Targa Resources beats quarterly core profit estimates on boost in gas volumes

Core Insights - Targa Resources exceeded Wall Street estimates for fourth-quarter adjusted core profit, driven by increased demand and higher transport volumes of natural gas and natural gas liquids [1] - U.S. natural gas futures rose over 11% sequentially in the fourth quarter, ending a declining trend due to higher demand and increased pipeline volumes [1] - Midstream companies like Targa are benefiting from strong oil and gas production in the Permian Basin, rising natural gas demand from liquefied natural gas exports, and increased power generation linked to AI operations, cryptocurrency mining, and data centers [1] Financial Performance - Targa reported total quarterly natural gas sales of 2.96 billion British thermal units per day (BBtu/d), a 6.2% increase from the previous year [1] - NGL pipeline transportation volumes increased by approximately 20.3% to 1,048.7 thousand barrels per day (MBbl/d) [1] - Adjusted core profit for the quarter ended December 31 was $1.34 billion, surpassing analysts' estimates of $1.27 billion [1] Future Outlook - Targa anticipates continued growth across its Permian footprint, projecting record NGL pipeline transportation, fractionation, and liquefied petroleum gas export volumes by 2026 [1] - The company expects to bring online the Falcon II plant in the Permian Delaware region in the first quarter [1] - For the current year, Targa forecasts adjusted core earnings between $5.4 billion and $5.6 billion, aligning with analysts' average estimate of $5.5 billion [1]