ONEOK Inc (OKE) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Growth and Strategic Synergies Propel ...

Yahoo

01-05-2025

Net Income: $636 million or $1.04 per share for Q1 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA: $1.78 billion, or $1.81 billion excluding transaction costs.
Acquired Assets Contribution: Nearly $450 million from EnLink and Medallion assets in Q1 2025.
Incremental Synergies: $250 million expected in 2025.
Cash and Credit Facility: More than $140 million in cash and no borrowings under a $3.5 billion facility.
NGL Volumes: Increased 4% year over year, with significant growth in the Rocky Mountain and Gulf Coast Permian regions.
Midland Crude Gathered Volumes: Up more than 20% year over year in Q1 2025.
Natural Gas Processing Capacity: 1.7 BCF per day added in the Permian Basin.
Mid-Continent Processing Volumes: Averaging more than 2.4 BCF per day in April.
Rocky Mountain Processing Volumes: Averaged nearly 1.6 BCF per day in Q1 2025.
Oklahoma Natural Gas Storage Expansion: Additional 4 BCF of working storage capacity, 80% committed.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with OKE.
Release Date: April 30, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
ONEOK Inc (NYSE:OKE) reported first-quarter 2025 net income of $636 million, or $1.04 per share, with adjusted EBITDA of $1.78 billion, driven by higher NGL and natural gas processing volumes.
The company affirmed its 2025 financial guidance and 2026 outlook, indicating confidence in its growth trajectory.
ONEOK Inc (NYSE:OKE) is nearing completion of several organic growth projects, including the West Texas NGL pipeline expansion and the Elk Creek pipeline expansion, which are expected to boost earnings in the second half of 2025.
The integration of acquired assets, such as EnLink and Medallion, is progressing well, with $250 million of total incremental synergies expected in 2025.
The company maintains a strong balance sheet with no borrowings under a $3.5 billion facility and more than $140 million in cash, providing financial flexibility.
The absence of earnings from divested interstate pipeline assets, sold on December 31, 2024, partially offset the positive financial results.
ONEOK Inc (NYSE:OKE) operates in a volatile macroeconomic environment, with factors such as commodity prices, producer activity, and inflationary trends posing potential risks.
First-quarter NGL volumes were impacted by seasonal weather and lower ethane recovery, particularly in the midcontinent region.
The company faces potential challenges from evolving regulatory developments, which could affect market dynamics.
Despite strong performance, the company acknowledges that no business is completely immune to market volatility, which could impact future results.
Q: Can you expand on the synergies and forward outlook, especially given market uncertainties? A: Pierce Norton, CEO, highlighted the global demand for LNG and LPGs as a driver for growth, with synergies not dependent on volume. Sheridan Swords, CCO, added that many synergy projects focus on efficiency and are independent of price environments. Walter Hulse, CFO, mentioned procurement opportunities to lower costs as contracts roll off.
Q: How are producer conversations going regarding potential concessions from midstreamers? A: Pierce Norton noted that producers are initially focused on service providers related to well drilling and completion. Sheridan Swords emphasized that ONEOK seeks win-win solutions through bundling strategies, adding value for both parties.
Q: Has the potential for tariffs on LPGs impacted your approach to commercializing the LPG export project? A: Sheridan Swords stated that tariffs have not impacted their project or contracting approach. LPGs need to clear the international market, and exports have remained steady despite price fluctuations or tariff threats.
Q: How flexible is your CapEx plan if macroeconomic conditions worsen? A: Walter Hulse explained that ONEOK has demonstrated flexibility in the past, such as in 2020, by adjusting capital programs. Routine growth capital can be flexed, and larger projects can be put on hold if necessary to protect the balance sheet.
Q: Can you clarify the synergies and growth uplifts expected by 2027 as shown on slide 5? A: Walter Hulse confirmed that by 2027, ONEOK expects an additional $1.3 billion in incremental EBITDA from synergies and growth projects. This includes both synergies and growth opportunities, such as the refined products pipeline expansion.
Q: How is the Bakken region performing, and what growth is needed to meet full-year guidance? A: Sheridan Swords stated that only low-single-digit growth is needed to meet guidance, and current trends indicate they will meet or exceed this. The company is confident in its outlook as they emerge from winter with strong momentum.
Q: How sensitive is ethane recovery in the Bakken to market pricing? A: Sheridan Swords explained that ethane recovery is currently more affected by pricing, with flexibility to adjust based on market conditions. They have locked in some volumes to mitigate potential impacts from price changes.
Q: Can you elaborate on the LPG export dock facilities and current volumes? A: Sheridan Swords confirmed that ONEOK already produces enough propane to fill the dock capacity. Currently, this product is sold into the open market and likely exported through third-party docks, but will be redirected to ONEOK's dock once operational.
Q: How is the natural gas pipeline segment performing, and is it on track to exceed full-year guidance? A: Sheridan Swords noted strong performance in the first quarter and expects continued strength. The segment is benefiting from storage expansions and active discussions for new demand, positioning it well for the year.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.