Mplx Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Quartr
Provided by Quartr
August 5, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Positive Sentiment: Strategic acquisition of Northwind Midstream for ~$2.4 billion adds 200K dedicated acres, expands sour gas treating capacity to 440 MMcf/d by 2H 2026 and is immediately accretive with a 7× 2027 EBITDA multiple.
  • Positive Sentiment: Closed back-to-back Permian deals, including increasing equity in Matterhorn Express Pipeline and acquiring 100% of BANGL, and announced a new 200 MMcf/d Secretariat processing plant to bring Permian processing to 1.4 Bcf/d.
  • Positive Sentiment: Second-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 billion was up 2% YoY (5% for H1), distributable cash flow rose 21% to $1.4 billion, with $1 billion returned in distributions and $100 million in buybacks, while leverage remains below 4×.
  • Positive Sentiment: Announced $3.5 billion of 2025 bolt-on transactions and $1.7 billion of organic capex (40% deployed), with over 90% in Natural Gas & NGL services, targeting mid-single digit EBITDA growth and mid-teen investment returns.
  • Neutral Sentiment: Raised outlook on natural gas demand for power generation and data centers, upsized the Traverse pipeline to 2.5 Bcf/d bidirectional service, and continue developing premium market access on the Gulf Coast.
AI Generated. May Contain Errors.
Earnings Conference Call
Mplx Q2 2025
00:00 / 00:00

There are 8 speakers on the call.

Speaker 1

Welcome to the MPLX second quarter 2025 earnings call. My name is Ted and I'll be your operator for today's call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Later, we will conduct a question and answer session. Press star 1 on your touchtone phone to enter the queue. Please note that this conference is being recorded. I'll now turn the call over to Christina Kazarian. Christina, you may begin.

Speaker 3

Welcome to MPLX's second quarter 2025 earnings conference call. The slides that accompany this call can be found on our website at mplx.com under the Investors tab. Joining me on the call today are Maryann Mannen, President and CEO, C. Kristopher Hagedorn, CFO, and other members of the Executive Team.

Speaker 2

We invite you to read the Safe.

Speaker 3

Harbor statements on slide 2. We will be making forward-looking statements today. Actual results may differ. Factors that could cause actual results to differ are included there as well as in our filings with the SEC. With that, I will turn the call over to Maryann.

Speaker 2

Thanks Christina. Good morning and thank you for joining our call. Last week we announced the strategic acquisition of Northwind Midstream for just under $2.4 billion. Northwind provides sour gas gathering and treating services in Lee County, New Mexico. The system adds over 200,000 dedicated acres in the Delaware Basin, 200 plus miles of gathering pipelines, two operating acid gas injection wells, and a third permitted. The system currently has 150 million cubic feet per day of sour gas treating capacity. We will be completing the expansion to 440 million cubic feet per day, expected to be online in the second half of next year. The system is supported by minimum volume commitments by top regional producers. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to MPLX's distributable cash flow and represents a 7 times multiple on forecasted 2027 EBITDA after the treating system reaches full capacity.

Speaker 2

The anticipated mid-teen unlevered return is inclusive of incremental capital spend associated with in-process expansion activity. Increased crude drilling activity in the eastern edge of the Northern Delaware Basin has been enabled by increased sour gas treating and AGI well capacity provided by these assets. The assets will provide prompt treatment solutions for existing and new producer customers. Our fee structure comprises gathering, compression, processing, as well as more extensive CO2 and H2S. Treating the higher levels of CO2 and H2S merit a higher fee structure compared to other regions. On average, this gets to an aggregated rate significantly above other regions. These assets are complementary and adjacent to our existing Delaware Basin natural gas system and will expand MPLX's treating and blending operations. The addition of 200,000 dedicated acres will increase MPLX's access to natural gas and NGL volumes.

