Antero Midstream Corporation (NYSE:AM) reported first-quarter 2019 adjusted earnings per share of 19 cents, up 64% from the year-ago level. However, the figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 30 cents.
Revenues in the quarter rose 20% year over year to $266 million. The top line, however, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $279 million.
The weaker-than-expected results can be attributed to lower fresh water delivery volumes, partially offset by growth in gathering, compression and Clearwater treatment volumes.
Notably, the structural simplification deal between Antero Midstream GP LP and Antero Midstream Partners LP was concluded during the quarter, leading to the creation of Antero Midstream Corporation.
Dividend
Adjusted distributable cash flow of $166.1 million, up 27.6% from the prior-year quarter, provided coverage of 1.1x.
The first-quarter 2019 dividend of 30.25 cents per share has been approved by the board of directors, which is likely to be paid on May 8, to stockholders of record as of Apr 26.
Operational Performance
During first-quarter 2019, compression volumes were recorded at 202,938 million cubic feet (MMcf), up 60% from the year-ago level. On a per-Mcf basis, compression fee was 19 cents, in line with the prior-year level.
In the first quarter, high pressure gathering volumes were 224,786 MMcf, up 41% from the year-ago period. On a per-Mcf basis, average gathering high pressure fee was 20 cents, 5% higher than the prior-year level.
Low pressure gathering volumes averaged 230,540 MMcf, up 40% from the first-quarter 2018 figure. On a per-Mcf basis, average gathering low pressure fee was 33 cents, 3% higher than the year-ago level.
Fresh water delivery volumes came in at 13,732 thousand barrels, down 31% from the prior-year level. On a per-barrel basis, average fresh water distribution fee was $3.89 in the first quarter, improving from the prior-year level of $3.78.
Operating Expenses
Total pro-forma operating expenses in the quarter were recorded at $167 million.
Balance Sheet
As of Mar 31, Antero Midstream had $2 million in cash and cash equivalents, and a long-term debt of $2,390 million. As of the same date, it had a long-term debt-to-capitalization ratio of 37.2%.
Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider
Currently, Antero Midstream carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Prospective players in the energy space worth considering include Cactus, Inc. (NYSE:WHD) , Hess Corporation (NYSE:HES) and Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA) , each holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Cactus’ earnings growth is projected at 11.8% through 2019.
Hess’ earnings are expected to grow 90.5% through 2019.
Apache beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, with average positive earnings surprise of 31%.
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Antero Midstrm (AM): Free Stock Analysis Report
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