grepcent / static financial knowledge base

ONEOK INC /NEW/ (OKE)

CIK: 0001039684. SIC: 4923 Natural Gas Transmisison & Distribution. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-24.

SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > SIC 4923 Natural Gas Transmisison & Distribution

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1039684. Latest filing source: 0001039684-26-000006.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue33,629,000,000USD20252026-02-24
Net income3,393,000,000USD20252026-02-24
Assets66,641,000,000USD20252026-02-24

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-24. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001039684.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric20092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue16,540,000,00022,387,000,00017,677,000,00021,698,000,00033,629,000,000
Net income244,977,000352,039,000387,841,0001,151,703,0001,278,577,000612,809,0001,722,000,0002,659,000,0003,035,000,0003,393,000,000
Operating income1,295,778,0001,391,771,0001,835,464,0001,914,353,0001,361,357,0002,596,000,0002,807,000,0004,072,000,0004,989,000,0005,741,000,000
Diluted EPS1.661.292.783.071.423.353.845.485.175.42
Operating cash flow1,353,220,0001,315,412,0002,186,719,0001,946,779,0001,899,068,0002,546,000,0002,906,000,0004,421,000,0004,888,000,0005,599,000,000
Capital expenditures624,634,000512,393,0002,141,475,0003,848,349,0002,195,381,000697,000,0001,202,000,0001,595,000,0002,021,000,0003,152,000,000
Dividends paid517,601,000829,414,0001,335,058,0001,457,628,0001,605,366,0001,667,000,0001,672,000,0001,839,000,0002,313,000,0002,583,000,000
Share buybacks254,0007,000300,108,000150,000,0000.000.000.000.00159,000,00075,000,000
Assets16,138,751,00016,845,937,00018,231,671,00021,812,121,00023,078,754,00023,622,000,00024,379,000,00044,266,000,00064,069,000,00066,641,000,000
Stockholders' equity188,745,0005,527,867,0006,579,543,0006,225,951,0006,043,000,0006,016,000,0006,494,000,00016,484,000,00017,036,000,00022,485,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents248,875,00037,193,00011,975,00020,958,000524,496,000146,391,000220,000,000338,000,000733,000,00078,000,000
Free cash flow728,586,000803,019,00045,244,000-1,901,570,000-296,313,0001,849,000,0001,704,000,0002,826,000,0002,867,000,0002,447,000,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric20092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin7.69%15.04%13.99%10.09%
Operating margin15.70%12.54%23.04%22.99%17.07%
Return on equity186.52%7.02%17.50%20.54%10.14%26.52%16.13%17.82%15.09%
Return on assets2.18%2.30%6.32%5.86%2.66%7.06%6.01%4.74%5.09%
Current ratio0.500.660.660.731.390.750.840.900.900.71

Financial Charts

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-04-29. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001039684.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2018-Q22018-06-30281,048,000reported discrete quarter
2018-Q32018-09-30313,259,000reported discrete quarter
2018-Q42018-12-31292,888,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2019-Q12019-03-31337,208,000reported discrete quarter
2019-Q22019-06-30311,963,000reported discrete quarter
2019-Q32019-09-30309,155,000reported discrete quarter
2019-Q42019-12-31320,251,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2022-Q22022-06-300.92reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-300.96reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-312.34reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-301.04reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-304,189,000,0000.99reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-315,235,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-314,781,000,0001.09reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-304,894,000,0001.33reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-305,023,000,0001.18reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-317,000,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-318,043,000,000636,000,0001.04reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-307,887,000,000841,000,0001.34reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-308,634,000,000939,000,0001.49reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-319,065,000,000977,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-319,618,000,000774,000,0001.23reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001039684-26-000017.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-04-29. Report date: 2026-03-31.

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report, as well as our Annual Report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Please refer to the “Financial Results and Operating Information” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Quarterly Report for additional information.

Business Update and Market Conditions - Earnings increased in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the first quarter of 2025, due primarily to higher optimization and marketing activity and higher NGL, Refined Products and natural gas processing volumes.

Geopolitical conditions in the Middle East continue to impact our industry and contributed to a volatile commodity price environment in the first quarter of 2026. These conditions have highlighted the importance of a reliable energy supply and infrastructure that support the United States economy and national security. We operate an integrated, reliable, resilient and regionally diversified network of gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation, storage and marine export assets connecting supply in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent, Permian and Gulf Coast regions with key market centers. We believe our assets are well positioned to provide midstream services to producers and end-use markets to help meet domestic and international energy demand.

Each of our four reportable segments are primarily fee-based, and we expect our consolidated earnings to be approximately 90% fee-based in 2026. Our fee-based earnings are primarily supported by long-term contracts, including minimum volume commitments and take-or-pay agreements, with investment-grade counterparties. While we remain well positioned to reduce downside exposure to commodity price volatility, we may use our integrated midstream network to capture differentials between products and locations in our optimization and marketing businesses as we deliver volumes to where they are needed most.

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Capital Projects - Our primary capital projects are outlined in the table below:

ProjectScopeApproximate Cost (a)Expected Completion
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing(In millions)
Bighorn plant300 MMcf/d processing plant with carbon dioxide treater in the Permian Basin$365Mid-2027
Natural Gas Liquids
Medford fractionatorRebuild our 210 MBbl/d NGL fractionation facility in Medford, Oklahoma$485(b)
Texas City Logistics export terminal (c)400 MBbl/d liquified petroleum gas export terminal in Texas City, Texas$700Early 2028
MBTC Pipeline24-inch pipeline from Mont Belvieu, Texas, storage facility to the new Texas City, Texas, export terminal$280Early 2028
Natural Gas Pipelines
Eiger Express Pipeline (c)450-mile, 48-inch natural gas pipeline from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas, with capacity of 3.7 Bcf/d$350Mid-2028
Refined Products and Crude
Greater Denver pipeline expansionIncrease total system capacity by 35 MBbl/d with additional expansion capabilities$480Mid-2026

(a) - Excludes capitalized interest/AFUDC. For our Texas City Logistics, MBTC Pipeline and Eiger joint venture projects, the amounts presented exclude capital contributions from the other joint venture members.

(b) - This project is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase of 100 MBbl/d completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, and the second phase of 110 MBbl/d completed in the first quarter of 2027.

(c) - Our investments in Texas City Logistics and Eiger are accounted for using the equity method. Spending on these projects will be recorded as contributions to unconsolidated affiliates.

In our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment, we completed the relocation of a 150 MMcf/d processing plant to the Permian Basin from North Texas, which went into service in the first quarter of 2026.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Dividends - In February 2026, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.07 per share ($4.28 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 4% compared with the same quarter in the prior year. Our dividend growth is due primarily to the increase in cash flows resulting from the growth of our operations. We declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.07 per share in April 2026. The quarterly common stock dividend will be paid on May 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 4, 2026.

Subsequent Events - In April 2026, we redeemed the remaining $491 million of our $500 million, 4.85% senior notes due July 2026 at 100% of the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with short-term borrowings.

In April 2026, we entered into a $1.2 Billion Term Loan Agreement, which is available to be drawn in up to two borrowings within 90 days of the closing date. The $1.2 Billion Term Loan Agreement matures 364 days after the date of the initial borrowing and may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, mergers and for other general corporate purposes. The $1.2 Billion Term Loan Agreement allows prepayment of all or any portion outstanding, without penalty or premium, and contains substantially the same covenants as those contained in our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement. We had no borrowings under the $1.2 Billion Term Loan Agreement as of the date of issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report.

FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. Our consolidated financial metrics include: (1) operating income; (2) net income; (3) diluted EPS; and (4) adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate segment operating results using adjusted EBITDA and our operating metrics, which include various volume and rate statistics that are relevant for the respective segment. These operating metrics allow investors to analyze the various components of segment financial results in terms of volumes and rate/price. Management uses these metrics to analyze historical segment financial results and as the key inputs for forecasting and budgeting segment financial results. For additional information on our operating metrics, see the respective segment subsections of this “Financial Results and Operating Information” section.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash impairment charges, income taxes, noncash compensation expense and certain other noncash items. Our calculation includes adjusted EBITDA related to our unconsolidated affiliates using the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in net earnings from investments. Adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates is calculated consistently with the definition above and excludes items such as interest expense, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and other noncash items. Although the amounts related to our unconsolidated affiliates are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, such inclusion should not be understood to imply that we have control over the operations and resulting revenues, expenses or cash flows of such unconsolidated affiliates.

We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it and similar measures are used by many companies in our industry as a measurement of financial performance and is commonly employed by financial analysts and others to evaluate our financial performance and to compare financial performance among companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, EPS or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this calculation may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies. See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” subsection.

Consolidated Operations

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected financial results for the periods indicated:

Three Months EndedThree Months
March 31,2026 vs. 2025
Financial Results20262025$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Commodity sales$8,445$6,9121,533
Services and other1,1731,13142
Total revenues9,6188,0431,575
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of items shown separately below)7,0535,6551,398
Operating costs746752(6)
Depreciation and amortization378380(2)
Transaction costs742(35)
Other operating expense (income), net6(6)(12)
Operating income$1,428$1,220208
Equity in net earnings from investments$89$108(19)
Impairment of equity investments$(60)$(60)
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest$(439)$(442)(3)
Net income$776$69185
Net income attributable to ONEOK$774$636138
Diluted EPS$1.23$1.040.19
Adjusted EBITDA$1,997$1,775222
Capital expenditures$864$629235

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

Operating income increased $208 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared with the same period in 2025, primarily as a result of the following:

•Natural Gas Gathering and Processing - a decrease of $39 million due primarily to lower realized NGL and natural gas prices, net of hedging, offset partially by higher volumes across all regions and lower operating costs.

•Natural Gas Liquids - an increase of $74 million due primarily to higher optimization and marketing and higher exchange services.

•Natural Gas Pipelines - an increase of $105 million due primarily to higher optimization and marketing and higher firm transportation revenue.

•Refined Products and Crude - an increase of $26 million due primarily to higher Refined Products volumes and higher crude marketing earnings.

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•Consolidated Transaction Costs - a decrease of $35 million due primarily to higher transaction costs in 2025 related to the EnLink Acquisition.

Net income and diluted EPS increased for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared with the same period in 2025, due primarily to the items discussed above, offset partially by a noncash impairment charge related to our 50% investment in Powder Springs in our Refined Pr

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-24. Report date: 2025-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1, Business, our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Please refer to the “Financial Results and Operating Information” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information.

Acquisitions

Delaware Basin JV Acquisition - On May 28, 2025, we completed the Delaware Basin JV Acquisition for $941 million. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we paid $550 million in cash, including post-closing adjustments, which we funded with short-term borrowings and issued approximately 4.9 million shares of ONEOK common stock to the seller with a fair value of $391 million as of the closing date. Following the completion of the transaction, it is now a wholly owned subsidiary.

EnLink Acquisition - On January 31, 2025, we completed the EnLink Acquisition. Pursuant to the EnLink Merger Agreement, each publicly held common unit of EnLink was exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.1412 shares of ONEOK common stock, including EnLink Units that were exchanged for all previously outstanding Series B Preferred Units immediately prior to closing. We issued 41 million shares of common stock with a fair value of $4.0 billion as of the closing date of the EnLink Acquisition. EnLink is now a wholly owned subsidiary.

For additional information on our most recent acquisitions, see Part II, Item 8, Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. See Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of risks related to these transactions.

Joint Ventures

Eiger Express Pipeline - In 2025, we, WhiteWater, MPLX LP and Enbridge Inc., through the existing Matterhorn joint venture, announced the new approximately 450-mile, 48-inch Eiger Express Pipeline, designed to transport up to approximately 3.7 Bcf/d of natural gas from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas. WhiteWater will construct and operate the pipeline. Our total ownership interest in the pipeline will be 25.5%, which includes a 15% interest held directly in the Eiger joint venture with the remainder held through Matterhorn. We expect to invest a total of approximately $350 million into this project, which is expected to be completed in mid-2028.

BridgeTex Additional Interest Acquisition - On July 22, 2025, we completed the BridgeTex Additional Interest Acquisition. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we paid approximately $270 million in cash, which we funded with short-term borrowings. Following the completion of the transaction, we now have a 60% ownership interest in BridgeTex.

Texas City Logistics and MBTC Pipeline - In February 2025, we announced definitive agreements to form joint ventures with MPLX LP to construct a 400 MBbl/d liquified petroleum gas export terminal in Texas City, Texas, and a new 24-inch pipeline from our Mont Belvieu, Texas, storage facility to the new terminal. Texas City Logistics, the export terminal joint venture, is owned 50% by us and 50% by MPLX LP, with MPLX LP constructing and operating the facility. MBTC Pipeline, the pipeline joint venture, is owned 80% by us and 20% by MPLX LP, and we will construct and operate the pipeline. We expect to invest a total of approximately $1.0 billion into these projects, which are expected to be completed in early 2028.

Market Conditions - Earnings increased in 2025, compared with 2024, due primarily to a full year of earnings from EnLink and Medallion across our segments and higher NGL and natural gas processing volumes. Our extensive and integrated assets are located in, and connected with, some of the most productive shale basins, as well as refineries and demand centers, in the United States.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) - On July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was signed into law. The OBBBA makes changes to U.S. tax law and includes provisions that, beginning in January 2025, make permanent full expensing of tangible personal property and restore EBITDA-based calculations for purposes of the business interest deduction. We expect the OBBBA to reduce our cash taxes beginning with the 2025 tax year; however, we do not anticipate the OBBBA to materially impact net income.

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Capital Projects - Our primary capital projects are outlined in the table below:

ProjectScopeApproximate Cost (a)Expected Completion
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing(In millions)
Bighorn plant300 MMcf/d processing plant with carbon dioxide treater in the Permian Basin$365Mid-2027
Natural Gas Liquids
Elk Creek pipeline expansionIncrease capacity to 435 MBbl/d out of the Rocky Mountain region$355Completed
Medford fractionatorRebuild our 210 MBbl/d NGL fractionation facility in Medford, Oklahoma$485(b)
Texas City Logistics export terminal (c)400 MBbl/d liquified petroleum gas export terminal in Texas City, Texas$700Early 2028
MBTC Pipeline24-inch pipeline from Mont Belvieu, Texas, storage facility to the new Texas City, Texas, export terminal$280Early 2028
Natural Gas Pipelines
Eiger Express Pipeline (c)450-mile, 48-inch natural gas pipeline from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas$350Mid-2028
Refined Products and Crude
Greater Denver pipeline expansionIncrease total system capacity by 35 MBbl/d and additional expansion capabilities$480Mid-2026

(a) - Excludes capitalized interest/AFUDC. For our Texas City Logistics, MBTC Pipeline and Eiger joint venture projects, the amounts presented exclude capital contributions from the other joint venture members.

(b) - This project is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, and the second phase completed in the first quarter of 2027.

(c) - Our investments in Texas City Logistics and Eiger are accounted for using the equity method. Spending on these projects will be recorded as contributions to unconsolidated affiliates.

In our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment, we are relocating a 150 MMcf/d processing plant to the Permian Basin from North Texas, which we expect to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

For a discussion of our capital expenditures financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Debt Issuances - In August 2025, we completed an underwritten public offering of $3.0 billion senior unsecured notes consisting of $750 million, 4.95% senior notes due 2032; $1.0 billion, 5.4% senior notes due 2035; and $1.25 billion, 6.25% senior notes due 2055. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $2.96 billion. The net proceeds from this offering were partially used to repay our commercial paper outstanding and repay in full at maturity our senior notes due September 2025. The remaining net proceeds from the offerings were used for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase and redemption of existing notes.

Debt Extinguishments - We completed the following debt extinguishments in 2025:

Principal
(Millions of dollars)
$250 at 3.2% due March 2025$250
$750 at 4.15% due June 2025422
$400 at 2.2% due September 2025387
$600 at 5.85% due January 2026 (a)600
$650 at 5.0% due March 2026 (a)650
Open Market Repurchases (b)789
Total$3,098

(a) - Amounts redeemed at 100% of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(b) - In 2025, we repurchased in the open market certain of our senior notes in the principal amount of $789 million for an aggregate repurchase price of $681 million, including accrued and unpaid interest. In connection with these open market repurchases, we recognized $106 million of net gains on extinguishment of debt which is included in other income, net in our Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2025.

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Share Repurchase Program - Our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock. The program will terminate upon completion of the repurchase of the $2.0 billion of common stock or on January 1, 2029, whichever occurs first. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased $62 million of our outstanding common stock with cash on hand.

Dividends - During 2025, we paid common stock dividends totaling $4.12 per share, an increase of 4% compared to the 2024 dividend of $3.96 per share. In February 2026, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.07 per share ($4.28 per share on an annualized basis). Our dividend growth is due primarily to the increase in cash flows resulting from the growth of our operations. The quarterly stock dividend was paid on February 13, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 2, 2026.

FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. Our consolidated financial metrics include: (1) operating income; (2) net income; (3) diluted EPS; and (4) adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate segment operating results using adjusted EBITDA and our operating metrics, which include various volume and rate statistics that are relevant for the respective segment. These operating metrics allow investors to analyze the various components of segment financial results in terms of volumes and rate/price. Management uses these metrics to analyze historical segment financial results and as the key inputs for forecasting and budgeting segment financial results. For additional information on our operating metrics, see the respective segment subsections of this “Financial Results and Operating Information” section.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash impairment charges, income taxes, noncash compensation expense and certain other noncash items. Our calculation includes adjusted EBITDA related to our unconsolidated affiliates using the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in net earnings from investments. Adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates is calculated consistently with the definition above and excludes items such as interest expense, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and other noncash items. Although the amounts related to our unconsolidated affiliates are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, such inclusion should not be understood to imply that we have control over the operations and resulting revenues, expenses or cash flows of such unconsolidated affiliates.

We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it and similar measures are used by many companies in our industry as a measurement of financial performance and is commonly employed by financial analysts and others to evaluate our financial performance and to compare financial performance among companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, EPS or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this calculation may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies. See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” subsection.

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Consolidated Operations

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected financial results for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Financial Results202520242023$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Commodity sales$28,878$17,780$15,61411,0982,166
Services and other4,7513,9182,0638331,855
Total revenues33,62921,69817,67711,9314,021
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of items shown separately below)23,37313,31111,92910,0621,382
Operating costs2,9632,4961,535467961
Depreciation and amortization1,5141,134769380365
Transaction costs81731588(85)
Other operating income, net(43)(305)(786)(262)(481)
Operating income$5,741$4,989$4,072752917
Equity in net earnings from investments$386$439$202(53)237
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest$(1,783)$(1,371)$(866)412505
Net income$3,462$3,112$2,659350453
Net income attributable to ONEOK$3,393$3,035$2,659358376
Diluted EPS$5.42$5.17$5.480.25(0.31)
Adjusted EBITDA$8,020$6,784$5,2431,2361,541
Capital expenditures$3,152$2,021$1,5951,131426

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

Due to the Medallion Acquisition and EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition, operating results for these two companies are included in our financial results beginning November 1, 2024, and October 15, 2024, respectively.

2025 vs. 2024 - Operating income increased $752 million primarily as a result of the following:

•Natural Gas Gathering and Processing - an increase of $469 million due primarily to the operating income of EnLink and higher volumes in the Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions, offset partially by lower realized NGL prices, net of hedging, and the impact from the divestiture of certain nonstrategic assets in 2024; and

•Natural Gas Liquids - an increase of $120 million due primarily to the operating income of EnLink, higher exchange services and higher optimization and marketing, offset partially by higher operating costs; offset by

•Natural Gas Pipelines - a decrease of $104 million due primarily to the impact of the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture in 2024, offset partially by the operating income of EnLink and higher optimization and marketing; offset by

•Refined Products and Crude - an increase of $276 million due primarily to the operating income of Medallion and EnLink and lower operating costs.

Net income and diluted EPS increased due primarily to the items discussed above, offset partially by higher interest expense due to higher debt balances resulting from the September 2024 $7.0 billion notes offering, the August 2025 $3.0 billion notes offering, the acquired debt balances from the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition in 2024 and increased short-term borrowings in 2025 and higher equity in net earnings from investments in 2024.

Capital expenditures increased due primarily to the timing of our large capital projects and routine capital projects associated with the growth of our operations. Please refer to the “Recent Developments” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information on our capital projects.

Additional information regarding our financial results and operating information is provided in the following discussion for each of our segments.

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Selected Financial Results and Operating Information for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 vs. 2023 - The consolidated and segment financial results and operating information for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with the year ended December 31, 2023, are included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment invests in capital projects in natural gas and NGL-rich areas across key basins where we operate. Our growth strategy is focused on providing solutions to producer customers that expand our presence within our key operating regions. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Financial Results202520242023$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$4,372$3,033$2,4791,339554
Residue natural gas sales2,1371,2031,398934(195)
Gathering, compression, dehydration and processing fees and other revenue1,175353179822174
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(4,617)(2,600)(2,364)2,017236
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(960)(583)(448)377135
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates53122
Other2675(1)(49)76
Adjusted EBITDA$2,138$1,484$1,244654240
Capital expenditures$1,314$492$44882244

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenue and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2025 vs. 2024 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $654 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $740 million due to adjusted EBITDA from EnLink; and

•an increase of $99 million from higher volumes due primarily to increased production in the Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions; offset by

•a decrease of $122 million due to lower realized prices, primarily NGL prices, net of hedging; and

•a decrease of $81 million from the divestiture of certain nonstrategic assets in 2024.

Capital expenditures increased in 2025 due primarily to our routine and large capital projects, including our projects to relocate a processing plant to the Permian Basin from North Texas and construct our Bighorn processing plant in the Permian Basin.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information202520242023
Natural gas processed (MMcf/d) (a)(b)5,5882,3172,249

(a) - Included volumes for consolidated entities only and excluded EnLink operating statistics for 2024 as they were not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

(b) - Included volumes we processed at company-owned and third-party facilities.

2025 vs. 2024 - Our natural gas processed volumes increased in 2025 due to incremental volumes from EnLink and increased production in the Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions.

