AM Antero Midstream Corporation

DENVER, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Antero Midstream Corporation (NYSE: AM) ("Antero Midstream" or the "Company") today announced its fourth quarter 2023 financial and operating results and 2024 guidance. In addition, Antero Midstream announced the authorization of a $500 million share repurchase program. The relevant consolidated financial statements are included in Antero Midstream's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights:

• Net Income was $100 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, a 24% per share increase compared to the prior year quarter
• Adjusted Net Income was $114 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, a 20% per share increase compared to the prior year quarter (non-GAAP measure)
• Low pressure gathering and processing volumes increased by 10% and 12%, respectively, compared to the prior year quarter
• Adjusted EBITDA was $254 million, a 10% increase compared to the prior year quarter (non-GAAP measure)
• Capital expenditures were $46 million, a 27% decrease compared to the prior year quarter
• Free Cash Flow after dividends was $48 million compared to $8 million in the prior year quarter (non-GAAP measure)

Full Year 2023 Highlights:

• Net Income was $372 million, or $0.77 per diluted share
• Adjusted EBITDA was $989 million, at the high end of the guidance range of $970 to $990 million (non-GAAP measure)
• Capital expenditures were $185 million, at the lower end of the guidance range of $180 to $200 million
• Free Cash Flow after dividends was $155 million compared to a $1 million deficit in 2022 (non-GAAP measure)
• Leverage declined to 3.3x as of December 31, 2023 (non-GAAP measure)
• Return on Invested Capital increased to 18%, compared to 17% in 2022 (non-GAAP measure)

2024 Guidance Highlights:

• Net Income of $405 to $445 million, representing GAAP earnings of $0.84 to $0.93 per share
• Adjusted EBITDA of $1,020 to $1,060 million, a 5% increase compared to 2023 at the midpoint (non-GAAP measure)
• Capital budget of $150 to $170 million, a 14% decrease compared to 2023 at the midpoint
• Free Cash Flow after dividends of $235 to $275 million assuming an annualized dividend of $0.90 per share, a 65% increase compared to 2023 at the midpoint (non-GAAP measures)
• Authorized a $500 million share repurchase program

Paul Rady, Chairman and CEO said, "Antero Midstream delivered another exceptional quarter with double-digit year-over-year throughput and Adjusted EBITDA growth. Our just-in-time capital investment philosophy generated an 18% Return on Invested Capital in 2023. These results highlight our commitment to high-return, high-visibility capital projects that are the foundation of Antero Midstream's capital allocation strategy."

Brendan Krueger, CFO of Antero Midstream, said "Antero Midstream's Free Cash Flow after dividends resulted in over $150 million of total debt reduction in 2023, with leverage declining to 3.3x at year-end. Looking ahead to 2024, we expect our Free Cash Flow after dividends to expand significantly, providing additional capacity for debt reduction as we remain committed to achieving our 3.0x Leverage target."

Mr. Krueger further added, "In addition to our focus on debt reduction, Antero Midstream's new $500 million share repurchase program provides an avenue for shareholder returns that is complementary to our stable dividend. Once our leverage target is achieved, this share repurchase program provides Antero Midstream with the flexibility to allocate capital to the highest return opportunities that maximize shareholder value."

For a discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Leverage, Free Cash Flow after dividends, and Return on Invested Capital please see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Share Repurchase Program

On February 14, 2024, Antero Midstream's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program that allows the Company to repurchase up to $500 million of outstanding common stock. This represents approximately 9% of Antero Midstream's market capitalization based on the current share price.

The shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. The timing, as well as the number and value of shares repurchased under the program, will be determined by the Company at its discretion and will depend on a variety of factors, including the market price of the Company's common stock, general market and economic conditions and applicable legal requirements. The exact number of shares to be repurchased by the Company is not guaranteed and the program may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

2024 Guidance

Antero Midstream is forecasting Net Income of $405 to $445 million and Adjusted Net Income (adjusted for amortization of customer relationships and effective tax rate impact) of $460 to $500 million. The Company is forecasting Adjusted EBITDA of $1,020 to $1,060 million, which represents a 5% increase compared to 2023 at the midpoint. This Adjusted EBITDA growth is driven by the expiration of the low pressure gathering fee rebate program, inflation adjustments to Antero Midstream's fixed fees and flat-to-low single digit throughput growth in 2024 compared to 2023. In addition, Antero Midstream expects to service approximately 52 to 57 wells with its fresh water delivery system with an average lateral length of approximately 16,000 feet. Antero Midstream's 2024 guidance includes approximately $130 to $140 million of combined distributions from its interests in the processing and fractionation joint venture with MPLX, LP (the "Joint Venture") and in Stonewall Gathering LLC.