Speaker 2

The optionality to direct these new volumes through our integrated system will accelerate our growth opportunities in the Permian. MPLX has also completed two previously announced Permian Basin acquisitions. In June we closed on the acquisition of an incremental 5% stake in the Matterhorn Express pipeline, further enhancing our integrated natural gas value chain in the Permian Basin. In July we closed on the remaining 55% interest in the Bengal NGL Pipeline System. Full ownership of Bengal and its expansion opportunities enhance our Permian platform as we connect growing NGL production from the wellhead to our recently announced Gulf Coast fractionation facilities. The progress and execution of our strategic initiatives give us conviction in the sustainability of our mid single digit adjusted EBITDA growth outlook for 2025 and beyond. In the second quarter we reported adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 billion, a 2% increase year over year.

Speaker 2

For the first half of the year we achieved 5% adjusted EBITDA growth versus the first half of 2023. In the Marcellus and Utica, rig counts remain steady and volumes remain strong. Longer laterals are resulting in higher production volumes and we expect volumes to grow in the second half of the year. Producer consolidation further illustrates the value seen in the liquids rich acreage of the Utica where condensate development activity continues to increase. In the Permian, steady drilling activity, rising gas oil ratios and the progression of export projects will support growth opportunities for our business. More broadly, we expect natural gas demand will accelerate over the next few years to provide increased electricity generation required for data centers and overall electric grid demand. As demand for natural gas powered electricity rises, MPLX is well positioned to support the development plans of its producer customers.

Speaker 2

MPLX is expanding its core business by constructing processing facilities on a just in time basis, maximizing the utilization of existing assets, optimizing value chains and strengthening its strategic partnership with Marathon Petroleum Corporation. MPLX is advancing its strategic growth objectives within the Permian. Our seventh processing plant Secretariat is expected to be online by the end of the year 2025. Secretariat's 200 million cubic feet per day of processing capacity will increase MPLX's total Permian processing capacity to 1.4 billion cubic feet per day. We are progressing the expansion of Bengal's mainline from 250,000 to 300,000 barrels per day, which we expect to enter service in the second half of next year. Bengal is an instrumental piece of MPLX's integrated Permian NGL value chain and it will deliver volumes to MPLX's two Gulf Coast fractionation facilities which are being constructed near the Galveston Bay refinery.

Speaker 2

The first frac as well as our joint venture export terminal is expected to enter service in 2028, and we anticipate the second frac will enter service in late 2029. Once complete, MPLX's fully integrated NGL value chain will stretch from the wellhead to water on the Gulf Coast and will supply LPGs to a growing global market. Within natural gas, we are advancing our value chain strategy. MPLX and its partners recently upsized the Traverse natural gas pipeline from 1.75 to 2.5 bcf per day following strong customer demand. The additional capacity for bi-directional service between Agua Dulce and the Houston area highlights the value shippers ascribe to accessing multiple premium markets on the Gulf Coast.

Speaker 2

The continued buildout of our Permian to Gulf Coast natural gas system enhances our ability to provide shippers with premium market access and superior flexibility while enhancing MPLX's natural gas value chain through additional growth opportunities. MPLX has announced $3.5 billion of bolt-on transactions in 2025, and we remain on track to invest $1.7 billion on our organic growth plans in 2025. We have already deployed 40% of this capital in the first half of the year. Over 90% of MPLX's total growth capital is being allocated to opportunities within our natural gas and NGL services segment. In the Marcellus, our largest operating region, construction of our Harmon Creek 3 processing plant and fractionation capacity align with producer drilling plans. This new complex will feature a 300 million cubic feet per day gas processing plant and a 40,000 barrel per day de-ethanizer supported by strong producer commitments.

Speaker 2

By the second half of next year, we anticipate MPLX's gas processing capacity in the Northeast will reach 8.1 billion cubic feet per day, and fractionation capacity will reach 800,000 barrels per day. In our crude oil and products logistics segment, we are expanding crude gathering infrastructure in the Permian and Bakken basins, advancing butane blending initiatives at our product terminals, developing new market outlets, driving organic volume growth through our integrated network, and pursuing other high return projects aimed at maximizing the utilization of our assets. We are firmly committed to growing the partnership through our lens of strict capital discipline. We expect mid-teen returns on our investments and are confident that successful execution of these projects will extend the durability of our mid-single digit growth trajectory. This positions us to continue reinvesting in the business while supporting consistent annual distribution increases.