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Natural Gas Liquids

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Liquids segment invests in capital projects to transport, fractionate, store, deliver to market centers and receive NGL supply from shale and other resource development areas. Our growth strategy is focused on connecting diversified raw feed supply basins to Purity NGL export, petrochemical and refining demand centers. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Liquids segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Financial Results202520242023$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$15,405$14,446$13,666959780
Exchange service and other revenues347514559(167)(45)
Transportation and storage revenues258207204513
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(12,533)(11,994)(11,592)539402
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(801)(728)(637)7391
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates1019567628
Other23778(1)(775)
Adjusted EBITDA$2,779$2,543$3,045236(502)
Capital expenditures$758$987$818(229)169

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2025 vs. 2024 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $236 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $183 million due to adjusted EBITDA from EnLink;

•an increase of $39 million in exchange services due primarily to:

◦$94 million of higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain region; and

◦$27 million of higher average fee rates in the Rocky Mountain region; offset partially by

◦$44 million of lower average fee rates in the Mid-Continent region;

◦$21 million of lower volumes in the Mid-Continent region; and

◦$20 million of higher transportation costs and higher inventory of unfractionated NGLs; and

•an increase of $31 million in optimization and marketing due primarily to higher earnings on sales of Purity NGLs held in inventory; offset by

•an increase of $16 million in operating costs due primarily to higher employee-related costs associated with the growth of our operations.

Capital expenditures decreased in 2025 due primarily to the completion of our MB-6 fractionator and pipeline expansion projects in 2024, offset partially by our Medford fractionator rebuild project.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information202520242023
Raw feed throughput (MBbl/d) (a)1,4961,3091,359
Average Conway-to-Mont Belvieu Oil Price Information Service price differential - ethane in ethane/propane mix ($/gallon)$0.02$0.01$0.04

(a) - Represents physical raw feed volumes for which we provided transportation and/or fractionation services, and excluded EnLink operating statistics in 2024 as they were not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

We generally expect ethane volumes to increase or decrease with corresponding increases or decreases in overall NGL production. However, ethane volumes may experience growth or decline greater than corresponding growth or decline in overall NGL production due to ethane economics causing producers to recover or reject ethane.

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2025 vs. 2024 - Volumes increased in 2025 due primarily to incremental volumes from EnLink, higher ethane volumes in the Rocky Mountain region and higher volumes on short-term fractionation contracts in the Gulf Coast region, offset partially by lower ethane volumes in the Mid-Continent region.

Natural Gas Pipelines

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Pipelines segment invests in capital projects that provide transportation and services to end users. Our growth strategy is focused on expanding our transportation and storage capacity and services by connecting residue natural gas supply to demand markets and end users. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Divestiture - On December 31, 2024, we completed the sale of three of our wholly owned interstate natural gas pipeline systems to DT Midstream, Inc.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Pipelines segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Financial Results202520242023$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Transportation revenues$423$523$423(100)100
Storage revenues188161159272
Residue natural gas sales and other revenues1,235138411,09797
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(1,005)(112)(28)89384
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(224)(225)(194)(1)31
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates2441871605727
Other228(2)(228)230
Adjusted EBITDA$861$900$559(39)341
Capital expenditures$237$258$228(21)30

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2025 vs. 2024 - Adjusted EBITDA decreased $39 million primarily as a result of the following:

•a decrease of $359 million due to the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture in 2024, offset by

•an increase of $253 million due to adjusted EBITDA from EnLink;

•an increase of $33 million due to optimization and marketing activity;

•an increase of $14 million in storage services due primarily to increased storage volumes; and

•an increase of $12 million in transportation services due primarily to higher transportation rates and volumes.

Capital expenditures decreased in 2025 due primarily to the completion of capital projects in 2024, offset partially by increased growth projects primarily from EnLink.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202520242023
Natural gas transportation capacity contracted (MDth/d)7,3158,1767,743
Transportation capacity contracted91%97%96%

(a) - Included volumes for consolidated entities only and excluded EnLink operating statistics in 2024 as they were not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

2025 vs. 2024 - Natural gas transportation capacity decreased due primarily to the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture in 2024, offset partially by EnLink transportation capacity contracted included in 2025.

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Refined Products and Crude

Capital Projects - Our Refined Products and Crude segment invests in capital projects to transport, store and distribute Refined Products and crude oil primarily throughout the central United States. Our growth strategy is focused on expanding our core business and marketing presence. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Refined Products and Crude segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,September 25 through December 31,2025 vs. 2024
Financial Results202520242023 (a)$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Product sales$10,631$2,258$5028,373
Transportation revenues1,7331,539392194
Storage, terminals and other revenues67566317712
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(10,171)(1,949)(450)8,222
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(879)(857)(192)22
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates16624736(81)
Other22(9)31
Adjusted EBITDA$2,177$1,892$465285
Capital expenditures$752$216$52536

(a) - The year ended December 31, 2023, included results subsequent to the Magellan Acquisition.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2025 vs. 2024 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $285 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $295 million due to adjusted EBITDA from Medallion and EnLink;

•a decrease of $55 million in operating costs due primarily to $40 million of lower outside services and $13 million of lower property taxes; and

•an increase of $28 million due primarily to the sale of environmental credits generated by our liquids blending business; offset by

•a decrease of $81 million in adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates due primarily to lower earnings on BridgeTex associated with the nonrecurring recognition of deferred revenue in 2024; and

•a decrease of $10 million in optimization and marketing due primarily to lower liquids blending margins.

Capital expenditures increased in 2025, due primarily to our routine and large capital projects, including our greater Denver Refined Products pipeline expansion project.

Years EndedThree Months Ended
December 31,December 31,
Operating Information (a)202520242023
Refined Products volumes shipped (MBbl/d)1,5261,5121,547
Crude oil volumes shipped (MBbl/d)1,784783808

(a) - Included volumes for consolidated entities only and excluded Medallion and EnLink operating statistics in 2024 as they were not

meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

2025 vs. 2024 - Refined Products volumes shipped remained relatively unchanged.

Crude oil volumes shipped increased in 2025 due primarily to incremental volumes from Medallion and EnLink.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, the nearest comparable GAAP financial performance measure, to adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
(Unaudited)202520242023
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA(Millions of dollars)
Net income$3,462$3,112$2,659
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest1,7831,371866
Depreciation and amortization1,5141,134769
Income taxes1,028998838
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates516532264
Equity in net earnings from investments(386)(439)(202)
Noncash compensation expense and other (a)1037649
Adjusted EBITDA (b)(c)(d)$8,020$6,784$5,243
Reconciliation of segment adjusted EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$2,138$1,484$1,244
Natural Gas Liquids (d)2,7792,5433,045
Natural Gas Pipelines (c)861900559
Refined Products and Crude (e)2,1771,892465
Other (b)65(35)(70)
Adjusted EBITDA (b)(c)(d)$8,020$6,784$5,243

(a) - The year ended December 31, 2025, included noncash transaction costs related primarily to the EnLink Acquisition of $16 million included within noncash compensation and other.

(b) - The year ended December 31, 2025, included corporate net gains on extinguishment of debt of $106 million in connection with open market repurchases and interest income of $33 million, offset partially by transaction costs related primarily to the EnLink Acquisition of $65 million. The year ended December 31, 2024. included transaction costs related primarily to the EnLink Acquisitions and Medallion Acquisition of $73 million, offset partially by interest income of $39 million. The year ended December 31, 2023, included transaction costs related to the Magellan Acquisition of $158 million, offset partially by interest income of $49 million and corporate net gains on extinguishment of debt of $41 million in connection with open market repurchases.

(c) - The year ended December 31, 2024, included a gain of $227 million from the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture.

(d) - The year ended December 31, 2023, included $633 million related to the Medford incident, including a settlement gain of $779 million, offset partially by $146 million of third-party fractionation costs.

(e) - The year ended December 31, 2023, included segment adjusted EBITDA for the period September 25, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

CONTINGENCIES

See Note O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a discussion of regulatory and legal matters.

Other Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General - Our primary sources of cash inflows are operating cash flows, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, debt issuances and the issuance of common stock for our liquidity and capital resource requirements.

We expect our sources of cash inflows to provide sufficient resources to finance our operations, capital expenditures, quarterly cash dividends, maturities of long-term debt, share repurchases and contributions to unconsolidated affiliates and joint ventures. We believe we have sufficient liquidity due to our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in February 2030, our $3.5 billion commercial paper program and access to $1.0 billion available through our “at-the-market” equity program. As of February 16, 2026, no shares have been sold through our “at-the-market” equity program.

We may manage interest-rate risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt, Treasury locks and interest-rate swaps. For additional information on our interest-rate derivative instruments, see Note D of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Cash Management - At December 31, 2025, we had $78 million of cash and cash equivalents. For our wholly owned subsidiaries, we use a centralized cash management program that concentrates the cash assets of our wholly owned nonguarantor operating subsidiaries in joint accounts for the purposes of providing financial flexibility and lowering the cost of borrowing, transaction costs and bank fees. Our centralized cash management program provides that funds in excess of the daily needs of our operating subsidiaries are concentrated, consolidated or otherwise made available for use by other entities within our consolidated group. Our operating subsidiaries participate in this program to the extent they are permitted pursuant to FERC regulations or their operating agreements. Under the cash management program, depending on whether a participating subsidiary has short-term cash surpluses or cash requirements, we provide cash to the subsidiary or the subsidiary provides cash to us.

Following the completion of the EnLink Acquisition on January 31, 2025, we terminated an agreement to provide revolving unsecured loans to EnLink through a promissory note, as EnLink operating subsidiaries are wholly owned and now participate in the cash management program described above. For additional information, see Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Guarantees - ONEOK, ONEOK Partners, the Intermediate Partnership, Magellan, EnLink and EnLink Partners have cross guarantees in place for ONEOK’s and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness. These guarantees in place for our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness are full, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute joint and several guarantees to the holders of each series of outstanding securities. Liabilities under the guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all of the guarantors’ existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Intermediate Partnership holds all of ONEOK Partners’ interests and equity in its subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries. Magellan, EnLink and EnLink Partners hold interests in their subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries. Therefore, as allowed under Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X, we have excluded the summarized financial information for each issuer and guarantor as the combined financial information of subsidiary issuers and parent guarantors, excluding our ownership of all interest in ONEOK Partners, Magellan and EnLink, reflect no material assets or liabilities or results of operations apart from guaranteed indebtedness.

For additional information on our indebtedness, see Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Short-term Liquidity - Our principal sources of short-term liquidity consist of cash generated from operating activities, distributions received from our unconsolidated affiliates, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement. In February 2025, we amended and restated our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement to increase the size to $3.5 billion, extend the term to February 2030 and make other nonmaterial modifications. All other terms and conditions remain substantially the same. In September 2025, we increased the size of our commercial paper program to $3.5 billion from $2.5 billion. As of February 16, 2026, we had no borrowings under our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, and we are in compliance with all covenants. Upon closing of the EnLink Acquisition on January 31, 2025, the EnLink Revolving Credit Facility was terminated. For additional information on the EnLink Revolving Credit Facility, see Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

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We had working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) deficits of $1.9 billion and $481 million as of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively, due primarily to current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings at December 31, 2025, and current maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2024. Generally, our working capital is influenced by several factors, including, among other things: (i) the timing of (a) debt and equity issuances, (b) the funding of capital expenditures, (c) scheduled debt payments, and (d) accounts receivable and payable; and (ii) the volume and cost of inventory and commodity imbalances. We may have working capital deficits in future periods as our long-term debt becomes current. We do not expect a working capital deficit of this nature to have a material adverse impact to our cash flows or operations.

For additional information on our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, see Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Long-term Financing - In addition to our principal sources of short-term liquidity discussed above, we expect to fund our longer-term financing requirements by issuing long-term notes, as needed. Other options to obtain financing include, but are not limited to, issuing common stock, loans from financial institutions, issuance of convertible debt securities or preferred equity securities, asset securitization and the sale and lease-back of facilities.

We may, at any time, seek to retire or purchase our or ONEOK Partners’ outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt, in open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, exercise of contractual call rights, public tender offers or otherwise. Such repurchases and exchanges, if any, will be on such terms and prices as we may determine and will depend on prevailing market conditions, or liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Debt Issuances - In August 2025, we completed an underwritten public offering of $3.0 billion senior unsecured notes consisting of $750 million, 4.95% senior notes due 2032; $1.0 billion, 5.4% senior notes due 2035; and $1.25 billion, 6.25% senior notes due 2055. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $2.96 billion. The net proceeds from this offering were partially used to repay our commercial paper outstanding and repay in full at maturity our senior notes due September 2025. The remaining net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase and redemption of existing notes.

Debt Extinguishments - We completed the following debt extinguishments in 2025:

Principal
(Millions of dollars)
$250 at 3.2% due March 2025$250
$750 at 4.15% due June 2025422
$400 at 2.2% due September 2025387
$600 at 5.85% due January 2026 (a)600
$650 at 5.0% due March 2026 (a)650
Open Market Repurchases (b)789
Total$3,098

(a) - Amounts redeemed at 100% of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(b) - In 2025, we repurchased in the open market certain of our senior notes in the principal amount of $789 million for an aggregate repurchase price of $681 million, including accrued and unpaid interest. In connection with these open market repurchases, we recognized $106 million of net gains on extinguishment of debt which is included in other income, net in our Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Equity Issuances - On May 28, 2025, we completed the Delaware Basin JV Acquisition. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we issued approximately 4.9 million shares of ONEOK common stock to the seller with a fair value of $391 million as of the closing date.

On January 31, 2025, we completed the EnLink Acquisition. Pursuant to the EnLink Merger Agreement, each publicly held common unit of EnLink was exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.1412 shares of ONEOK common stock, including EnLink Units that were exchanged for all previously outstanding Series B Preferred Units immediately prior to closing. We issued 41 million shares of common stock with a fair value of $4.0 billion. There are no remaining Series B Preferred Units outstanding.

Share Repurchase Program - Our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock. The program will terminate upon completion of the repurchase of the $2.0 billion of common stock or on January 1, 2029, whichever occurs first. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased $62 million of our outstanding common stock with cash on hand.

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Material Commitments - We have material cash commitments related to our capital expenditures, senior notes and corresponding interest payments, which we expect to fund through our sources of cash inflows discussed above. Our senior notes and interest payments are discussed in Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. We also have cash commitments related to transportation, storage and other commercial contracts, as well as our financial and physical derivative obligations, which we expect to fund with cash from operations.

Capital Expenditures - We proactively monitor lead times on materials and equipment used in constructing capital projects, and we enter into procurement agreements for long-lead items for potential projects to plan for future growth. Our capital expenditures are financed typically through operating cash flows and short- and long-term debt.

The following table sets forth our capital expenditures, less allowance for equity funds used during construction, for the periods indicated:

Capital Expenditures20252024 (a)2023
(Millions of dollars)
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$1,314$492$448
Natural Gas Liquids758987818
Natural Gas Pipelines237258228
Refined Products and Crude (b)75221652
Other916849
Total capital expenditures$3,152$2,021$1,595

(a) - The year ended December 31, 2024, included capital expenditures for EnLink and Medallion for the period October 15, 2024, and November 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, respectively.

(b) - The year ended December 31, 2023, included capital expenditures for Magellan for the period September 25, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

Capital expenditures increased in 2025, compared with 2024, due primarily to the timing of our large capital projects and routine capital projects associated with the growth of our operations. See discussion of our announced capital projects in the “Recent Developments” section.

We expect total capital expenditures of $2.7 - $3.2 billion in 2026.

Credit Ratings - Our credit ratings as of February 16, 2026, are shown in the table below:

Rating AgencyLong-term RatingShort-term RatingOutlook
Moody’sBaa2Prime-2Stable
S&PBBBA-2Stable
FitchBBBF2Stable

Our credit ratings, which are investment grade, may be affected by our leverage, liquidity, credit profile or potential transactions. The most common criteria for assessment of our credit ratings are the debt-to-EBITDA ratio, interest coverage, business risk profile and liquidity. If our credit ratings were downgraded, our cost to borrow funds under our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement could increase, and a potential loss of access to the commercial paper market could occur. In the event that we are unable to borrow funds under our commercial paper program and there has not been a material adverse change in our business, we would continue to have access to our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in 2030. An adverse credit rating change alone is not a default under our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

In the normal course of business, our counterparties provide us with secured and unsecured credit. In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings or a significant change in our counterparties’ evaluation of our creditworthiness, we could be required to provide additional collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments as a condition of continuing to conduct business with such counterparties. We may be required to fund margin requirements with our counterparties with cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments.

Dividends - Holders of our common stock share equally in any common stock dividends declared by our Board of Directors. In 2025, we paid common stock dividends totaling $4.12 per share, an increase of 4% compared to the 2024 dividend of $3.96 per share. In February 2026, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.07 per share ($4.28 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 4% compared with the same quarter in the prior year.

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For the year ended December 31, 2025, our cash flows from operations exceeded dividends paid by $3.0 billion. We expect our cash flows from operations to continue to sufficiently fund our cash dividends. To the extent operating cash flows are not sufficient to fund our dividends, we may utilize cash on hand from other sources of short- and long-term liquidity to fund a portion of our dividends.

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

We use the indirect method to prepare our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under this method, we reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income for those items that affect net income but do not result in actual cash receipts or payments during the period and for operating cash items that do not impact net income. These reconciling items can include depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, impairment charges, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gain or loss on sale of business and assets, net undistributed earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, share-based compensation expense, other amounts and changes in our assets and liabilities not classified as investing or financing activities.

The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
202520242023
(Millions of dollars)
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$5,599$4,888$4,421
Investing activities(3,751)(6,612)(6,404)
Financing activities(2,503)2,1192,101
Change in cash and cash equivalents(655)395118
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period733338220
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$78$733$338

Operating Cash Flows - Operating cash flows are affected by earnings from our business activities and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in commodity prices and demand for our services or products, whether because of general economic conditions, changes in supply, changes in demand for the end products that are made with our products or increased competition from other service providers, could affect our earnings and operating cash flows. Our operating cash flows can also be impacted by changes in our inventory balances, which are driven primarily by commodity prices, supply, demand and the operation of our assets.

2025 vs. 2024 - Cash flows from operating activities, before changes in operating assets and liabilities increased $1.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, due primarily to the impact of the EnLink and Medallion Acquisitions as discussed in “Financial Results and Operating Information.”

The changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased operating cash flows $380 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared with a decrease of $43 million for the same period in 2024. This change is due primarily to changes in accounts receivable resulting from the growth of our operations and the timing of the receipt of cash from counterparties and from inventory, both of which vary from period to period, and with changes in commodity prices. These changes were offset partially by changes in accounts payable resulting from the growth of our operations and the timing of payments to vendors, suppliers and other third parties, which vary from period to period, and with changes in commodity prices.

Investing Cash Flows

2025 vs. 2024 - Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, decreased $2.9 billion compared with the same period in 2024, due primarily to cash paid to acquire EnLink and Medallion in 2024, offset partially by proceeds received from the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture in 2024, an increase in capital expenditures related to our capital projects in 2025 and cash paid for the BridgeTex Additional Interest Acquisition.

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Financing Cash Flows

2025 vs. 2024 - Cash from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, decreased $4.6 billion compared with the same period in 2024, due primarily to the issuance of senior unsecured notes associated with acquisitions in 2024, increased extinguishment of long-term debt in 2025, cash paid for the Delaware Basin JV Acquisition and increased dividends paid in 2025, offset partially by the issuance of senior unsecured notes in August 2025 and an increase in short-term borrowings in 2025.

Cash Flow Analysis for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 vs. 2023 - The cash flow analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with the year ended December 31, 2023, is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information about the impact of new accounting standards is included in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ from our estimates.

The following is a summary of our most critical accounting estimates, which are defined as those estimates most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requiring management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment, particularly because of the need to make estimates concerning the impact of inherently uncertain matters. We have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for the description of our accounting policies.

Derivatives and Risk-management Activities - We utilize derivatives to reduce our market-risk exposure to commodity price and interest-rate fluctuations and to achieve more predictable cash flows. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. When possible, we implement effective hedging strategies using derivative financial instruments that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss from a change in fair value of the derivative instrument is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted transaction affects earnings, at which time the fair value of the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings.

We assess hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and periodically thereafter, to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective. We do not believe that changes in our fair value estimates of our derivative instruments have a material impact on our results of operations, as the majority of our derivatives are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges. However, if a derivative instrument is ineligible for cash flow hedge accounting or if we elect not to designate it as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recorded currently in earnings. Additionally, if a cash flow hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting treatment because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recognized in earnings. For more information on commodity price sensitivity and a discussion of the market risk of pricing changes, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Notes A, C and D of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of fair value measurements and derivatives and risk-management activities.

Impairment of Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets and Equity Method Investments - We assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually as of July 1, unless events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred before that time. As part of our goodwill impairment test, we may first assess qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance) to determine

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whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units was less than its carrying amount. If further testing is necessary, or a quantitative test is elected, we perform a Step 1 analysis for goodwill impairment.

In a Step 1 analysis, an assessment is made by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

We assess our long-lived asset groups, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset group exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. If an impairment is indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived asset group.

We evaluate equity method investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that there is an other-than-temporary loss in value of the investment. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized in our consolidated financial statements as an impairment charge.

Our impairment tests require the use of assumptions and estimates, such as industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. To estimate undiscounted future cash flows of long-lived assets we may apply a probability-weighted approach that incorporates different assumptions and potential outcomes related to the underlying long-lived assets. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist. To estimate the fair value of these assets, we use two generally accepted valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, our discounted cash flow analysis includes the following inputs that are not readily available: a discount rate reflective of industry cost of capital, our estimated contract rates, volumes, operating margins, operating and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Under the market approach, our inputs include EBITDA multiples, which are estimated from recent peer acquisition transactions, and forecasted EBITDA, which incorporates inputs similar to those used under the income approach. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to future impairment charges.

See Notes A, E, F and N of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of goodwill and intangible assets, long-lived assets and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Depreciation Methods and Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment - Our property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method that incorporates management assumptions regarding useful economic lives and residual values. As we place additional assets in service or acquire assets as a result of an acquisition or asset purchase, our estimates related to depreciation expense have become more significant and changes in estimated useful lives of our assets could have a material effect on our results of operations. At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that would cause us to change these assumptions, which would change our depreciation expense prospectively. Examples of such circumstances include changes in (i) competition, (ii) laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset, (iii) technology that render an asset obsolete, (iv) expected salvage values, (v) results of rate cases or rate settlements on regulated assets and (vi) forecasts of the remaining economic life for the resource basins where our assets are located, if any. For the fiscal years presented in this Form 10-K, no changes were made to the determinations of useful lives that would have a material effect on the timing of depreciation expense in future periods.

See Note E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of property, plant and equipment.