Antero Midstream is forecasting a capital budget of $150 to $170 million, a 14% decrease compared to 2023 at the midpoint. The midpoint of the 2024 capital budget includes approximately $130 million of investment in gathering and compression infrastructure for low pressure gathering connections, additional compression capacity, and further expansion of its Marcellus high pressure gathering system. Antero Midstream has budgeted an investment of $30 million for fresh water delivery and wastewater blending and pipeline infrastructure in 2024. Antero Midstream expects to invest approximately 60% to 65% of its full year capital budget in the second and third quarter during the summer months that are more favorable for infrastructure buildout. Substantially all of Antero Midstream's 2024 capital budget is focused in the Marcellus Shale liquids-rich midstream corridor.

Antero Midstream is forecasting Free Cash Flow before dividends of $670 to $710 million and Free Cash Flow after dividends of $235 to $275 million for 2024, assuming an annualized dividend of $0.90 per share.

The following is a summary of Antero Midstream's 2024 guidance ($ in millions):

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Low pressure gathering volumes for the fourth quarter of 2023 averaged 3,377 MMcf/d, a 10% increase as compared to the prior year quarter. Low pressure gathering volumes subject to the growth incentive fee were in excess of the second threshold of 3,150 MMcf/d, resulting in a $16 million rebate to Antero Resources. Compression volumes for the fourth quarter of 2023 averaged 3,343 MMcf/d, a 14% increase compared to the prior year quarter. High pressure gathering volumes averaged 3,047 MMcf/d, a 10% increase compared to the prior year quarter. Fresh water delivery volumes averaged 94 MBbl/d during the quarter, a 15% decrease compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gross processing volumes from the Joint Venture averaged 1,649 MMcf/d for the fourth quarter of 2023, a 12% increase compared to the prior year quarter. Joint Venture processing capacity was approximately 100% utilized during the quarter based on nameplate processing capacity of 1.6 Bcf/d. Gross Joint Venture fractionation volumes averaged 40 MBbl/d, an 11% increase compared to the prior year quarter. Joint Venture fractionation capacity was 100% utilized during the quarter based on nameplate fractionation capacity of 40 MBbl/d.

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, revenues were $260 million, comprised of $207 million from the Gathering and Processing segment and $53 million from the Water Handling segment, net of $18 million of amortization of customer relationships. Water Handling revenues include $25 million from wastewater handling and high rate water transfer services.

Direct operating expenses for the Gathering and Processing and Water Handling segments were $23 million and $28 million, respectively, for a total of $51 million. Water Handling operating expenses include $22 million from wastewater handling and high rate water transfer services. General and administrative expenses excluding equity-based compensation were $9 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. Total operating expenses during the fourth quarter of 2023 included $8 million of equity-based compensation expense and $35 million of depreciation.

Net Income was $100 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, a 24% per share increase compared to the prior year quarter. Net Income adjusted for amortization of customer relationships, impairment of property and equipment, loss on settlement of asset retirement obligation and gain on asset sale, net of tax effects of reconciling items, or Adjusted Net Income, was $114 million. Adjusted Net Income was $0.24 per share, a 20% per share increase compared to the prior year quarter.

The following table reconciles Net Income to Adjusted Net Income (in thousands):

Adjusted EBITDA was $254 million, a 10% increase compared to the prior year quarter, driven primarily by double-digit year-over-year throughput growth. Interest expense was $52 million, a 1% decrease compared to the prior year quarter driven by lower average total debt, partially offset by higher interest rates on our revolving credit facility borrowings. Capital expenditures were $46 million, a 27% decrease compared to the prior year quarter. Free Cash Flow before dividends was $156 million, a 34% increase compared to the prior year quarter. Free Cash Flow after dividends was $48 million, a 500% increase compared to the prior year quarter.

The following table reconciles Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow before and after dividends (in thousands):

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow before and after dividends (in thousands):

Fourth Quarter 2023 Operating Update

Gathering and Processing — During the fourth quarter of 2023, Antero Midstream connected 21 wells to its gathering system.

Water Handling— Antero Midstream's water delivery systems serviced 15 well completions during the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year, the Company's water delivery systems serviced 76 well completions.

Capital Investments

Capital expenditures were $46 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The company invested $34 million in gathering and compression and $12 million in water infrastructure primarily in the liquids-rich midstream corridor of the Marcellus Shale.

Conference Call

A conference call is scheduled on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 10:00 am MT to discuss the financial and operational results. A brief Q&A session for security analysts will immediately follow the discussion of the results. To participate in the call, dial in at 877-407-9126 (U.S.), or 201-493-6751 (International) and reference "Antero Midstream". A telephone replay of the call will be available until Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 am MT at 877-660-6853 (U.S.) or 201-612-7415 (International) using the conference ID: 13743574. To access the live webcast and view the related earnings conference call presentation, visit Antero Midstream's website at www.anteromidstream.com. The webcast will be archived for replay until Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 am MT.

