Detailed Narrative
FY25 Performance Highlights
ONEOK achieved a defining year in 2025, delivering double-digit earnings growth with net income attributable to ONEOK increasing 12% to $3.39 billion and adjusted EBITDA up 18% to $8.02 billion. This marked 12 consecutive years of adjusted EBITDA growth, with a 17% average annual growth rate over the same period, demonstrating sustained earnings power through various market conditions.
Integrated Platform Advantage & Synergies
The company has successfully integrated major acquisitions (Magellan, Easton, EnLink, Medallion), realizing nearly $500 million in total synergies since September 2023, with $250 million achieved in 2025 alone. This integration drives scale, connectivity, and commercial optionality across NGL, refined products, crude, and natural gas systems, creating a high-quality earnings mix with approximately 90% fee-based earnings.
2026 Outlook and Commodity Assumptions
ONEOK's 2026 adjusted EBITDA midpoint of $8.1 billion is supported by volume growth, completed projects, and $150 million of incremental acquisition synergies. The guidance incorporates a disciplined caution around commodity prices, assuming an average WTI crude oil price range of $55 to $60 per barrel for 2026, and reflects normal seasonal dynamics with Q1 expected to be the lowest EBITDA quarter.
Capital Projects and Infrastructure Expansion
Key growth projects are progressing as planned, including the 150 MMcf/d Shadowfax plant (in service Q1 2026), 110 MMcf/d Delaware processing expansions (early Q3 2026), and the Denver area pipeline expansion (mid-Q3 2026). The Medford NGL fractionator rebuild will add 100,000 bbl/day capacity by Q4 2026 (Phase 1) and an additional 110,000 bbl/day by Q1 2027 (Phase 2), extending and expanding existing systems to address future volumes.
Permian Basin Growth and Strategy
The Permian Basin is expected to see sustained higher growth, with ONEOK connecting at least 3 natural gas processing plants to its system in 2026. The company's integrated Permian platform and advantaged West Texas NGL pipeline position it to capture incremental throughput and drive efficiencies, with the basin projected to grow by more than 1 Bcf per year.
Natural Gas Pipeline and Storage Opportunities
The Natural Gas Pipelines segment continues strong performance, benefiting from strategic locations near demand and export hubs. The Eiger Express joint venture pipeline has expanded to 3.7 Bcf per day, 100% contracted for a minimum of 10 years, driven by Permian supply and Gulf Coast demand. The company is also exploring natural gas storage expansion opportunities, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, tied to industrial customers and LNG exports.
Producer Activity and Efficiency Gains
Producers are maintaining steady drilling rigs and crews, focusing on improving production efficiencies through technology, operational enhancements, and longer laterals. In the Bakken, 50% of 2026 well connects are expected to be 3- and 4-mile laterals, up from 30% in 2025, indicating a shift towards more efficient drilling. Gas-to-oil ratios are also naturally rising, supporting a stable long-term outlook for natural gas and NGLs.