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001039684-25-000036.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-25. Report date: 2024-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1, Business, our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Please refer to the “Financial Results and Operating Information” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition - On Oct. 15, 2024, we completed the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition, acquiring GIP’s interest in EnLink consisting of approximately 43% of the outstanding EnLink Units for $14.90 in cash per unit and 100% of the outstanding limited liability company interests in the managing member of EnLink for $300 million, for total cash consideration of $3.3 billion. Through our 100% ownership of the managing member of EnLink, we obtained control of EnLink. We used a portion of the proceeds from our September 2024 underwritten public offering of $7.0 billion senior unsecured notes to fund this acquisition.

This acquisition meaningfully increases our scale and integrated value chain within the growing Permian Basin while expanding and extending our asset bases in the Mid-Continent, North Texas and Louisiana regions. We expect to achieve significant synergies by combining our complementary asset positions. Financial results and operating information related to the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition impacts all four business segments and is included with “Financial Results and Operating Information” for the period Oct. 15, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024.

EnLink Acquisition - On Nov. 24, 2024, we entered into the EnLink Merger Agreement to acquire all of the publicly held EnLink Units in an all stock, tax-free transaction. On Jan. 31, 2025, we completed the EnLink Acquisition. Pursuant to the EnLink Merger Agreement, each common unit of EnLink was exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.1412 shares of ONEOK common stock, including EnLink Units that were exchanged for all previously outstanding Series B Preferred Units immediately prior to closing. We issued 41 million shares of common stock, with a fair value of $4.0 billion as of the closing date of the EnLink Acquisition. EnLink is now a wholly owned subsidiary.

Medallion Acquisition - On Oct. 31, 2024, we completed the Medallion Acquisition with GIP, acquiring all of the equity interests in Medallion for total consideration of $2.6 billion, inclusive of the purchase of additional interests in a Medallion joint venture owned by a separate third party. We used a portion of the proceeds from our September 2024 underwritten public offering of $7.0 billion senior unsecured notes to fund this acquisition. This acquisition expands our midstream services for crude oil and condensate in West Texas, specifically in the Midland Basin. Financial results and operating information related to the Medallion Acquisition impacts our Refined Products and Crude segment and is included with "Financial Results and Operating Information" for the period Nov. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Divestiture - On Dec. 31, 2024, we completed sale of three of our wholly owned interstate natural gas pipeline systems to DT Midstream, Inc. for total cash consideration of $1.2 billion, and recognized a gain of $227 million. With a portion of the proceeds of the sale, we repaid the Guardian Term Loan Agreement and the Viking Term Loan Agreement. This transaction aligns and enhances our capital allocation priorities within our integrated value chain.

Gulf Coast NGL Pipelines Acquisition - On June 17, 2024, we completed the acquisition of a system of NGL pipelines from Easton Energy, a Houston-based midstream company, for approximately $280 million. This acquisition in our Natural Gas Liquids segment includes approximately 450 miles of liquids products pipelines located in the strategic Gulf Coast market centers for NGLs, Refined Products and crude oil. A portion of the Easton assets are already connected to our Mont Belvieu assets. We expect to add connections to our Houston-based assets beginning in mid-2025 through the end of 2025.

For additional information on our most recent acquisitions and divestiture, see Part II, Item 8, Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. See Part 1, Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of risks related to these transactions.

Joint Ventures - On Feb. 4, 2025, we entered into definitive agreements to form joint ventures with MPLX LP (MPLX) to construct a 400 MBbl/d liquified petroleum gas export terminal in Texas City, Texas, and a new 24-inch pipeline from our Mont Belvieu, Texas, storage facility to the new terminal. Texas City Logistics LLC, the export terminal joint venture, is owned 50% by us and 50% by MPLX, with MPLX constructing and operating the facility. MBTC Pipeline LLC, the pipeline joint venture, is owned 80% by us and 20% by MPLX, and we will construct and operate the pipeline. We expect to invest approximately $1.0 billion in these projects.

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Market Condition - Earnings increased in 2024, compared with 2023, due primarily to a full year of earnings from our new Refined Products and Crude segment, higher NGL and natural gas processing volumes in the Rocky Mountain region and the impact of the interstate pipeline divestiture in the Natural Gas Pipelines segment. Our extensive and integrated assets are located in, and connected with, some of the most productive shale basins, as well as refineries and demand centers, in the United States.

Capital Projects - Our primary capital projects are outlined in the table below:

ProjectScopeApproximate Costs (a)Expected Completion
Natural Gas Liquids(In millions)
MB-6 fractionator125 MBbl/d NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas$550Completed
West Texas NGL pipeline expansionIncrease capacity via pipeline looping in the Permian Basin$520Completed
Elk Creek pipeline expansionIncrease capacity to 435 MBbl/d out of the Rocky Mountain region$355Completed (b)
Medford fractionatorRebuild our 210 MBbl/d NGL fractionation facility in Medford, Oklahoma$385(c)
Refined Products and Crude
Greater Denver pipeline expansionIncrease total system capacity by 35 MBbl/d and additional expansion capabilities$480Mid-2026

(a) - Excludes capitalized interest/AFUDC.

(b) - We completed construction in January 2025, and the project is partially in service. Following supply of full power, expected in mid-2025, we will reach the full capacity of 435 MBbl/d.

(c) - This project is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, and the second phase completed in the first quarter of 2027.

In our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment, we have a capital project to relocate a 150 MMcf/d processing plant to the Permian Basin from North Texas, which we expect to be in service in the first quarter of 2026.

Debt Issuances - In September 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering of $7.0 billion senior unsecured notes consisting of $1.25 billion, 4.25% senior notes due 2027; $600 million, 4.4% senior notes due 2029; $1.25 billion, 4.75% senior notes due 2031; $1.6 billion, 5.05% senior notes due 2034; $1.5 billion, 5.7% senior notes due 2054; and $800 million, 5.85% senior notes due 2064. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $6.9 billion. The net proceeds from this offering were used to fund the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition and the Medallion Acquisition, purchase additional interests in a Medallion joint venture owned by a separate third party, to pay fees and expenses related to the acquisitions and to repay outstanding indebtedness.

Debt Repayments - In December 2024, we redeemed our $500 million, 4.9% senior notes due March 2025 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand.

In September 2024, we repaid the remaining $484 million of our $500 million, 2.75% senior notes at maturity with cash on hand.

Share Repurchase Program - In January 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock. We expect shares to be acquired from time to time in open-market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. We expect any purchases to be funded by cash on hand, cash flow from operations and short-term borrowings. The program will terminate upon completion of the repurchase of $2.0 billion of common stock or on Jan. 1, 2029, whichever occurs first. As of Feb. 17, 2025, we repurchased 1.675 million shares for $172 million under the program.

Dividends - During 2024, we paid common stock dividends totaling $3.96 per share, an increase of 3.7% compared to the 2023 dividend of $3.82 per share. In February 2025, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.03 per share ($4.12 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 4% compared with the same quarter in the prior year. Our dividend growth is due primarily to the increase in cash flows resulting from the growth of our operations. The quarterly stock dividend was paid on Feb. 14, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 3, 2025.

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FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. Our consolidated financial metrics include: (1) operating income; (2) net income; (3) diluted EPS; and (4) adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate segment operating results using adjusted EBITDA and our operating metrics, which include various volume and rate statistics that are relevant for the respective segment. These operating metrics allow investors to analyze the various components of segment financial results in terms of volumes and rate/price. Management uses these metrics to analyze historical segment financial results and as the key inputs for forecasting and budgeting segment financial results. For additional information on our operating metrics, see the respective segment subsections of this “Financial Results and Operating Information” section.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash impairment charges, income taxes, noncash compensation expense and certain other noncash items. Following the Magellan Acquisition, we performed a review of our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA and, beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation to include the adjusted EBITDA related to our unconsolidated affiliates using the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in net earnings from investments. In prior periods, our calculation included equity in net earnings from investments. This change resulted in an additional $62 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods. Adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates is calculated consistently with the definition above and excludes items such as interest expense, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and other noncash items. Although the amounts related to our unconsolidated affiliates are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, such inclusion should not be understood to imply that we have control over the operations and resulting revenues, expenses or cash flows of such unconsolidated affiliates.

We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it and similar measures are used by many companies in our industry as a measurement of financial performance and is commonly employed by financial analysts and others to evaluate our financial performance and to compare financial performance among companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, EPS or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this calculation may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies. See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” subsection.

Consolidated Operations

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected financial results for the periods indicated:

Years Ended Dec. 31,2024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Financial Results202420232022$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Commodity sales$17,780$15,614$20,9762,166(5,362)
Services and other3,9182,0631,4111,855652
Total revenues21,69817,67722,3874,021(4,710)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of items shown separately below)13,31111,92917,9101,382(5,981)
Operating costs2,4961,5351,149961386
Depreciation and amortization1,134769626365143
Transaction costs73158(85)158
Other operating income, net(305)(786)(105)(481)681
Operating income$4,989$4,072$2,8079171,265
Equity in net earnings from investments$439$202$14823754
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest$(1,371)$(866)$(676)505190
Net income$3,112$2,659$1,722453937
Net income attributable to ONEOK$3,035$2,659$1,722376937
Diluted EPS$5.17$5.48$3.84(0.31)1.64
Adjusted EBITDA$6,784$5,243$3,6201,5411,623
Capital expenditures$2,021$1,595$1,202426393

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Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

Due to the Medallion Acquisition and EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition, operating results for these two companies are included in our financial results beginning Nov. 1, 2024 and Oct. 15, 2024, respectively.

2024 vs. 2023 - Operating income increased $917 million primarily as a result of the following:

•Natural Gas Gathering and Processing - an increase of $181 million due primarily to the operating income of EnLink, higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain region and the sale of certain non-strategic assets, offset partially by lower realized NGL prices, net of hedging, and higher operating costs; offset by

•Natural Gas Liquids - a decrease of $564 million due primarily to an insurance settlement gain in 2023 related to the Medford incident and higher operating costs, offset partially by an increase in exchange services due primarily to higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain region and to the operating income of EnLink; offset by

•Natural Gas Pipelines - an increase of $291 million due primarily to the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture in 2024, higher transportation services and the operating income of EnLink;

•Refined Products and Crude - an increase of $934 million due to a full year of operating income following the Magellan Acquisition in 2023 and the operating income of Medallion and EnLink in 2024; and

•Consolidated Transaction Costs - a decrease of $85 million due primarily to higher transaction costs related to the Magellan Acquisition in 2023.

Net income increased due primarily to the items discussed above and higher equity in net earnings from investments, offset partially by higher interest expense due to higher debt balances resulting from the August 2023 $5.25 billion notes offering, the September 2024 $7.0 billion notes offering and the acquired debt balances from both the Magellan Acquisition in 2023 and the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition in 2024.

Diluted EPS decreased due primarily to the impact of the insurance settlement gain in 2023 related to the Medford incident.

Capital expenditures increased due primarily to our capital projects. Please refer to the “Recent Developments” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information on our capital projects.

Additional information regarding our financial results and operating information is provided in the following discussion for each of our segments.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information for the Year Ended Dec. 31, 2023 vs. 2022 - The consolidated and segment financial results and operating information for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, compared with the year ended Dec. 31, 2022, are included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment invests in capital projects in natural gas and NGL-rich areas across key basins where we operate. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

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Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended Dec. 31,2024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Financial Results202420232022$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$3,033$2,479$3,690554(1,211)
Residue natural gas sales1,2031,3982,674(195)(1,276)
Gathering, compression, dehydration and processing fees and other revenue35317916917410
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(2,600)(2,364)(5,117)236(2,753)
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(583)(448)(386)13562
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)3121
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)5(5)
Other75(1)276(3)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,484$1,244$1,037240207
Capital expenditures$492$448$445443

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates, which resulted in an additional $3 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenue and cost of sales and fuel, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2024 vs. 2023 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $240 million, primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $200 million due to adjusted EBITDA from EnLink;

•an increase of $77 million from higher volumes due primarily to increased production in the Rocky Mountain region; and

•an increase of $59 million from the sale of certain non-strategic assets in 2024, primarily in Kansas; offset by

•a decrease of $54 million due primarily to lower realized NGL prices, net of hedging, offset partially by higher average fee rates and realized condensate and natural gas prices, net of hedging; and

•an increase of $44 million in operating costs due primarily to higher outside services, employee-related costs and materials and supplies expense due primarily to the growth of our operations.

Capital expenditures increased for 2024, as compared to 2023, due to capital projects for EnLink.

Years Ended Dec. 31,
Operating Information (a)202420232022
Natural gas processed (BBtu/d) (b)3,0882,9952,612
Average fee rate ($/MMBtu)$1.20$1.17$1.10

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only, and excludes EnLink, as EnLink operating statistics are not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

(b) - Includes volumes we processed at company-owned and third-party facilities.

2024 vs. 2023 - Our natural gas processed volumes increased due primarily to increased production in the Rocky Mountain region. Our average fee rate increased due primarily to inflation-based escalators in our contracts.

Natural Gas Liquids

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Liquids segment invests in capital projects to transport, fractionate, store, deliver to market centers and receive NGL supply from shale and other resource development areas. Our growth strategy is focused on connecting diversified raw feed supply basins to Purity NGL export, petrochemical and refining demand centers. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

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In 2024, we connected one third-party natural gas processing plant in the Permian Basin to our system, and two third-party natural gas processing plants previously connected to our system were expanded, one in the Permian Basin and one in the Mid-Continent region.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Liquids segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended Dec. 31,2024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Financial Results202420232022$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$14,446$13,666$18,329780(4,663)
Exchange service and other revenues514559558(45)1
Transportation and storage revenues207204180324
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(11,994)(11,592)(16,546)402(4,954)
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(728)(637)(549)9188
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)95672867
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)35(35)
Other377888(775)690
Adjusted EBITDA$2,543$3,045$2,095(502)950
Capital expenditures$987$818$581169237

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates, which resulted in an additional $9 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2024 vs. 2023 - Adjusted EBITDA decreased $502 million primarily as a result of the following:

•a decrease of $695 million related to the Medford incident, due primarily to an insurance settlement gain in 2023 of $779 million, offset partially by $84 million of lower third-party fractionation costs in the current year;

•an increase of $77 million in operating costs due primarily to planned asset maintenance, higher employee-related costs and property taxes from the growth of our operations; and

•a decrease of $9 million in optimization and marketing due primarily to lower earnings on sales of Purity NGLs held in inventory; offset by

•an increase of $184 million in exchange services due primarily to higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain region, higher average fee rates and wider commodity price differentials, offset partially by lower volumes in the Gulf Coast/Permian and Mid-Continent regions, and higher transportation costs;

•an increase of $59 million due to adjusted EBITDA from EnLink; and

•an increase of $31 million in adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates due primarily to higher volumes delivered to the Overland Pass Pipeline.

Capital expenditures increased in 2024 due primarily to capital projects, which includes our MB-6 fractionator and pipeline expansion projects.

Years Ended Dec. 31,
Operating Information202420232022
Raw feed throughput (MBbl/d) (a)1,3091,3591,237
Average Conway-to-Mont Belvieu Oil Price Information Service price differential - ethane in ethane/propane mix ($/gallon)$0.01$0.04$0.04

(a) - Represents physical raw feed volumes for which we provide transportation and/or fractionation services, and excludes EnLink, as EnLink operating statistics are not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

We generally expect ethane volumes to increase or decrease with corresponding increases or decreases in overall NGL production. However, ethane volumes may experience growth or decline greater than corresponding growth or decline in overall NGL production due to ethane economics causing producers to recover or reject ethane.

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2024 vs. 2023 - While exchange services earnings increased, volumes decreased in 2024 due primarily to the expiration of low-margin contracts in the prior year and lower volumes in the Permian Basin, offset partially by increased production in the Rocky Mountain region at higher fee rates.

Natural Gas Pipelines

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Pipelines segment invests in capital projects that provide transportation and storage services to end users. We recently reactivated previously idled storage facilities with 3 Bcf of working gas storage capacity in Texas. In addition, we are in the process of expanding our storage injection capabilities in Oklahoma, adding 4 Bcf of working gas storage capacity, which we expect to be complete in the second quarter of 2025.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Divestiture - On Nov. 19, 2024, we entered into a definitive agreement with DT Midstream, Inc. to sell three of our wholly owned interstate natural gas pipeline systems. On Dec. 31, 2024, we completed the sale and recognized a gain of $227 million.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Pipelines segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended Dec. 31,2024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Financial Results202420232022$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Transportation revenues$523$423$40910014
Storage revenues161159130229
Residue natural gas sales and other revenues1384140971
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(112)(28)(25)843
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(225)(194)(174)3120
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)18716027160
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)108(108)
Other228(2)230(2)
Adjusted EBITDA$900$559$48834171
Capital expenditures$258$228$12330105

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates, which resulted in an additional $42 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods.

2024 vs. 2023 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $341 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $227 million due to the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture;

•an increase of $75 million in transportation services due primarily to higher firm and interruptible rates;

•an increase of $41 million due to adjusted EBITDA from EnLink; and

•an increase of $16 million in adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates due primarily to increased volumes on Northern Border; offset by

•an increase of $19 million in operating costs due primarily to planned asset maintenance and employee-related costs.

Capital expenditures increased in 2024 due primarily to capital projects and timing of maintenance projects.

Years Ended Dec. 31,
Operating Information (a)202420232022
Natural gas transportation capacity contracted (MDth/d)8,1767,7437,428
Transportation capacity contracted97%96%94%

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only and excludes EnLink, as EnLink operating statistics are not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

2024 vs. 2023 - Natural gas transportation capacity contracted increased due primarily to the completion of expansion projects on our assets.

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Refined Products and Crude

Capital Projects - Our Refined Products and Crude segment invests in capital projects to transport, store and distribute Refined Products and crude oil primarily throughout the central United States. Our growth strategy is focused on expanding our core business and marketing presence. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Refined Products and Crude segment for the periods indicated:

Financial ResultsYear Ended Dec. 31, 2024Sept. 25 through Dec. 31, 2023 (a)
(Millions of dollars)
Product sales$2,258$502
Transportation revenues1,539392
Storage, terminals and other revenues663177
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(1,949)(450)
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(857)(192)
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates24736
Other(9)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,892$465
Capital expenditures$216$52

(a) - The year ended Dec. 31, 2023, includes results subsequent to the Magellan Acquisition.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2024 vs. 2023 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $1,427 million as a result of the following:

•an increase of $1,354 million due to a full-year of operating results following the Magellan Acquisition, which includes a non-recurring increase in adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates of $88 million due primarily to BridgeTex; and

•an increase of $73 million due to adjusted EBITDA from Medallion and EnLink.

Operating Information (a)Year Ended Dec. 31, 2024Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2023
Refined Products volume shipped (MBbl/d)1,5121,547
Crude oil volume shipped (MBbl/d)783808

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only and excludes Medallion and EnLink, as Medallion and EnLink operating statistics are not meaningful to full-year 2024 operating results.

Market conditions and seasonality can cause volume fluctuations in a single quarter that are not representative of full-year results.

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NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, the nearest comparable GAAP financial performance measure, to adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

Years Ended Dec. 31,
(Unaudited)202420232022
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA(Millions of dollars)
Net income$3,112$2,659$1,722
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest1,371866676
Depreciation and amortization1,134769626
Income taxes998838528
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)532264
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)(439)(202)
Noncash compensation expense and other764968
Adjusted EBITDA (a)(b)(c)(d)$6,784$5,243$3,620
Reconciliation of segment adjusted EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$1,484$1,244$1,037
Natural Gas Liquids (b)2,5433,0452,095
Natural Gas Pipelines (d)900559488
Refined Products and Crude (e)1,892465
Other (c)(35)(70)
Adjusted EBITDA (a)(b)(c)(d)$6,784$5,243$3,620

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates using the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in net earnings from investments. In prior periods, our calculation included equity in net earnings from investments. This change resulted in an additional $62 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods.

(b) - The year ended Dec. 31, 2023, includes $633 million related to the Medford incident, including a settlement gain of $779 million, offset partially by $146 million of third-party fractionation costs.

(c) - The year ended Dec. 31, 2024 includes transaction costs related primarily to the EnLink Acquisitions and Medallion Acquisition of $73 million, offset partially by interest income of $39 million. The year ended Dec. 31, 2023, includes transaction costs related to the Magellan Acquisition of $158 million, offset partially by interest income of $49 million and net gains of $41 million on extinguishment of debt related to open market repurchases.

(d) - The year ended Dec. 31, 2024, includes a gain of $227 million from the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture.

(e) - The year ended Dec. 31, 2023, includes segment adjusted EBITDA for the period Sept. 25, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023.

CONTINGENCIES

See Note P of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a discussion of regulatory and legal matters.

Other Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General - Our primary sources of cash inflows are operating cash flows, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, debt issuances and the issuance of common stock for our liquidity and capital resources requirements.

We expect our sources of cash inflows to provide sufficient resources to finance our operations, capital expenditures, quarterly cash dividends, maturities of long-term debt, share repurchases and contributions to unconsolidated affiliates. We believe we have sufficient liquidity due to our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in February 2030, and access to $1.0 billion available through our “at-the-market” equity program. As of Feb. 17, 2025, no shares have been sold through our “at-the-market” equity program.

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We may manage interest-rate risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt, Treasury locks and interest-rate swaps. For additional information on our interest-rate swaps, see Note E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Cash Management - At Dec. 31, 2024, we had $733 million of cash and cash equivalents. For our wholly owned subsidiaries, we use a centralized cash management program that concentrates the cash assets of our wholly owned nonguarantor operating subsidiaries in joint accounts for the purposes of providing financial flexibility and lowering the cost of borrowing, transaction costs and bank fees. Our centralized cash management program provides that funds in excess of the daily needs of our operating subsidiaries are concentrated, consolidated or otherwise made available for use by other entities within our consolidated group. Our operating subsidiaries participate in this program to the extent they are permitted pursuant to FERC regulations or their operating agreements. Under the cash management program, depending on whether a participating subsidiary has short-term cash surpluses or cash requirements, we provide cash to the subsidiary or the subsidiary provides cash to us.

In December 2024, we entered into an agreement to provide revolving unsecured loans to EnLink through a promissory note at an interest rate of 4.85% at Dec. 31, 2024. This is a floating rate agreement which bears interest at ONEOK’s current short-term borrowing rate plus 0.25%. At Dec. 31, 2024, we held a promissory note receivable of $510 million, which was eliminated in consolidation. Interest earned on this agreement was not material. Following the EnLink Acquisition, completed on Jan. 31, 2025, we effectively terminated this agreement as EnLink operating subsidiaries are wholly owned and now participate in the cash management program described above.

