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Hess Midstream Partners (HESM)
NYSE:HESM
US Market

Hess Midstream Partners (HESM) AI Stock Analysis

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HESM

Hess Midstream Partners

(NYSE:HESM)

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Outperform 73 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:73Outperform
Price Target:
$43.00
▲(8.89% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/26/26
The score is driven primarily by strong profitability and cash generation, reinforced by constructive guidance for higher free cash flow and shareholder returns. The main constraint is elevated leverage on the balance sheet, while technicals are positive but appear overextended, raising near-term volatility risk.
Positive Factors
Strong free cash flow generation
Sustained and improving free cash flow provides durable internal funding for distributions, buybacks and debt reduction. With FCF conversion near mid‑70s% and a large projected FCF pool, HESM can materially repay debt and fund shareholder returns without relying on capital markets.
Very high operating margins
Exceptionally strong EBITDA and improving net margins reflect structural operating leverage and efficiency in midstream assets. High margins create lasting cash buffer versus peers, improving resilience to commodity swings and supporting deleveraging and capital allocation priorities over multiple years.
Durable revenue protection via MVCs and fee contracts
Extensive MVCs and fixed‑fee contracts materially reduce commodity exposure and revenue volatility, giving multi‑year cash visibility. This structural contract mix supports predictable margins and funds targeted distribution growth and debt paydown even if volumes fluctuate seasonally.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage and thin equity
High leverage materially limits financial flexibility and raises refinancing and covenant risk over the medium term. Even with strong cash flow, elevated debt amplifies downside volatility, constrains strategic investments, and means deleveraging must be sustained to avoid capital structure stress.
Volume seasonality and interruptible volumes
Operational exposure to weather, maintenance and variable third‑party volumes creates persistent quarter-to-quarter revenue swings. This structural seasonality can depress cash flow timing, complicate payout targets and slow sustainable deleveraging despite strong annual FCF averages.
Sponsor/governance concentration risk
Significant sponsor influence and recent board changes tied to a major energy partner can constrain independent decision‑making for minority holders. Governance concentration may bias capital allocation toward sponsor priorities, creating potential conflicts over long‑term strategic choices and cash use.

Hess Midstream Partners (HESM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Hess Midstream Partners Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHess Midstream LP owns, develops, operates, and acquires midstream assets. The company operates through three segments: Gathering; Processing and Storage; and Terminaling and Export. The Gathering segment owns natural gas gathering and compression; crude oil gathering systems; and produced water gathering and disposal facilities. Its gathering systems consists of approximately 1,350 miles of high and low pressure natural gas and natural gas liquids gathering pipelines with capacity of approximately 450 million cubic feet per day; and crude oil gathering system comprises approximately 550 miles of crude oil gathering pipelines. The Processing and Storage segment comprises Tioga Gas Plant, a natural gas processing and fractionation plant located in Tioga, North Dakota; a 50% interest in the Little Missouri 4 gas processing plant located in south of the Missouri River in McKenzie County, North Dakota; and Mentor Storage Terminal, a propane storage cavern and rail, and truck loading and unloading facility located in Mentor, Minnesota. The Terminaling and Export segment owns Ramberg terminal facility; Tioga rail terminal; and crude oil rail cars, as well as Johnson's Corner Header System, a crude oil pipeline header system. Hess Midstream LP was founded in 2014 and is based in Houston, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyHess Midstream Partners generates revenue primarily through fee-based contracts for its midstream services, which include gathering, processing, and transporting crude oil and natural gas. The company's revenue model is largely dependent on long-term, take-or-pay contracts with its customers, which ensure a steady cash flow regardless of commodity price fluctuations. Key revenue streams include fees from the transportation of crude oil and natural gas, processing fees from natural gas and NGLs, and storage fees for hydrocarbons. Additionally, partnerships with major energy producers, such as Hess Corporation, provide a stable customer base and contribute significantly to HESM's earnings. The company's strategic asset base and operational efficiency further enhance its profitability.

