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]