Guarantees - ONEOK, ONEOK Partners, the Intermediate Partnership and Magellan (Obligated Group) have cross guarantees in place for ONEOK’s and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness. These guarantees in place for our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness are full, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute joint and several guarantees to the holders of each series of outstanding securities. Liabilities under the guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Intermediate Partnership holds all of ONEOK Partners’ interests and equity in its subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries. Magellan holds interests in its subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries.

At Dec. 31, 2024, EnLink was a subsidiary of ONEOK, but did not guarantee ONEOK’s or ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness and was excluded from the Obligated Group. EnLink and EnLink Partners also had outstanding debt securities that were not guaranteed by ONEOK as of Dec. 31, 2024. At the completion of the EnLink Acquisition on Jan. 31, 2025, ONEOK assumed the outstanding debt of EnLink and EnLink Partners (the Assumed Debt) such that EnLink and EnLink Partners were each released from all debt obligations, and provided a guarantee for our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness to the holders of each series of outstanding securities, including for the Assumed Debt. EnLink and EnLink Partners are now included in the Obligated Group. As of the date of this report, the combined financial information of subsidiary issuers and parent guarantors, excluding our ownership of all interest in ONEOK Partners, Magellan and EnLink, reflect no material assets or liabilities or results of operations, apart from guaranteed indebtedness and therefore, we have excluded the summarized financial information for each issuer and guarantor.

For additional information on our indebtedness, please see Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Short-term Liquidity - Our principal sources of short-term liquidity consist of cash generated from operating activities, distributions received from our unconsolidated affiliates, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our recently executed $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement. In February 2025, we amended and restated our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement to increase the size to $3.5 billion, extend the term to February 2030 and make other non-material modifications. All other terms and conditions remain substantially the same. As of Feb. 17, 2025, we had no borrowings under our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, and we are in compliance with all covenants. Upon closing of the EnLink Acquisition on Jan. 31, 2025, the EnLink Revolving Credit Facility was terminated.

We had working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) deficits of $481 million and $344 million as of Dec. 31, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2023, respectively, due primarily to current maturities of long-term debt. Generally, our working capital is influenced by several factors, including, among other things: (i) the timing of (a) debt and equity issuances, (b) the funding of capital expenditures, (c) scheduled debt payments, and (d) accounts receivable and payable; and (ii) the volume and cost of inventory and commodity imbalances. We may have working capital deficits in future periods as our long-term debt becomes current. We do not expect a working capital deficit of this nature to have a material adverse impact to our cash flows or operations.

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For additional information on our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, see Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Long-term Financing - In addition to our principal sources of short-term liquidity discussed above, we expect to fund our longer-term financing requirements by issuing long-term notes, as needed. Other options to obtain financing include, but are not limited to, issuing common stock, loans from financial institutions, issuance of convertible debt securities or preferred equity securities, asset securitization and the sale and lease-back of facilities.

We may, at any time, seek to retire or purchase our or ONEOK Partners’ outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt, in open-market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases and exchanges, if any, will be on such terms and prices as we may determine, and will depend on prevailing market conditions, or liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Debt Issuances - In September 2024, we completed an underwritten public offering of $7.0 billion senior unsecured notes consisting of senior notes of the following tenors: $1.25 billion, 4.25% senior notes due 2027; $600 million, 4.4% senior notes due 2029; $1.25 billion, 4.75% senior notes due 2031; $1.6 billion, 5.05% senior notes due 2034; $1.5 billion, 5.7% senior notes due 2054; and $800 million, 5.85% senior notes due 2064. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $6.9 billion. The net proceeds from this offering were used to fund the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition and the Medallion Acquisition, purchase additional interests in a Medallion joint venture owned by a separate third party, to pay fees and expenses related to the acquisitions and to repay outstanding indebtedness.

Debt Repayments - In December 2024, we repaid $120 million of borrowings under the Guardian Term Loan Agreement and $60 million of borrowings under the Viking Term Loan Agreement, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand, as part of the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture.

In December 2024, we redeemed our $500 million, 4.9% senior notes due March 2025 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand.

Subsequent to the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition, we repaid $465 million of borrowings under the EnLink Revolving Credit Facility with cash on hand.

Subsequent to the EnLink Controlling Interest Acquisition, we repaid $374 million of borrowings under the EnLink AR Facility with cash on hand and terminated the EnLink AR Facility.

In September 2024, we repaid the remaining $484 million of our $500 million, 2.75% senior notes at maturity with cash on hand.

Equity - On Jan. 31, 2025, we completed the EnLink Acquisition. Pursuant to the EnLink Merger Agreement, each common unit of EnLink was exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.1412 shares of ONEOK Common stock, including EnLink Units that were exchanged for all previously outstanding Series B Preferred Units immediately prior to closing. We issued 41 million shares of common stock, with a fair value of $4.0 billion. There are no remaining Series B Preferred Units outstanding.

On Oct. 17, 2024, EnLink redeemed all outstanding Series C Preferred Units at $1,000 per Series C Preferred Unit, plus $8.28 per Series C Preferred Unit of unpaid distributions, for $365 million with proceeds received from borrowings under the EnLink Revolving Credit Facility. As of Dec. 31. 2024, there are no remaining Series C Preferred Units outstanding.

Share Repurchase Program - In January 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock. We expect shares to be acquired from time to time in open-market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. As of Feb. 17, 2025, we have repurchased 1.675 million shares for $172 million under the program with cash on hand. The program will terminate upon completion of the repurchase of $2.0 billion of common stock or on Jan. 1, 2029, whichever occurs first.

Material Commitments - We have material cash commitments related to our capital expenditures, senior notes and corresponding interest payments, which we expect to fund through our sources of cash inflows discussed above. Our senior notes and interest payments are discussed in Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. We also have cash commitments related to transportation, storage and other commercial contracts, as well as our financial and physical derivative obligations, which we expect to fund with cash from operations.

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Capital Expenditures - We proactively monitor lead times on materials and equipment used in constructing capital projects, and we enter into procurement agreements for long-lead items for potential projects to plan for future growth. Our capital expenditures are financed typically through operating cash flows and short- and long-term debt.

The following table sets forth our capital expenditures, excluding the equity portion of AFUDC, for the periods indicated:

Capital Expenditures2024 (a)20232022
(Millions of dollars)
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$492$448$445
Natural Gas Liquids987818581
Natural Gas Pipelines258228123
Refined Products and Crude (b)21652
Other684953
Total capital expenditures$2,021$1,595$1,202

(a) - Includes capital expenditures for EnLink and Medallion for the period Oct. 15, 2024, and Nov. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024, respectively.

(b) - The year ended Dec. 31, 2023, includes capital expenditures for the period Sept. 25, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023.

Capital expenditures increased in 2024, compared with 2023, due primarily to our capital projects, including our MB-6 fractionator and the NGL and Refined Products and Crude pipeline expansion projects. See discussion of our announced capital projects in the “Recent Developments” section.

We expect total capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC and capitalized interest, of $2.8 - $3.2 billion in 2025.

Credit Ratings - Our long-term debt credit ratings as of Feb. 17, 2025, are shown in the table below:

Rating AgencyLong-Term RatingShort-Term RatingOutlook
Moody’sBaa2Prime-2Stable
S&PBBBA-2Stable
FitchBBBF2Stable

Our credit ratings, which are investment grade, may be affected by our leverage, liquidity, credit profile or potential transactions. The most common criteria for assessment of our credit ratings are the debt-to-EBITDA ratio, interest coverage, business risk profile and liquidity. If our credit ratings were downgraded, our cost to borrow funds under our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement would increase, and a potential loss of access to the commercial paper market could occur. In the event that we are unable to borrow funds under our commercial paper program and there has not been a material adverse change in our business, we would continue to have access to our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in 2030. An adverse credit rating change alone is not a default under our $3.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

In the normal course of business, our counterparties provide us with secured and unsecured credit. In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings or a significant change in our counterparties’ evaluation of our creditworthiness, we could be required to provide additional collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments as a condition of continuing to conduct business with such counterparties. We may be required to fund margin requirements with our counterparties with cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments.

Dividends - Holders of our common stock share equally in any common stock dividends declared by our Board of Directors, subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding preferred stock. In 2024, we paid common stock dividends totaling $3.96 per share, an increase of 3.7% compared to the 2023 dividend of $3.82 per share. In February 2025, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $1.03 per share ($4.12 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 4% compared with the same quarter in the prior year.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, our cash flows from operations exceeded dividends paid by $2.6 billion. We expect our cash flows from operations to continue to sufficiently fund our cash dividends. To the extent operating cash flows are not sufficient to fund our dividends, we may utilize cash on hand from other sources of short- and long-term liquidity to fund a portion of our dividends.

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CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

We use the indirect method to prepare our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under this method, we reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income for those items that affect net income but do not result in actual cash receipts or payments during the period and for operating cash items that do not impact net income. These reconciling items can include depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, impairment charges, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gain or loss on sale of business and assets, net undistributed earnings from equity-method investments, share-based compensation expense, other amounts and changes in our assets and liabilities not classified as investing or financing activities.

The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:

Years Ended Dec. 31,
202420232022
(Millions of dollars)
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$4,888$4,421$2,906
Investing activities(6,612)(6,404)(1,139)
Financing activities2,1192,101(1,693)
Change in cash and cash equivalents39511874
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period338220146
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$733$338$220

Operating Cash Flows - Operating cash flows are affected by earnings from our business activities and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in commodity prices and demand for our services or products, whether because of general economic conditions, changes in supply, changes in demand for the end products that are made with our products or increased competition from other service providers, could affect our earnings and operating cash flows. Our operating cash flows can also be impacted by changes in our inventory balances, which are driven primarily by commodity prices, supply, demand and the operation of our assets.

2024 vs. 2023 - Cash flows from operating activities, before changes in operating assets and liabilities increased $868 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, due primarily to the impact of the Magellan Acquisition in our Refined Products and Crude segment, as discussed in “Financial Results and Operating Information” offset partially by insurance proceeds received from the Medford settlement in 2023.

The changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased operating cash flows $43 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared with an increase of $358 million for the same period in 2023. This change is due primarily to changes in our legal reserve liability as discussed in Note P of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report, changes in risk management assets and liabilities and changes in accounts receivable resulting from the receipts of cash from counterparties and from inventory, both of which varies from period to period, and with changes in commodity prices. These changes were offset partially by changes in accounts payable, which vary from period to period with changes in commodity prices and from the timing of payments to vendors, suppliers and other third parties.

Investing Cash Flows

2024 vs. 2023 - Cash used in investing activities for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, increased $208 million, compared with the same period in 2023, due primarily to cash paid to acquire EnLink and Medallion, capital expenditures related to our capital projects in 2024 and insurance proceeds received from the Medford settlement in 2023, offset partially by proceeds received from the interstate natural gas pipeline divestiture.

Financing Cash Flows

2024 vs. 2023 - Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, increased $18 million compared with the same period in 2023, due primarily to the increase in issuance of senior unsecured notes associated with acquisitions, offset by increased repayments of long-term debt in 2024, including the repayment of the Viking and Guardian Term Loan Agreements and the outstanding borrowings on the EnLink Revolving Credit facility and the EnLink AR Facility, increased dividends paid in 2024 and the repurchase of EnLink’s Series C Preferred Units.

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Cash Flow Analysis for the Year Ended Dec. 31, 2023 vs. 2022 - The cash flow analysis for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, compared with the year ended Dec. 31, 2022, is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information about the impact of new accounting standards is included in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ from our estimates.

The following is a summary of our most critical accounting estimates, which are defined as those estimates most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requiring management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment, particularly because of the need to make estimates concerning the impact of inherently uncertain matters. We have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for the description of our accounting policies.

Fair Value Estimates in Business Combination Accounting - Business combination accounting requires that assets and liabilities be recorded at their estimated fair value in connection with the initial recognition of the transaction. Estimating the fair value of assets and liabilities in connection with business combination accounting requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments, and in some cases management may also utilize third-party specialists to assist and advise on those estimates.

In order to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we utilized widely accepted valuation techniques that included discounted cash flow and cost methods. The discounted cash flow method utilizes assumptions that include, but are not limited to, estimated future cash flows, commodity margin growth rates, discount rates applied to estimated future cash flows, estimated rates of return and estimated customer attrition rates. Cost methods estimate the fair value of assets based on the estimated construction or replacement cost of the assets and requires the use of various inputs and assumptions. While we believe we have made reasonable assumptions to estimate the fair value, these assumptions are inherently uncertain. An estimate of the sensitivity to changes in our assumptions is not practicable given the numerous assumptions, and their interdependence, that can materially affect our estimates.

The purchase price allocation recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.

See Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of business combinations.

Derivatives and Risk-management Activities - We utilize derivatives to reduce our market-risk exposure to commodity price and interest-rate fluctuations and to achieve more predictable cash flows. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. When possible, we implement effective hedging strategies using derivative financial instruments that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss from a change in fair value of the derivative instrument is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted transaction affects earnings, at which time the fair value of the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings.

We assess hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and periodically thereafter, to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective. We do not believe that changes in our fair value estimates of our derivative instruments have a material impact on our results of operations, as the majority of our derivatives are accounted for

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as effective cash flow hedges. However, if a derivative instrument is ineligible for cash flow hedge accounting or if we fail to appropriately designate it as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recorded currently in earnings. Additionally, if a cash flow hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting treatment because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recognized in earnings. For more information on commodity price sensitivity and a discussion of the market risk of pricing changes, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Notes A, D and E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of fair value measurements and derivatives and risk-management activities.

Impairment of Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets and Equity Method Investments - We assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually as of July 1, unless events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred before that time. As part of our goodwill impairment test, we may first assess qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance) to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units was less than its carrying amount. If further testing is necessary, or a quantitative test is elected, we perform a Step 1 analysis for goodwill impairment.

In a Step 1 analysis, an assessment is made by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

We assess our long-lived asset groups, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset group exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. If an impairment is indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived asset group.

We evaluate equity method investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that there is an other-than-temporary loss in value of the investment. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized in our consolidated financial statements as an impairment charge.

Our impairment tests require the use of assumptions and estimates, such as industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. To estimate undiscounted future cash flows of long-lived assets we may apply a probability-weighted approach that incorporates different assumptions and potential outcomes related to the underlying long-lived assets. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist. To estimate the fair value of these assets, we use two generally accepted valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, our discounted cash flow analysis includes the following inputs that are not readily available: a discount rate reflective of industry cost of capital, our estimated contract rates, volumes, operating margins, operating and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Under the market approach, our inputs include EBITDA multiples, which are estimated from recent peer acquisition transactions, and forecasted EBITDA, which incorporates inputs similar to those used under the income approach. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to future impairment charges.

See Notes A, F, G and O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of goodwill and intangible assets, long-lived assets and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Depreciation Methods and Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment - Our property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method that incorporates management assumptions regarding useful economic lives and residual values. As we place additional assets in service or acquire assets as a result of an acquisition or asset purchase, our estimates related to depreciation expense have become more significant and changes in estimated useful lives of our assets could have a material effect on our results of operations. At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that would cause us to change these assumptions, which would change our depreciation expense prospectively. Examples of such circumstances include changes in (i) competition, (ii) laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset, (iii) technology that render an asset obsolete, (iv) expected salvage values, (v) results of rate cases or rate settlements on regulated assets and (vi) forecasts of the remaining economic life for the resource basins where our assets are located, if any. For the fiscal years presented in this Form 10-K, no

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changes were made to the determinations of useful lives that would have a material effect on the timing of depreciation expense in future periods.

See Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of property, plant and equipment.

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001039684-24-000015.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-27. Report date: 2023-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1, Business, our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Please refer to the “Financial Results and Operating Information” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information.

Magellan Acquisition - On September 25, 2023, we completed the Magellan Acquisition. The acquisition strategically diversifies our complementary asset base and allows for significant expected synergies. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each common unit of Magellan was exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.667 shares of ONEOK common stock and $25.00 of cash, for a total consideration of $14.1 billion. In addition, we assumed Magellan's debt at the fair value of $4.0 billion. We issued approximately 135 million shares of common stock, with a fair value of approximately $9.0 billion as of the closing date of the Magellan Acquisition. We funded the cash portion of the acquisition with an underwritten public offering of $5.25 billion senior unsecured notes.

For additional information on the Magellan Acquisition, see Part II, Item 8, Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. See Part 1, Item 1A “Risk Factors” for further discussion of risks related to the Magellan Acquisition. Additional information regarding the financial results and operating information of our Refined Products and Crude segment subsequent to the closing of the Magellan Acquisition is provided in “Financial Results and Operating Information.”

Market Condition - We experienced increased volumes across our system in 2023, compared with 2022, highlighting our extensive and integrated assets located in, and connected with, some of the most productive shale basins, refining regions and demand centers, in the United States.

Medford Incident - In January 2023, we reached an agreement with our insurers to settle all claims for physical damage and business interruption related to the Medford incident that occurred at our 210 MMbl/d Medford, Oklahoma, NGL fractionation facility in July 2022. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we agreed to resolve the claims for total insurance payments of $930 million, $100 million of which was received in 2022. The remaining $830 million was received in the first quarter of 2023, resulting in a one-time settlement gain of $779 million. The proceeds serve as settlement for property damage, business interruption claims to the date of settlement and as payment in lieu of future business interruption insurance claims.

The Medford incident resulted in an increase in operating income and adjusted EBITDA of $663 million, from the settlement gain of $779 million, offset partially by $146 million of third-party fractionation costs compared with an approximately $30

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million unfavorable impact of the 45-day waiting period in the year ended December 31, 2022. We expect our cash from operations in 2024 to be impacted by incurred costs resulting from the Medford incident for which we no longer receive business interruption proceeds.

For additional information on the Medford Incident, see Part II, Item 8, Note C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Ethane Economics - Price differentials between ethane and natural gas can cause natural gas processors to recover ethane or leave it in the natural gas stream, known as ethane rejection. As a result of these ethane economics, ethane volumes on our system can fluctuate. Ethane volumes under long-term contracts delivered to our NGL system increased 25 MBbl/d to an average of 475 MBbl/d during 2023, compared with an average of 450 MBbl/d in 2022, due primarily to changes in ethane extraction economics. We estimate that there are approximately 250 MBbl/d of discretionary ethane, consisting of approximately 150 MBbl/d in the Rocky Mountain region and approximately 100 MBbl/d in the Mid-Continent region, that could be recovered and transported on our system.

Capital Projects - Our primary capital projects are outlined in the table below:

ProjectScopeApproximate Costs (a)Completion
Natural Gas Liquids(In millions)
MB-5 fractionator125 MBbl/d NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas$750Completed
MB-6 fractionator125 MBbl/d NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas$550First Quarter 2025
West Texas NGL pipeline expansionIncrease capacity to 740 MBbl/d in the Permian Basin$520First Quarter 2025
Elk Creek pipeline expansionIncrease capacity to 435 MBbl/d out of the Rocky Mountain region$355First Quarter 2025
Natural Gas Pipelines
Viking compressor stationsElectrification and replacement of certain compressor assets$110Completed

(a) - Excludes capitalized interest/AFUDC.

Debt Issuances - In August 2023, we completed an underwritten public offering of $5.25 billion senior unsecured notes consisting of $750 million, 5.55% senior notes due 2026; $750 million, 5.65% senior notes due 2028; $500 million, 5.80% senior notes due 2030; $1.5 billion, 6.05% senior notes due 2033; and $1.75 billion, 6.625% senior notes due 2053. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $5.2 billion. The net proceeds were used to fund the cash consideration and other costs related to the Magellan Acquisition.

Debt Repayments - In 2023, we repurchased in the open market outstanding principal of certain of our senior notes in the amount of $322 million for an aggregate repurchase price of $280 million, including accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand. In connection with these open market repurchases, we recognized $41 million of net gains on extinguishment of debt.

In June 2023, we redeemed our $500 million, 7.5% senior notes due September 2023 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand.

In February 2023, we redeemed our $425 million, 5.0% senior notes due September 2023 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand.

Share Repurchase Program - In January 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock and targets the program to be largely utilized over the next four years. We expect shares to be acquired from time to time in open-market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. We expect any purchases to be funded by cash on hand, cash flow from operations and short-term borrowings. The program will terminate upon completion of the repurchase of $2.0 billion of common stock or on January 1, 2029, whichever occurs first. As of February 20, 2024, no shares have been repurchased under the program.

Dividends - During 2023, we paid common stock dividends totaling $3.82 per share, an increase of 2% compared to the 2022 dividend of $3.74 per share. In February 2024, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.99 per share ($3.96 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 3.7% compared with the same quarter in the prior year. Our dividend growth is primarily due to the increase in cash flows resulting from the growth of our operations.

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FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. Our consolidated financial metrics include: (1) operating income; (2) net income; (3) diluted EPS; and (4) adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate segment operating results using adjusted EBITDA and our operating metrics, which include various volume and rate statistics that are relevant for the respective segment. These operating metrics allow investors to analyze the various components of segment financial results in terms of volumes and rate/price. Management uses these metrics to analyze historical segment financial results and as the key inputs for forecasting and budgeting segment financial results. For additional information on our operating metrics, see the respective segment subsections of this “Financial Results and Operating Information” section.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash impairment charges, income taxes, noncash compensation expense and certain other noncash items. Following the Magellan Acquisition, we performed a review of our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA, and beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation to include the adjusted EBITDA related to our unconsolidated affiliates using the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in net earnings from investments. In prior periods, our calculation included equity in net earnings from investments. This change resulted in an additional $62 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods. Adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates is calculated consistently with the definition above and excludes items such as interest, depreciation, income taxes and other noncash items. Although the amounts related to our unconsolidated affiliates are included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA, such inclusion should not be understood to imply that we have control over the operations and resulting revenues, expenses or cash flows of such unconsolidated affiliates.

We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it and similar measures are used by many companies in our industry as a measurement of financial performance and is commonly employed by financial analysts and others to evaluate our financial performance and to compare financial performance among companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, EPS or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this calculation may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies.