Hess Midstream Partners Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 02, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed a predominantly positive outlook: management reported solid 2025 results (adjusted EBITDA +9% YoY), strong margins (~83%), completion of major infrastructure projects on time and on budget, and a clear path to materially lower capital spending that supports significant free cash flow growth (2026 FCF +12% at midpoint). Lowlights were largely transitory and weather-driven (Q4 and near-term volume pressure, ~$19M revenue decline in Q4, and some maintenance/interruptible volume weakness). High MVC coverage (≈95% in 2026) and explicit capital allocation plans for distributions, share repurchases, and debt paydown materially mitigate downside risk. Overall, positive operational and financial drivers outweigh near-term weather-related challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Full-Year Financial Performance
2025 adjusted EBITDA of $1.238 billion, representing approximately +9% growth versus 2024; full-year net income of approximately $685 million.
Strong Free Cash Flow Outlook
Projected adjusted free cash flow for 2026 of $850–$900 million, implying ~12% growth at the midpoint versus 2025; excess adjusted free cash flow of ~ $210 million after funding targeted 5% distribution growth.
Significant Capital Expenditure Reduction
2026 capital spending expected at ~$150 million, a 40% reduction relative to 2025; 2027–2028 capex expected to be < $75 million, implying ~70% reduction versus 2025, enabling higher free cash flow generation.
High Revenue Protection via MVCs
Approximately 95% of 2026 revenues are covered by minimum volume commitments (MVCs), providing strong downside protection (90% MVC coverage in 2027 and 80% in 2028).
Strong Operating Margin
Fourth-quarter gross adjusted EBITDA margin of ~83%, well above the company target of ~75%, demonstrating continued operating leverage and efficiency.
Completion of Multiyear Build-Out
Multiyear gathering and compression projects completed on time and on budget, enabling the move to a lower capital intensity model and higher free cash flow conversion.
Capital Allocation Priorities
Management expects to use increased free cash flow to fund: targeted 5% per-share distribution growth through 2028, potential incremental share repurchases, and debt repayment; guidance expects natural deleveraging below ~3x as EBITDA grows.
Volume and Throughput Metrics (2025 & Q4)
Full-year 2025 average volumes: gas processing ~445 MMcf/d, crude terminaling ~129k bbl/d, water gathering ~131k bbl/d. Q4 averages: gas ~444 MMcf/d, crude terminaling ~122k bbl/d, water gathering ~124k bbl/d.
Negative Updates
Severe Winter Weather Impact
Severe winter weather through December (continuing into January/February) drove lower volumes versus the prior quarter and suppressed revenues and throughput in Q4 and early 1Q26; management expects lower volumes in the first half of 2026 with seasonal recovery thereafter.
Quarter-over-Quarter Declines
Q4 net income of $168 million down from $176 million in Q3; Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $309 million versus ~$321 million in Q3, reflecting weather-related disruptions and slower recovery.
Revenue Reduction and Segment Impacts
Total revenues (ex pass-through) decreased by approximately $19 million in Q4; segment impacts included Gathering ≈ -$11 million, Processing ≈ -$6 million, Terminaling ≈ -$2 million.
Interruptible Third-Party Volumes and Maintenance
Lower interruptible third-party volumes and annual maintenance at LM4 contributed to lower revenues and activity in Q4; third-party volumes are expected to average ~10% of volumes but can be variable quarter-to-quarter.
Near-Term Guidance Compression
First-quarter 2026 guidance implies lower near-term earnings: projected net income of ~$150–$160 million and adjusted EBITDA of ~$295–$305 million, reflecting continued weather risk and seasonality.
Revolver Drawn and Debt Considerations
Year-end drawn balance on the revolving credit facility was ~$338 million; while management plans to use excess free cash flow for debt repayment and expects natural deleveraging, no firm long-term leverage target was set beyond an expectation to move below ~3x over time.
Company Guidance
The company reiterated guidance calling for 2026 capital expenditures of about $150 million (a ~40% reduction vs. 2025) and run‑rate CapEx of less than $75 million/year in 2027–2028, targeted 5% annual Class A distribution growth through 2028, and the use of excess free cash flow for incremental buybacks/shareholder returns and debt repayment; they expect 2026 adjusted free cash flow of $850–$900 million (≈12% growth vs. 2025 at the midpoint) with roughly $210 million of excess adjusted FCF after funding the 5% distribution, full‑year 2026 net income of $650–$700 million and adjusted EBITDA of $1.225–$1.275 billion (Q1 2026 net income ~$150–$160 million and adj. EBITDA ~$295–$305 million), a gross adjusted EBITDA margin target of ~75% in 2026 (Q4 was ~83%), MVC coverage of ~95% of revenues in 2026 (90% in 2027, 80% in 2028), ~85% of revenues on fixed‑fee contracts with inflation escalators capped at 3% (≈15% subject to annual redeterminations through 2033), expected annualized adjusted FCF growth of ~10% through 2028 (providing roughly $1 billion of financial flexibility), and an expectation to naturally delever below ~3x as EBITDA grows while not increasing absolute debt.

