Summary
Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ETE) announced a significant capital allocation and corporate structure update on December 23, 2013. The company's board approved a two-for-one common unit split, which is expected to make its units more accessible to a broader investor base. This move aims to increase liquidity and potentially attract new shareholders by lowering the per-unit price. In addition to the unit split, ETE is implementing a substantial $1 billion common unit repurchase program, signaling management's confidence in the company's valuation and its commitment to returning capital to unitholders. Furthermore, ETE announced an agreement to purchase $400 million of Regency Energy Partners LP (RGP) common units as part of RGP's acquisition of Eagle Rock Energy Partners' midstream business. This strategic investment suggests ETE's intent to strengthen its position within the midstream sector and potentially create synergistic opportunities.
Key Highlights
- 1Approved a two-for-one common unit split to enhance unit accessibility and liquidity.
- 2Announced a $1 billion common unit repurchase program to return capital to shareholders.
- 3Agreed to purchase $400 million of Regency Energy Partners LP (RGP) common units.
- 4The RGP unit purchase is part of RGP's acquisition of Eagle Rock Energy Partners' midstream business.
- 5The unit split is expected to be effective January 24, 2014, with a record date of January 13, 2014.
- 6Repurchases under the program will be conducted in the open market at ETE's discretion.
- 7The purchased RGP units will be acquired contingent upon the closing of the Eagle Rock midstream acquisition.