Consolidated Operations

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected financial results for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Financial Results202320222021$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Commodity sales$15,614$20,976$15,180(5,362)5,796
Services2,0631,4111,36065251
Total revenues17,67722,38716,540(4,710)5,847
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of items shown separately below)11,92917,91012,257(5,981)5,653
Operating costs1,5351,1491,06738682
Depreciation and amortization7696266221434
Transaction costs158158
Other operating income, net(786)(105)(2)681103
Operating income$4,072$2,807$2,5961,265211
Equity in net earnings from investments$202$148$1225426
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest$(866)$(676)$(733)190(57)
Net income$2,659$1,722$1,500937222
Diluted EPS$5.48$3.84$3.351.640.49
Adjusted EBITDA$5,243$3,620$3,3801,623240
Capital expenditures$1,595$1,202$697393505

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

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Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2023 vs. 2022 - Operating income increased $1.3 billion primarily as a result of the following:

•Natural Gas Gathering and Processing - an increase of $227 million from higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions and an increase of $49 million due primarily to higher average fee rates;

•Natural Gas Liquids - an increase of $663 million related to the Medford incident and an increase of $303 million in exchange services;

•Natural Gas Pipelines - an increase of $43 million in transportation and storage services; and

•Refined Products and Crude - transportation and storage revenues of $535 million for the period of September 25, 2023, through December 31, 2023 due to the impact of the Magellan Acquisition; offset by

•Consolidated Operating, Depreciation and Transaction Costs - an increase of $290 million in operating costs and depreciation expense from our Refined Products and Crude segment, an increase of $158 million from transaction costs related to the Magellan Acquisition and an increase of $239 million due primarily to higher operating costs and depreciation expense in our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids and Natural Gas Pipelines segments.

Net income and diluted EPS increased due primarily to the items discussed above, higher equity in net earnings from investments, higher interest income due to both higher cash balances and higher interest rates and net gains on extinguishment of debt related to open market repurchases. These increases were offset partially by higher income taxes and higher interest expense due to interest costs resulting from the Magellan Acquisition, which include acquired debt balances, our August 2023 $5.25 billion notes offering and commitment fees associated with our undrawn and terminated 364-day bridge loan facility.

Capital expenditures increased due primarily to our capital projects, including our MB-6 fractionator, NGL pipeline expansion projects and the Viking compression project.

Additional information regarding our financial results and operating information is provided in the following discussion for each of our four segments. In connection with the Magellan Acquisition, we reviewed our business segments in light of certain changes in the financial information regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker and other factors. Based on this review, we added the Refined Products and Crude segment. This change, which was effective as of September 25, 2023, had no impact on our consolidated financial statements for any periods.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 vs. 2021 - The consolidated and segment financial results and operating information for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the year ended December 31, 2021, are included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment invests in capital projects in NGL-rich areas where we operate.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

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Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Financial Results202320222021$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$2,479$3,690$2,821(1,211)869
Residue natural gas sales1,3982,6741,484(1,276)1,190
Gathering, compression, dehydration and processing fees and other revenue1791691561013
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(2,364)(5,117)(3,226)(2,753)1,891
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(448)(386)(351)6235
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)11
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)54(5)1
Other(1)21(3)1
Adjusted EBITDA$1,244$1,037$889207148
Capital expenditures$448$445$2753170

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates, which resulted in an additional $3 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods. See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenue and cost of sales and fuel, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2023 vs. 2022 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $207 million, primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $227 million from higher volumes due primarily to increased producer activity in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions, and the impact of winter weather in the Rocky Mountain region in the second and fourth quarters of 2022; and

•an increase of $49 million due primarily to higher average fee rates and realized condensate prices, net of hedging, offset partially by lower realized NGL prices, net of hedging; offset by

•an increase of $62 million in operating costs due primarily to higher employee-related costs, outside services and materials and supplies expense due primarily to the growth of our operations, and higher property insurance premiums.

Capital expenditures remained relatively unchanged for 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to increased expenditures in 2023 on various capital projects, offset by expenditures in 2022 on our Demicks Lake III project completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202320222021
Natural gas processed (BBtu/d) (b)2,9952,6122,515
Average fee rate ($/MMBtu)$1.17$1.10$1.04

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

(b) - Includes volumes we processed at company-owned and third-party facilities.

2023 vs. 2022 - Our natural gas processed volumes increased due primarily to increased producer activity in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions and the impact of winter weather in the Rocky Mountain region in the second and fourth quarters of 2022.

Our average fee rate increased due primarily to increased contribution of volumes on higher fee contracts in the Williston Basin and inflation-based escalators in our contracts. Also, for certain fee with POP contracts, our contractual fees increased due to production volumes, delivery pressures or commodity prices relative to specified contractual thresholds.

Natural Gas Liquids

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Liquids segment invests in capital projects to transport, fractionate, store, deliver to market centers and receive NGL supply from shale and other resource development areas. Our growth strategy is focused around

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connecting diversified supply basins from the Rocky Mountain region through the Mid-Continent region and the Permian Basin with demand for Purity NGLs from the petrochemical and refining industries and NGL exports in the Gulf Coast. We proactively monitor lead times on materials and equipment used in constructing capital projects, and we enter into procurement agreements for long-lead items for potential projects to plan for future growth. See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for more information on our capital projects.

In 2023, we connected two third-party natural gas processing plants in the Permian Basin and one affiliate natural gas processing plant in the Rocky Mountain region.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Liquids segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Financial Results202320222021$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$13,666$18,329$13,653(4,663)4,676
Exchange service and other revenues5595585591(1)
Transportation and storage revenues20418018024
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(11,592)(16,546)(11,940)(4,954)4,606
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(637)(549)(499)8850
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)6767
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)3521(35)14
Other77888(10)69098
Adjusted EBITDA$3,045$2,095$1,964950131
Capital expenditures$818$581$307237274

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates which resulted in an additional $9 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods. See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2023 vs. 2022 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $950 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $663 million related to the Medford incident, due to the settlement gain of $779 million, offset partially by $146 million of third-party fractionation costs, compared with an approximately $30 million unfavorable impact of the 45-day waiting period in 2022;

•an increase of $303 million in exchange services due primarily to higher volumes across the system, offset partially by narrower commodity price differentials;

•an increase of $32 million in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates due primarily to higher volumes delivered to the Overland Pass pipeline and the change in calculation methodology in 2023;

•an increase of $20 million due primarily to higher volumes on the ONEOK North System and higher storage revenue; and

•an increase of $12 million in optimization and marketing due primarily to higher earnings on sales of Purity NGLs held in inventory; offset by

•an increase of $88 million in operating costs due primarily to higher employee-related costs and higher outside services due to the growth of our operations, and higher property insurance premiums.

Capital expenditures increased in 2023 due primarily to capital projects, which includes our MB-6 fractionator and pipeline expansion projects.

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Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information202320222021
Raw feed throughput (MBbl/d) (a)1,3591,2371,198
Average Conway-to-Mont Belvieu OPIS price differential - ethane in ethane/propane mix ($/gallon)$0.04$0.04$(0.01)

(a) - Represents physical raw feed volumes for which we provide transportation and/or fractionation services.

We generally expect ethane volumes to increase or decrease with corresponding increases or decreases in overall NGL production. However, ethane volumes may experience growth or decline greater than corresponding growth or decline in overall NGL production due to ethane economics causing producers to recover or reject ethane.

2023 vs. 2022 - Volumes increased due primarily to increased production in the Permian Basin and Rocky Mountain region and increased ethane volumes in the Mid-Continent region.

Natural Gas Pipelines

Capital Projects - Our Natural Gas Pipelines segment invests in capital projects that provide transportation and storage services to end users. In February 2024, the FERC approved our Saguaro Connector Pipeline, L.L.C.’s Presidential Permit application to construct and operate new international border-crossing facilities at the U.S. and Mexico border. The proposed border facilities would connect upstream with a potential intrastate pipeline, the Saguaro Connector pipeline. Additionally, the proposed border facilities would connect at the international boundary with a new pipeline under development in Mexico for delivery to a liquefied natural gas export facility on the west coast of Mexico. The final investment decision on the Saguaro Connector pipeline is expected by mid-year 2024.

In 2023, we completed an expansion of our injection capabilities of our Oklahoma natural gas storage facilities, which allowed us to utilize and subscribe an additional 4 Bcf of our existing storage capacity, which is fully subscribed through 2027 and 90% subscribed through 2029. We are reactivating previously idled storage facilities with 3 Bcf of working gas storage capacity in Texas, which is already fully subscribed on a firm basis. We are also further expanding our injection capabilities in Oklahoma to allow us to subscribe additional firm storage capacity.

See “Capital Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for a discussion of our capital projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Pipelines segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Financial Results202320222021$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Transportation revenues$423$409$41314(4)
Storage revenues159130782952
Residue natural gas sales and other revenues41401161(76)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(28)(25)(11)314
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(194)(174)(162)2012
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (a)160160
Equity in net earnings from investments (a)10897(108)11
Other(2)(3)(2)3
Adjusted EBITDA$559$488$52871(40)
Capital expenditures$228$123$9310530

(a) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates which resulted in an additional $42 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods. See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

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2023 vs. 2022 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $71 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $43 million in transportation and storage services due primarily to higher storage rates on renegotiated contracts, higher storage volumes related to completed projects and higher firm and interruptible transportation volumes; and

•an increase of $42 million in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates due to the change in calculation methodology in 2023; offset by

•an increase of $20 million in operating costs due primarily to higher employee-related costs.

Capital expenditures increased in 2023 due primarily to capital projects, including the Viking compression project.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202320222021
Natural gas transportation capacity contracted (MDth/d)7,7437,4287,395
Transportation capacity contracted96%94%95%

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

In April 2022, the FERC initiated a review of Guardian’s rates pursuant to Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act. In August 2022, Guardian reached a settlement in principle with the participants in the Section 5 rate case. The FERC approved the settlement in February 2023, which resulted in a reduction of rates starting in April 2023. The reduced rates did not have a material impact on our results of operations.

In July 2023, Viking filed a proposed increase in rates pursuant to Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act with the FERC. The FERC is currently reviewing the filing. While the ultimate outcome of the filing cannot be predicted, we do not expect it to materially impact our results of operations.

Refined Products and Crude

Capital Projects - Our Refined Products and Crude segment invests in capital projects to transport, store and distribute Refined Products and crude oil primarily throughout the central United States. Our growth strategy is focused on expanding our core business and marketing presence.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Refined Products and Crude segment for the period subsequent to the closing of the Magellan Acquisition:

September 25 through December 31, 2023
Financial Results
(Millions of dollars)
Product sales$502
Transportation revenues392
Storage, terminals and other revenues177
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(450)
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(192)
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates36
Adjusted EBITDA$465
Capital expenditures$52

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

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Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

Three Months Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)2023
Refined Products volume shipped (MBbl/d)1,547
Crude oil volume shipped (MBbl/d)808

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, the nearest comparable GAAP financial performance measure, to adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
(Unaudited)202320222021
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA(Millions of dollars)
Net income$2,659$1,722$1,500
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest866676733
Depreciation and amortization769626622
Income taxes838528484
Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates (c)264
Equity in net earnings from investments (c)(202)
Noncash compensation expense and other496841
Adjusted EBITDA (a)(b)(c)$5,243$3,620$3,380
Reconciliation of segment adjusted EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$1,244$1,037$889
Natural Gas Liquids (a)3,0452,0951,964
Natural Gas Pipelines559488528
Refined Products and Crude (d)465
Other (b)(70)(1)
Adjusted EBITDA (a)(b)(c)$5,243$3,620$3,380

(a) - The year ended December 31, 2023, includes $633 million related to the Medford incident, including a settlement gain of $779 million, offset partially by $146 million of third-party fractionation costs.

(b) - The year ended December 31, 2023, primarily includes transaction costs related to the Magellan Acquisition of $158 million, offset partially by interest income of $49 million and net gains of $41 million on extinguishment of debt related to open market repurchases.

(c) - Beginning in 2023, we updated our calculation methodology of adjusted EBITDA to include adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated affiliates using the same recognition and measurement methods used to record equity in net earnings from investments. In prior periods, our calculation included equity in net earnings from investments. This change resulted in an additional $62 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2023, and we have not restated prior periods.

(d) - Includes segment adjusted EBITDA for the period September 25, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

CONTINGENCIES

See Note O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a discussion of environmental and legal matters.

Other Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General - Our primary sources of cash inflows are operating cash flows, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, debt issuances and the issuance of common stock for our liquidity and capital resources requirements.

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In January 2023, we reached an agreement with our insurers to settle all claims for physical damage and business interruption related to the Medford incident. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we agreed to resolve the claims for total insurance payments of $930 million, $100 million of which was received in 2022. The remaining $830 million was received in the first quarter of 2023. The proceeds serve as settlement for property damage, business interruption claims to the date of settlement and as payment in lieu of future business interruption insurance claims. We expect our cash from operations in 2024 to be impacted by incurred costs resulting from the Medford incident for which we no longer receive business interruption proceeds.

We expect our sources of cash inflows to provide sufficient resources to finance our operations, capital expenditures, quarterly cash dividends, maturities of long-term debt, share repurchases and contributions to unconsolidated affiliates. We believe we have sufficient liquidity due to our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in June 2027, and access to $1.0 billion available through our “at-the-market” equity program. As of the date of this report, no shares have been sold through our “at-the-market” equity program.

We may manage interest-rate risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt, Treasury locks and interest-rate swaps. For additional information on our interest-rate swaps, see Note E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Cash Management - At December 31, 2023, we had $338 million of cash and cash equivalents. We use a centralized cash management program that concentrates the cash assets of our nonguarantor operating subsidiaries in joint accounts for the purposes of providing financial flexibility and lowering the cost of borrowing, transaction costs and bank fees. Our centralized cash management program provides that funds in excess of the daily needs of our operating subsidiaries are concentrated, consolidated or otherwise made available for use by other entities within our consolidated group. Our operating subsidiaries participate in this program to the extent they are permitted pursuant to FERC regulations or their operating agreements. Under the cash management program, depending on whether a participating subsidiary has short-term cash surpluses or cash requirements, we provide cash to the subsidiary or the subsidiary provides cash to us.

Guarantees - In December 2023, ONEOK assumed the debt obligations of Magellan under its previous debt indentures and Magellan provided a guarantee of the outstanding notes. As of December 31, 2023, Magellan no longer had debt obligations outstanding. We guarantee certain debt securities of ONEOK Partners, and ONEOK Partners, the Intermediate Partnership and Magellan guarantee certain of our debt securities. The guarantees in place for our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness are full, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute joint and several guarantees to the holders of each series of outstanding securities. Liabilities under the guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Intermediate Partnership holds all of ONEOK Partners’ interests and equity in its subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries. Magellan holds interests in its subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries. Therefore, as allowed under Rule 13-01, we have excluded the summarized financial information for each issuer and guarantor as the combined financial information of the subsidiary issuers and parent guarantor, excluding our ownership of all the interests in ONEOK Partners and Magellan, reflect no material assets, liabilities or results of operations, apart from the guaranteed indebtedness. For additional information on our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness, please see Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Short-term Liquidity - Our principal sources of short-term liquidity consist of cash generated from operating activities, distributions received from our equity-method investments, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement and we are in compliance with all covenants.

We had working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) deficits of $344 million and $503 million as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively due primarily to current maturities of long-term debt. Generally, our working capital is influenced by several factors, including, among other things: (i) the timing of (a) debt and equity issuances, (b) the funding of capital expenditures, (c) scheduled debt repayments, and (d) accounts receivable and payable; and (ii) the volume and cost of inventory and commodity imbalances. We may have working capital deficits in future periods as our long-term debt becomes current. We do not expect a working capital deficit of this nature to have a material adverse impact to our cash flows or operations.

For additional information on our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, see Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

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Long-term Financing - In addition to our principal sources of short-term liquidity discussed above, we expect to fund our longer-term financing requirements by issuing long-term notes, as needed. Other options to obtain financing include, but are not limited to, issuing common stock, loans from financial institutions, issuance of convertible debt securities or preferred equity securities, asset securitization and the sale and lease-back of facilities.

We may, at any time, seek to retire or purchase our or ONEOK Partners’ outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt, in open-market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases and exchanges, if any, will be on such terms and prices as we may determine, and will depend on prevailing market conditions, or liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Debt Issuances - In August 2023, we completed an underwritten public offering of $5.25 billion senior unsecured notes consisting of $750 million, 5.55% senior notes due 2026; $750 million, 5.65% senior notes due 2028; $500 million, 5.80% senior notes due 2030; $1.5 billion, 6.05% senior notes due 2033; and $1.75 billion, 6.625% senior notes due 2053. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $5.2 billion. The net proceeds were used to fund the cash consideration and other costs related to the Magellan Acquisition. In connection with the underwritten public offering, we terminated the undrawn commitment letter for the $5.25 billion unsecured 364-day bridge loan facility.

Debt Repayments - In 2023, we repurchased in the open market outstanding principal of certain of our senior notes in the amount of $322 million for an aggregate repurchase price of $280 million, including accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand. In connection with these open market repurchases, we recognized $41 million of net gains on extinguishment of debt.

In November 2023, we made an equity contribution of $91 million to Northern Border, which in combination with an equal contribution from our joint venture partner, was used to partially repay the outstanding balance of its revolving credit facility and fund capital projects.

In June 2023, we redeemed our $500 million, 7.5% senior notes due September 2023 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand.

In June 2023, we made an equity contribution of $105 million to Roadrunner, which, in combination with an equal contribution from our joint venture partner, was used to repay Roadrunner’s outstanding debt.

In February 2023, we redeemed our $425 million, 5.0% senior notes due September 2023 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand.

Equity Issuances - On September 25, 2023, we completed the Magellan Acquisition. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each common unit of Magellan was exchanged for a fixed ratio of 0.667 shares of ONEOK common stock and $25.00 of cash, for a total consideration of $14.1 billion. We issued approximately 135 million shares of common stock, with a fair value of approximately $9.0 billion as of the closing date of the Magellan Acquisition.

Share Repurchase Program - In January 2024, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to buy up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock and targets the program to be largely utilized over the next four years. We expect shares to be acquired from time to time in open-market transactions or through privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. We expect any purchases to be funded by cash on hand, cash flow from operations and short-term borrowings. The program will terminate upon completion of the repurchase of $2.0 billion of common stock or on January 1, 2029, whichever occurs first. As of February 20, 2024, no shares have been repurchased under the program.

Material Commitments - We have material cash commitments related to our capital expenditures, senior notes and corresponding interest payments, which we expect to fund through our sources of cash inflows discussed above. Our senior notes and interest payments are discussed in Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. We also have cash commitments related to transportation, storage and other commercial contracts, as well as our financial and physical derivative obligations, which we expect to fund with cash from operations.

Capital Expenditures - We proactively monitor lead times on materials and equipment used in constructing capital projects, and we enter into procurement agreements for long-lead items for potential projects to plan for future growth. Our capital expenditures are financed typically through operating cash flows and short- and long-term debt.

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The following table sets forth our capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC, for the periods indicated:

Capital Expenditures202320222021
(Millions of dollars)
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$448$445$275
Natural Gas Liquids818581307
Natural Gas Pipelines22812393
Refined Products and Crude (a)52
Other495322
Total capital expenditures$1,595$1,202$697

(a) - Includes capital expenditures for the period September 25, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

Capital expenditures increased in 2023, compared with 2022, due primarily to our capital projects, including our MB-6 fractionator, NGL pipeline expansion projects and the Viking compression project. See discussion of our announced capital projects in the “Recent Developments” section.

We expect total capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC and capitalized interest, of $1.75-$1.95 billion in 2024.

Credit Ratings - Our long-term debt credit ratings as of February 20, 2024, are shown in the table below:

Rating AgencyLong-Term RatingShort-Term RatingOutlook
Moody’sBaa2Prime-2Stable
S&PBBBA-2Stable
FitchBBBF2Stable

Our credit ratings, which are investment grade, may be affected by our leverage, liquidity, credit profile or potential transactions. In April 2023, Moody’s upgraded the rating on our long-term debt to Baa2 from Baa3, the rating on our short-term debt to Prime-2 from Prime-3 and changed the outlook to stable from positive. The most common criteria for assessment of our credit ratings are the debt-to-EBITDA ratio, interest coverage, business risk profile and liquidity. If our credit ratings were downgraded, our cost to borrow funds under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement could increase and a potential loss of access to the commercial paper market could occur. In the event that we are unable to borrow funds under our commercial paper program and there has not been a material adverse change in our business, we would continue to have access to our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in 2027. An adverse credit rating change alone is not a default under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

In the normal course of business, our counterparties provide us with secured and unsecured credit. In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings or a significant change in our counterparties’ evaluation of our creditworthiness, we could be required to provide additional collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments as a condition of continuing to conduct business with such counterparties. We may be required to fund margin requirements with our counterparties with cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments.

Dividends - Holders of our common stock share equally in any common stock dividends declared by our Board of Directors, subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding preferred stock. In 2023, we paid common stock dividends totaling $3.82 per share, an increase of 2% compared to the 2022 dividend of $3.74 per share. In February 2024, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.99 per share ($3.96 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 3.7% compared with the same quarter in the prior year.

Our Series E Preferred Stock pays quarterly dividends on each share of Series E Preferred Stock, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, at a rate of 5.5% per year. In 2023, we paid dividends for the Series E Preferred Stock of $1 million for the series E preferred stock. In February 2024, we paid quarterly dividends totaling $0.3 million for the Series E Preferred Stock.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, our cash flows from operations exceeded dividends paid by $2.6 billion, due in part to the insurance proceeds received from the Medford settlement in 2023. We expect our cash flows from operations to continue to sufficiently fund our cash dividends. To the extent operating cash flows are not sufficient to fund our dividends, we may utilize cash on hand from other sources of short- and long-term liquidity to fund a portion of our dividends.

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CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

We use the indirect method to prepare our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under this method, we reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income for those items that affect net income but do not result in actual cash receipts or payments during the period and for operating cash items that do not impact net income. These reconciling items can include depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, impairment charges, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gain or loss on sale of assets, net undistributed earnings from equity-method investments, share-based compensation expense, other amounts and changes in our assets and liabilities not classified as investing or financing activities.

The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
(Millions of dollars)
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$4,421$2,906$2,546
Investing activities(6,404)(1,139)(665)
Financing activities2,101(1,693)(2,259)
Change in cash and cash equivalents11874(378)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period220146524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$338$220$146

Operating Cash Flows - Operating cash flows are affected by earnings from our business activities and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in commodity prices and demand for our services or products, whether because of general economic conditions, changes in supply, changes in demand for the end products that are made with our products or increased competition from other service providers, could affect our earnings and operating cash flows. Our operating cash flows can also be impacted by changes in our inventory balances, which are driven primarily by commodity prices, supply, demand and the operation of our assets.