Hess Midstream Partners Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong income statement and cash flow profile (high EBITDA margins, improving net margin, and sharply higher 2025 free cash flow), but the balance sheet is a material risk due to very high leverage and thin equity, limiting financial flexibility.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Revenue has grown steadily from 2020–2025, with a notable acceleration in 2025 (revenue growth ~68%). Profitability is a clear strength: EBITDA margins have been consistently very high (~68%–77%) and net margin improved meaningfully to ~22% in 2025 (from low single-digits in 2020). The main weakness is some volatility in gross margin (dropping to ~64% in 2025 from mid‑80%s previously), which could signal mix/contract changes or cost pressure despite strong operating profitability.
Balance Sheet
46
Neutral
Leverage is the key concern: debt-to-equity remains very elevated (roughly ~6.5x to ~15x across 2020–2025, ~8.8x in 2025), leaving limited balance-sheet flexibility. Equity has improved versus the lowest years but is still small relative to total debt and assets, keeping financial risk high. A positive is strong returns on equity (rising to ~0.83 in 2025), though this is amplified by the high leverage rather than purely operating strength.
Cash Flow
83
Very Positive
Cash generation is strong and improving: operating cash flow rose to ~$984M in 2025 and free cash flow increased to ~$728M, with a sharp 2025 free-cash-flow growth rate (~218%). Cash flow conversion looks healthy, with free cash flow running at ~67%–79% of net income historically and ~74% in 2025, indicating earnings are supported by cash generation. The primary weakness is year-to-year variability in free cash flow growth (including a slight decline in 2024), but the overall trajectory remains positive.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.62B1.49B1.35B1.27B1.20B
Gross Profit1.04B1.29B1.15B1.09B1.04B
EBITDA1.24B1.14B1.02B977.80M903.40M
Net Income352.90M223.10M118.60M83.90M46.40M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.39B4.15B3.79B3.59B3.49B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.90M4.30M5.40M3.10M2.20M
Total Debt3.77B3.47B3.21B2.89B2.56B
Total Liabilities3.95B3.69B3.43B3.06B2.73B
Stockholders Equity568.30M530.70M340.20M245.10M204.10M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow728.20M634.20M642.90M622.90M632.30M
Operating Cash Flow983.80M940.30M866.40M861.10M795.50M
Investing Cash Flow-255.60M-306.10M-223.50M-238.20M-163.20M
Financing Cash Flow-730.60M-635.30M-640.60M-622.00M-632.70M

Hess Midstream Partners Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price39.49
Price Trends
50DMA
35.03
Positive
100DMA
33.73
Positive
200DMA
35.36
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.16
Negative
RSI
81.82
Negative
STOCH
92.14
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HESM, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 39.49 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 36.84, above the 50-day MA of 35.03, and above the 200-day MA of 35.36, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.16 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 81.82 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 92.14 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HESM.

Hess Midstream Partners Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$15.06B12.5912.03%8.54%-7.53%9.74%
75
Outperform
$14.39B32.279.42%2.70%20.39%-3.85%
74
Outperform
$16.57B13.9731.82%9.13%5.81%-13.58%
74
Outperform
$10.84B26.2720.22%4.98%8.70%21.42%
73
Outperform
$8.20B13.4964.22%8.45%10.78%19.10%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
64
Neutral
$7.58B17.278.77%15.00%-84.96%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HESM
Hess Midstream Partners
39.49
1.53
4.03%
PAA
Plains All American
21.35
3.05
16.70%
WES
Western Midstream Partners
42.09
6.14
17.08%
AM
Antero Midstream
22.91
6.95
43.54%
KNTK
Kinetik
46.92
-5.82
-11.04%
DTM
DT Midstream
141.43
49.71
54.20%

Hess Midstream Partners Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Hess Midstream Partners Updates Principal Office and Governance Filings
Neutral
Jan 30, 2026

Effective January 26, 2026, Hess Midstream LP, its general partner Hess Midstream GP LP, and operating subsidiary Hess Midstream Operations LP changed their principal office address to 1400 Smith Street in Houston, Texas, and shifted their Delaware registered agent to Corporation Service Company with a new registered office in Wilmington. To formalize these administrative moves, the general partners executed amendments and an amended and restated certificate of limited partnership, which were filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 27, 2026, updating partnership agreements and partner address schedules without altering economic rights or adversely affecting limited partners, underscoring that the changes are organizational and governance-related rather than strategic or operational in nature.

The most recent analyst rating on (HESM) stock is a Hold with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hess Midstream Partners stock, see the HESM Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Hess Midstream Partners Announces Board Changes
Neutral
Dec 9, 2025

On December 4, 2025, Hess Midstream Partners, a company managed by Hess Midstream GP LLC, announced changes in its Board of Directors. Andrew B. Walz resigned from the Board following his appointment as an executive officer at Chevron Corporation. His resignation was not due to any disagreements with the company. Kristi H. McCarthy was designated as the new Chairman of the Board, and Barbara F. Harrison, a vice president at Chevron U.S.A. Inc., was appointed as a new board member. Harrison’s appointment aligns with Chevron’s influence over the board, as Chevron indirectly owns the entities controlling Hess Midstream Partners.

The most recent analyst rating on (HESM) stock is a Buy with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hess Midstream Partners stock, see the HESM Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 26, 2026