Detailed Narrative
Q2 Operational Performance and Maintenance
Hess Midstream successfully executed its operational priorities in Q2 FY26, including the completion of planned maintenance at TGP on time and under budget. The company also completed greenfield high-pressure gathering pipeline infrastructure. Looking ahead, Q3 plans include maintenance at LM4 and other deferred maintenance work, indicating continued focus on asset integrity and efficiency.
Financial Strategy and Shareholder Returns
The company continued to deliver on its financial strategy by strengthening its balance sheet and increasing distributions. Hess Midstream reiterated its 2026 adjusted free cash flow guidance of $910 million to $960 million, representing a 20% year-over-year increase at the midpoint. This strong cash flow generation supports a targeted 5% annual distribution growth and incremental share repurchases, while also facilitating debt reduction.
Volume Trends and Outlook
Q2 FY26 throughput volumes averaged 433 MMcf/d for gas processing, 117,000 bbl/d for crude terminalling, and 121,000 bbl/d for water gathering. While crude volumes were flat to lower QoQ, gas volumes were higher due to third-party contributions offsetting TGP maintenance. Management expects volumes to grow in the second half of the year, with at least 5% growth into H2, driven by Chevron's drilling program and increased productivity from longer laterals.
Capital Expenditures and Efficiency
Capital expenditures in Q2 FY26 were $31 million, reflecting ongoing program execution. The company anticipates higher capital spend in Q3 due to planned activity. Hess Midstream emphasizes its capital efficiency, leveraging historical investments and new infrastructure to achieve similar volumes with less new well activity, particularly as Chevron focuses on longer laterals.
EBITDA Margin and Cost Management
Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 FY26 reached $314 million, up from $300 million in Q1, primarily due to lower operating expenses and G&A savings. The gross adjusted EBITDA margin was maintained at an impressive 85%, well above the 75% target. This strong margin performance is attributed to operational efficiencies and synergies from the Hess/Chevron merger, though some OpEx phasing📎 shifted to later quarters.
Debt Reduction and Leverage Targets
Hess Midstream reduced its revolving credit facility balance by $87 million in Q2 FY26, ending the quarter at $256 million drawn. The company plans to use excess adjusted free cash flow for both incremental shareholder returns and debt repayment. Management targets reducing the debt leverage ratio from the current 3x to approximately 2.5x by 2028, driven by debt paydown and increasing EBITDA.