2023 vs. 2022 - Cash flows from operating activities, before changes in operating assets and liabilities increased $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with the same period in 2022, due primarily to higher operating income resulting from higher volumes from increased production and higher average fee rates in our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment, higher exchange services in our Natural Gas Liquids segment, higher transportation and storage services in our Natural Gas Pipelines segment and an increase due to the impact of the Magellan Acquisition in our Refined Products and Crude segment; and insurance proceeds received from the Medford settlement. Please see “Financial Results and Operating Information” for a discussion of operating results.

The changes in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flows $358 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared with a decrease of $58 million for the same period in 2022. This change is due primarily to changes in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of receipt of cash from counterparties and from inventory, both of which vary from period to period, and with changes in commodity prices; offset partially by changes in risk management assets and liabilities.

Investing Cash Flows

2023 vs. 2022 - Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $5.3 billion, compared with the same period in 2022, due primarily to the $5.0 billion of cash paid for the Magellan Acquisition.

Financing Cash Flows

2023 vs. 2022 - Cash from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased $3.8 billion compared with the same period in 2022, due primarily to the issuance of $5.25 billion senior unsecured notes associated with the Magellan Acquisition.

Cash Flow Analysis for the Year Ended December 31, 2022 vs. 2021 - The cash flow analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with the year ended December 31, 2021, is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s

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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information about the impact of new accounting standards is included in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ from our estimates.

The following is a summary of our most critical accounting estimates, which are defined as those estimates most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requiring management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment, particularly because of the need to make estimates concerning the impact of inherently uncertain matters. We have discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for the description of our accounting policies.

Fair Value Estimates in Business Combination Accounting - Business combination accounting requires that assets and liabilities be recorded at their estimated fair value in connection with the initial recognition of the transaction. Estimating the fair value of assets and liabilities in connection with business combination accounting requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments, and in some cases management may also utilize third-party specialists to assist and advise on those estimates.

In order to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we utilized widely accepted valuation techniques that included discounted cash flow and cost methods. The discounted cash flow method utilizes assumptions that include, but are not limited to, estimated future cash flows, discount rates applied to estimated future cash flows, estimated rates of return and estimated customer attrition rates. Cost methods estimate the fair value of assets based on the estimated construction cost of the assets, and requires the use of various inputs and assumptions. While we believe we have made reasonable assumptions to estimate the fair value, these assumptions are inherently uncertain. An estimate of the sensitivity to changes in our assumptions is not practicable given the numerous assumptions, and their interdependence, that can materially affect our estimates.

The purchase price allocation recorded in a business combination may change during the measurement period, which is a period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, as additional information about conditions existing at the acquisition date becomes available.

See Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of the business combination.

Derivatives and Risk-Management Activities - We utilize derivatives to reduce our market-risk exposure to commodity price and interest-rate fluctuations and to achieve more predictable cash flows. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. When possible, we implement effective hedging strategies using derivative financial instruments that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss from a change in fair value of the derivative instrument is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted transaction affects earnings, at which time the fair value of the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings.

We assess hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge, and periodically thereafter, to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective. We do not believe that changes in our fair value estimates of our derivative instruments have a material impact on our results of operations, as the majority of our derivatives are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges. However, if a derivative instrument is ineligible for cash flow hedge accounting or if we fail to appropriately designate it as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recorded currently

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in earnings. Additionally, if a cash flow hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting treatment because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recognized in earnings. For more information on commodity price sensitivity and a discussion of the market risk of pricing changes, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Notes A, D and E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of fair value measurements and derivatives and risk-management activities.

Impairment of Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets and Equity Method Investments - We assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually as of July 1, unless events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred before that time. As part of our goodwill impairment test, we may first assess qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance) to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill was less than its carrying amount. If further testing is necessary or a quantitative test is elected, we perform a Step 1 analysis for goodwill impairment.

In a Step 1 analysis, an assessment is made by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

We assess our long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment is indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived asset.

We evaluate equity method investments in unconsolidated affiliates for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that there is an other-than-temporary loss in value of the investment. When evidence of loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of fair value of the investment to the carrying value of the investment to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and we consider the decline in value to be other-than-temporary, the excess of the carrying value over the fair value is recognized in our consolidated financial statements as an impairment charge.

Our impairment tests require the use of assumptions and estimates, such as industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. To estimate undiscounted future cash flows of long-lived assets we may apply a probability-weighted approach that incorporates different assumptions and potential outcomes related to the underlying long-lived assets. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist. To estimate the fair value of these assets, we use two generally accepted valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, our discounted cash flow analysis includes the following inputs that are not readily available: a discount rate reflective of industry cost of capital, our estimated contract rates, volumes, operating margins, operating and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Under the market approach, our inputs include EBITDA multiples, which are estimated from recent peer acquisition transactions, and forecasted EBITDA, which incorporates inputs similar to those used under the income approach. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to future impairment charges.

See Notes A, F, G and N of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of goodwill and intangible assets, long-lived assets and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Depreciation Methods and Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment - Our property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method that incorporates management assumptions regarding useful economic lives and residual values. As we place additional assets in service or acquire assets as a result of an acquisition or asset purchase, our estimates related to depreciation expense have become more significant and changes in estimated useful lives of our assets could have a material effect on our results of operations. At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that would cause us to change these assumptions, which would change our depreciation expense prospectively. Examples of such circumstances include changes in (i) competition, (ii) laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset, (iii) technology that render an asset obsolete, (iv) expected salvage values, (v) results of rate cases or rate settlements on regulated assets and (vi) forecasts of the remaining economic life for the resource basins where our assets are located, if any. For the fiscal years presented in this Form 10-K, no changes were made to the determinations of useful lives that would have a material effect on the timing of depreciation expense in future periods.

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See Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of property, plant and equipment.

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001039684-23-000016.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-02-28. Report date: 2022-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1, Business, our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Please refer to the “Financial Results and Operating Information” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information.

Market Conditions - We experienced earnings growth in 2022, compared with 2021, due primarily to increased producer activity across our operations, higher realized commodity prices, net of hedging and higher average fee rates. In 2023, we expect to benefit from higher volumes, our completed Demicks Lake III natural gas processing plant and the expected completion of our MB-5 NGL fractionator, highlighting our extensive and integrated assets that are located in some of the most productive shale basins in the United States.

Medford Incident - On July 9, 2022, a fire occurred at our 210 MBbl/d Medford, Oklahoma, natural gas liquids fractionation facility. All personnel were safe and accounted for with temporary evacuations of local residents taken as a precautionary measure.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2022, includes the unfavorable impact of our $5 million property deductible and approximately $30 million of losses incurred associated with the 45-day waiting period for business interruption coverage. Beginning in August 2022, we developed claims related to the Medford incident and recorded accruals for expected insurance recoveries. The table below sets forth our 2022 insurance accruals associated with the Medford incident:

2022 Insurance Accruals
(Millions of dollars)
Business interruption$96.1
Noncash property losses45.6
Medford response expenses9.0
Total insurance recoveries accrued (a)$150.7

(a) - We received a $100 million payment in the fourth quarter 2022, leaving a receivable balance at December 31, 2022, of $50.7 million.

Our business interruption insurance includes coverage for (i) incurred costs and losses that are either unavoidable or incurred to mitigate or reduce losses and (ii) lost earnings. Our business interruption insurance accruals in the table above primarily represent third-party fractionation costs and fully offset the actual losses incurred in 2022, subsequent to the 45-day waiting period.

We assessed the property damage to our facility and wrote off assets totaling $45.6 million, which represents the carrying value associated with certain damaged Medford facility property. These noncash property losses are fully offset by insurance recoveries noted in the table above. We expect to continue to operate NGL pipeline assets in Medford along with existing offices for regional operations. In addition, we are preserving certain Medford assets for future potential NGL facilities that could be constructed in Medford to enhance our NGL business as the market evolves. For additional information on the Medford incident, see Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Subsequent Event - On January 9, 2023, we reached an agreement with our insurers to settle all claims for physical damage and business interruption related to the Medford incident. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we agreed to resolve the claims for total insurance payments of $930 million, $100 million of which was received in 2022. The remaining $830 million was received in the first quarter 2023. The proceeds serve as settlement for property damage, business interruption claims to the date of settlement and as payment in lieu of future business interruption insurance claims.

In the first quarter 2023, we applied the $830 million received to our outstanding insurance receivable at December 31, 2022, of $50.7 million, and recorded a gain in operating income for the remaining $779.3 million. We expect our cash from operations in the remainder of 2023 and in 2024 to be impacted by incurred costs and losses resulting from the Medford incident for which we will no longer receive business interruption proceeds.

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Due to market demand and a more favorable completion schedule, we announced plans to construct a new 125 MBbl/d MB-6 NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas, instead of rebuilding our Medford NGL fractionator at this time. The MB-6 fractionator will have the capability to produce purity ethane instead of the ethane/propane mix previously produced at the Medford facility. The 125 MBbl/d capacity of the MB-6 fractionator is expected to be economically equivalent to the capacity lost at Medford. In addition, our 125 MBbl/d MB-5 NGL fractionator remains on schedule to be completed early in the second quarter of 2023, which is expected to reduce the need for third-party fractionation while the new MB-6 fractionator is being constructed. Until these projects are completed, we expect to continue to provide midstream services through existing arrangements with industry peers, along with our integrated NGL pipeline system between the Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast regions and our fractionation and storage assets.

Ethane Production - Price differentials between ethane and natural gas can cause natural gas processors to extract ethane or leave it in the natural gas stream, known as ethane rejection. As a result of these ethane economics, ethane volumes on our system can fluctuate. In the second half of 2022, ethane prices decreased relative to natural gas prices, as overall demand decreased, and were further impacted by lower petrochemical plant utilization, both planned and unplanned. This resulted in higher ethane rejection across most basins where we operate, with the largest impact in the Mid-Continent region, compared with the first half of 2022. As utilization increases and demand for feedstock returns, we expect improvement in ethane economics; however, price fluctuations are expected to continue.

Ethane volumes under long-term contracts delivered to our NGL system increased approximately 20 MBbl/d to an average of 450 MBbl/d in 2022, compared with 430 MBbl/d in 2021, due primarily to changes in ethane extraction economics. We estimate that there are more than 225 MBbl/d of discretionary ethane, consisting of more than 125 MBbl/d in the Rocky Mountain region and approximately 100 MBbl/d in the Mid-Continent region, that can be recovered and transported on our system.

Growth Projects - We operate an integrated, reliable and diversified network of NGL and natural gas gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage assets connecting supply in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and Permian regions with key market centers. Our primary capital-growth projects are outlined in the table below:

ProjectScopeApproximate Costs (a)Completion
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing(In millions)
Demicks Lake III plant200 MMcf/d processing plant in the core of the Williston Basin$188Completed
Supported by acreage dedications with primarily fee-based contracts
Natural Gas Liquids
MB-5 fractionator125 MBbl/d NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas$750Second Quarter 2023
MB-6 fractionator125 MBbl/d NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas$550First Quarter 2025
Natural Gas Pipelines
Viking compressor stationsElectrification and replacement of certain compressor assets$95Third Quarter 2023

(a) - Excludes capitalized interest/AFUDC.

Debt Issuances and Repayments - In November 2022, we completed an underwritten public offering of $750 million, 6.1% senior unsecured notes due 2032. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $742 million. The proceeds were used primarily to repay all outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program. The remainder was used for general corporate purposes.

In July 2022, we redeemed the remaining $895.8 million of our 3.375% senior notes due October 2022 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand and short-term borrowings.

Subsequent event - We elected to redeem our $425 million, 5.0% senior notes due September 2023, with a redemption effective date in late February 2023. We expect the redemption price to equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which we will pay with cash on hand.

Dividends - During 2022, we paid common stock dividends totaling $3.74 per share, which is consistent with the prior year. In February 2023, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.955 per share ($3.82 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 2% compared with the same quarter in the prior year. Our dividend growth is primarily due to the increase in cash flows resulting from the growth of our operations.

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FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. Our consolidated financial metrics include: (1) operating income; (2) net income; (3) diluted EPS; and (4) adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate segment operating results using adjusted EBITDA and our operating metrics, which include various volume and rate statistics that are relevant for the respective segment. These operating metrics allow investors to analyze the various components of segment financial results in terms of volumes and rate/price. Management uses these metrics to analyze historical segment financial results and as the key inputs for forecasting and budgeting segment financial results. For additional information on our operating metrics, see the respective segment subsections of this “Financial Results and Operating Information” section.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash impairment charges, income taxes, allowance for equity funds used during construction, noncash compensation expense and certain other noncash items. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it and similar measures are used by many companies in our industry as a measurement of financial performance and is commonly employed by financial analysts and others to evaluate our financial performance and to compare financial performance among companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, EPS or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this calculation may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies.

Consolidated Operations

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected financial results for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Financial Results202220212020$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Commodity sales$20,975.5$15,180.3$7,255.25,795.27,925.1
Services1,411.41,360.01,287.051.473.0
Total revenues22,386.916,540.38,542.25,846.67,998.1
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of items shown separately below)17,909.912,256.75,110.15,653.27,146.6
Operating costs1,149.71,067.0886.182.7180.9
Depreciation and amortization626.1621.7578.74.443.0
Impairment charges607.2(607.2)
Other operating (income) expense, net(106.2)(1.4)(1.3)104.80.1
Operating income$2,807.4$2,596.3$1,361.4211.11,234.9
Equity in net earnings from investments$147.7$122.5$143.225.2(20.7)
Impairment of equity investments$$$(37.7)(37.7)
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest$(675.9)$(732.9)$(712.9)(57.0)20.0
Net income$1,722.2$1,499.7$612.8222.5886.9
Diluted EPS$3.84$3.35$1.420.491.93
Adjusted EBITDA$3,619.7$3,379.7$2,723.7240.0656.0
Capital expenditures$1,202.1$696.9$2,195.4505.2(1,498.5)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items, except where noted.

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2022, includes $96.1 million of business interruption insurance recoveries, which are included in the other operating (income) expense, net line item above, and an approximately $30 million unfavorable impact from the 45-day business interruption coverage waiting period related to the Medford incident in our Natural Gas Liquids segment.

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2022 vs. 2021 - Operating income increased $211.1 million primarily as a result of the following:

•Natural Gas Gathering and Processing - an increase of $127.7 million due primarily to higher realized commodity prices, net of hedging, and higher average fee rates and $53.8 million from higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions; and

•Natural Gas Liquids - an increase of $102.8 million in exchange services related primarily to higher average fee rates and higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain region and Permian Basin, offset partially by higher fuel and power costs and third-party fractionation costs; an increase of $46.2 million due to the unfavorable impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021 and $18.2 million in higher optimization and marketing earnings; offset by

•Natural Gas Pipelines - a decrease of $134.7 million due to the favorable impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021, offset partially by increases of $92.1 million due primarily to higher storage and transportation services, higher average earnings on natural gas sales and higher pricing on compression services; and

•Consolidated Operating Costs - an increase of $82.7 million due primarily to higher outside services, materials and supplies expense and property taxes, related primarily to the growth of our operations.

Net income and diluted EPS increased due primarily to the items discussed above, lower interest expense related to increased capitalized interest and lower debt balances and higher equity in net earnings from investments. These increases were offset partially by higher income taxes and losses related to the mark-to-market of investments associated with certain benefit plan investments.

Capital expenditures increased due primarily to our capital-growth projects, including the construction of our Demicks Lake III natural gas processing plant, our MB-5 fractionator and the Viking compression project.

Additional information regarding our financial results and operating information is provided in the following discussion for each of our segments.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 vs. 2020 - The consolidated and segment financial results and operating information for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with the year ended December 31, 2020, are included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing

Growth Projects - Our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment has invested in growth projects in NGL-rich areas in the Williston Basin. See “Growth Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for discussion of our capital-growth projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

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Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Financial Results202220212020$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$3,690.2$2,821.2$889.4869.01,931.8
Residue natural gas sales2,674.41,483.9771.51,190.5712.4
Gathering, compression, dehydration and processing fees and other revenue168.9156.4159.212.5(2.8)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(5,116.6)(3,226.1)(844.0)1,890.52,382.1
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(386.6)(351.4)(320.0)35.231.4
Equity in net earnings (loss) from investments4.93.8(1.1)1.14.9
Other1.41.3(5.0)0.16.3
Adjusted EBITDA$1,036.6$889.1$650.0147.5239.1
Impairment charges$$$566.1(566.1)
Capital expenditures$444.9$275.2$446.1169.7(170.9)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenue and cost of sales and fuel, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2022 vs. 2021 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $147.5 million, primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $127.7 million due primarily to higher realized commodity prices, net of hedging, and average fee rates; and

•an increase of $53.8 million from higher volumes due primarily to increased producer activity in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions, offset partially by the impact of winter weather in the Rocky Mountain region in the second and fourth quarters of 2022; offset by

•an increase of $35.2 million in operating costs due primarily to higher materials and supplies expense due primarily to the growth of our operations and higher outside services.

Capital expenditures increased due primarily to growth projects, including our Demicks Lake III project.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202220212020
Natural gas gathered (BBtu/d)2,8522,7362,553
Natural gas processed (BBtu/d) (b)2,6122,5152,364
Average fee rate ($/MMBtu)$1.10$1.04$0.89

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

(b) - Includes volumes we processed at company-owned and third-party facilities.

2022 vs. 2021 - Our natural gas gathered and natural gas processed volumes increased due primarily to increased producer activity in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions, offset partially by the unfavorable impact of winter weather in the Rocky Mountain region in the second and fourth quarters of 2022.

Our average fee rate increased due primarily to increased contribution of volumes on higher fee contracts in the Williston Basin and inflation-based escalators in our contracts. Also, for certain fee with POP contracts, our contractual fees increased due to production volumes, delivery pressures, or commodity prices relative to specified contractual thresholds.

Commodity Price Risk - See discussion regarding our commodity price risk under “Commodity Price Risk” in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Natural Gas Liquids

Growth Projects - Our Natural Gas Liquids segment invests in projects to transport, fractionate, store and deliver to market centers NGL supply from shale and other resource development areas. Our growth strategy is focused around connecting

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diversified supply basins from the Rocky Mountain region through the Mid-Continent region and the Permian Basin with purity NGLs demand from the petrochemical and refining industries and NGL export demand in the Gulf Coast. See “Growth Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for discussion of our capital-growth projects.

In 2022, we connected one third-party natural gas processing plant in the Permian Basin and one raw feed truck terminal in the Mid-Continent region to our NGL system. In addition, one third-party natural gas processing plant in the Permian Basin connected to our system was expanded.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Liquids segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Financial Results202220212020$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$18,329.3$13,653.1$6,409.34,676.27,243.8
Exchange service and other revenues557.5559.2497.8(1.7)61.4
Transportation and storage revenues180.0179.6182.90.4(3.3)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(16,546.1)(11,939.7)(5,108.6)4,606.46,831.1
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(548.2)(499.4)(396.4)48.8103.0
Equity in net earnings from investments34.621.039.913.6(18.9)
Other88.1(10.2)(7.7)98.3(2.5)
Adjusted EBITDA$2,095.2$1,963.6$1,617.2131.6346.4
Impairment charges$$$78.8(78.8)
Capital expenditures$580.8$306.9$1,655.8273.9(1,348.9)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022, includes $96.1 million of business interruption insurance recoveries, which are included in the other line item above, and an approximately $30 million unfavorable impact from the 45-day business interruption coverage waiting period related to the Medford incident.

2022 vs. 2021 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $131.6 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $102.8 million in exchange services (excluding the impact of Winter Storm Uri discussed below) due primarily to:

◦$186.3 million in higher average fee rates, primarily as a result of inflation-based and fuel cost escalators in our contracts,

◦$50.1 million in higher volumes primarily in the Rocky Mountain region and Permian Basin, offset partially by lower volumes in the Mid-Continent region, offset by

◦$129.9 million in higher costs, primarily fuel and power costs and third-party fractionation costs. A portion of the third-party fractionation costs relate to the 45-day Medford incident business interruption coverage waiting period, and

◦$12.9 million related to recognition of proceeds previously considered a gain contingency in 2021; and

•an increase of $46.2 million in exchange services due to the unfavorable impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021;

•an increase of $18.2 million in optimization and marketing due primarily to wider location and commodity price differentials, offset partially by nonrecurring activities in the first quarter 2021 during Winter Storm Uri; and

•an increase of $13.6 million in equity in net earnings from investments due primarily to higher volumes delivered to the Overland Pass pipeline; offset by

•an increase of $48.8 million in operating costs due primarily to higher property taxes associated with our completed capital-growth projects and higher outside services.

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Capital expenditures increased due primarily to capital-growth projects, including our MB-5 fractionator.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information202220212020
Raw feed throughput (MBbl/d) (a)1,2371,1981,084
Average Conway-to-Mont Belvieu OPIS price differential - ethane in ethane/propane mix ($/gallon)$0.04$(0.01)$0.01

(a) - Represents physical raw feed volumes for which we provide transportation and/or fractionation services.

We generally expect ethane volumes to increase or decrease with corresponding increases or decreases in overall NGL production. However, ethane volumes may experience growth or decline greater than corresponding growth or decline in overall NGL production due to ethane economics causing producers to extract or reject ethane.

2022 vs. 2021 - Volumes increased due primarily to increased NGL production in the Rocky Mountain region and Permian Basin, and higher ethane volumes from incentivized ethane recovery in the Rocky Mountain region, offset partially by decreased ethane recovery in the Mid-Continent region due to ethane economics. Volumes also benefited from the unfavorable impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021, offset partially by the impact of winter weather in the Rocky Mountain region in the second and fourth quarters of 2022.

Natural Gas Pipelines

Growth Projects - Our Natural Gas Pipelines segment invests in projects that provide transportation and storage services to end users. In December 2022, our Saguaro Connector Pipeline L.L.C. subsidiary filed a Presidential Permit application with the FERC to construct and operate new international border-crossing facilities at the U.S. and Mexico border. The proposed border facilities would connect upstream with a potential intrastate pipeline, the Saguaro Connector Pipeline, which would be owned and operated by ONEOK. Additionally, the proposed border facilities would connect at the international boundary with a new pipeline under development in Mexico for delivery to a liquefied natural gas export facility on the west coast of Mexico. The final investment decision on the pipeline is expected by mid-2023.

