Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of $1,163 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by higher Permian volumes and margin contributions from the Badlands assets [18][19][21] - The full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be in the range of $4,650 million to $4,850 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Permian, natural gas inlet volumes averaged a record 6,300 million cubic feet per day in the second quarter, an 11% increase year-over-year [12] - NGL pipeline transportation volumes averaged a record 961,000 barrels per day, while fractionation volumes averaged 969,000 barrels per day during the second quarter [15][16] - The fractionation volumes were impacted by a planned turnaround, but are now exceeding 1,000,000 barrels per day post-turnaround [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that while the Permian rig count has softened, the number of rigs on its system remains largely unchanged, indicating stability in its operations [7] - The demand for natural gas and NGLs is expected to continue increasing, supported by strong customer performance across the value chain [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing adjusted EBITDA, common dividends per share, and reducing share count while maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet [10][21] - The company plans to invest in integrated growth opportunities and return increasing capital to shareholders over the long term [10][21] - The company is preparing for growth in 2027 and beyond by ordering long lead items for additional Permian plants [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong growth on the Permian system for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, supported by ongoing discussions with producers [7][9] - The company highlighted its differentiated growth profile, outperforming crude and gas production growth rates over the past five years [8][9] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $324 million in common shares during the second quarter and authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program [21][22] - The company expects net growth capital spending for 2025 to be approximately $3 billion, with maintenance capital spending of $250 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on outperforming the basin - Management noted that the combination of having the largest footprint and being over some of the best rock in the Midland and Delaware Basins contributes to their ability to outperform [25][26] Question: Outlook on NGL margins - Management indicated that they have a growing supply from their gas processing footprint and are well-positioned due to long-term contracts, despite concerns about overbuild and margin pressures [28][30] Question: Competition in the Northern Delaware - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized their established capabilities and long-term contracts that provide a competitive advantage [37][42] Question: Capital expenditures for 2026 - Management stated that they will assess producer budgeting cycles to inform their 2026 capital budget, but they expect to continue capital-efficient spending aligned with growth opportunities [46] Question: Confidence in future volume growth - Management expressed confidence based on observed volume ramp-up and the expected contributions from new processing plants coming online [54][56] Question: Expectations for Bull Run extension - Management described the Bull Run extension as a natural extension of their capabilities, supported by existing volumes and expected growth [60][61] Question: Balancing buybacks with other capital uses - Management emphasized an opportunistic approach to share repurchases while maintaining flexibility to invest in organic growth projects [62][64] Question: Performance of Badlands assets - Management confirmed that the Badlands transaction has met expectations, with overall volumes remaining flat but potential for future increases [69][70] Question: Approach to LPG export docks and competition - Management reiterated their strong position due to long-term contracts and the ability to meet growing global demand, despite new entrants in the market [81][83]