Energy Transfer(ET) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $3.84 billion, a decrease from $3.96 billion in Q3 2024, but flat year over year when excluding non-recurring items [3][4] - Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA reached $11.8 billion, compared to $11.6 billion for the same period in 2024 [4] - Distributable cash flow (DCF) attributable to partners was approximately $1.9 billion for the first nine months of 2025 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - NGL and refined products segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.1 billion from $1 billion in Q3 2024, driven by higher throughput [4] - Midstream segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $751 million from $816 million in Q3 2024, impacted by a one-time business interruption claim in the previous year [5] - Crude oil segment adjusted EBITDA was $746 million, down from $768 million in Q3 2024, affected by lower transportation revenues [5] - Interstate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA was $431 million, down from $460 million in Q3 2024, but included a $43 million increase from a prior tax obligation resolution [6] - Intrastate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $230 million from $329 million in Q3 2024, despite increased volumes [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong volumes in natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, with significant demand growth expected in gas-fired power plants and data centers [8][10] - The Desert Southwest Pipeline project is fully contracted under long-term commitments, indicating strong market demand [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to spend approximately $4.6 billion on organic growth capital projects in 2025, down from a previous estimate of $5 billion [7] - Future growth capital is expected to be around $5 billion in 2026, primarily focused on natural gas segments [7] - The company is expanding its NGL business to meet international demand and enhancing its crude oil pipeline network [25][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to meet future energy demand growth, leveraging strong relationships and a backlog of growth projects [24][25] - The company is focused on capital discipline and ensuring projects meet risk-return criteria before proceeding [23][26] Other Important Information - The company is exploring the conversion of one of its NGL pipelines to natural gas service due to competitive pressures and potential revenue increases [14][46] - The Bethel natural gas storage facility expansion is expected to double its capacity, enhancing reliability and addressing demand growth [14][67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on guidance for the year - Management clarified that the guidance does not include Parkland's acquisition and expects to be slightly below the initial guidance without it [28] Question: Details on Lake Charles LNG project - Management indicated that they are close to securing necessary contracts for FID but emphasized the importance of financial discipline and securing equity partners [29][30][32] Question: Financial impact of recent data center deals - Management highlighted the significant potential revenue from data centers and the strategic importance of the Hugh Brinson pipeline in connecting to these facilities [34][36][38] Question: Growth backlog and CapEx outlook - Management confirmed a strong backlog of high-return projects and indicated that the CapEx for next year is projected at $5 billion [56][57] Question: Converting NGL pipes to natural gas service - Management discussed the potential conversion of NGL pipelines to natural gas service, citing competitive pressures and higher anticipated revenues [44][46][47] Question: Earnings growth from new projects - Management expressed optimism about maintaining earnings levels and potential growth from new projects, particularly in collaboration with Enbridge [48][50][52]