See “Growth Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for discussion of our capital-growth projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Pipelines segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Financial Results202220212020$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Transportation revenues$408.8$412.9$401.7(4.1)11.2
Storage revenues130.577.668.452.99.2
Residue natural gas sales and other revenues39.2116.49.9(77.2)106.5
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(25.4)(11.2)(6.8)14.24.4
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(174.1)(162.1)(137.2)12.024.9
Equity in net earnings from investments108.297.8104.410.4(6.6)
Other1.2(3.6)(3.0)4.8(0.6)
Adjusted EBITDA$488.4$527.8$437.4(39.4)90.4
Capital expenditures$123.4$92.6$71.930.820.7

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Measures” section.

2022 vs. 2021 - Adjusted EBITDA decreased $39.4 million primarily as a result of the following:

•a decrease of $134.7 million due to the favorable impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021 on natural gas sales of volumes previously held in inventory, interruptible transportation revenue and park and loan revenue; and

•an increase of $12.0 million in operating expenses due primarily to higher outside services, offset by

•an increase of $51.5 million in storage services due primarily to higher storage rates on renegotiated contracts;

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•an increase of $23.1 million in transportation services due primarily to higher interruptible revenue, excluding the impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021 noted above, and higher firm transportation revenue;

•an increase of $17.5 million due primarily to higher average earnings on natural gas sales of volumes previously held in inventory, excluding the impact of Winter Storm Uri in the first quarter 2021 noted above, and higher pricing on compression services; and

•an increase of $10.4 million from higher equity in net earnings from investments due primarily to increased volumes on Northern Border and higher firm transportation rates on Roadrunner.

Capital expenditures increased in 2022 due primarily to capital-growth projects, including the Viking compression project.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202220212020
Natural gas transportation capacity contracted (MDth/d)7,4287,3957,461
Transportation capacity contracted94%95%96%

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

In April 2022, the FERC initiated a review of Guardian’s rates pursuant to Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act. In August 2022, Guardian reached a settlement in principle with the participants in the Section 5 rate case. The FERC approved the settlement in February 2023, which will result in a future reduction of rates. We do not expect the reduced rates to have a material impact on our results of operations.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, the nearest comparable GAAP financial performance measure, to adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
(Unaudited)202220212020
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA(Thousands of dollars)
Net income$1,722,221$1,499,706$612,809
Add:
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest675,946732,924712,886
Depreciation and amortization626,132621,701578,662
Income taxes527,424484,498189,507
Impairment charges644,930
Noncash compensation expense (a)70,50242,5928,540
Equity AFUDC(2,551)(1,681)(23,661)
Adjusted EBITDA (b)$3,619,674$3,379,740$2,723,673
Reconciliation of segment adjusted EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$1,036,633$889,127$650,036
Natural Gas Liquids2,095,2121,963,6391,617,241
Natural Gas Pipelines488,432527,810437,426
Other (b)(603)(836)18,970
Adjusted EBITDA$3,619,674$3,379,740$2,723,673

(a) - Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, includes a loss of $18.8 million, and benefits of $10.4 million and $19.8 million, respectively, related to the mark-to-market of investments associated with certain benefit plan investments.

(b) - Year ended December 31, 2020, includes corporate net gains of $22.3 million on extinguishment of debt related to open market repurchases.

CONTINGENCIES

See Note O of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a discussion of regulatory and environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such

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proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General - Our primary sources of cash inflows are operating cash flows, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, debt issuances and the issuance of common stock for our liquidity and capital resources requirements.

On January 9, 2023, we reached an agreement with our insurers to settle all claims for physical damage and business interruption related to the Medford incident. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we agreed to resolve the claims for total insurance payments of $930 million, $100 million of which was received in 2022. The remaining $830 million was received in the first quarter 2023. The proceeds serve as settlement for property damage, business interruption claims to the date of settlement and as payment in lieu of future business interruption insurance claims. We expect our cash from operations in the remainder of 2023 and in 2024 to be impacted by incurred costs and losses resulting from the Medford incident for which we will no longer receive business interruption proceeds.

We expect our sources of cash inflows to provide sufficient resources to finance our operations, quarterly cash dividends, capital expenditures and maturities of long-term debt. We believe we have sufficient liquidity due to our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in June 2027, and access to $1.0 billion available through our “at-the-market” equity program. As of the date of this report, no shares have been sold through our “at-the-market” equity program.

We may manage interest-rate risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt and interest-rate swaps. For additional information on our interest-rate swaps, see Note D of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Guarantees and Cash Management - We and ONEOK Partners are issuers of certain public debt securities. We guarantee certain indebtedness of ONEOK Partners, and ONEOK Partners and the Intermediate Partnership guarantee certain of our indebtedness. The guarantees in place for our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness are full, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute joint and several guarantees to the holders of each series of outstanding securities. Liabilities under the guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. As ONEOK Partners and the Intermediate Partnership are consolidated subsidiaries of ONEOK, separate financial statements for the guarantors are not required, as long as the alternative disclosure required by Rule 13-01 is provided, which includes narrative disclosure and summarized financial information. The Intermediate Partnership holds all of ONEOK Partners’ interests and equity in its subsidiaries, which are nonguarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with nonguarantor operating subsidiaries. Therefore, as allowed under Rule 13-01, we have excluded the summarized financial information for each issuer and guarantor as the combined financial information of the subsidiary issuer and parent guarantor, excluding our ownership of all the interests in ONEOK Partners, reflect no material assets, liabilities or results of operations, apart from the guaranteed indebtedness. For additional information on our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness, see Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

We use a centralized cash management program that concentrates the cash assets of our nonguarantor operating subsidiaries in joint accounts for the purposes of providing financial flexibility and lowering the cost of borrowing, transaction costs and bank fees. Our centralized cash management program provides that funds in excess of the daily needs of our operating subsidiaries are concentrated, consolidated or otherwise made available for use by other entities within our consolidated group. Our operating subsidiaries participate in this program to the extent they are permitted pursuant to FERC regulations or their operating agreements. Under the cash management program, depending on whether a participating subsidiary has short-term cash surpluses or cash requirements, we provide cash to the subsidiary or the subsidiary provides cash to us.

Short-term Liquidity - Our principal sources of short-term liquidity consist of cash generated from operating activities, distributions received from our equity-method investments, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

We had working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) deficits of $503.9 million and $810.2 million as of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively. Although working capital is influenced by several factors, including, among other things: (i) the timing of (a) debt and equity issuances, (b) the funding of capital expenditures, (c) scheduled debt repayments, and (d) accounts receivable and payable; and (ii) the volume and cost of inventory and commodity imbalances, our working capital deficits at December 31, 2022 and 2021, were driven primarily by current maturities of long-term debt. We may have working capital deficits in future periods as we continue to repay long-term debt. We do not expect this working capital deficit to have an adverse impact to our cash flows or operations.

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At December 31, 2022, we had no borrowings under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement and $220.2 million of cash and cash equivalents.

In June 2022, we amended and restated our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which matures in June 2027. As of December 31, 2022, we are in compliance with all covenants of our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

For additional information on our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, see Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Long-term Financing - In addition to our principal sources of short-term liquidity discussed above, we expect to fund our longer-term financing requirements by issuing long-term notes. Other options to obtain financing include, but are not limited to, issuing common stock, loans from financial institutions, issuance of convertible debt securities or preferred equity securities, asset securitization and the sale and lease-back of facilities.

Debt Issuances - In November 2022, we completed an underwritten public offering of $750 million, 6.1% senior unsecured notes due 2032. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were $742 million. The proceeds were used primarily to repay all outstanding amounts under our commercial paper program. The remainder was used for general corporate purposes.

In June 2022, Guardian entered into a $120 million unsecured term loan agreement. During the second quarter 2022, Guardian drew the full $120 million available under the agreement and used the proceeds to repay intercompany debt with ONEOK.

Debt Repayments - In July 2022, we redeemed the remaining $895.8 million of our 3.375% senior notes due October 2022 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand and short-term borrowings.

Subsequent event - We elected to redeem our $425 million, 5.0% senior notes due September 2023, with a redemption effective date in late February 2023. We expect the redemption price to equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which we will pay with cash on hand.

Material Commitments - We have material cash commitments related to our capital expenditures, senior notes and corresponding interest payments, which we expect to fund through our sources of cash inflows discussed above. Our senior notes and interest payments are discussed in Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. We also have cash commitments related to transportation, storage and other commercial contracts, as well as our financial and physical derivative obligations, which we expect to fund with cash from operations.

Capital Expenditures - We classify expenditures that are expected to generate additional revenue, return on investment or significant operating or environmental efficiencies as growth capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures are those capital expenditures required to maintain our existing assets and operations and do not generate additional revenues. Maintenance capital expenditures are made to replace partially or fully depreciated assets, to maintain the existing operating capacity of our assets and to extend their useful lives. Our capital expenditures are financed typically through operating cash flows and short- and long-term debt.

The following table sets forth our growth and maintenance capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC, for the periods indicated:

Capital Expenditures202220212020
(Millions of dollars)
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$444.9$275.2$446.1
Natural Gas Liquids580.8306.91,655.8
Natural Gas Pipelines123.492.671.9
Other53.022.221.6
Total capital expenditures$1,202.1$696.9$2,195.4

Capital expenditures increased in 2022, compared with 2021, due primarily to our capital-growth projects, including the construction of our Demicks Lake III natural gas processing plant, our MB-5 fractionator and the Viking compression project. See discussion of our announced capital-growth projects in the “Recent Developments” section.

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We expect total capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC and capitalized interest, of $1.3-$1.5 billion in 2023.

Credit Ratings - Our long-term debt credit ratings as of February 21, 2023, are shown in the table below:

Rating AgencyLong-Term RatingShort-Term RatingOutlook
Moody’sBaa3Prime-3Positive
S&PBBBA-2Stable
FitchBBBF2Stable

Our credit ratings, which are investment grade, may be affected by our leverage, liquidity, credit profile or potential transactions. The most common criteria for assessment of our credit ratings are the debt-to-EBITDA ratio, interest coverage, business risk profile and liquidity. If our credit ratings were downgraded, our cost to borrow funds under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement could increase and a potential loss of access to the commercial paper market could occur. In the event that we are unable to borrow funds under our commercial paper program and there has not been a material adverse change in our business, we would continue to have access to our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in 2027. An adverse credit rating change alone is not a default under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

In the normal course of business, our counterparties provide us with secured and unsecured credit. In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings or a significant change in our counterparties’ evaluation of our creditworthiness, we could be required to provide additional collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments as a condition of continuing to conduct business with such counterparties. We may be required to fund margin requirements with our counterparties with cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments.

Dividends - Holders of our common stock share equally in any common stock dividends declared by our Board of Directors, subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding preferred stock. In 2022, we paid common stock dividends of $3.74 per share, which is consistent with prior year. In February 2023, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.955 per share ($3.82 per share on an annualized basis), an increase of 2% compared with the same quarter in the prior year.

Our Series E Preferred Stock pays quarterly dividends on each share of Series E Preferred Stock, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, at a rate of 5.5% per year. In 2022, we paid dividends of $1.1 million for the Series E Preferred Stock. In February 2023, we paid quarterly dividends totaling $0.3 million for the Series E Preferred Stock.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, our cash flows from operations exceeded dividends paid by $1.2 billion. We expect our cash flows from operations to continue to sufficiently fund our cash dividends. To the extent operating cash flows are not sufficient to fund our dividends, we may utilize cash on hand from other sources of short- and long-term liquidity to fund a portion of our dividends.

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

We use the indirect method to prepare our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under this method, we reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income for those items that affect net income but do not result in actual cash receipts or payments during the period and for operating cash items that do not impact net income. These reconciling items can include depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gain or loss on sale of assets, deferred income taxes, net undistributed earnings from equity-method investments, share-based compensation expense, other amounts and changes in our assets and liabilities not classified as investing or financing activities.

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The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
202220212020
(Millions of dollars)
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$2,906.0$2,546.3$1,899.0
Investing activities(1,139.3)(665.3)(2,270.5)
Financing activities(1,692.9)(2,259.1)875.0
Change in cash and cash equivalents73.8(378.1)503.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period146.4524.521.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$220.2$146.4$524.5

Operating Cash Flows - Operating cash flows are affected by earnings from our business activities and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in commodity prices and demand for our services or products, whether because of general economic conditions, changes in supply, changes in demand for the end products that are made with our products or increased competition from other service providers, could affect our earnings and operating cash flows. Our operating cash flows can also be impacted by changes in our NGLs and natural gas inventory balances, which are driven primarily by commodity prices, supply, demand and the operation of our assets.

2022 vs. 2021 - Cash flows from operating activities, before changes in operating assets and liabilities, increased $214.5 million due primarily to higher net income resulting from higher realized commodity prices, net of hedging, and higher average fee rates in our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment and higher exchange services in our Natural Gas Liquids segment. These increases were offset partially by the impact of Winter Storm Uri in our Natural Gas Pipelines segment in the first quarter 2021, as discussed in “Financial Results and Operating Information.”

The changes in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flows $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared with a decrease of $141.8 million for the same period in 2021. The change is due primarily to changes in risk management assets and liabilities, which include the gains associated with the settlements of forward-starting interest rate swaps in 2022 and changes in the fair value of risk-management assets and liabilities; accounts receivable resulting from the timing of receipt of cash from customers and NGLs and natural gas in inventory, both of which vary from period to period and with changes in commodity prices; offset partially by changes in accounts payable, which also vary from period to period with changes in commodity prices, and from the timing of payments to vendors, suppliers and other third parties and changes in other assets and liabilities.

Investing Cash Flows

2022 vs. 2021 - Cash used in investing activities increased $474.0 million due primarily to capital expenditures related to our capital-growth projects.

Financing Cash Flows

2022 vs. 2021 - Cash used in financing activities decreased $566.2 million due primarily to the issuance of long-term debt in 2022.

Cash Flow Analysis for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 vs. 2020 - The cash flow analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with the year ended December 31, 2020, is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information about the impact of new accounting standards is included in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ from our estimates.

The following is a summary of our most critical accounting policies and estimates, which are defined as those estimates and policies most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requiring management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment, particularly because of the need to make estimates concerning the impact of inherently uncertain matters. We have discussed the development and selection of our estimates and critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for the description of our accounting policies and additional information about our critical accounting policies and estimates.

Derivatives and Risk-management Activities - We utilize derivatives to reduce our market-risk exposure to commodity price and interest-rate fluctuations and to achieve more predictable cash flows. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. When possible, we implement effective hedging strategies using derivative financial instruments that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss from a change in fair value of the derivative instrument is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted transaction affects earnings, at which time the fair value of the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings.

We assess hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective. We do not believe that changes in our fair value estimates of our derivative instruments have a material impact on our results of operations, as the majority of our derivatives are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges. However, if a derivative instrument is ineligible for cash flow hedge accounting or if we fail to appropriately designate it as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recorded currently in earnings. Additionally, if a cash flow hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting treatment because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recognized in earnings. For more information on commodity price sensitivity and a discussion of the market risk of pricing changes, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Notes A, C and D of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of fair value measurements and derivatives and risk-management activities.

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets - We assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually as of July 1, unless events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred before that time. As part of our goodwill impairment test, we may first assess qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance) to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units is less than its carrying amount. If further testing is necessary or a quantitative test is elected, we perform a Step 1 analysis for goodwill impairment.

In a Step 1 analysis, an assessment is made by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

We assess our long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment is indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived asset.

Our impairment tests require the use of assumptions and estimates, such as industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. To estimate undiscounted future cash flows of long-lived assets, we may apply a probability-weighted approach that incorporates different assumptions and potential outcomes related to the underlying long-lived assets. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist. To estimate the fair value of

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these assets, we use two generally accepted valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, our discounted cash flow analysis includes the following inputs that are not readily available: a discount rate reflective of industry cost of capital, our estimated contract rates, volumes, operating margins, operating and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Under the market approach, our inputs include EBITDA multiples, which are estimated from recent peer acquisition transactions, and forecasted EBITDA, which incorporates inputs similar to those used under the income approach. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to future impairment charges.

See Notes A, E and F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of goodwill, long-lived assets and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Depreciation Methods and Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment - Our property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method that incorporates management assumptions regarding useful economic lives and residual values. As we place additional assets in service, our estimates related to depreciation expense have become more significant and changes in estimated useful lives of our assets could have a material effect on our results of operations. At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that would cause us to change these assumptions, which would change our depreciation expense prospectively. Examples of such circumstances include changes in (i) competition, (ii) laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset, (iii) technology that render an asset obsolete, (iv) expected salvage values, (v) results of rate cases or rate settlements on regulated assets and (vi) forecasts of the remaining economic life for the resource basins where our assets are located, if any. For the fiscal years presented in this Form 10-K, no changes were made to the determinations of useful lives that would have a material effect on the timing of depreciation expense in future periods.

See Note E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of property, plant and equipment.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements relate to our anticipated financial performance (including projected operating income, net income, capital expenditures, cash flows and projected levels of dividends), liquidity, management’s plans and objectives for our future capital-growth projects and other future operations (including plans to construct additional natural gas and NGL pipelines, processing and fractionation facilities and related cost estimates), our business prospects, the outcome of regulatory and legal proceedings, market conditions and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under federal securities legislation and other applicable laws. The following discussion is intended to identify important factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements and other statements in this Annual Report regarding our environmental, social and other sustainability targets, plans and goals are not an indication that these statements are required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC, or that we will continue to make similar statements in the same extent or manner in future filings. In addition, historical, current and forward-looking environmental, social and sustainability-related statements may be based on standards and processes for measuring progress that are still developing and that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.

Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated in this Annual Report identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “scheduled,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words and terms of similar meaning.

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One should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Those factors may affect our operations, markets, products, services and prices. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with the forward-looking statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:

•the impact of inflationary pressures, including increased interest rates, which may increase our capital expenditures and operating costs, raise the cost of capital or depress economic growth;

•the impact on drilling and production by factors beyond our control, including the demand for natural gas, NGLs and crude oil; producers’ desire and ability to drill and obtain necessary permits; regulatory compliance; reserve performance; and capacity constraints and/or shut downs on the pipelines that transport crude oil, natural gas and NGLs from producing areas and our facilities;

•risks associated with adequate supply to our gathering, processing, fractionation and pipeline facilities, including production declines that outpace new drilling, the shutting-in of production by producers, actions taken by federal, state or local governments to require producers to prorate or to cut their production levels as a way to address any excess market supply situations or extended periods of ethane rejection;

•demand for our services and products in the proximity of our facilities;

•economic climate and growth in the geographic areas in which we operate;

•the risk of a slowdown in growth or decline in the United States or international economies, including liquidity risks in United States or foreign credit markets;

•the possibility of future terrorist attacks or the possibility or occurrence of an outbreak of, or changes in, hostilities or changes in the political conditions throughout the world, including the current conflict in Ukraine and the surrounding region;

•performance of contractual obligations by our customers, service providers, contractors and shippers;

•the effects of changes in governmental policies and regulatory actions, including changes with respect to income and other taxes, pipeline safety, environmental compliance, cybersecurity, climate change initiatives, emissions credits, carbon offsets, carbon pricing, production limits and authorized rates of recovery of natural gas and natural gas transportation costs;

•changes in demand for the use of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil because of the development of new technologies or other market conditions caused by concerns about climate change;

•the impact of the transformation to a lower-carbon economy, including the timing and extent of the transformation, as well as the expected role of different energy sources, including natural gas, NGLs and crude oil, in such a transformation;

•the pace of technological advancements and industry innovation, including those focused on reducing GHG emissions and advancing other climate-related initiatives, and our ability to take advantage of those innovations and developments;

•the effectiveness of our risk-management function, including mitigating cyber- and climate-related risks;

•our ability to identify and execute opportunities, and the economic viability of those opportunities, including those relating to renewable natural gas, carbon capture, use and storage, other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind and alternative low carbon fuel sources such as hydrogen;

•the ability of our existing assets and our ability to apply and continue to develop our expertise to support the growth of, and transformation to, various renewable and alternative energy opportunities, including through the positioning and optimization of our assets;

•our ability to efficiently reduce our GHG emissions (both Scope 1 and 2 emissions), including through the use of lower carbon power alternatives, management practices and system optimizations;

•the necessity to focus on maintaining and enhancing our existing assets while reducing our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions;

•the effects of weather and other natural phenomena and the effects of climate change (including physical and transformation-related effects) on our operations, demand for our services and commodity prices;

•acts of nature, sabotage, terrorism or other similar acts that cause damage to our facilities or our suppliers’, customers’ or shippers’ facilities;

•the inability of insurance proceeds to cover all liabilities or incurred costs and losses, or lost earnings, resulting from a loss;

•delays in receiving insurance proceeds from covered losses;

•the risk of increased costs for insurance premiums;

•increased costs associated with insurance coverage, security or other items as a consequence of terrorist attacks;

•the timing and extent of changes in energy commodity prices, including changes due to production decisions by other countries, such as the failure of countries to abide by agreements to reduce production volumes;

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•competition from other United States and foreign energy suppliers and transporters, as well as alternative forms of energy, including, but not limited to, solar power, wind power, geothermal energy and biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel;

•the ability to market pipeline capacity on favorable terms, including the effects of:

–    future demand for and prices of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil;

–    competitive conditions in the overall energy market;

–    availability of supplies of United States natural gas and crude oil; and

–    availability of additional storage capacity;

•the efficiency of our plants in processing natural gas and extracting and fractionating NGLs;

•the composition and quality of the natural gas and NGLs we gather and process in our plants and transport on our pipelines;

•risks of marketing, trading and hedging activities, including the risks of changes in commodity prices or the financial condition of our counterparties;

•our ability to control operating costs and make cost-saving changes;

•the risks inherent in the use of information systems in our respective businesses and those of our counterparties and service providers, including cyber-attacks, which, according to experts, have increased in volume and sophistication since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; implementation of new software and hardware; and the impact on the timeliness of information for financial reporting;

•the timely receipt of approval by applicable governmental entities for construction and operation of our pipeline and other projects and required regulatory clearances;

•the ability to recover operating costs and amounts equivalent to income taxes, costs of property, plant and equipment and regulatory assets in our state and FERC-regulated rates;

•the results of governmental actions, administrative proceedings and litigation, regulatory actions, executive orders, rule changes and receipt of expected clearances involving any local, state or federal regulatory body, including the FERC, the National Transportation Safety Board, Homeland Security, the PHMSA, the EPA and the CFTC;

•the mechanical integrity of facilities and pipelines operated;

•the capital-intensive nature of our businesses;

•the impact of unforeseen changes in interest rates, debt and equity markets, inflation rates, economic recession and other external factors over which we have no control, including the effect on pension and postretirement expense and funding resulting from changes in equity and bond market returns;

•actions by rating agencies concerning our credit;

•our indebtedness and guarantee obligations could cause adverse consequences, including making us vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limiting our ability to borrow additional funds and placing us at competitive disadvantages compared with our competitors that have less debt;

•our ability to access capital at competitive rates or on terms acceptable to us;

•our ability to acquire all necessary permits, consents or other approvals in a timely manner, to promptly obtain all necessary materials and supplies required for construction, and to construct gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage facilities without labor or contractor problems;

•our ability to control construction costs and completion schedules of our pipelines and other projects;

•difficulties or delays experienced by trucks, railroads or pipelines in delivering products to or from our terminals or pipelines;

•the uncertainty of estimates, including accruals and costs of environmental remediation;

•the impact of uncontracted capacity in our assets being greater or less than expected;

•the impact of potential impairment charges;

•the profitability of assets or businesses acquired or constructed by us;

•the risks associated with pending or possible acquisitions and dispositions, including our ability to finance or integrate any such acquisitions and any regulatory delay or conditions imposed by regulatory bodies in connection with any such acquisitions and dispositions;

•the risk that material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting could emerge or that minor problems could become significant;

•the impact and outcome of pending and future litigation;

•the impact of recently issued and future accounting updates and other changes in accounting policies;

•the risk factors listed in the reports we have filed, which are incorporated by reference, and may file with the SEC; and

•the length, severity and reemergence of a pandemic or other health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to address it, which may (as with COVID-19) precipitate or exacerbate one or more of the factors herein, reduce the demand for natural gas, NGLs and crude oil and significantly disrupt or prevent us and our customers and counterparties from operating in the ordinary course of business for an extended period and increase the cost of operating our business.

