MIDLAND, Texas, Nov. 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rattler Midstream LP (NASDAQ: RTLR) (“Rattler” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback”), today announced financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

THIRD QUARTER 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

• Q3 2021 consolidated net income (including non-controlling interest) of $38.9 million
• Q3 2021 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) of $75.0 million
• Q3 2021 cash flow provided by operating activities of $57.4 million; Q3 2021 Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes (as defined and reconciled below) of $66.4 million
• Q3 2021 cash operated capital expenditures of $6.4 million
• Q3 2021 consolidated Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $59.5 million; Q3 2021 Recurring Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of $60.0 million
• Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner approved a cash distribution for the third quarter of 2021 of $0.25 per common unit ($1.00 annualized); implies a 8.4% annualized yield based on the November 2, 2021 closing unit price of $11.95
• Repurchased approximately 1.1 million common units at an average unit price of $10.72 for a total cost of $12.3 million during the quarter
• Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner increased the common unit repurchase authorization by $50.0 million to $150.0 million and extended the authorization term indefinitely
• In October 2021, Rattler entered into a gas gathering and processing joint venture focused on the Midland Basin for $104.0 million
• In October 2021, Rattler signed a purchase agreement to acquire certain water midstream assets from Diamondback for $160.0 million
• In November 2021, Rattler closed the sale of its Pecos County gas gathering assets to Brazos Midstream for gross potential consideration of $93.0 million, including $83.0 million of cash at closing
• Q3 2021 average produced water gathering and disposal volumes of 747 MBbl/d
• Q3 2021 average sourced water volumes of 256 MBbl/d; 23% of total sourced water volumes in Q3 2021 sourced from recycled produced water
• Q3 2021 average crude oil gathering volumes of 73 MBbl/d
• Q3 2021 average gas gathering volumes of 135 BBtu/d
  

“Rattler generated $60 million of Free Cash Flow in the third quarter, benefiting from operating cost reductions and minimal capital spend, which both offset lower operated volumes. The best practices implemented in our operations are expected to have long-term benefits to Rattler unitholders despite inflationary headwinds hitting the industry. Looking back at the last twelve months, while already operating from a position of relative strength with its conservative leverage mandate, Rattler took further steps to increase its liquidity and flexibility by divesting non-core assets and cutting its distribution. The cash generated by these collective actions reduced our revolver borrowings to zero and allowed us to repurchase approximately $45 million of Rattler common units over the last year,” stated Travis Stice, Chief Executive Officer of Rattler’s general partner.

Mr. Stice continued, "Over the last month, Rattler has executed on three significant strategic transactions. These deals increase Rattler’s exposure to Diamondback's development in the Northern Midland Basin, where 75% of its drilling capital is currently being allocated, while retaining the financial flexibility to continue to return capital to Rattler's unitholders. The drop down of assets from Diamondback and the WTG transaction increase Rattler's exposure at an attractive entry price to one of the few regions in North American shale with significant near term volume growth expected. However, with growth comes necessary infrastructure requirements and capital spend. Therefore Rattler divested its gas gathering assets in the Delaware Basin at an attractive valuation in order to maintain its best-in-class balance sheet. Taken together, these transactions represent a significant shift in exposure to the Midland Basin while being able to maintain balance sheet strength.”

OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL UPDATE

During the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded total operating income of $44.8 million, an increase of 15% compared to the second quarter of 2021.  During the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded consolidated net income (including non-controlling interest) of $38.9 million, a decrease of 29% from the second quarter of 2021.  Third quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA (including non-controlling interest and as defined and reconciled below) was $75.0 million, a decrease of 1% from the second quarter of 2021.

Third quarter operated capital expenditures totaled $6.4 million and aggregate contributions to equity method joint ventures were $0.6 million. Rattler also received proceeds of $14.2 million in distributions from equity method investments related to operations during the quarter.

The following table summarizes the Company's throughput on its operated assets.

CASH DISTRIBUTION

On October 27, 2021, the Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner approved a cash distribution for the third quarter of 2021 of $0.25 per common unit, payable on November 22, 2021 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 15, 2021.

COMMON UNIT REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On October 29, 2020, the Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner approved a common unit repurchase program to acquire up to $100.0 million of Rattler's outstanding common units through December 31, 2021. Pursuant to this program, during the third quarter of 2021, the Company repurchased 1.1 million common units at an average unit price of $10.72 per unit for a total cost of $12.3 million.

