Core Viewpoint - MPLX LP has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 55% interest in BANGL, LLC for $715 million, which is expected to enhance its growth platform and generate mid-teen returns for the partnership [1][2]. Transaction Details - The acquisition is expected to close in July 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust clearance [3]. - Upon closing, the BANGL Pipeline will be fully owned by MPLX and consolidated into its financial results [3]. BANGL Pipeline Overview - The BANGL pipeline system currently transports up to 250 thousand barrels per day of natural gas liquids from the Permian basin to Gulf Coast fractionation markets, with an expansion planned to increase capacity to 300 thousand barrels per day by the second half of 2026 [4]. - The pipeline will facilitate the transportation of liquids to MPLX's Gulf Coast fractionation complex, which is expected to be operational in 2028 [4]. Company Background - MPLX LP is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership that operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets, including a network of pipelines, storage facilities, and processing plants [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, adjusted EBITDA was reported at $237 million, with distributable cash flow of $155 million and free cash flow of $32 million [16] - For the full year 2024, adjusted EBITDA reached $971 million, representing a 16% year-over-year increase, and an 18% increase when normalizing for November impacts [11][19] - Capital expenditures for 2024 totaled $265 million, which was approximately $15 million below the midpoint of the guidance range [11][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Midstream Logistics segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $150 million in Q4, up 3% year-over-year but down 14% sequentially due to negative Waha prices [16][17] - The Pipeline Transportation segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $92 million, up nearly 9% year-over-year, driven by volume growth and contributions from EPIC Crude [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average gas processed volumes for 2024 were 1.64 billion cubic feet per day, up 13% year-over-year [10] - The average gas daily price at Waha was negative $1.4 per MMBtu for the first half of November, impacting volumes and margins [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in EBITDA over the next five years, focusing on both organic growth and strategic M&A opportunities [26][40] - Kinetic is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for natural gas and liquids, with significant growth expected in the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast [12][13] - The company is exploring a large-scale gas-fired power generation facility to manage electricity costs and capitalize on natural gas price volatility [14][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2024 was transformational, with significant M&A activity and organic growth, particularly in the Delaware Basin [6][9] - The company has implemented new risk measures to prevent operational headwinds experienced in November and expects a strong rebound in operational performance [10][17] - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 15% growth in adjusted EBITDA for 2025, with key assumptions including a 20% growth in gas processed volumes [19][21] Other Important Information - The company increased its cash dividend by 4%, marking the first return of capital to shareholders since its merger [9] - Kinetic's leverage ratio improved to 3.4 times, down 0.6 times year-over-year, reflecting disciplined capital management [19][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What infrastructure is needed to achieve the 10% EBITDA CAGR? - Management indicated that they are seeing outsized market share performance and have structural changes that will create incremental EBITDA opportunities [26][27] Question: Are there still M&A opportunities in 2025? - Management confirmed that opportunities remain, but they maintain a high bar for attractiveness in potential transactions [32][33] Question: What are the expectations for producer customer activity in 2025? - Management noted robust activity levels across both Northern and Southern Delaware, with significant drilling capital being allocated to New Mexico [45][46] Question: How does the company manage risks associated with pipeline maintenance? - Management acknowledged the regular seasonal maintenance and emphasized the importance of having incremental length for Gulf Coast capacity to mitigate risks [51][54] Question: Can you clarify the economic contribution of the Barilla Draw acquisition? - Management stated that the initial phase involves gas gathering services, with processing expected to ramp up later in the decade, contributing to margin expansion [98] Question: What is the timeline for the power generation project? - Management indicated that if the project reaches FID this year, it could be operational by the end of 2027, with potential for further projects in New Mexico [100][102]

Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners, LP has announced the sanctioning of the Pathfinder pipeline, a significant investment aimed at enhancing produced-water transportation and disposal capabilities in the Delaware Basin, which is expected to support long-term growth and operational efficiency [1][2][3]. Infrastructure Development - The Pathfinder pipeline will be a 42-mile, 30-inch steel pipeline with the capacity to transport over 800 MBbls/d of produced water for disposal [5][6]. - The company plans to invest approximately $400 million to $450 million over the next 24 months to expand its produced-water gathering and disposal system [2][8]. - The new infrastructure is expected to be operational by January 1, 2027 [3]. Customer Agreements - A new long-term agreement with Occidental Petroleum includes minimum-volume commitments for gathering, transportation, and disposal, supporting the expansion of WES's services [2][5]. - The agreement provides up to 280 MBbls/d of firm gathering and transportation capacity and up to 220 MBbls/d of firm disposal capacity [5][6]. Financial Guidance - WES has provided 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance in the range of $2.350 billion to $2.550 billion, reflecting an approximate 5% increase at the mid-point compared to 2024 [5][11]. - Total capital expenditures for 2025 are projected to be between $625 million and $775 million, with Free Cash Flow estimated between $1.275 billion and $1.475 billion [5][11]. - The company