2026-02-03 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record EBITDA of $2.7 billion for Q4 2025, surpassing the previous record of $2.6 billion in Q4 2024 [5][20] - Net income attributable to common unit holders was $1.6 billion, or $0.75 per common unit on a fully diluted basis for Q4 2025 [12] - Adjusted cash flow from operations grew 5% to $2.4 billion in Q4 2025, contributing to a record $8.7 billion for the full year [12][14] - The distribution declared for Q4 2025 was $0.55 per common unit, a 2.8% increase from Q4 2024 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced weaker pay market margins in 2025, with RGP and PGP spreads dropping from $0.14 per pound in Q4 2024 to $0.03 per pound in Q4 2025 [7] - The company is fully contracted on its ethane export terminals and processing trains, with significant growth expected in 2026 and double-digit growth anticipated in 2027 [8][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Crude oil prices averaged about $12 per barrel lower than in 2024, impacting pricing and spreads [6] - The company loaded between 350 and 360 million barrels across 744 ships in 2025, with expectations to export near 1.5 million barrels a day of NGLs in the following year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for modest growth in 2026, with expectations of double-digit growth in 2027 as new assets ramp up [8][18] - The partnership with Exxon is seen as a significant opportunity, with plans to expand the Bahia pipeline to 1 million barrels per day [9][71] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment has changed, with lower commodity prices affecting margins [6] - The company expects discretionary free cash flow to be around $1 billion in 2026, with a focus on buybacks and debt retirement [19] Other Important Information - Total capital investments were $1.3 billion in Q4 2025, with $1 billion allocated for growth capital projects [14] - The company has returned $5 billion of capital to equity investors in 2025, with a payout ratio of 58% [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for 2026 and 2027 growth - Management indicated that growth in 2026 is expected to be at the lower end of the 3%-5% range, with modest cash flow and EBITDA growth anticipated [28] Question: NGL export cadence and earnings contribution - Management explained that the ramp-up of earnings from NGL exports will continue into 2026, with full utilization expected by the second quarter [31] Question: Impact of Waha prices on operations - Management clarified that the company benefits from both low and high Waha prices through gas transport capacity and storage assets [34] Question: Producer customers' plans for 2026 - Management reported that Midland volumes are outperforming expectations, with a record number of well connects [36] Question: Negotiating power of large EMPs - Management expressed confidence in their ability to negotiate favorable contracts regardless of the size of the EMPs involved [41] Question: Buyback strategy and pace - Management confirmed that 50%-60% of free cash flow is expected to be allocated towards buybacks, with a mix of opportunistic and programmatic purchases [50] Question: Demand trends in international markets - Management noted that demand for U.S. LPG remains resilient, with strong interest in export capacity [55]