10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

Energy Transfer LP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended May 31, 2007

Filed July 10, 2007For Securities:ETET-PI

Summary

Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) reported a significant increase in revenue and net income for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This growth was primarily driven by strategic acquisitions, notably the acquisition of Transwestern Pipeline Company, which expanded ETE's interstate transportation segment. The company also saw increased activity in its midstream and propane segments. The balance sheet reflects substantial growth in property, plant, and equipment, as well as goodwill and intangible assets, largely due to these acquisitions. Debt levels also rose significantly to finance these transactions, indicating a more leveraged capital structure. Financially, ETE demonstrated strong operational performance with increased revenues across its key segments. The company's focus on expanding its asset base through acquisitions, particularly the Transwestern acquisition, has significantly altered its financial profile, leading to higher assets, liabilities, and revenues. Management appears confident in its growth strategy, anticipating further benefits from expanded capacity and ongoing projects. Investors should monitor the company's debt levels and integration of acquired assets to assess future performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased significantly to $5.17 billion for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, up from $6.29 billion in the prior year's comparable period, indicating substantial growth driven by acquisitions.
  • 2Net income for the nine months ended May 31, 2007, more than doubled to $267.5 million, compared to $107.3 million in the prior year.
  • 3The acquisition of Transwestern Pipeline Company in December 2006 significantly expanded the company's interstate transportation segment, contributing to substantial increases in property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets.
  • 4Long-term debt increased significantly to $4.998 billion as of May 31, 2007, up from $3.206 billion as of August 31, 2006, primarily to finance major acquisitions.
  • 5The Parent Company's ownership in ETP increased from approximately 33% to 46% due to unit acquisitions, impacting minority interests on the consolidated balance sheet.
  • 6The company reported a strong increase in operating income across most segments, with interstate transportation showing significant gains due to the Transwestern acquisition.
  • 7Distribution per common unit increased from $0.3125 in Q4 FY2006 to $0.3725 in Q2 FY2007, reflecting positive cash flow generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was the acquisition of Transwestern Pipeline Company in December 2006, which significantly expanded the company's interstate transportation segment. Additionally, growth in midstream and propane segments contributed to the overall increase.

The company's long-term debt increased substantially from $3.2 billion to $5.0 billion between August 31, 2006, and May 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to debt incurred to finance major acquisitions, including the Transwestern acquisition and the purchase of ETP Class G Units.

The company anticipates increasing operating results for its natural gas operations due to contracted capacity, expansion activity, upcoming pipeline projects, and the inclusion of Transwestern's operations. The propane segment is expected to see volume increases from the Titan acquisition, although weather and market conditions will play a role. The company also plans to continue its propane acquisition strategy.

The Parent Company's ownership interest in ETP's limited partner units increased from approximately 33% to 46% during the nine months ended May 31, 2007, due to the acquisition of ETP Class G Units in November 2006. This increased ownership is reflected in the 'minority interests' line item on the consolidated balance sheet.