Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company provided guidance indicating a 4% growth in EBITDA from 2025 to 2026 and an 8% growth in earnings [6] - The debt to EBITDA ratio is expected to end the year at 3.8 times, within the target range of 3.5 to 4.5 times [6] - Expansion capital expenditures (CapEx) guidance was raised from approximately $2.5 billion to over $3 billion per year for the next few years [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The current backlog of approved expansion projects is $9.3 billion, significantly up from $3 billion two years ago, with 90% of this backlog associated with natural gas projects [9] - The company is evaluating over $10 billion in potential projects, primarily focused on natural gas, driven by similar demand drivers as the existing backlog [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas demand is expected to grow by over 20% between the end of 2024 and 2030, with estimates ranging from 22 to 28 billion cubic feet per day (BCF) [11] - The growth in demand is primarily driven by LNG exports, power generation, and exports to Mexico [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company sees significant opportunities in the midstream space, particularly in natural gas, and plans to expand its existing asset base to meet market demand [7][12] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet to capitalize on M&A opportunities as they arise, while also pursuing organic growth through its project backlog [64][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current regulatory environment, noting improvements in permitting processes, particularly with the Corps of Engineers and FERC [46][47] - There is a recognition of potential supply chain constraints, particularly regarding compression equipment, but current projects are on track [52][56] Other Important Information - The company has a substantial gas storage footprint of 700 billion cubic feet (BCF), with 75% regulated and 25% unregulated [32] - Recent expansions in gas storage facilities have been successful, with ongoing projects expected to enhance capacity [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current backlog and growth potential? - The current backlog of approved expansion projects is $9.3 billion, significantly up from $3 billion two years ago, with a strong growth outlook in the natural gas sector [9] Question: How does the company view competition in the market? - The company acknowledges competition from other pipelines but believes there is ample opportunity for growth in the natural gas market, particularly in the Southeast [20] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A? - The company remains open to M&A opportunities but emphasizes the need for flexibility and opportunism in pursuing such deals [64][66] Question: How is the regulatory environment impacting operations? - Management noted improvements in the regulatory environment, particularly in permitting timelines, but expressed a desire for further reductions in these timelines [46][48] Question: What are the company's plans for capital returns? - The company plans to maintain a conservative approach to dividend growth to preserve capital for expansion opportunities, with potential for faster growth in the future as projects come online [60][62]

Summary of ONEOK Fireside Chat - September 30, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: ONEOK (NYSE: OKE) - **Industry**: Midstream Energy Key Points and Arguments Strategic Acquisitions - ONEOK has been highly acquisitive in the midstream space, doubling its size through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) since the early 2000s [2][3] - The company has established specific criteria for future acquisitions, focusing on projects that are credit accretive and provide scale [4][8] - Recent acquisitions include Magellan, Easton, EnLink, and Medallion, with five acquisitions completed in two years [5][4] Market Position and Integration - ONEOK is currently focused on integrating recent acquisitions and extending existing assets rather than pursuing new acquisitions aggressively [6][7] - The company aims to diversify its operations beyond the Bakken region, seeking demand-pull businesses [6][7] Volume Growth and Market Dynamics - The company anticipates modest volume growth across key basins, including Bakken, Mid Continent, and Permian, despite some winter-related volume declines [12][19] - The Mid Continent region has shown unexpected growth, particularly in the Cherokee formation [13][14] - The Permian Basin continues to grow, with producers becoming more efficient in drilling operations [20][21] Financial Outlook - ONEOK targets mid to upper single-digit growth in EBITDA for 2026, driven by volume growth and capital projects [23] - The company is completing several projects that will contribute to incremental growth, including the Denver expansion project [27][28] Risks and Market Sentiment - The primary risk to achieving growth targets is potential slowdowns in producer activity due to fluctuating crude oil prices [30][31] - There is skepticism in the market regarding the company's ability to model the impact of multiple acquisitions on earnings [10][11] New Projects and Infrastructure - The Sunbelt Connector project aims to address growing demand in Phoenix, with plans to connect refined products from various regions [33][34] - The company is optimistic about the returns from this project, which will include a larger pipeline to accommodate future demand [35][36] Capital Expenditure and Financial Strategy - ONEOK's growth capital expenditure (CapEx) is projected to remain around $3 billion, with expectations for a decrease in future years as projects are completed [40][42] - The company plans to utilize tax savings from new legislation to enhance cash flow and reduce leverage [42] Ethane Market and Export Opportunities - There is potential for increased ethane recovery in the Mid Continent region due to rising demand from export projects [47][49] - ONEOK is supportive of ethane export projects, recognizing their positive impact on pricing and demand [51][52] Natural Gas and LNG Demand - The company is well-positioned to benefit from increasing LNG demand, particularly in Louisiana, where it has seen unexpected growth in natural gas assets [55][56] - The Mid Continent region is viewed as an option for natural gas production, with expectations for increased activity as prices rise [57][58] Competition and Market Share - ONEOK holds a 60% market share in the Bakken for gas processing, with limited competition expected to impact its operations significantly [71][72] - The company maintains strong relationships with producers, which helps mitigate competitive risks [75] Additional Important Insights - The company is expanding its gas storage capabilities to manage increased gas flow and maintenance needs [66][68] - ONEOK's integrated systems provide a competitive advantage, allowing for streamlined operations and customer relationships [75]