plans to recommend a Base Distribution increase of $0.035 per unit to $0.910 per unit, representing a 4% increase over the previous quarter and a 13% increase year-over-year [5][8]. Strategic Focus - The company aims to prioritize organic growth projects and synergistic acquisitions to drive gradual distribution increases while maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet [9]. - Approximately 50% of the capital expenditures will be allocated to the Delaware Basin, focusing on expansion opportunities to accommodate future growth [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported approximately $107 million in quarterly adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024, an increase from $100.9 million in the same period of 2023, representing a growth of about 1.1% [4][11] - Distributable cash flow (DCF) as adjusted was $69.5 million, with a DCF coverage ratio of approximately 1.2 times, expected to return to a long-term objective of 1.3 times in the second half of 2025 [11] - The company initiated a strong 2025 EBITDA guidance of $480 million to $520 million, indicating around 20% growth over 2024 adjusted EBITDA [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gathering and Processing segment adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $66 million, up from $53.3 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to higher throughput from Permian Basin assets and contributions from H2O Midstream [11][12] - Wholesale marketing and tourmaline adjusted EBITDA decreased to $21.2 million from $28.4 million in the prior year, attributed to lower wholesale margins and intercompany transaction impacts [12] - Storage and transportation adjusted EBITDA increased slightly to $17.8 million from $17.5 million in Q4 2023, driven by higher storage and transportation rates [12] - Investments in Pipeline Joint Ventures contributed $11.3 million this quarter, compared to $8.5 million in Q4 2023, mainly due to contributions from the Wink to Webster drop down [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on becoming a premier full-service provider in the Pearland Basin and has made significant acquisitions in the Midland Basin, enhancing its competitive position [4][6] - The expansion of the processing plant in the Delaware Basin is on track to complete on time and on budget in the first half of 2025, indicating strong market demand [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its economic separation from its sponsor, DK, and has authorized a $150 million buyback program to increase value for DKL unitholders [8][9] - The company is committed to prudent management of leverage and coverage while pursuing organic growth projects [10][11] - The strategic focus includes expanding offerings in crude, natural gas, and water services, which has proven beneficial in the Delaware Basin [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the guidance provided, highlighting the importance of economic separation from DK to fulfill DKL's potential [18][21] - The management noted strong demand for assets in the Delaware area and emphasized the comprehensive offering of services as a competitive advantage [32][33] Other Important Information - The capital program for Q4 was $49.4 million, with $42.1 million allocated to the new gas processing plant and the remainder for growth projects [13][14] - The company expects to spend approximately $75 million on completing the Libby processing plant expansion and $160 million on growth and maintenance projects in 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about EBITDA guidance and factors influencing high and low ends - Management acknowledged the conservative nature of the guidance and emphasized the company's growth trajectory and economic separation efforts [17][18] Question: Follow-up on the buyback program execution and funding - Management indicated that the buyback program is a two-year initiative, with funding potentially coming from free cash flow or debt, depending on market conditions [20][23] Question: Request for additional drivers behind EBITDA upside potential - Management highlighted several completed transactions and synergies from recent acquisitions as key drivers for the expected EBITDA growth [29][30] Question: Inquiry about demand and utilization of key assets - Management confirmed strong demand in the Delaware area and the strategic decision to expand assets based on this demand [32][33]

Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 20, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Tristan Richardson - Vice President, Investor Relations & Fundamentals Matt Meloy - Chief Executive Officer & Director Jen Kneale - President of Finance & Administration Will Byers - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Scott Pryor - President of Logistics & Transportation Pat McDonie - President of Gathering & Processing Bobby Muraro - Chief Commercial Officer Conference Call ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Full year adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $6,800,000,000, an 8% increase year over year [6] - Total adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $1,800,000,000, a 9% increase from the prior year [21] - Distributable cash flow for Q4 was $1,500,000,000, a 7% increase year over year [21] - The company returned nearly $4,000,000,000 of capital to unitholders in 2024, maintaining distribution coverage of 1.5 times [8][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Crude Oil and Products Logistics segment, adjusted EBITDA increased by $60,000,000 compared to Q4 2023, driven by higher rates and throughputs [18] - The Natural Gas and NGL Services segment achieved a record adjusted EBITDA increase of $79,000,000 compared to Q4 2023, with gathered volumes up 8% year over year [19] - Processing volumes in the Utica increased nearly 50% year over year, with Marcellus processing utilization at 92% [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MPLX handles over 10% of all natural gas produced in the United States [7] - The company anticipates mid-teen returns on its capital expenditure outlook of $2,000,000,000 for 2025, with 85% allocated to natural gas and NGL Services [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - MPLX is focused on organic growth projects and strategic acquisitions, investing $1,700,000,000 in 2024 [7] - The company announced a significant project to construct a Gulf Coast fractionation complex and export terminal, enhancing its NGL value chain [10] - MPLX aims to maintain a mid-single-digit growth rate over multi-year periods while