Speaker 2

Our strong financial flexibility enables us to pursue strategic acquisitions that complement our organic growth plans. We stay disciplined in our approach and have ample capacity to pursue more opportunities while maintaining leverage below 4 times. With a pipeline of growth opportunities, we are well positioned to generate resilient cash flows that underpin our commitment to deliver long term value and return capital to unitholders. Now let me turn the call over to C. Kristopher Hagedorn to discuss our operational and financial results for the quarter. Thanks, Maryann.

Operator

Slide 10 outlines the second quarter operational and financial performance highlights for our crude oil and products logistics segment. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased $39 million when compared to the second quarter of 2024. The increase was driven by higher rates and throughputs across our systems, partially offset by higher variable operating expenses. Pipeline volumes were up year over year primarily due to increased refinery demand and incremental gathering volumes in the Permian. Terminal volumes were flat year over year. Moving to our Natural Gas and NGL Services segment. On Slide 11, segment adjusted EBITDA decreased by $2 million compared to the second quarter of 2024 as growth from equity affiliates was offset by higher operating expenses and project spending.

Operator

Higher project spending in the second quarter included significant planned maintenance at 13 plants in the Marcellus, Bakken, and Rockies regions, all of which were safely and successfully executed by our operations teams. Gathered volumes decreased 1% year over year as growth in the Southwest was primarily offset by less dry gas production in the Utica and declining production in the Rockies. Processing volumes increased 2% year over year primarily from increased throughput in the Utica and Permian basins. Processing volumes in the Utica have increased 13% year over year, showing the value of the liquids rich acreage. Marcellus processing utilization was 92% for the quarter, reflecting strong producer activity in the region. Total fractionation volumes declined 5% year over year primarily due to lower ethane recoveries in the Marcellus due to downstream third-party maintenance and outage time.

Operator

Moving to our second quarter financial highlights on Slide 12, adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 billion and distributable cash flow of $1.4 billion increased 2% and 1% respectively from the prior year. Project-related expense increased over $30 million in the quarter and we anticipate an incremental $40 million increase from second quarter to third quarter primarily due to some planned tank maintenance within refinery logistics. MPLX returned nearly $1 billion to unitholders in distributions and $100 million in unit repurchases. We retired $1.2 billion of senior notes scheduled to mature in June and ended the quarter with a cash balance of $1.4 billion. Looking forward, MPLX intends to finance its recently completed acquisition of the remaining 55% of the Bengal NGL Pipeline System and its announced acquisition of Northwind Midstream with debt. MPLX maintains a strong balance sheet and the ability to keep leverage below our comfort level of four times.

Operator

Now let me hand it back to Maryann for some concluding thoughts.

Speaker 2

Thanks Chris. MPLX has demonstrated its ability to grow both cash flows and unitholder distributions by executing on its strategic priorities. Year to date we have returned $2.2 billion to unitholders inclusive of $200 million in unit repurchases as the value proposition for our units remains strong. Through prudent capital allocation, cost control, and operational optimization, we've achieved a 7% compound annual growth rate in both adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flows over the past four years. Year to date, MPLX has announced $3.5 billion of bolt-on transactions. These assets create immediate value for unitholders and enhance MPLX's growth platform in a capital disciplined manner. We believe the integration of these assets will further strengthen MPLX's ability to deliver mid single digit adjusted EBITDA growth.

Speaker 2

Our strong and growing cash flow profile, supported by a robust 1.5 times distribution coverage and low leverage, has enabled us to support our quarterly distribution which most recently increased by 12.5% in the third quarter of last year. Looking ahead, our growing portfolio is well positioned to sustain this pace of annual distribution growth. In summary, MPLX is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities that fit our strategic roadmap as we execute our strategy targeting mid single digit adjusted EBITDA growth as a strategic asset for Marathon Petroleum Corporation. MPLX currently provides $2.5 billion annually in cash to MPC through its grow distribution. MPLX plays a vital role in advancing shared value creation initiatives, further reinforcing the strength of our partnership. Our unwavering focus on safety and operational excellence, strategic growth opportunities, and strong financial flexibility enable us to generate resilient cash flows.

