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Western Midstream Partners (WES)
NYSE:WES
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Western Midstream Partners (WES) AI Stock Analysis

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WES

Western Midstream Partners

(NYSE:WES)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$44.00
â–²(14.43% Upside)
Western Midstream Partners scores well due to strong financial performance and attractive valuation, supported by a high dividend yield. The positive earnings call further boosts confidence, despite some operational challenges. Technical analysis indicates a lack of strong momentum, but the overall outlook remains favorable.
Positive Factors
Cash Management
The free cash flow after dividends showed a significant increase from expected estimates, reflecting strong cash management.
Financial Leverage
The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved compared to the previous year, indicating better financial leverage.
Pipeline Project
WES announced the FID of 'Pathfinder pipeline' and an expansion of its produced water gathering and disposal system, which are underpinned by a long-term agreement with significant operating leverage.
Negative Factors
Capex Outlook
WES' FY25 capex outlook of $625-775mn was higher than expected, and the partnership expects FY26 capex to be even higher.
Crude Oil and NGL Throughput
Crude oil and NGL throughput experienced a notable decline compared to both the consensus and the previous year, indicating challenges in this area.
Produced Water Margin
Produced water adjusted gross margin fell short of expectations compared to the previous quarter and consensus estimates, suggesting potential issues in this segment.

Western Midstream Partners (WES) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Western Midstream Partners Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWestern Midstream Partners, LP, a midstream energy company, together with its subsidiaries, acquires, owns, develops, and operates primarily in the United States. It is involved in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and transporting natural gas; gathering, stabilizing, and transporting condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and crude oil; and gathering and disposing produced water. It also buys and sells natural gas, NGLs, and condensate. The company operates assets located in Texas, New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, and North-central Pennsylvania. Western Midstream Holdings, LLC operates as the general partner of the company. The company was formerly known as Western Gas Equity Partners, LP and changed its name to Western Midstream Partners, LP in February 2019. Western Midstream Partners, LP was incorporated in 2007 and is based in The Woodlands, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyWestern Midstream Partners generates revenue primarily through fee-based contracts for its midstream services, which include gathering, processing, transportation, and storage of natural gas, crude oil, and NGLs. The company's revenue model is largely based on long-term contracts with producers, which provides stable cash flows. Key revenue streams include fees from gathering systems, processing plants, and transportation pipelines. Additionally, Western Midstream has established significant partnerships with major oil and gas producers, enhancing its operational capacity and market reach. Factors contributing to its earnings include the volume of hydrocarbons processed and transported, market demand for energy, and the efficiency of its operations.

Western Midstream Partners Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 06, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -4.66%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call was generally positive, highlighting record-breaking EBITDA and throughput in the Delaware Basin, a strategic acquisition, and a strong financial position. However, there were some challenges including decreased margins and higher expected operation and maintenance expenses.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA
The company achieved the highest quarterly adjusted EBITDA in its partnership's history, driven by strong operational and financial results.
Record Throughput in Delaware Basin
Achieved record-breaking natural gas, crude oil, NGLs, and produced water throughput in the Delaware Basin.
Aris Water Solutions Acquisition
Announced the acquisition of Aris Water Solutions, which is expected to be accretive to 2026 free cash flow per unit and will enhance the company's water disposal capacity to more than 3.8 million barrels per day.
Sanctioning of North Loving Train II
Announced the sanctioning of an additional train at the North Loving natural gas processing plant, increasing capacity to 550 million cubic feet per day by early Q2 2027.
Strong Financial Position
Maintained a top-tier net leverage ratio of 2.9x and retired $337 million of senior notes with cash on hand.
Negative Updates
Decreased Margins
The second quarter per Mcf adjusted gross margin for natural gas and per barrel adjusted gross margin for crude oil and NGLs decreased due to lower natural gas liquids volumes, reduced NGL pricing, and changes in contract mix.
Higher Expected O&M Expenses
Anticipated higher operation and maintenance expenses in the third quarter due to increased utility expenses during hotter summer months.
Flat Throughput in DJ Basin
Expectations for average year-over-year throughput in the DJ Basin to remain flat for both natural gas and crude oil and NGLs.
Company Guidance
During the second quarter of 2025 earnings call, Western Midstream Partners reported several key metrics reflecting their operational and financial success. The company achieved record adjusted EBITDA, the highest in its history, and improved adjusted gross margin sequentially. They also reported increased throughput across core operating assets, with record-breaking natural gas, crude oil, NGLs, and produced water throughput in the Delaware Basin. The acquisition of Aris Water Solutions was highlighted, which is expected to bring synergies, notably $40 million in cost savings, and increase produced water disposal capacity to over 3.8 million barrels per day. The transaction, valued at $2 billion, is projected to be accretive to 2026 free cash flow per unit. The capital expenditure guidance for 2025 was maintained, but with new projects like North Loving Train II, the company expects 2026 capital expenditures to be at least $1.1 billion. Western Midstream's strong balance sheet with a net leverage ratio of 2.9x was emphasized, alongside their commitment to generating strong returns for unitholders, sustaining distribution growth, and maintaining financial flexibility for future growth opportunities.

