Energy Transfer(ET) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for full year 2025 was nearly $16 billion, up 3% from $15.5 billion in 2024, marking a partnership record [3] - Distributable cash flow (DCF) attributable to partners was $8.2 billion, slightly down from $8.4 billion in the previous year [3] - For Q4 2025, adjusted EBITDA was approximately $4.2 billion, compared to $3.9 billion in Q4 2024, while DCF was approximately $2 billion, consistent with Q4 2024 [4] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - NGL and refined products segment had adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion, consistent with Q4 2024, with higher throughput across Gulf Coast and Mariner East pipeline operations [5] - Midstream segment adjusted EBITDA was $720 million, up from $705 million in Q4 2024, driven by volume growth in various regions [6] - Crude oil segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $722 million from $760 million in Q4 2024, impacted by lower transportation revenues [7] - Interstate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $523 million from $493 million in the previous year, due to higher capacity sold [7] - Intrastate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA rose to $355 million from $263 million, driven by increased pipeline and storage optimization [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record volumes were moved across interstate, midstream, NGL, and crude segments for the year ended 2025, with record NGL exports from terminals [4] - The company expects to invest approximately $5 to $5.5 billion in organic growth capital for 2026, focusing on natural gas assets and NGL segments [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on significant growth projects, including the Desert Southwest Pipeline Project, which has been upsized to a 48-inch diameter to meet customer demand [9] - Expansion projects are expected to generate mid-teen returns and considerable earnings growth over the next decade [8] - The company is committed to capital discipline and targeting projects with the highest returns while balancing project risk [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future growth driven by new projects and the ramp-up of existing operations [19] - The company anticipates continued demand for natural gas services, particularly for power plants and data centers [21] - Management noted that the operating team performed excellently during recent winter weather events, maintaining service and reliability [40] Other Important Information - The company has a significant backlog of growth opportunities and is actively engaging with stakeholders for project updates [10] - The Lake Charles LNG project has been suspended, with the company exploring alternative uses for the terminal [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key drivers behind commercialization momentum in natural gas assets - Management highlighted excitement about the Desert Southwest project and the ongoing expansion of the Florida Gas pipeline system [25] Question: NGL transportation and third-party volumes - Management indicated that over half of the gas transported comes from their own facilities, with expectations for growth in affiliate volumes [32] Question: Performance during winter weather and gas market volatility - Management noted that they maintained service during winter storms and did not see profits as high as previous years but performed well [40] Question: Early volumes on Hugh Brinson Pipeline - Management is confident about bringing on some volumes earlier than expected, which will benefit producers in the Permian Basin [44] Question: Medium-term growth expectations - Management reiterated a long-term distribution growth rate target of 3%-5% annually, indicating a solid foundation for growth [49] Question: Recontracting on the Mariner system - Management expressed confidence in maintaining and growing throughput on the Mariner pipelines despite upcoming contract expirations [50] Question: Storage opportunities for data centers - Management emphasized their capability to provide reliable gas supply and storage solutions for data centers [74]