On October 27, 2021, the Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner approved an increase of $50.0 million to the common unit repurchase program, bringing the total authorization to $150.0 million of Rattler's outstanding common units. The Board of Directors removed the expiration of the authorization, extending the term of the repurchase authorization indefinitely. In total from the program's inception through October 29, 2021, Rattler has repurchased 4.5 million common units for a total cost of $45.2 million, utilizing 30% of the $150.0 million authorization.

The Company intends to purchase common units under the repurchase program opportunistically with cash on hand, free cash flow from operations and proceeds from potential liquidity events such as the sale of assets. The repurchase program may be suspended from time to time, modified, extended or discontinued by the Board of Directors of Rattler’s general partner at any time.  Purchases under the repurchase program may be made from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and will be subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, contractual obligations and other factors.  Any common units purchased as part of this program will be retired.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

WTG JOINT VENTURE

On October 5, 2021, Rattler and a private affiliate of an investment fund, formed Remuda Midstream Holdings LLC ("WTG joint venture").  Rattler invested approximately $104.0 million in cash to acquire a 25% ownership interest in the WTG joint venture, which then completed an acquisition of a majority interest in WTG Midstream LLC ("WTG Midstream") from West Texas Gas, Inc. and its affiliates.  WTG Midstream’s assets primarily consist of an interconnected gas gathering system and six major gas processing plants servicing the Midland Basin with 925 MMcf/d of total processing capacity with additional gas gathering and processing expansions planned.

DROP DOWN TRANSACTION

On October 19, 2021, Rattler entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement with Diamondback and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Seller") in a drop down transaction ("Drop Down").  The Drop Down consisted of the sale of certain water midstream assets for $160.0 million in cash. Rattler and the Seller have also mutually agreed to amend their commercial agreements covering produced water gathering and disposal and sourced water gathering services to add certain Diamondback leasehold acreage to the Company’s dedication.  The Company intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. The transaction, which was approved by the Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Drop Down assets include nine active saltwater disposal injection wells with 330 MBbl/d of capacity, seven produced water recycling and storage facilities, 20 fresh water pits and approximately 4,000 acres of fee surface.  Also included are 55 miles of produced water gathering pipeline and 18 miles of sourced water gathering pipeline.  Adjusted EBITDA contributions from the assets included in the Drop Down are expected to range from $25 million to $35 million for the full year 2022.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of Rattler's general partner in connection with the transaction.

PECOS COUNTY GAS GATHERING DIVESTITURE

On November 1, 2021, Rattler closed on the sale of its gas gathering assets to Brazos Delaware Gas, LLC, an affiliate of Brazos Midstream, for aggregate total gross potential consideration of $93.0 million, consisting of (i) $83.0 million at closing, subject to customary post-closing adjustments, and (ii) $10 million in contingent payments payable from 2023-2024 based on volume thresholds on the gas gathering assets.

GUIDANCE

Below is Rattler's revised guidance for the full year 2021, with produced water gathering and disposal volumes, operated midstream capex, equity method investment contributions and equity method distributions updated to reflect the latest base operating plan, and gas gathering volumes updated to reflect the sale of gas gathering assets.

(a)  Excludes any volumes from the EPIC, Gray Oak, Wink to Webster, OMOG, Amarillo Rattler and WTG joint ventures
(b)  Includes the EPIC, Gray Oak, Wink to Webster, OMOG and Amarillo Rattler joint ventures. Excludes acquisitions of interest in WTG joint venture
(c)  Represents distribution paid during calendar year


CONFERENCE CALL

Rattler will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the third quarter of 2021 on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. CT. Participants should call (877) 288-2756 (United States/Canada) or (470) 495-9481 (International) and use the confirmation code 7367188. A telephonic replay will be available from 12:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, November 4, 2021 through Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. CT. To access the replay, call (855) 859-2056 (United States/Canada) or (404) 537-3406 (International) and enter confirmation code 7367188. A live broadcast of the earnings conference call will also be available via the internet at www.rattlermidstream.com under the “Investors” section of the site. A replay will also be available on the website following the call.

About Rattler Midstream LP

Rattler Midstream LP is a Delaware limited partnership formed by Diamondback Energy to own, operate, develop and acquire midstream and energy-related infrastructure assets. Rattler owns crude oil, natural gas and water-related midstream assets in the Permian Basin that provide services to Diamondback Energy and third party customers under primarily long-term, fixed-fee contracts. For more information, please visit www.rattlermidstream.com.

