ONEOK(OKE) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter 2025 net income totaled $940 million or $1.49 per share, a 10% increase compared with the second quarter [9] - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA totaled $2.12 billion, which included $7 million of one-time transaction costs, representing a 7% increase compared to the second quarter and a 20% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025 [4][9] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 net income guidance range of $3.17 billion to $3.65 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $8 billion to $8.45 billion [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquired NLink and Medallion assets delivered nearly $470 million in adjusted EBITDA during the third quarter, contributing to year-over-year earnings growth [9] - Natural gas liquids (NGL) raw feed throughput volumes increased, with Rocky Mountain region volumes averaging more than 490,000 barrels per day, a 5% increase compared to the second quarter [12] - Refined products volumes increased sequentially due to seasonal demand, with physical blending volumes up approximately 15% year to date compared to the same period in 2024 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Permian Basin, natural gas processing volumes increased 5% compared to the second quarter, averaging 1.55 billion cubic feet per day [18] - The Rocky Mountain region processed volumes averaged 1.7 billion cubic feet per day, a 4% increase compared to the second quarter, marking a record for the company in that region [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capturing additional synergies and operational efficiencies, expecting approximately $250 million in synergy contributions for 2025 [10] - The strategy includes integrating acquisitions to create a stronger and more resilient business, with a focus on expanding reach in key basins and demand markets [22] - The company is actively assessing opportunities to expand and enhance integrated operations within the Permian Basin [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate near-term challenges and continue delivering results for investors and customers [8] - The current commodity price environment may lead to moderation in drilling and completion activities, but strong gas-to-oil ratios and production efficiencies are expected to support modest growth [19] - Management remains optimistic about the growth trajectory into 2026, driven by synergies and growth projects coming online [25][31] Other Important Information - The company repurchased more than 600,000 shares of common stock and retired over $500 million in senior notes during the quarter [9] - The company expects to pay more than $1.5 billion less in cash taxes over the next five years, enhancing free cash flow and capital allocation flexibility [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you frame up tailwinds versus headwinds for earnings growth into next year? - Management identified synergies and growth projects as tailwinds, with expectations for continued market share growth in the Permian and other areas [25] Question: How do you think about executing on buybacks versus debt paydown? - The company is approaching its debt to EBITDA target, which will allow for more flexibility in capital allocation, including stock buybacks [26] Question: Can you quantify the potential impact of Waha spreads widening? - Management noted that the widening spreads have had a positive impact, leveraging capacity across systems to grow gathering and processing [32] Question: How do you see the competition for the Sunbelt Connector project? - Management believes the Sunbelt Connector is competitive due to existing connections and efficient expansions, with significant customer interest [39] Question: What are the early indications on how volumes across supply-push assets will trend through next year? - Management is confident in maintaining volume levels due to current drilling activity and rising gas-to-oil ratios [43] Question: Can you provide an update on LPG export commercialization efforts? - Management reported strong interest in their docks and is pleased with the current contracting strategy [47] Question: Is gas egress becoming a limitation for growth out of the Mid-Continent? - Management believes there is still room for growth in the Mid-Continent and is prepared to address any potential limitations [50] Question: How do you view the dynamics of Bakken and Permian volumes? - Management noted that Bakken volumes are trending positively due to ethane recovery, while Permian volumes are expected to improve as delayed pads come online [52][53]