Speaker 2

This in turn supports our commitment to delivering peer leading capital returns to unitholders. Now let me turn the call over to Christina.

Speaker 3

Thanks Maryann. As we open the call for your questions, as a courtesy to all participants, we ask that you limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. If time permits, we'll re-prompt for additional questions. Operator, we're now ready for questions.

Speaker 1

Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. If you have a question, please press Star then one on your touchtone phone. If you wish to be removed from the queue, please press Star then two. If you're using a speakerphone, you may need to pick up the handset first before pressing the numbers. Once again, if you have a question, please press Star then one on your touchtone phone. The first question in the queue is from John Mackay with Goldman Sachs. Your line is open. Hey, good morning. Thank you for the time.

Speaker 1

Can you talk about the ramp on Northwind from here through the second half of 2026 and then after that how to think about some of the downstream processing and NGL growth opportunities and maybe as part of that, just clarify whether or not those downstream opportunities are reflected in the 7x 2027 multiple.

Speaker 2

Thanks. Hey, good morning, John. Thanks for the question. First of all, just want to say we think the economics in this transaction are extremely compelling, as you can see, and any incremental capital, and I'll share with you how that should unfold here. Any of the incremental capital that we have assumed is already embedded in those economics. To answer your question, when we look at the completion by 2026, by the end of next year we should be at the run rate EBITDA that we are referencing that supports our roughly seven times EBITDA multiple, which means by 2027 we will have reached that EBITDA that will be ongoing. Throughout this time period, 2026, these projects to complete to get us to the 440 as well as the permitted third AGI, all of those activities are well in hand.

Speaker 2

I'm going to ask Dave to address your second question, sort of which is, you know, the opportunities on further beyond that.

Speaker 4

Yeah, thank you, Maryann. John, just to touch on that, let me be first clear that those incremental growth opportunities are not in our base economics and our base assumptions of Northwind. With that being said, it does provide the platform for a lot of incremental growth opportunities that we are currently evaluating. Not only just growth, but also incremental optimization and commercial optionality as we go forward with Northwind. I think over the next year or so, as we continue to build out and ramp up the Northwind volume, we'll continue to evaluate those commercial and growth opportunities and I think those will be all accretive to the base investment.

Speaker 2

All right, that's great.

Speaker 1

I appreciate that. Maybe looking a little wider, you've announced a lot of bolt-ons and projects over the last year. It's given some longer-term visibility on EBITDA growth. Can you talk a little bit about the distribution one, kind of what you're thinking for this year and then looking forward, kind of how many years of 12.5% growth could we expect from here?

Speaker 2

Sure, John, thank you. We believe our 12.5% distribution increase is supported, very durable by the growth that we are trying to deliver. I mentioned 7% growth. We've seen that over the last few years both in EBITDA and in distributable cash flows. Certainly as we've been committing, we think that 12.5%, 2026 and beyond, certainly for the next few years is very durable. Most definitely 12.5% well within our sights. You can continue to see the opportunities. Dave mentioned a few of them here. The work that we're putting together both on our capital plan. We've got assets in the Permian coming online. I mentioned Secretariat that will be completed by the end of this year. All of these commitments support our durable cash flows and, therefore, the 12.5% distribution increase that we've been committing to. That's great.

Speaker 1

Thank you.

Speaker 2

You're welcome, John.

Speaker 1

The next question in the queue is from Manav Gupta with UBS. Your line is open.

Speaker 1

Congrats on the good deal. My first question is, Maryann. There were some recent comments made about, you know, LPG exports being in the bear market and why it probably is not good to invest in. These are obviously building your fracs and your partner is going to export some of the stuff. Just trying to understand what gives you the confidence that you and your partner can make the economics work on the new fracs as well as exporting them, given some of the bearish market sentiment on LPG exports.

