Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company increased the midpoint of its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range to $1.13 billion, an 18% increase from the prior year adjusted EBITDA guidance [5] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $288 million, representing an $11 million increase from the prior quarter [11] - The distributable cash flow guidance range was raised to $800 to $830 million, a midpoint increase of $45 million due to lower maintenance capital, interest, and cash taxes [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pipeline segment results were in line with the second quarter, while gathering segment results were $10 million higher than the second quarter, driven by higher volumes on the Haynesville system [11] - Total gathering volumes for the Haynesville averaged 2.04 Bcf per day, a 35% increase over the third quarter of 2024 [11] - The LEAP Phase 4 expansion increased capacity from 1.9 to 2.1 Bcf per day, providing access to Gulf Coast LNG markets [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted robust gas and power demand growth throughout the region, particularly in Louisiana, driven by data center activity and LNG demand [6][10] - The Northeast volumes averaged 1.09 Bcf per day, with expectations for higher volumes in the fourth quarter [11][12] - The Haynesville system demonstrated record high throughput, indicating producers' ability to respond quickly to LNG demand signals [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its pure play natural gas pipeline strategy and is well-positioned with a strong balance sheet to fund incremental investments [15] - The Guardian G3+ expansion will increase the total capacity of the Guardian pipeline by approximately 537 million cubic feet per day, supported by long-term contracts with investment-grade utilities [6] - The company is pursuing upstream network opportunities to enhance flexibility and reliability for customers [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position within the natural gas market, citing a positive shift in Haynesville and strong demand growth [10] - The recent Senate confirmation of two new FERC members was viewed as an encouraging sign for the regulatory environment [10] - Management remains optimistic about the future opportunities, particularly in the LNG market and industrial demand growth [10][15] Other Important Information - The company announced a third-quarter dividend of $0.82 per share, unchanged from the prior quarter, with a commitment to grow the dividend by 5% to 7% per year [14] - The committed capital for the 2025 to 2029 period has increased to $1.6 billion, reflecting 70% of the $2.3 billion backlog advancing to execution [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Potential for network to support gas-fired generation in Louisiana - Management noted robust demand growth in Louisiana, particularly from data centers and LNG demand, and expressed confidence in capturing market share [20] Question: Growth trajectory in Haynesville and LEAP expansions - Management highlighted significant development in western Haynesville and expected continued volume growth, with a focus on maintaining market share [21][22] Question: Upstream Chicago opportunities - Management discussed the potential for the Vector, Nexus, and Midwestern pipelines to bring in incremental supply to the Chicago market [24] Question: Dividend growth potential - Management indicated that strong growth could lead to higher dividend increases, with a focus on maintaining strong coverage ratios [61][65] Question: Millennium open season status - Management described the complexity of the Millennium project and emphasized the need for patience in the regulatory process [53] Question: Market share trends in Haynesville - Management expressed confidence in maintaining or growing market share due to strong connectivity and resource quality [132]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, adjusted EBITDA was $277 million, a decrease of $3 million from the previous quarter [12] - The pipeline segment results were $3 million lower than Q1 2025 due to a planned rate step down on the Guardian pipeline and seasonally lower EBITDA from interstate and joint venture pipelines [12] - Total gathering volume for the Haynesville averaged 1.74 Bcf per day, a record throughput for a quarter and a 16% increase over Q2 2024 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gathering segment results were in line with Q1 2025, reflecting higher volumes on the Haynesville system, offset by lower volumes in the Northeast [12] - In the Northeast, volumes averaged 1.17 Bcf per day, a decrease from Q1 due to maintenance and timing of producer activity [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The PGM auction cleared at over $329 per megawatt day, a 22% increase from last year's auction, indicating significant power demand growth [9] - The company forecasts a 16 Bcf per day increase in LNG free gas demand through 2035 from facilities accessing the Haynesville system [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance and early outlook for 2026, indicating confidence in growth opportunities [4] - The company is focused on executing a $2.3 billion organic project backlog, with $1.1 billion already reaching FID [17] - The current federal administration is creating a favorable environment for energy infrastructure projects, streamlining approval processes [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a positive shift in the Haynesville region, with private producers becoming more active in response to LNG demand [7] - The company is optimistic about power demand growth driven by electrification, onshoring of manufacturing, and demand for AI computing [8] - Management expressed confidence in achieving the total investment target of $2.3 billion, with a significant portion already committed [14] Other Important Information - The company was upgraded to investment grade by Moody's and S&P, joining Fitch, solidifying its status as a full investment-grade entity [15] - The Board of Directors approved a second-quarter dividend of $0.82 per share, unchanged from the prior quarter, with a commitment to grow the dividend by 5% to 7% per year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on New York's power generation and Millennium expansion - Management noted strong power demand in New York, with both plants served by Millennium operating at high load factors, indicating a need for additional generation [22] - Positive regulatory changes are being observed, with a recognition of the need for additional infrastructure in the state [23] Question: Haynesville activity and producer responses - Private producers are ramping up activity in the Haynesville, with expectations that public producers will respond to price signals in 2026 and 2027 [25][26] Question: Data center lateral investments - Strong power demand growth is being observed in PJM and MISO, with ongoing utility-scale expansions driven by this demand [30] Question: CapEx for 2025 - Management expects to land within the guidance range for CapEx, with a ramp expected in the second half of the year [38] Question: FID of Guardian and gas sourcing - The customer will procure gas at the Joliet hub, with existing pipelines capable of feeding the hub [41] Question: LNG market dynamics and competitive landscape - The company is expanding delivery point connectivity into the LNG header system, positioning itself for continued demand growth [46] Question: Bolt-on acquisition strategy - The company remains open to bolt-on opportunities that align with its core strategy of growing its pipeline segment [52] Question: Impact of the new federal administration on project permits - The administration is working to reduce friction in large-scale infrastructure investments, which is seen as a positive development for the company [58] Question: 2026 EBITDA guidance and project FID movement - Management reaffirmed confidence in the 2026 early outlook, indicating that project movements are on track [62] Question: Expansion capacity on Nexus and Midwest utilities - Nexus has significant expansion potential, and the company is exploring opportunities to increase egress capacity from Appalachia [78][88]