Coming into 2020 the pipeline sector was in good shape. Spending on growth projects peaked in 2018, and lower growth capex combined with rising cashflow from existing assets were set to drive Free Cash Flow (FCF) higher. Across the companies that are in the American Energy Independence Index it was on course to more than double, from $9BN last year to $21BN this year (see Updating the Coming Pipeline Cash Gusher).

Some companies have been providing updated guidance in recent weeks. The top ten companies represent 60% of the sector by market cap. Four of them have already revised their spending lower for the remainder of the year, with only Enbridge reiterating prior growth project guidance.  We expect the remaining five to revise their numbers in the weeks ahead.

Global crude oil demand is estimated to have fallen by 25% or more in April, and the collapse in crude prices is the dominant energy story. But pipelines carrying natural gas, natural gas liquids and facilities supporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports represent 62% of the sector’s market cap, versus just 28% for petroleum products. Natural gas demand has so far shown little coronavirus impact (see Natural Gas Demand Still Stable). Midstream MLPs are more weighted towards crude oil than pipeline corporations, which has hurt recent relative MLP performance (see The Disappearing MLP Buyer).

Our recently updated FCF blog assumed 2020 growth capex of $37BN. Reductions here will provide a cushion to offset any shortfall in cashflow, since a dollar not spent is a dollar of additional FCF. Four companies on the list (Oneok, Pembina, Williams and Inter Pipeline) have lowered growth spending by $1.4BN, around 23%. Enbridge said on their recent update that they’d raised the return hurdle for new projects. Enterprise Products is likely to lower their spending, last estimated at $3-4BN. Others have yet to provide any new guidance.

It’s also worth noting that first quarter spending was already completed by the time these updates were provided, so the 23% reduction is in practice more like a 31% cut for the remaining nine months of the year. If we assume a 23% cut in the industry’s originally planned $37BN 2020 spending, that’ll free up an additional $8.5BN to support FCF.

We are invested in the names listed above.

Important Disclosures

The information provided is for informational purposes only and investors should determine for themselves whether a particular service, security or product is suitable for their investment needs. The information contained herein is not complete, may not be current, is subject to change, and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the more complete disclosures, risk factors and other terms that are contained in the disclosure, prospectus, and offering. Certain information herein has been obtained from third party sources and, although believed to be reliable, has not been independently verified and its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. No representation is made with respect to the accuracy,  completeness or timeliness of this information. Nothing provided on this site constitutes tax advice. Individuals should seek the advice of their own tax advisor for specific information regarding tax consequences of investments.  Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors. This site is not a recommendation nor an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to buy) securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction.

References to indexes and benchmarks are hypothetical illustrations of aggregate returns and do not reflect the performance of any actual investment. Investors cannot invest in an index and do not reflect the deduction of the advisor’s fees or other trading expenses. There can be no assurance that current investments will be profitable. Actual realized returns will depend on, among other factors, the value of assets and market conditions at the time of disposition, any related transaction costs, and the timing of the purchase. Indexes and benchmarks may not directly correlate or only partially relate to portfolios managed by SL Advisors as they have different underlying investments and may use different strategies or have different objectives than portfolios managed by SL Advisors (e.g. The Alerian index is a group MLP securities in the oil and gas industries. Portfolios may not include the same investments that are included in the Alerian Index. The S & P Index does not directly relate to investment strategies managed by SL Advisers.)

This site may contain forward-looking statements relating to the objectives, opportunities, and the future performance of the U.S. market generally. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as; “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” “potential” and other similar terms. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to financial condition, results of operations, and success or lack of success of any particular investment strategy. All are subject to various factors, including, but not limited to general and local economic conditions, changing levels of competition within certain industries and markets, changes in interest rates, changes in legislation or regulation, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting a portfolio’s operations that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Such statements are forward-looking in nature and involves a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or examples. None of SL Advisors LLC or any of its affiliates or principals nor any other individual or entity assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, subsequent events or any other circumstances. All statements made herein speak only as of the date that they were made. r

Certain hyperlinks or referenced websites on the Site, if any, are for your convenience and forward you to third parties’ websites, which generally are recognized by their top level domain name. Any descriptions of, references to, or links to other products, publications or services does not constitute an endorsement, authorization, sponsorship by or affiliation with SL Advisors LLC with respect to any linked site or its sponsor, unless expressly stated by SL Advisors LLC. Any such information, products or sites have not necessarily been reviewed by SL Advisors LLC and are provided or maintained by third parties over whom SL Advisors LLC exercise no control. SL Advisors LLC expressly disclaim any responsibility for the content, the accuracy of the information, and/or quality of products or services provided by or advertised on these third-party sites.

All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will be suitable or profitable for a client’s investment portfolio.

Past performance of the American Energy Independence Index is not indicative of future returns.