Speaker 2

Yeah, good morning, Manav. Thank you for the question. We are very confident in our ability to fill those fracs. As you know, we've committed to completion. FRAC 1, 2028, FRAC 2, 2029. One of the other elements that we've been sharing, in addition to that, we've got third party contracts that will also expire that will obviously come across our system. We continue to believe the economics will be there. We recognize some of those comments as well. We're highly confident in our ability both to fill those fracs and see the economics in that export model.

Speaker 2

Perfect, thank you. A quick follow up. The overall Permian growth strategy. You're pursuing multiple ways to grow your Permian alone with JV partners. Can you just talk about how you're looking at this Permian growth strategy for over the next two or three years? Thank you so much.

Speaker 2

You're welcome. Thank you. As you know, we've been working on our Permian growth strategy for the last few years. We think this acquisition that we've talked about, Northwind's one, both adjacent and complementary to our current system. We have completed other acquisitions. The completion of Bengal as an example, we just closed that, giving us 100%. We talked about moving that from 250 to 300. That's well on its way. When you look at our capabilities in this region, obviously, this particular northern edge of the Delaware has some of the best rock, we think in the Permian, lower gas to oil ratios. Obviously, it comes with some complexity given the H2S and CO2 content. We can provide the processing and treating capabilities here and it works extremely nicely with the rest of the commitments we've made in the Permian.

Speaker 2

We think for the next few years we can continue to look for other opportunities. As we build out this comprehensive system, we should be able to demonstrate our commitment and our ability to deliver on this Permian strategy.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Speaker 1

The next question in the queue comes from Keith Stanley with Wolfe Research. Your line is open.

Operator

Hi, good morning, Maryann. You said at the end of your prepared remarks that acquisitions will strengthen the ability to generate mid single digit growth.

Speaker 1

As you get larger.

Operator

Should we think of acquisitions as a component of getting to the mid single digit growth, or should we think of that as incremental to the growth rate?

Speaker 2

Good morning, Keith. You know, when we think about our strategy, we've said we'll put capital to work organically this year. It's in a range of about $1.7 billion. As you know, we've got Secretariat, we've got the first phase of our frac, we've got Harmon Creek well on its way. We clearly see opportunities for organic growth. When we look at M&A, we also believe there are opportunities there. It isn't as if we start out the year with an allocation of how much is M&A and how much is capital. We look at all of those opportunities. They must meet our strategic rationale. Obviously, our commitment to mid single digit growth is a critical component. Lastly, we want to be sure that they can generate mid teens returns, all of those.

Speaker 2

The way we put capital to work should continue to support our ability to grow EBITDA and therefore support our distribution. Hope that answers your question.

Operator

It does, thank you. Second one on Northwind. Can you say any sense of how long the existing processing and transportation contracts are for those assets, and maybe walk through the mechanics of how you would eventually control the NGLs as the gatherer and treater? Would you need to add processing to the footprint, or any details you can provide?

Speaker 2

Sure. I think your first question was kind of what is the contract duration on processing? We're probably somewhere, those contracts today, somewhere in the range of two to three years on those processing contracts. Keep in mind, overall, and I think I mentioned this in the prepared remarks as well, these contracts that we have for these MVCs are average contract life of 13 years, so 80% of this revenue is MVC. Just to be sure that I was clear on that. Some of the top producer customers that I mentioned are actually customers that are operating today our system. Let me look at Dave and I'm going to ask him to give you a little more color on your question.

Speaker 4

Thank you, Maryann. Keith, I touched on a little bit earlier. As these contracts roll off and we have control and access to the NGLs, while we don't need that volume in our announced Bengal NGL Pipeline System acquisition and our Gulf Coast fractionation and export project, this incremental volume, as I tried to touch on a little bit earlier, gives us flexibility and optionality on how, where, and when we want to move those volumes. That's probably the most exciting part about this. As we look forward, not only to this opportunity, but as we think about some of the growth opportunities that Maryann touched on, it's not just grow to grow, but as growth increases, the integration, the optionality, and flexibility of our entire value chains. Hopefully that helps a little bit.

Speaker 2

That helps.

