Antero Midstream Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results and Increases Free Cash Flow Guidance

DENVER, Oct. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Antero Midstream Corporation (NYSE: AM) ("Antero Midstream" or the "Company") today released its third quarter 2020 financial and operating results.  In addition, Antero Midstream announced an increase in its Free Cash Flow Guidance. The relevant consolidated financial statements are included in Antero Midstream's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Third Quarter 2020 Highlights:

• Net income was $106 million, or $0.22 per share, compared to a $(0.57) per share net loss in the prior year quarter
• Adjusted Net Income was $120 million, or $0.25 per share, a 65% per share increase compared to the prior year quarter (non-GAAP measure)
• Adjusted EBITDA was $229 million, a 5% increase compared to the prior year quarter (non-GAAP measure)
• Capital expenditures were $37 million, a 77% decrease compared to the prior year quarter
• Free Cash Flow before return of capital and changes in working capital was $158 million compared to $23 million in the prior year quarter (non-GAAP measure)
• Net debt at quarter end was $3.1 billion and Net Debt to last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA was 3.7x, both unchanged from June 30, 2020 (non-GAAP measure)
• Published annual Corporate Sustainability Report citing industry low greenhouse gas intensity and methane leak loss rates and environmental reduction goals by 2025

Updated 2020 Guidance Highlights:

• Increased net income guidance to a net loss of $(115) to $(125) million and Adjusted Net Income guidance to a range of $425 million to $435 million from a previous range of $385 to $415 million
• Increased Adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $835 to $845 million from the previous range of $800 million to $830 million
• Further decreased capital budget to a range of $200 to $210 million from the previous range of $200 to $215 million
• Increased Free Cash Flow guidance (before return of capital and changes in working capital) to $485 million to $495 million from the previous range of $445 to $475 million

Paul Rady, Chairman and CEO said, "Antero Midstream delivered company record volumes during the third quarter, resulting in a 13% and 43% year-over-year increase in gathering and processing volumes, respectively. This was a direct result of Antero Resources' record production, which benefited from its firm transportation portfolio that enabled delivery to premium priced markets outside of Appalachia."

Mr. Rady further added, "In addition, Antero Midstream continues to focus on capital and operating cost reductions across our gathering and processing and water handling segments. The 77% year-over-year reduction in capital expenditures resulted in the lowest quarterly capital expenditures since Antero Midstream's IPO in 2014 and is expected to continue to decline into the fourth quarter of 2020."

Glen Warren, President of Antero Midstream commented, "Earlier this month we published our Corporate Sustainability Report, which highlights our outstanding ESG performance and commitment to being an industry leader in environmental, social, and governance metrics.  We believe natural gas will be key to the energy transition in the coming decades as it complements renewable energy growth.  As one of the largest natural gas gathering and processing midstream companies in the U.S., we believe we are well positioned to maintain our peer leading ESG position, while striving to improve our metrics even further through our 2025 environmental targets."

For a discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Distributable Cash Flow, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt, please see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Updated 2020 Guidance

Antero Midstream increased its Adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $835 to $845 million from the previous range of $800 to $830 million. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA is driven by higher volumetric throughput than previously budgeted, as well as operating and general and administrative cost reductions achieved throughout 2020.  In addition, Antero Midstream is modestly decreasing its capital budget to a range of $200 to $210 million from the previous range of $200 to $215 million.  The increase in Adjusted EBITDA guidance and decrease in capital budget results in an increase in Free Cash Flow guidance (before return of capital and changes in working capital) to $485 to $495 million. This updated Free Cash Flow guidance range is a $90 million, or 23%, increase from the original guidance provided in January of 2020 and a $30 million, or 7%, increase from the revised Free Cash Flow guidance provided in August of 2020 at the midpoint of the range.

The following is a summary of Antero Midstream's updated 2020 guidance ($ in millions):

Corporate Sustainability Report

During the third quarter of 2020, Antero Midstream published its first-ever Corporate Sustainability Report ("CSR"). The CSR details Antero Midstream's ongoing commitment to environmental excellence, strong governance, and safe operations in the communities in which it operates.  Antero Midstream's greenhouse gas ("GHG") intensity is among the lowest in the industry and had a methane leak loss rate of 0.017% in 2019, significantly below the ONE Future industry and sector targets of 1.00% and 0.280%, respectively. In addition, Antero Midstream established an Environmental, Sustainability, and Social Governance ("ESG") Committee of the Board of Directors. Lastly, the Company is targeting a 100% reduction in pipeline pigging emissions by 2025.