Western Midstream Partners Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Western Midstream Partners exhibits strong profitability and cash flow generation, supported by efficient operations. While debt levels are high, the company effectively manages its equity to generate returns. Overall, the financial health appears robust, with a focus on maintaining profitability and stable growth.
Income Statement
86
Very Positive
Western Midstream Partners demonstrates strong profitability with a gross profit margin of 69.2% and a net profit margin of 36% for TTM. The EBIT margin stands at 44.5%, and the EBITDA margin is impressive at 58%. Revenue growth is moderate at 0.82% TTM, indicating stable performance in a competitive industry.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
The company maintains a healthy equity ratio of 25.6%, though the debt-to-equity ratio is elevated at 2.3, indicating reliance on debt financing. Return on equity is robust at 41.1% TTM, showcasing efficient use of equity to generate profits.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Free cash flow growth is strong at 13.2% TTM, with a solid operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.7, highlighting effective cash generation. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 1.1 further reflects sound cash flow management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.67B3.61B3.11B3.25B2.88B2.77B
Gross Profit2.77B2.78B2.18B2.25B2.00B2.09B
EBITDA2.18B2.66B2.00B2.17B1.71B1.78B
Net Income1.27B1.57B998.53M1.22B916.29M527.01M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets12.16B13.14B12.47B11.27B11.27B11.83B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments129.73M1.09B272.79M286.66M202.00M444.92M
Total Debt7.00B8.14B7.96B6.83B6.95B7.89B
Total Liabilities8.83B9.77B9.44B8.16B8.18B8.93B
Stockholders Equity3.19B3.24B2.90B2.97B2.96B2.76B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.58B1.27B926.25M1.21B1.45B1.21B
Operating Cash Flow2.15B2.11B1.66B1.70B1.77B1.64B
Investing Cash Flow-735.79M-39.17M-1.61B-218.24M-257.54M-448.25M
Financing Cash Flow-1.63B-1.25B-67.91M-1.40B-1.75B-844.20M

Western Midstream Partners Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price38.45
Price Trends
50DMA
38.44
Positive
100DMA
37.69
Positive
200DMA
37.49
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.07
Positive
RSI
46.80
Neutral
STOCH
34.38
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WES, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 38.45 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.15, above the 50-day MA of 38.44, and above the 200-day MA of 37.49, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.07 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 46.80 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 34.38 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for WES.

Western Midstream Partners Risk Analysis

Western Midstream Partners disclosed 1 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Western Midstream Partners reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Western Midstream Partners Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (56)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$8.65B15.2852.91%6.88%9.02%17.28%
78
Outperform
$8.57B19.0521.65%5.03%7.09%17.53%
77
Outperform
$14.66B11.8338.42%9.28%7.11%-16.14%
75
Outperform
$10.51B27.808.48%3.01%15.28%-9.99%
69
Neutral
$12.32B19.378.34%8.32%-4.31%-17.80%
62
Neutral
$14.30B27.398.16%7.74%-4.31%-16.62%
56
Neutral
$6.59B7.48-9.67%6.29%14.87%-2.21%
* General Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WES
Western Midstream Partners
38.45
2.97
8.37%
PAA
Plains All American
17.52
1.12
6.83%
PAGP
Plains GP Holdings
18.83
1.28
7.29%
AM
Antero Midstream
17.91
3.95
28.30%
HESM
Hess Midstream Partners
41.17
6.79
19.75%
DTM
DT Midstream
103.41
29.99
40.85%

Western Midstream Partners Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Western Midstream Partners Announces Merger with Aris Water
Positive
Aug 6, 2025

On August 6, 2025, Western Midstream Partners announced a merger agreement with Aris Water Solutions, marking a strategic move to enhance its position as a leading midstream water services provider in the Delaware Basin. The transaction, valued at approximately $2 billion, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and aims to achieve $40 million in annualized cost synergies. The merger will expand WES’s capabilities in natural-gas, crude-oil, and produced-water businesses, further solidifying its market presence in West Texas and New Mexico. The board of directors of both companies have approved the merger, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.

The most recent analyst rating on (WES) stock is a Buy with a $44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Western Midstream Partners stock, see the WES 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: Aug 15, 2025