Operator

I missed the 13 year commentary, so thanks for that as well.

Speaker 2

Oh, you're most welcome. Thank you.

Speaker 1

The next question in the queue is from Theresa Chen with Barclays. Your line is open.

Speaker 2

Good morning. Following up on the commentary related to Northwind, just a question of clarification on the CapEx from here, the current capacity to the full 440 mmcf per day, how much incremental CapEx do you think would be necessary to achieve that? Yeah, good morning, Teresa. We estimate in a range of about $500 million between now and in the next 12 months that will complete the 440 million as well as the third already permitted AGI well. Two of them currently operating, third's permitted. Within the next 12 months, just under $500 million and most of that's already been started. Thank you. Turning to the residue gas side of things, in addition to your NGL infrastructure buildout, you've made significant progress in growing this asset base via your JVs.

Speaker 2

Looking at the long term visible demand drivers for gas, Maryann, what do you think are the logical strategic next steps to augment your exposure here? Is it a matter of more gas transmission? Is it something more direct on the gas to power side of things? What are your thoughts here? Yeah, thanks Teresa. I'm going to pass it to Dave and he'll take your question. Hey Teresa, I'll kick it off and.

Speaker 4

Maybe I can ask some of my peers if they want to add on to it. When you think about data centers and some of the other growth, yeah, you touched on it. As we think about the Permian and specifically, and as you know our strategy, a lot of long haul pipelines out of there.

Speaker 5

We do.

Speaker 4

not think that there is an overbuilt situation. Long haul pipes, let me start with that. Whether it be Whistler, Blackcomb, Matterhorn, increased equity ownership in that, you could see that we have a lot of confidence in the growth, not only the growth profile of the Permian on the gas side, but also the demand side of it. As you know, down in the Gulf Coast with a lot of the LNG activity, but also with the increased growing activity around data centers, we believe not only from supply but also from a demand perspective there's a lot of opportunity. I think we've proven that with the project we've announced most recently. The one we haven't touched on is Traverse.

Speaker 4

Not only just the long haul pipes out of the basin, but giving our shipping customers the utmost flexibility to get those premium markets in addition to getting out of the basin, we think is a key part of our strategy. As we go forward, it's an increase, growth optionality, flexibility, and access to those premium markets for the gas coming out of the Permian. Hopefully that gives you a little bit of color how we're thinking about that strategy.

Speaker 2

Thank you. You're welcome, Theresa.

Speaker 1

Next question in the queue is from Jeremy Tennant with J.P. Morgan. Your line is open.

Speaker 1

Hi, good morning.

Speaker 2

Good morning, Jeremy.

Speaker 2

I was just wondering if you could expand a bit post the acquisition on your New Mexico strategy here. It's a bit more difficult to operate in the state given the regulatory framework in the handling that's needed with this production. The growth is very strong, as noted. It seems like this toehold gives you even more opportunity there and there's not too many players right now. I was just wondering if you could talk a bit more on your New Mexico strategy and competitive backdrop.

Speaker 2

Yeah, Jeremy, we'd be happy to because I think you characterize it well, and I think it's consistent really with the way that we think about growth. I'm going to ask Greg to give you some incremental thoughts here.

Speaker 6

Thanks, Maryann. Yeah, this is Jeremy. This is a really exciting area for us. We have been growing this space organically in terms of our processing plants and producer customers, acreage dedication of starting on the Texas side of the line. It's gradually expanded into Lea County, New Mexico, and even though our plants are right on the Texas side of that line, a lot of our growth has continued to be on the Lea County, New Mexico side. The growth is also in terms of crude oil production moved to the north and east towards that north-south New Mexico-Texas border. That's because it's some of the best crude oil rock in the whole basin, particularly the Avalon formation, which is shallower. It's about 8,500 ft depth instead of 12,000. Excuse me. It is more economic to produce, it's higher IPs, it's lower gas oil ratio.

