10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS PARTNERS L.P. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2005

Filed November 4, 2005For Securities:EPDEPDU

Summary

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) reported strong financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, driven by significant growth in revenues and operating income. The company's revenue increased by over 50% compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to higher NGL and petrochemical sales volumes, coupled with elevated commodity prices. This growth was further bolstered by strategic acquisitions, including the integration of GulfTerra assets and the purchase of NGL storage and terminaling facilities. Despite increased interest expenses due to higher debt levels incurred to finance acquisitions and capital projects, EPD demonstrated robust operational performance. The company also highlighted its commitment to growth through ongoing capital projects, such as the new NGL fractionator near Hobbs, New Mexico. While facing challenges such as the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, EPD's diversified operations and proactive risk management strategies, including comprehensive insurance coverage, helped mitigate adverse effects. The company maintained compliance with its debt covenants and a stable outlook from credit rating agencies, positioning it for continued operational strength and shareholder value.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues increased significantly by $3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared to the prior year period, driven by higher sales volumes and commodity prices, as well as acquisitions.
  • 2Operating income more than doubled year-over-year for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, reflecting strong operational performance and integration of acquired assets.
  • 3The company completed several strategic acquisitions during the period, including significant interests in Dixie Pipeline Company, Indian Springs Gathering System, and NGL underground storage and terminaling assets, enhancing its midstream infrastructure and market reach.
  • 4Capital expenditures were robust at $993 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, primarily for growth capital projects and business combinations, underscoring a strong commitment to expansion.
  • 5Net income available to limited partners rose substantially for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, indicating improved profitability and value creation for unitholders.
  • 6The company expanded its credit facility to $1.25 billion in October 2005, enhancing its financial flexibility and capacity for future growth initiatives.
  • 7EPD experienced disruptions from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita but managed the impact through insurance coverage and operational resilience, with an estimated $27 million reduction in gross operating margin attributed to the storms in Q3 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the substantial revenue increase were higher sales volumes and commodity prices in the NGL and petrochemical marketing segments, coupled with the integration of newly acquired businesses, most notably the GulfTerra assets and NGL storage/terminaling facilities.

Enterprise Products Partners managed the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita through its insurance program, which provided property damage and business interruption coverage. The company expensed $5 million in deductibles during the third quarter of 2005. While the storms led to an estimated $27 million decrease in gross operating margin due to lost volumes and repair costs, the company expects to file business interruption claims for further recovery and has a comprehensive insurance program in place.

Enterprise Products Partners significantly increased its debt levels to finance substantial acquisitions and capital projects, including pipeline expansions and new facilities. The company's capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2005 were $993 million, largely allocated to growth initiatives. To support this, they also increased their revolving credit facility capacity to $1.25 billion, enhancing financial flexibility for continued growth and operations.

All segments showed improved performance. NGL Pipelines & Services was the largest contributor, driven by processing and marketing activities. Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services and Offshore Pipelines & Services benefited significantly from assets acquired in the GulfTerra Merger. Petrochemical Services also saw improved results due to increased demand for octane enhancement products.