Natural gas will be key to the energy transition and the ability to address the risks associated with climate change. As the lightest and least greenhouse gas intensive hydrocarbon, natural gas is as important as wind and solar in the energy mix that allows the U.S. and the globe to transition to a lower carbon future.  The full CSR report and Founders' Message is available at https://www.anteromidstream.com/community-sustainability.  Information on the Company's website does not constitute a portion of, and is not incorporated by reference into, this press release.

COVID-19 Pandemic Developments

As a midstream energy company, Antero Midstream is recognized as an essential business under various federal, state and local regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Antero Midstream has continued to operate as permitted under these regulations while taking steps to protect the health and safety of its workers.  Antero Midstream has implemented protocols to reduce the risk of an outbreak within its field operations, and these protocols have not reduced Antero Resources' production or Antero Midstream's throughput in a significant manner.  A substantial portion of the Company's non-field level employees continue to operate in remote work from home arrangements, and Antero Midstream has been able to maintain a consistent level of effectiveness through these arrangements, including maintaining day-to-day operations, its financial reporting systems and its internal control over financial reporting. For more information, please see Antero Midstream's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Low pressure gathering volumes for the third quarter of 2020 averaged 3,051 MMcf/d, a 13% increase as compared to the prior year quarter.  Low pressure gathering volumes were in excess of the third quarter 2020 growth incentive fee threshold of 2,800 MMcf/d, resulting in a $12 million rebate to Antero Resources. Compression volumes for the third quarter of 2020 averaged 2,821 MMcf/d, a 16% increase as compared to the third quarter of 2019.  High pressure gathering volumes for the third quarter of 2020 averaged 3,008 MMcf/d, a 13% increase compared to the third quarter of 2019. Fresh water delivery volumes averaged 111 MBbl/d during the quarter, a 21% decrease compared to the third quarter of 2019, due to 30% fewer completions.

Gross processing volumes from the 50/50 processing and fractionation joint venture with MarkWest (a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLX) (the "Joint Venture") averaged 1,484 MMcf/d for the third quarter of 2020, a 43% increase compared to the prior year quarter.  Joint Venture processing capacity was 106% utilized during the quarter based on nameplate processing capacity of 1.4 Bcf/d.  Gross Joint Venture fractionation volumes averaged 39 MBbl/d, a 22% increase compared to the prior year quarter.

For the three months ended September 30, 2020, revenues were $233 million comprised of $190 million from the Gathering and Processing segment and $61 million from the Water Handling segment, net of $18 million of amortization of customer relationships.  Water Handling revenues include $21 million from wastewater handling and high rate water transfer services.

Direct operating expenses for the Gathering and Processing and Water Handling segments were $16 million and $22 million, respectively, for a total of $38 million, compared to $62 million in total direct operating expenses in the prior year quarter. Water Handling operating expenses include $19 million from wastewater handling and high rate water transfer services. The decrease in direct operating expenses was driven by lower per unit gathering and fresh water delivery operating expenses as well as lower costs associated with flowback and produced water due to Antero Midstream's blending operations. General and administrative expenses excluding equity-based compensation were $10 million during the third quarter of 2020.  Total operating expenses during the third quarter of 2020 included $4 million of equity compensation expense, and $27 million of depreciation.  

Net income was $106 million, or $0.22 per share.  Net income adjusted for amortization of customer relationships, or Adjusted Net Income, was $120 million. Adjusted Net Income per share was $0.25 per share, representing a 65% increase compared to the prior year quarter, driven primarily by an increase in throughput.  Adjusted EBITDA was $229 million, a 5% increase compared to the prior year quarter. Cash interest paid was $61 million. The decrease in cash reserved for bond interest during the quarter was $27 million. Maintenance capital expenditures during the quarter totaled $6 million and Distributable Cash Flow was $189 million. Based on the previously declared dividend of $0.3075 per share, Antero Midstream's Distributable Cash Flow coverage ratio was approximately 1.3x. Free Cash Flow before return of capital and changes in working capital was $158 million during the quarter.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow as used in this release (in thousands):

Third Quarter 2020 Operating Update

Gathering and Processing — During the third quarter of 2020, Antero Midstream connected 27 wells to its gathering system. The Company's 3.2 Bcf/d of compression capacity was approximately 90% utilized during the quarter. Antero Midstream placed on line a 120 MMcf/d compressor station in the liquids-rich regime in the Marcellus Shale during the quarter.  Joint Venture processing capacity of 1.4 Bcf/d was 106% utilized during the quarter. Joint Venture fractionation capacity was 98% utilized during the quarter.

