Targa(TRGP) ZACKS·2024-11-12 13:05Core Viewpoint - Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP) reported strong third-quarter earnings driven by robust volumes in the Permian Basin, increased NGL sales, and lower product costs, despite a slight decline in revenues due to lower natural gas prices and hedging impacts [1][2]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share for Q3 2024 were $1.75, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.58 and up from $0.97 in the same quarter last year [1]. - Total revenues reached $3.9 billion, a decrease of 1.1% year-over-year, and fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.2 billion [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $1.1 billion, an increase from $840.2 million in the prior year [2]. Dividend and Share Repurchase - Targa declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.75 per share, amounting to an annualized $3, with total cash dividends of approximately $164 million to be distributed on November 15 [3]. - The company repurchased over 1.1 million shares for approximately $167.9 million at an average price of $146.02 per share, with $1.1 billion remaining in its share repurchase program as of September 30 [4]. Operational Highlights - Significant volumes were recorded in the Permian Basin, with the new Greenwood II plant achieving high utilization [5]. - The Gathering and Processing segment reported an operating margin of $584.3 million, up 16% year-over-year, although it missed the consensus estimate [6]. - The Logistics and Transportation segment saw an operating margin of $619.2 million, a 35% increase year-over-year, surpassing the consensus estimate [7]. Volume and Cost Metrics - Fractionation volumes increased by 20% year-over-year to 953.8 thousand barrels per day, while NGL pipeline transportation volumes rose by 26% [8]. - Product costs were $2.4 billion, down 12% from the previous year, while operating expenses increased by 8% to $301 million [9]. Balance Sheet and Debt - As of September 30, Targa had cash and cash equivalents of $127.2 million and long-term debt of $13.6 billion, resulting in a debt-to-capitalization ratio of approximately 76.2% [10]. Future Guidance - For 2024, Targa anticipates adjusted EBITDA to exceed the upper end of its guidance range of $3.95 billion to $4.05 billion, driven by increased infrastructure spending [11]. - The company plans to increase its common dividend to $1.00 per share for Q1 2025, pending approval [12]. - The East Pembrook plant is expected to be completed ahead of schedule in Q2 2026, with new gas processing plants in the Permian expected to commence operations in 2026 [13].