Presentation

An updated presentation will be posted to the Company's website before the conference call. The presentation can be found at www.anteromidstream.com on the homepage. Information on the Company's website does not constitute a portion of, and is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Definitions

Antero Midstream uses certain non-GAAP financial measures. Antero Midstream defines Adjusted Net Income as Net Income plus amortization of customer relationships, impairment of property and equipment, loss on settlement of asset retirement obligations and loss (gain) on asset sale, net of tax effect of reconciling items. Antero Midstream uses Adjusted Net Income to assess the operating performance of its assets. Antero Midstream defines Adjusted EBITDA as Net Income plus interest expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation expense, amortization of customer relationships, impairment of property and equipment, loss (gain) on asset sale, accretion of asset retirement obligations, loss on settlement of asset retirement obligations, and equity-based compensation expense, excluding equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, plus distributions from unconsolidated affiliates.

Antero Midstream uses Adjusted EBITDA to assess:

• the financial performance of Antero Midstream's assets, without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
• its operating performance and return on capital as compared to other publicly traded companies in the midstream energy sector, without regard to financing or capital structure; and
• the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects.

Antero Midstream defines Free Cash Flow before dividends as Adjusted EBITDA less interest expense, net and accrual-based capital expenditures. Capital expenditures include additions to gathering systems and facilities, additions to water handling systems, and investments in unconsolidated affiliates. Capital expenditures exclude acquisitions. Free Cash Flow after dividends is defined as Free Cash Flow before dividends less accrual-based dividends declared for the quarter. Antero Midstream uses Free Cash Flow before and after dividends as a performance metric to compare the cash generating performance of Antero Midstream from period to period.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, and Free Cash Flow before and after dividends are non-GAAP financial measures. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to these measures is Net Income. Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to the GAAP measures of Net Income and cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities. The presentations of such measures are not made in accordance with GAAP and have important limitations as analytical tools because they include some, but not all, items that affect Net Income and cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities. You should not consider any or all such measures in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP. Antero Midstream's definitions of such measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table reconciles Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 as used in this release (in thousands):

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow before and after dividends for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 as used in this release (in thousands):

The following table reconciles cash paid for capital expenditures and accrued capital expenditures during the period (in thousands):

Antero Midstream defines Net Debt as consolidated total debt, excluding unamortized debt premiums and debt issuance costs, less cash and cash equivalents. Antero Midstream views Net Debt as an important indicator in evaluating Antero Midstream's financial leverage. Antero Midstream defines leverage as Net Debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Net Debt is total debt, excluding unamortized debt premiums and debt issuance costs.

The following table reconciles consolidated total debt to consolidated net debt, excluding debt premiums and issuance costs, ("Net Debt") as used in this release (in thousands):

Antero Midstream defines Return on Invested Capital as earnings before interest and income taxes excluding amortization of customer relationships, impairment expense, loss on asset sale, loss on settlement of asset retirement obligations, and the tax-effects of such amounts, divided by average total liabilities and stockholders' equity, excluding current liabilities, intangible assets and impairment of property and equipment in order to derive an operating asset driven Return on Invested Capital calculation.

The following table reconciles Return on Invested Capital for the last twelve months as used in this release (in thousands):

Antero Midstream has not included a reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow before and after dividends to the nearest GAAP financial measures for 2024 because it cannot do so without unreasonable effort and any attempt to do so would be inherently imprecise. Antero Midstream is able to forecast the following reconciling items between such measures and Net Income (in millions):

Antero Midstream Corporation is a Delaware corporation that owns, operates and develops midstream gathering, compression, processing and fractionation assets located in the Appalachian Basin, as well as integrated water assets that primarily service Antero Resources Corporation's properties.

This release includes "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are not under Antero Midstream's control. All statements, except for statements of historical fact, made in this release regarding activities, events or developments Antero Midstream expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, such as statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, NGL and oil prices, impacts of geopolitical and world health events, Antero Midstream's ability to execute its share repurchase program, Antero Midstream's ability to realize the benefits of the Marcellus bolt-on acquisition, including the anticipated capital avoidance and synergies, Antero Midstream's ability to execute its business plan and return capital to its stockholders, information regarding Antero Midstream's return of capital policy, information regarding long-term financial and operating outlooks for Antero Midstream and Antero Resources, information regarding Antero Resources' expected future growth and its ability to meet its drilling and development plan and the participation level of Antero Resources' drilling partner, the impact on demand for Antero Midstream's services as a result of incremental production by Antero Resources, and expectations regarding the amount and timing of litigation awards are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. Although Antero Midstream believes that the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Therefore, actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied or forecast in such statements. Except as required by law, Antero Midstream expressly disclaims any obligation to and does not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Antero Midstream cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties incident to our business, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Antero Midstream's control. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, supply chain or other disruptions, environmental risks, Antero Resources' drilling and completion and other operating risks, regulatory changes or changes in law, the uncertainty inherent in projecting Antero Resources' future rates of production, cash flows and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, impacts of world health events, cybersecurity risks, the state of markets for and availability of verified quality carbon offsets and the other risks described under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Antero Midstream's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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SOURCE Antero Midstream Corporation