Water Handling— Antero Midstream's Marcellus water delivery systems serviced 21 well completions during the third quarter of 2020, a 30% decrease from the prior year quarter, driven by a reduction in completion activity by Antero Resources.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2020, Antero Midstream had approximately $1.19 billion drawn on its $2.13 billion bank credit facility, resulting in approximately $944 million of liquidity. Antero Midstream's Net Debt to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA ("Leverage") was 3.7x as of September 30, 2020.

Capital Investments

Total accrued capital expenditures including investments in the Joint Venture were $37 million during the third quarter of 2020. Gathering, compression, and water infrastructure capital investments totaled $34 million and investments in unconsolidated affiliates for the Joint Venture were $3 million. Of the $34 million invested in gathering, compression, and water infrastructure, $22 million was in gathering and compression assets and $12 million was in water handling assets.    

Michael Kennedy, CFO of Antero Midstream, said, "Antero Midstream's total debt and leverage remained unchanged quarter-over-quarter at $3.1 billion and 3.7x, respectively. This is a direct result of declining capital investments throughout the year and ability to quickly adapt to the changes in Antero Resources development plan. This just-in-time capital investment and coordinated effort between Antero Resources and Antero Midstream allowed us to maintain high asset utilization rates during the quarter with compression and processing capacity 90% and 106% utilized, respectively."

Conference Call

A conference call for Antero Midstream is scheduled on Thursday, October 29, 2020 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 for the quarter.  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, November 5, 2020 at 10:00 am MT at 877-660-6853 (U.S.) or 201-612-7415 (International) using the conference ID: 13703920. 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, November 5, 2020 at 10:00 am MT.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Definitions

Antero Midstream uses certain non-GAAP financial measures. Antero Midstream defines Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss) plus amortization of customer contracts and impairment expenses, 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 (loss) before amortization of customer relationships, impairment expense, interest expense, provision for income tax expense (benefit), loss on asset sale, depreciation expense, accretion, equity-based compensation expense, excluding equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, and including cash 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 as Adjusted EBITDA less interest paid, increase or decrease in cash reserved for bond interest and capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow is before dividend payments, share repurchases and changes in working capital. Antero Midstream uses Free Cash Flow as a performance metric to compare the cash generating performance of Antero Midstream from period to period. 

Antero Midstream's defines Distributable Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA less interest paid, increase or decrease in cash reserved for bond interest, income tax withholding upon vesting of equity-based compensation awards, and ongoing maintenance capital expenditures paid. Antero Midstream uses Distributable Cash Flow as a performance metric to compare the cash generating performance of Antero Midstream from period to period and to compare the cash generating performance for specific periods to the cash dividends (if any) that are expected to be paid to shareholders.  Distributable Cash Flow does not reflect changes in working capital balances.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Free Cash Flow, and Distributable Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures.  The GAAP measure most directly comparable to such measures is Net Income.  Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to the GAAP measure of Net Income.  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.  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.

Antero Midstream defines Net Debt as consolidated total debt less cash and cash equivalents.  Antero Midstream views Net Debt as an important indicator in evaluating Antero Midstream's financial leverage.

Antero Midstream has not included a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to the nearest GAAP financial measure for 2020 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 thousands):

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

The following table reconciles consolidated total debt to consolidated net debt ("Net Debt") as used in this release (in thousands):

The following table reconciles net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months as used in this release (in thousands):

Antero Midstream Corporation is a Delaware corporation that owns, operates and develops midstream gathering, compression, processing and fractionation assets located in West Virginia and Ohio, as well as integrated water assets that primarily service Antero Resources Corporation's properties. The Company's website is located at www.anteromidstream.com.

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 Antero Midstream's ability to execute its business plan and return capital to its shareholders, information regarding potential incremental flowback and produced water services, information regarding long-term financial and operating outlooks for Antero Midstream and Antero Resources and information regarding Antero Resources' expected future growth and its ability to meet its drilling and development plan and Antero Midstream's environmental goals 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, environmental risks, Antero Resources' drilling and completion and other operating risks, regulatory changes, 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 events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, potential shut-ins of production by producers due to lack of downstream demand or storage capacity,  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, 2019 and its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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SOURCE Antero Midstream Corporation