ONEOK(US:OKE)2026-02-24 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, net income attributable to ONEOK increased by 12% to $3.39 billion, resulting in earnings of $5.42 per share [4][9] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 18% to $8.02 billion, marking 12 consecutive years of growth [5][9] - For 2026, net income is expected to reach approximately $3.45 billion, with an Adjusted EBITDA midpoint of approximately $8.1 billion [10][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved nearly $500 million in total synergies from the Magellan acquisition, with $250 million realized in 2025 alone [6][7] - Approximately 90% of earnings are fee-based, which limits commodity exposure and supports valuation durability [7] - The natural gas pipeline segment exceeded guidance in 2025, benefiting from strategic locations in the Permian Basin and Louisiana [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Bakken, there are 5,000 identified wells yet to be drilled, equating to approximately 15+ years of inventory at current rig rates [8] - The company expects a low single-digit growth rate for Bakken volumes at $55-$60 per barrel crude prices [79] - The Permian Basin is projected to grow by more than 1 Bcf per year, with ONEOK well-positioned to capture this growth [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - ONEOK aims to deliver durable growth through a disciplined capital allocation strategy and has integrated major acquisitions to enhance its platform [4][5] - The company is focused on organic expansions and capturing synergies from acquisitions to drive future growth [7][16] - The strategy includes maintaining a high-quality earnings mix and limiting commodity exposure [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to integrate acquisitions and capture expected synergies, generating additional cash flow [8] - Despite lower crude oil prices potentially slowing drilling, there is visibility into growth for 2026 and beyond [7][8] - The company remains cautious about commodity prices while maintaining confidence in the durability of its integrated asset base [8] Other Important Information - The company returned nearly $2.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2025 [10] - A quarterly dividend increase of 4% was recently announced, reinforcing the commitment to shareholder returns [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the conservatism in the 2026 guidance? - Management indicated that they are planning for lower crude prices and have been intentional in their projections, which could allow for upside if prices strengthen [34] Question: What optimization opportunities exist? - Management highlighted successful discretionary ethane recovery and spot offloads in the Permian as examples of past optimization opportunities [35][36] Question: When can we expect announcements regarding power opportunities? - Advanced negotiations are ongoing with hyperscalers, and announcements are expected in the near future [39] Question: What is the outlook for Waha basis spreads? - Management noted that there is open capacity on the Eiger pipeline system, and they see potential upside if spreads remain favorable [43][44] Question: Can you elaborate on the drivers of NGL throughput volumes? - Management explained that a contract loss in the Bakken and increased ethane rejection in the Mid-Continent are tempering growth expectations [72] Question: What are the plans for capturing more third-party volumes in the Permian? - Management stated that they have significant capacity on the West Texas NGL Pipeline and are actively pursuing opportunities to attract third-party volumes [80][81]