Speaker 6

It's the most attractive economic crude production area. The issue is that gas comes with more CO2 and H2S. It's much more sour and that really is what the Northwind developers recognized when they built that system. Some of our existing base customers have moved further to that side and we've deployed treating throughout our system, particularly on the north on the New Mexico side of our gathering system. This acquisition is really going to augment our ability to treat even more sour gas and also provide blending opportunities because of the proximity and potential connectivity here. This system, if you look on a map, wraps around the north and east side of our existing gathering system. It really is adjacent and complementary as Maryann's mentioned.

Speaker 6

We think there'll be more organic opportunities that can take advantage of this expanded treating capability and gathering that we have in one of the most attractive areas to drill in the basin.

Speaker 6

Got it. That's helpful. Maybe just continuing, do you see more bolt-on opportunities adjacent to your footprint that could offer the types of benefits that you see with Northwind?

Speaker 6

I think we looked at if we were to build a system organically, the Northwind system would be one that we would have built. In terms of looking for bolt ons, I don't necessarily would say that there's opportunities there. We'll always look for those if they're a strategic fit and make sense. This one would have made sense as an organic build out just as much as a bolt on. It happens to be that it's right next to our system and it's right in the area where we see a lot of growth. This accelerates our plans that probably organically we would have looked at anyway.

Speaker 2

Jeremy, it's Maryann. I would say Greg already said it, but at the risk of repeating, I'll say we've said it's adjacent and it's complementary. I like to say it's about as perfectly as one could expect. You have the economics that I think we've tried to share with you. We think they're pretty compelling, supported by the average contract life of 13 years, over 200,000 dedicated acres in the Delaware, and none of the economics, when we talk about that roughly seven times multiple, reflect any upside from that. We're pretty pleased with this and we think it will continue to give us opportunities to grow beyond what we've been sharing with you here. Got it, I'll leave it there, thank you.

Speaker 1

The final question in the queue is from Michael Bloom with Wells Fargo. Your line is open.

Speaker 1

Thanks.

Speaker 2

Good morning everyone. Apologies, one more clarification question on the Northwind deal. I guess as it relates to the gas and liquids that you'll gain access to eventually.

Operator

Can you just clarify, will you be?

Speaker 2

Able to accommodate those incremental volumes on your existing planned NGL pipes, fractionation, export docks, et cetera, or would you need to add capacity, and if so, what type of investment will we be looking at? Good morning, Michael. No problem. I'm going to ask C. Kristopher Hagedorn to share his thoughts to your questions.

Operator

Yeah, Michael, what I would remind you.

Speaker 2

Of is that when we announced the.

Operator

Gulf Coast fractionators and related NGL value chain, we actually had full line of sight to filling those fracs and Bengal. As we sit today, that value chain is full. When we think about the 70 of liquids that comes with this, and I will say the liquid side of this comes immediately when I say this, the Northwind liquids, so we'll call it between 50 and 70 a day of liquids. Those are incremental to the liquids that we already have access to. We'll be looking to explore other opportunities, how to drive economic value out of those. It does provide optionality.

Speaker 2

Right.

Operator

As we think about our existing NGL value chain, as to how we do most economically utilize that value chain, that's something I know the team has been looking at. Shawn, I don't know if there was anything you might want to add.

Speaker 5

Yeah, Michael, this is Shawn. You know, on top of what Chris just mentioned, as you know, earlier this year, Maryann mentioned earlier that we're at 250,000 barrels per day on Bengal already this year with expansion in 2H 2026 to go to 300,000. As Chris mentioned, that optionality beyond that will give us tremendous flexibility to continue executing our strategy. We feel really good at the spot we're in and we'll continue looking to maximize organic that now Northwind will bring options to us.

Speaker 2

Got it. Thanks for that.

Speaker 1

That's all I had today.

Speaker 2

You're welcome, Michael.

Speaker 2

Thank you.

Speaker 1

With no further questions, I'll turn the call back over to Christina.

Speaker 3

Thank you for your interest in MPLX. Should you have more questions or if you'd like clarification on topics discussed this morning, please contact us, and our team will be available to take your calls. Thank you for joining us today.

Speaker 1

This concludes today's call. Thank you for your participation. You may disconnect at this time.

Powered by Quartr