10-KPeriod: FY2006

Energy Transfer LP Annual Report, Year Ended Aug 31, 2006

Filed November 29, 2006For Securities:ETET-PI

Summary

Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) reported for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, showing significant growth and expansion driven by strategic acquisitions and internal development. The company's primary business operations are conducted through its subsidiary, Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP), which is involved in natural gas midstream and transportation/storage, as well as retail and wholesale propane distribution. ETE's financial performance is largely tied to ETP's operations. Key financial highlights for the fiscal year included total revenues of $7.9 billion, operating income of $575.5 million, and net income of $107.1 million. The company made substantial investments in growth projects, notably the acquisition of Titan Energy Partners for approximately $548 million and the agreement to acquire the Transwestern Pipeline for $1 billion. These moves underscore a strategy focused on expanding its midstream and transportation assets while also reinforcing its propane business. Investors should note ETE's significant leverage, with consolidated debt approaching $3.2 billion, and its dependence on distributions from ETP. The company's business strategy prioritizes increasing cash distributions to unitholders by supporting ETP's growth initiatives.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues reached $7.9 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006.
  • 2Operating income was $575.5 million, and net income was $107.1 million.
  • 3Acquired Titan Energy Partners for approximately $548 million to expand propane operations.
  • 4Announced agreement to acquire Transwestern Pipeline for $1 billion, expected to be accretive.
  • 5Invested heavily in pipeline expansion projects, including a 42-inch pipeline, with total project costs estimated at $1 billion.
  • 6Consolidated debt stood at approximately $3.2 billion as of August 31, 2006.
  • 7The company's only cash-generating assets are its investments in ETP, highlighting a dependence on ETP's financial performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) conducts its business primarily through its subsidiary, Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP). ETP operates in two main segments: midstream and transportation/storage of natural gas, and the retail and wholesale distribution of propane.

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2006, ETE reported total revenues of approximately $7.9 billion, operating income of approximately $575.5 million, and net income of approximately $107.1 million. The company's only significant source of cash flow is distributions from its investments in ETP.

ETE made significant strategic moves during the fiscal year, including the acquisition of Titan Energy Partners for roughly $548 million, bolstering its propane segment. It also announced its intention to acquire the Transwestern Pipeline for $1 billion, a major interstate natural gas pipeline. Additionally, ETE continued substantial investment in expanding its natural gas pipeline infrastructure, with a major 42-inch pipeline project estimated at $1 billion.

As of August 31, 2006, ETE had consolidated debt of approximately $3.2 billion. The company's financial strategy involves leveraging its credit facilities and recent financing transactions to fund growth initiatives, acquisitions, and operations. Its ability to make distributions to unitholders is heavily influenced by ETP's cash flow generation and its own debt service requirements.