that we have at this very moment. Beneficial reuse, water treatment, and the like are a key component of the next stage of our growth and driving that as well. Hopefully, frankly, adding on to our base growth rates that we've been talking about. It's a key strategy for us. Our entire water business sets up well for that. One is really large footprint across two states. The Pathfinder Pipeline itself gives us a lot of optionality for scale projects at its terminus. Given today, it'll have an 800,000-barrel-a-day capacity on the pipe and easily expandable to over 1 million barrels a day. We've got all the pieces in place.

Speaker #5: Beneficial reuse, water treatment and the like are sort of a key component of sort of the next stage of our growth and driving that as well.

Speaker #5: And hopefully frankly adding on to sort of our base growth rate that we've been talking about. So it's a key strategy for us. Our entire water business sort of sets up well for that.

Speaker #5: One of the really large footprint across two states. The Pathfinder pipe itself gives us a lot of optionality for scale projects at its terminus.

Speaker #5: Given today, it'll have an 800,000 barrel a day capacity on the pipe and easily expandable to over a million barrels a day. So we've got all the pieces in place.

Speaker #5: With our Eric's acquisition, we inherited a great team that is giving us a great frankly technical advantage in terms of beneficial reuse. So while we're technology agnostic, we think we've got an edge.

Oscar K. Brown: With our Aris acquisition, we inherited a great team that has given us a great, frankly, technical advantage in terms of beneficial reuse. While we're technology agnostic, we think we've got an edge in that case. We're working hard to sanction a commercial scale plant. I know you're responding to our disclosure about our joint industry project, JIP2, where we've got a second demonstration plant at 10 times the capacity of the first, really to continue to work out the kinks, do R&D, and look for the scaling opportunities to bring costs down for beneficial reuse.

Oscar Brown: With our Aris acquisition, we inherited a great team that has given us a great, frankly, technical advantage in terms of beneficial reuse. While we're technology agnostic, we think we've got an edge in that case. We're working hard to sanction a commercial scale plant. I know you're responding to our disclosure about our joint industry project, JIP2, where we've got a second demonstration plant at 10 times the capacity of the first, really to continue to work out the kinks, do R&D, and look for the scaling opportunities to bring costs down for beneficial reuse.

Speaker #5: In that case. And so we're working hard to sanction a commercial scale plant. I know you're responding to our disclosure about a joint industry project, JIP 2, where we've got a second demonstration plan, a 10 times the capacity of the first.

Speaker #5: Really to continue to work out the King Stew R&D and look for the scaling opportunities to bring costs down for beneficial reuse. So plays into everything happening right now in the Permian from an excess of produced water and the challenges there.

Oscar K. Brown: Plays into everything happening right now in the Permian from an excess of produced water and the challenges there, to the needs of the region, including just generally offsetting aquifer and other water use that should be used for humans and using instead treated produced water, ideally for industrial processes, non-consumable irrigation, all those things. We're super excited about it. We've got great partners, and we're moving that technology along. We hope to be announcing something in the not-too-distant future in terms of commercializing that piece of the puzzle.

Oscar Brown: Plays into everything happening right now in the Permian from an excess of produced water and the challenges there, to the needs of the region, including just generally offsetting aquifer and other water use that should be used for humans and using instead treated produced water, ideally for industrial processes, non-consumable irrigation, all those things. We're super excited about it. We've got great partners, and we're moving that technology along. We hope to be announcing something in the not-too-distant future in terms of commercializing that piece of the puzzle.

Speaker #5: To the needs of the region, including just generally offsetting aquifer and other water use that should be used for humans and using instead treated produced water ideally for industrial processes, non-consumable irrigation, all those things.

Speaker #5: So we're super excited about it. We've got great partners and we're moving that technology along. So we hope to be announcing something in the not too distant future in terms of commercializing that piece of the puzzle.

Speaker #8: Thank you.

Burke Sansiviero: Thank you.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Oscar K. Brown: Thank you.

Oscar Brown: Thank you.

Speaker #3: There are no further questions at this time. Mr. Oscar Brown, I turn the call back over to you.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time. Mr. Oscar Brown, I turn the call back over to you.

Speaker #5: Well, great. Well, thanks again for everyone's interest in participation on the call. And really to all our stakeholders for their support of West and our mission.

Oscar K. Brown: Well, great. Well, thanks again for everyone's interest and participation on the call and really to all our stakeholders for their support of WES and our mission. We're especially grateful for our customers who've entrusted us with their energy flow assurance and our employees and teammates whose engagement and daily demonstration of our core values allows us to safely deliver on our mission, which is so critical to America's quality of life. We look forward to seeing everybody, including the investment community, at upcoming investor and industry conferences, really as soon as next week. We'll see everybody soon. With that, we'll conclude the call.

Oscar Brown: Well, great. Well, thanks again for everyone's interest and participation on the call and really to all our stakeholders for their support of WES and our mission. We're especially grateful for our customers who've entrusted us with their energy flow assurance and our employees and teammates whose engagement and daily demonstration of our core values allows us to safely deliver on our mission, which is so critical to America's quality of life. We look forward to seeing everybody, including the investment community, at upcoming investor and industry conferences, really as soon as next week. We'll see everybody soon. With that, we'll conclude the call.

Speaker #5: We're especially grateful for our customers who've entrusted us with their energy flow assurance and their employees and teammates whose engagement and daily demonstration of our core values allows us to safely deliver on our mission, which is so critical to America's quality of life.

Speaker #5: We look forward to seeing everybody including the investment committee at upcoming investor and industry conferences. Really as soon as next week. So we'll see everybody soon and with that, we'll conclude the call.

Speaker #3: This concludes today's conference call. You may now discontinue.

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. You may now disconnect.

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