optimizing its asset base [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth opportunities, citing favorable macro conditions for energy and robust demand for natural gas [15][16] - The company is well-positioned to support the development plans of producer customers, with expectations for continued distribution increases [26] Other Important Information - MPLX's capital allocation priorities include maintenance capital, secure and growing distributions, and investments in growth opportunities [24] - The company plans to market ethane production from the new fractionation complex to both existing and new customers [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Background on NGL value chain announcement - Management explained the strategic rationale behind the Gulf Coast NGL value chain expansion and the partnership with ONEOK, emphasizing confidence in future EBITDA growth [30][34] Question: Future opportunities for processing capacity - Management discussed the potential for additional processing capacity and the importance of connectivity to export markets [35][36] Question: Distribution growth outlook - Management remains optimistic about mid-single-digit growth in EBITDA and the sustainability of distribution increases, including the recent 12.5% hike [44][45] Question: Capital deployment cadence - Management clarified that the $2,000,000,000 capital expenditure estimate for 2025 is primarily for organic growth, with M&A opportunities considered separately [78][80] Question: LPG export project partnership details - Management provided insights into the joint venture structure with ONEOK for the export terminal and the strategic importance of storage in Mont Belvieu [81][85] Question: NGL control and contracting - Management indicated that currently, NGLs from processing plants are fractionated at third-party facilities, but future projects will allow for more control [91][93] Question: Marcellus activity trends - Management confirmed that Marcellus activity is trending as expected, with high utilization rates and positive market conditions [112] Question: Balancing growth and shareholder returns - Management emphasized that the primary return of capital tool will remain distributions, with share repurchases considered opportunistically [115]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For full year 2024, the company reported a net income of $659 million and adjusted EBITDA of $1,136 million, representing a growth of approximately 12% from 2023 [14][18] - The adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $298 million, an increase from $287 million in Q3, driven by higher throughput volumes [18][19] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of $1,235 million to $1,285 million, reflecting an approximate 11% growth at the midpoint compared to 2024 [10][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gas processing volumes averaged 447 million cubic feet per day in Q4, with full year 2024 averaging 420 million cubic feet per day [9][10] - Crude terminaling volumes averaged 127,000 barrels of oil per day in Q4, with a full year average of 123,000 barrels per day [9][10] - Water gathering volumes averaged 130,000 barrels of water per day in Q4, with a full year average of 125,000 barrels per day [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bakken net production averaged 208,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in Q4, with a full year average of 204,000 barrels per day, marking a 12% year-over-year increase [7][8] - The company expects gas volumes to grow by more than 25% from 2024 through 2027, driven by Hess' planned development activity and increasing third-party volumes [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain annual capital expenditures in the range of approximately $250 million to $300 million through 2027, focusing on disciplined, low-cost investments to meet growing basin demand [12][24] - A new gas processing plant with a capacity of 125 million cubic feet per day is set to begin construction in 2025, expected to support throughput growth through at least the end of the decade [10][12] - The company aims to generate sustainable cash flow and return additional capital to shareholders, with a targeted distribution growth of at least 5% annually through 2027 [16][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth trajectory supported by Hess production and third-party opportunities, with a disciplined approach to capital allocation [35][36] - The company anticipates a strong recovery in volumes following severe winter weather impacts in Q1 2025, with expectations for significant growth in EBITDA throughout the year [57][58] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet while prioritizing shareholder returns through unit repurchases and distribution increases [16][25] Other Important Information - The company has returned $1.95 billion to shareholders since 2021 through accretive repurchases, with a distribution per Class A share growth of approximately 55% since 2021 [16][18] - The gross adjusted EBITDA margin for Q4 was maintained at approximately 80%, above the 75% target, indicating strong operating leverage [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Multi-year growth outlook and EBITDA growth potential - Management explained that the MVCs provide visibility to the volumes underpinning growth, with gas processing expected to drive significant revenue [27][29][30] Question: Long-term outlook in Bakken and potential for M&A - Management confirmed no plans to expand outside of Bakken, focusing on organic growth supported by Hess production and potential third-party volumes [34][35][36] Question: Capital expenditures and future growth CapEx - Management indicated that the increase in CapEx is driven by activity phasing and efficiency improvements, with expectations for a step down in CapEx post-2027 [41][44][45] Question: Capital allocation program and potential changes - Management reiterated confidence in the return on capital framework, emphasizing continued unit repurchases and distribution growth, while considering public participation in repurchases as ownership changes [48][50] Question: Use of leverage and financial flexibility - Management discussed the balance between leverage capacity and excess free cash flow, maintaining a focus on shareholder returns while exploring organic growth opportunities [53][55] Question: Q1 guidance and weather impacts - Management acknowledged the unpredictability of Q1 weather but expressed confidence in recovery and growth in volumes for the remainder of the year [56][57][58]