About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than historical facts, that address activities that Rattler assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events, including specifically the statements regarding expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of Rattler, including Rattler's capital expenditure levels, acquisitions and dispositions and other guidance discussed above. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the results to differ materially from those expected by the management of Rattler. Information concerning these risks and other factors can be found in Rattler’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Rattler undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

The following tables provide information regarding our gathering, compression and transportation system as of September 30, 2021 and utilization for the quarter ended September 30, 2021:

(a) Does not include any assets of the EPIC, Gray Oak, Wink to Webster, Amarillo Rattler or OMOG joint ventures.

(a) Does not include any assets of the EPIC, Gray Oak, Wink to Webster, Amarillo Rattler or OMOG joint ventures.

(a) Does not include any volumes of the EPIC, Gray Oak, Wink to Webster, Amarillo Rattler or OMOG joint ventures.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of its financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful because the measure allows it to more effectively evaluate the Company's operating performance and compare the results of its operations period to period without regard to its financing methods or capital structure.

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Rattler Midstream LP plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest before interest expense (net of amount capitalized), depreciation, amortization and accretion on assets and liabilities of Rattler Midstream Operating LLC, its proportional depreciation and interest expense related to equity method investments, its proportional impairments and abandonments related to equity method investments, non-cash unit-based compensation expense, impairment and abandonments, (gain) loss on disposal of assets, (gain) loss from sale of equity method investment, provision for income taxes and other. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss). However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Adjusted EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income (loss), and these measures may vary from those of other companies. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA as presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The Company does not provide guidance on the reconciling items between forecasted net income (loss) and forecasted Adjusted EBITDA due to the uncertainty regarding timing and estimates of these items. Rattler provides a range for the forecasts of net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA to allow for the variability in timing and uncertainty of estimates of reconciling items between forecasted net income (loss) and forecasted Adjusted EBITDA. Therefore, the Company cannot reconcile forecasted net income (loss) to forecasted Adjusted EBITDA without unreasonable effort.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA for each of the periods indicated:

Adjusted net income (loss) is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income (loss) attributable to Rattler Midstream LP plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest adjusted for (gain) loss on disposal of assets, gain (loss) on sale of equity method investments, proportional impairments and abandonments related to equity method investments and related income tax adjustments. Management believes adjusted net income (loss) is useful because the measure provides useful information to analysts and investors for analysis of its operating results on a consistent, comparable basis from period to period. The Company's computation of adjusted net income (loss) may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies or to such measure in our credit facility or any of our other contracts.

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to Rattler Midstream LP to adjusted net income (loss) for each of the periods indicated:

Operating cash flow before working capital changes, which is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure, represents net cash provided by operating activities as determined under GAAP without regard to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to operating cash flow before working capital changes is net cash provided by operating activities. Management believes operating cash flow before working capital changes is an accepted measure which reflects cash flow from operating activities, additions to property, plant and equipment and net investments in its equity method investments across periods on a consistent basis. The Company also uses this measure because adjusted operating cash flow relates to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements that the Company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. This allows the Company to compare its operating performance with that of other companies without regard to financing methods and capital structure.

Free Cash Flow, which is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure, is operating cash flow before working capital changes net of additions to property, plant, and equipment, contributions to equity method investments and distributions from equity method investments, proceeds from the sale of equity method investments, proceeds from the sale of real estate and other. Recurring Free Cash Flow, which is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure, is Free Cash Flow less contributions to equity method investments, proceeds from the sale of equity method investments, proceeds from the sale of real estate and other investing cash flows. The GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to Free Cash Flow and Recurring Free Cash Flow is net cash provided by operating activities. Management believes that Free Cash Flow and Recurring Free Cash Flow are useful to investors as they provide the amount of cash available for reducing debt, investing in additional capital projects or paying dividends. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by operating activities as an indicator of operating performance. The Company's computation of operating cash flow before working capital changes, Free Cash Flow and Recurring Free Cash Flow may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following tables present a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to operating cash flow before working capital changes, to Free Cash Flow and to Recurring Free Cash Flow:

Investor Contact:
Adam Lawlis
+1 432.221.7467
alawlis@rattlermidstream.com

Jared Carameros
+1 432.247.6213
jcarameros@rattlermidstream.com

Source: Rattler Midstream LP; Diamondback Energy, Inc.

Source: Rattler Midstream LP