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These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other factors could also affect adversely our future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this Annual Report and in our other filings that we make with the SEC, which are available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Any such forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001039684-22-000015.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-03-01. Report date: 2021-12-31.

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 1, Business, our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Please refer to the “Financial Results and Operating Information” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report for additional information.

Market Conditions - We experienced earnings growth from increased volumes in 2021, compared with 2020, due primarily to increased producer activity and rising gas-to-oil ratios in the Rocky Mountain region, production curtailments in 2020, increased ethane production in the Rocky Mountain region and higher commodity prices in both our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing and Natural Gas Liquids segments, highlighting both the resiliency of our integrated assets and the economic recovery from the pandemic.

Ethane Production - Price differentials between ethane and natural gas can cause natural gas processors to extract ethane or leave it in the natural gas stream, known as ethane rejection. As a result of these ethane economics, ethane volumes on our system can fluctuate period to period. Ethane volumes under long-term contracts delivered to our NGL system increased approximately 55 MBbl/d to an average of 430 MBbl/d in 2021, compared with 375 MBbl/d in 2020, due primarily to changes in ethane extraction economics. We estimate that there are more than 225 MBbl/d of discretionary ethane, consisting of more than 125 MBbl/d in the Rocky Mountain region and approximately 100 MBbl/d in the Mid-Continent region, that can be recovered and transported on our system. Ethane recovery opportunities will fluctuate based on regional natural gas pricing and ethane economics.

Growth Projects - We operate an integrated, reliable and diversified network of NGL and natural gas gathering, processing, fractionation, storage and transportation assets connecting supply in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and Permian regions with key market centers. Our publicly announced capital-growth projects are outlined in the table below:

ProjectScopeApproximate Costs (a)Completion
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing(In millions)
Bear Creek plant expansion and related infrastructure200 MMcf/d processing plant expansion and related gathering infrastructure in the Williston Basin$405Completed
Supported by acreage dedications with long-term primarily fee-based contracts
Demicks Lake III plant200 MMcf/d processing plant in the core of the Williston Basin$188 (b)First Quarter 2023
Supported by acreage dedications with primarily fee-based contracts
Natural Gas Liquids
Arbuckle II pipeline expansionIncreased mainline capacity with additional pump facilities$60Completed
Increased capacity to 500 MBbl/d
MB-5 fractionator125 MBbl/d NGL fractionator in Mont Belvieu, Texas$750 (c)Third Quarter 2023

(a) - Excludes capitalized interest/AFUDC.

(b) - In November 2021, we announced that we restarted construction of the Demicks Lake III natural gas processing plant. Upon announcement, the expected cost to complete was approximately $140 million.

(c) - In November 2021, we announced that we restarted construction of the MB-5 NGL fractionator. Upon announcement, the expected cost to complete was approximately $250 million.

Debt Repayments - In November 2021, we redeemed the remaining $536.1 million of our $700 million, 4.25% senior notes due February 2022 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand and short-term borrowings.

In June 2021, we repaid the remaining $11.7 million of Guardian Pipeline’s senior notes due December 2022 with cash on hand.

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In 2021, we repurchased in the open market outstanding principal of certain of our senior notes in the amount of $55.2 million for an aggregate repurchase price of $54.6 million with cash on hand.

Dividends - During 2021, we paid common stock dividends totaling $3.74 per share, which is consistent with the prior year. In February 2022, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.935 per share ($3.74 per share on an annualized basis), which is consistent with the same quarter in the prior year.

FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. Our consolidated financial metrics include: (1) operating income; (2) net income; (3) diluted EPS; and (4) adjusted EBITDA. We evaluate segment operating results using adjusted EBITDA and our operating metrics, which include various volume and rate statistics that are relevant for the respective segment. These operating metrics allow investors to analyze the various components of segment financial results in terms of volumes and rate/price. Management uses these metrics to analyze historical segment financial results and as the key inputs for forecasting and budgeting segment financial results. For additional information on our operating metrics, see the respective segment subsections of this “Financial Results and Operating Information” section.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure of our financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted for interest expense, depreciation and amortization, noncash impairment charges, income taxes, allowance for equity funds used during construction, noncash compensation expense and certain other noncash items. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it and similar measures are used by many companies in our industry as a measurement of financial performance and is commonly employed by financial analysts and others to evaluate our financial performance and to compare financial performance among companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, EPS or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, this calculation may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies.

Consolidated Operations

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial results for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Financial Results202120202019$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Commodity sales$15,180.3$7,255.2$8,916.17,925.1(1,660.9)
Services1,360.01,287.01,248.373.038.7
Total revenues16,540.38,542.210,164.47,998.1(1,622.2)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of items shown separately below)12,256.75,110.16,788.07,146.6(1,677.9)
Operating costs1,067.0886.1982.9180.9(96.8)
Depreciation and amortization621.7578.7476.543.0102.2
Impairment charges607.2(607.2)607.2
(Gain) loss on sale of assets(1.4)(1.3)2.60.13.9
Operating income$2,596.3$1,361.4$1,914.41,234.9(553.0)
Equity in net earnings from investments$122.5$143.2$154.5(20.7)(11.3)
Impairment of equity investments$$(37.7)$(37.7)37.7
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest$(732.9)$(712.9)$(491.8)20.0221.1
Net income$1,499.7$612.8$1,278.6886.9(665.8)
Diluted EPS$3.35$1.42$3.071.93(1.65)
Adjusted EBITDA$3,379.7$2,723.7$2,580.2656.0143.5
Capital expenditures$696.9$2,195.4$3,848.3(1,498.5)(1,652.9)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

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Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel in our Consolidated Statements of Income, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2021 vs. 2020 - Operating income increased $1.2 billion primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $607.2 million due to noncash impairment charges in our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing and Natural Gas Liquids segments in 2020;

•Natural Gas Liquids - increases of $421.4 million in exchange services related primarily to higher volumes in the Rocky Mountain region, the Mid-Continent region and Permian Basin and wider commodity price differentials, and $98.3 million in optimization and marketing. These increases were offset partially by a decrease of $46.2 million from the impact of Winter Storm Uri in exchange services;

•Natural Gas Gathering and Processing - increases of $143.5 million due primarily to lower realized prices in 2020 impacting our fee with POP contracts and $115.8 million from higher volumes due primarily to increased production and rising gas-to-oil ratios in the Rocky Mountain region in 2021 and production curtailments in 2020; and

•Natural Gas Pipelines - an increase of $109.1 million due to primarily to increased natural gas sales; offset by

•an increase of $180.9 million in consolidated operating costs due primarily to higher employee costs related to short-term incentives, property taxes, outside services and the impact of a loss on the mark-to-market of our share-based deferred compensation plan in 2021 compared with a benefit in 2020; and

•an increase of $43.0 million in depreciation expense due to capital projects placed in service.

Net income and diluted EPS increased due primarily to the items discussed above and noncash impairment charges related to equity investments in our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing and Natural Gas Liquids segments in the prior year. These increases were offset partially by higher income taxes, higher interest expense related to lower capitalized interest and lower equity AFUDC due to completed projects, lower equity in net earnings from investments and a gain in 2020 on extinguishment of debt related to open market repurchases.

Capital expenditures decreased due primarily to our completed and paused capital-growth projects.

Additional information regarding our financial results and operating information is provided in the discussions for each of our segments.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 - The consolidated and segment financial results and operating information for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with the year ended December 31, 2019, are included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing

Growth Projects - Our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment has invested in growth projects in NGL-rich areas in the Williston Basin. See “Growth Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for discussion of our capital-growth projects.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

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Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Financial Results202120202019$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$2,821.2$889.4$1,224.41,931.8(335.0)
Residue natural gas sales1,483.9771.5966.1712.4(194.6)
Gathering, compression, dehydration and processing fees and other revenue156.4159.2178.1(2.8)(18.9)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(3,226.1)(844.0)(1,302.3)2,382.1(458.3)
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(351.4)(320.0)(352.8)31.4(32.8)
Equity in net earnings (loss) from investments3.8(1.1)(6.3)4.95.2
Other1.3(5.0)(4.5)6.3(0.5)
Adjusted EBITDA$889.1$650.0$702.7239.1(52.7)
Impairment charges$$566.1$(566.1)566.1
Capital expenditures$275.2$446.1$926.5(170.9)(480.4)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenue and cost of sales and fuel, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2021 vs. 2020 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $239.1 million, primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $143.5 million due primarily to lower realized prices, net of hedging, in 2020 impacting our fee with POP contracts; and

•an increase of $115.8 million from higher volumes due primarily to increased production and rising gas-to-oil ratios in the Rocky Mountain region in 2021 and production curtailments in 2020, offset partially by natural production declines in the Mid-Continent region; and

•an increase of $7.3 million from a gain on the partial sale of an equity investment; offset by

•an increase of $31.4 million in operating costs due primarily to higher employee costs related to short-term incentives.

Capital expenditures decreased due primarily to completed capital-growth projects in 2020.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202120202019
Natural gas gathered (BBtu/d)2,7362,5532,753
Natural gas processed (BBtu/d) (b)2,5152,3642,555
Average fee rate ($/MMBtu)$1.04$0.89$0.92

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

(b) - Includes volumes at company-owned and third-party facilities.

2021 vs. 2020 - Our natural gas gathered and natural gas processed volumes increased due primarily to increased producer activity and rising gas-to-oil ratios in the Rocky Mountain region and the impact of curtailed production in 2020, offset partially by natural production declines in the Mid-Continent region.

Our average fee rate increased due primarily to production curtailments in the second quarter 2020 on producer contracts with higher fees and lower POP components in the Rocky Mountain region. As these curtailed volumes have returned to our system and producer activity has continued to increase, the Rocky Mountain region’s contribution to our average fee rate increased in 2021.

Commodity Price Risk - See discussion regarding our commodity price risk under “Commodity Price Risk” in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Impairments - The year ended December 31, 2020, includes $382.2 million of noncash impairment charges related primarily to certain long-lived asset groups in the Powder River Basin, western Oklahoma and Kansas that were not recoverable, a

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$153.4 million noncash impairment charge related to goodwill and a $30.5 million noncash impairment charge related to our 10.2% investment in Venice Energy Services Company.

Natural Gas Liquids

Growth Projects - Our Natural Gas Liquids segment invests in projects to transport, fractionate, store and deliver to market centers NGL supply from shale and other resource development areas. Our growth strategy is focused around connecting diversified supply basins from the Rocky Mountain region through the Mid-Continent region and the Permian Basin with NGL product demand from the petrochemical and refining industries and NGL export demand in the Gulf Coast. See “Growth Projects” in the “Recent Developments” section for discussion of our capital-growth projects.

In 2021, we connected one third-party natural gas processing plant in the Permian Basin and one third-party natural gas processing plant in the Rocky Mountain region to our NGL system. In addition, one affiliate natural gas processing plant in the Rocky Mountain region connected to our system was expanded.

For a discussion of our capital expenditure financing, see “Capital Expenditures” in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section.

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Liquids segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Financial Results202120202019$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
NGL and condensate sales$13,653.1$6,409.3$7,910.87,243.8(1,501.5)
Exchange service revenues and other559.2497.8424.261.473.6
Transportation and storage revenues179.6182.9197.5(3.3)(14.6)
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(11,939.7)(5,108.6)(6,690.9)6,831.1(1,582.3)
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(499.4)(396.4)(434.4)103.0(38.0)
Equity in net earnings from investments21.039.965.1(18.9)(25.2)
Other(10.2)(7.7)(6.5)(2.5)(1.2)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,963.6$1,617.2$1,465.8346.4151.4
Impairment charges$$78.8$(78.8)78.8
Capital expenditures$306.9$1,655.8$2,796.6(1,348.9)(1,140.8)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Measures” section.

Changes in commodity prices and sales volumes affect both revenues and cost of sales and fuel, and, therefore, the impact is largely offset between these line items.

2021 vs. 2020 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $346.4 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $421.4 million in exchange services (excluding the impact of Winter Storm Uri discussed below) due primarily to:

◦$261.6 million in higher volumes primarily in the Rocky Mountain region, Mid-Continent region and Permian Basin, offset partially by lower volumes in the Barnett Shale,

◦$98.9 million related to wider commodity price differentials,

◦$63.8 million in lower transportation costs in the Rocky Mountain region, and

◦$12.9 million related to recognition of proceeds previously considered a gain contingency; and

•an increase of $98.3 million in optimization and marketing due primarily to wider location and commodity price differentials, increased activities during Winter Storm Uri and higher optimization volumes; offset by

•the negative impact of Winter Storm Uri of $46.2 million in exchange services due primarily to decreased volumes across our operations and higher electricity costs;

•an increase of $103.0 million in operating costs due primarily to increased property taxes associated with our completed capital-growth projects, higher employee costs related to short-term incentives and higher outside services; and

•a decrease of $18.9 million from lower equity in net earnings from investments due primarily to lower volumes on Overland Pass Pipeline.

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Capital expenditures decreased due primarily to completed and paused capital-growth projects in 2020.

Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information202120202019
Raw feed throughput (MBbl/d) (a)1,1981,0841,079
Average Conway-to-Mont Belvieu OPIS price differential - ethane in ethane/propane mix ($/gallon)$(0.01)$0.01$0.07

(a) - Represents physical raw feed volumes on which we charge a fee for transportation and/or fractionation services.

2021 vs. 2020 - Volumes increased due primarily to increased production primarily in the Rocky Mountain region, Mid-Continent region and Permian Basin, increased ethane production in the Rocky Mountain region, and the impact of curtailed production across our system in 2020, offset partially by the impact of Winter Storm Uri in 2021 and lower volumes in the Barnett Shale.

Impairments - The year ended December 31, 2020, includes $71.6 million of noncash impairment charges related primarily to certain inactive assets and a $7.2 million noncash impairment charge related to our 50% investment in Chisholm Pipeline Company.

Natural Gas Pipelines

Selected Financial Results and Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected financial results and operating information for our Natural Gas Pipelines segment for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,2021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Financial Results202120202019$ Increase (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Transportation revenues$412.9$401.7$393.711.28.0
Storage revenues77.668.472.69.2(4.2)
Residue natural gas sales and other revenues116.49.95.7106.54.2
Cost of sales and fuel (exclusive of depreciation and operating costs)(11.2)(6.8)(4.6)4.42.2
Operating costs, excluding noncash compensation adjustments(162.1)(137.2)(150.8)24.9(13.6)
Equity in net earnings from investments97.8104.495.7(6.6)8.7
Other(3.6)(3.0)(3.5)(0.6)0.5
Adjusted EBITDA$527.8$437.4$408.890.428.6
Capital expenditures$92.6$71.9$99.220.7(27.3)

See reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA in the “Non-GAAP Measures” section.

2021 vs. 2020 - Adjusted EBITDA increased $90.4 million primarily as a result of the following:

•an increase of $109.1 million due primarily to higher average natural gas prices on 5.2 Bcf of natural gas sales in the first quarter 2021 of volumes previously held in inventory, compared with 1.2 Bcf in the first quarter 2020; and

•an increase of $8.9 million from storage services due primarily to higher storage rates; and

•an increase of $4.7 million in transportation services due primarily to higher park-and-loan revenue and higher interruptible transportation revenue in the first quarter 2021, offset partially by a favorable $13.5 million contract settlement in April 2020; offset by

•an increase of $24.9 million in operating costs due primarily to higher employee costs related primarily to short-term incentives, higher outside services and supplies expenses; and

•a decrease of $6.6 million from lower equity in net earnings from investments due primarily to decreased firm transportation revenues on Northern Border Pipeline.

Capital expenditures increased in 2021 due primarily to capital-growth projects.

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Years Ended December 31,
Operating Information (a)202120202019
Natural gas transportation capacity contracted (MDth/d)7,3957,4617,618
Transportation capacity contracted95%96%98%

(a) - Includes volumes for consolidated entities only.

Roadrunner, in which we have a 50% ownership interest, has contracted all of its westbound capacity through 2041.

Northern Border Pipeline, in which we have a 50% ownership interest, has contracted substantially all of its long-haul transportation capacity through the fourth quarter 2022.

In February 2021, our subsidiary, Midwestern Gas Transmission Company (Midwestern), filed a proposed change in rates pursuant to Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act with the FERC. In February 2022, Midwestern filed a Stipulation and Offer of Settlement with the FERC for approval. Pending approval by the FERC, the proposed settlement is not expected to impact materially our results of operations.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income, the nearest comparable GAAP financial performance measure, to adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
(Unaudited)202120202019
Reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA(Thousands of dollars)
Net income$1,499,706$612,809$1,278,577
Add:
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest732,924712,886491,773
Depreciation and amortization621,701578,662476,535
Income tax expense484,498189,507372,414
Impairment charges644,930
Noncash compensation expense (a)42,5928,54026,699
Equity AFUDC and other noncash items(1,681)(23,661)(65,811)
Adjusted EBITDA (b)$3,379,740$2,723,673$2,580,187
Reconciliation of segment adjusted EBITDA to adjusted EBITDA
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$889,127$650,036$702,650
Natural Gas Liquids1,963,6391,617,2411,465,765
Natural Gas Pipelines527,810437,426408,816
Other (b)(836)18,9702,956
Adjusted EBITDA$3,379,740$2,723,673$2,580,187

(a) - Year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, includes a loss of $7.4 million and a benefit of $11.2 million, respectively, related to the mark-to-market of our share-based deferred compensation plan.

(b) - Year ended December 31, 2020, includes corporate net gains of $22.3 million on extinguishment of debt related to open market repurchases.

CONTINGENCIES

See Note N of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for a discussion of regulatory and environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General - Our primary sources of cash inflows are operating cash flows, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, debt issuances and the issuance of common stock for our liquidity and capital resources requirements.

We expect our sources of cash inflows to provide sufficient resources to finance our operations, quarterly cash dividends, capital expenditures and maturities of long-term debt. We believe we have sufficient liquidity due to our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in June 2024 and access to $1.0 billion available through our “at-the-market” equity program. As of the date of this report, no shares have been sold through our “at-the-market” equity program.

We may manage interest-rate risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt and interest-rate swaps. For additional information on our interest-rate swaps, see Note C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Guarantees and Cash Management - In 2020, the SEC amended Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X and created Rule 13-01 to simplify disclosure requirements related to certain registered securities. We and ONEOK Partners are issuers of certain public debt securities. We guarantee certain indebtedness of ONEOK Partners, and ONEOK Partners and the Intermediate Partnership guarantee certain of our indebtedness. The guarantees in place for our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness are full, irrevocable, unconditional and absolute joint and several guarantees to the holders of each series of outstanding securities. Liabilities under the guarantees rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. As ONEOK Partners and the Intermediate Partnership are consolidated subsidiaries of ONEOK, separate financial statements for the guarantors are not required, as long as the alternative disclosure required by Rule 13-01 is provided, which includes narrative disclosure and summarized financial information. The Intermediate Partnership holds all of ONEOK Partners’ interests and equity in its subsidiaries, which are non-guarantors, and substantially all the assets and operations reside with non-guarantor operating subsidiaries. Therefore, as allowed under Rule 13-01, we have excluded the summarized financial information for each issuer and guarantor as the combined financial information of the subsidiary issuer and parent guarantor, excluding our ownership of all the interests in ONEOK Partners, reflect no material assets, liabilities or results of operations, apart from the guaranteed indebtedness. For additional information on our and ONEOK Partners’ indebtedness, see Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

We use a centralized cash management program that concentrates the cash assets of our non-guarantor operating subsidiaries in joint accounts for the purposes of providing financial flexibility and lowering the cost of borrowing, transaction costs and bank fees. Our centralized cash management program provides that funds in excess of the daily needs of our operating subsidiaries are concentrated, consolidated or otherwise made available for use by other entities within our consolidated group. Our operating subsidiaries participate in this program to the extent they are permitted pursuant to FERC regulations or their operating agreements. Under the cash management program, depending on whether a participating subsidiary has short-term cash surpluses or cash requirements, we provide cash to the subsidiary or the subsidiary provides cash to us.

Short-term Liquidity - Our principal sources of short-term liquidity consist of cash generated from operating activities, distributions received from our equity-method investments, proceeds from our commercial paper program and our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2021, we are in compliance with all covenants of our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

At December 31, 2021, we had no borrowings under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement and $146.4 million of cash and cash equivalents.

We had a working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) deficit of $810.2 million and a working capital surplus of $525.2 million as of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. Although working capital is influenced by several factors, including, among other things: (i) the timing of (a) debt and equity issuances, (b) scheduled debt payments, (c) the funding of capital expenditures, and (d) accounts receivable and payable; and (ii) the volume and cost of inventory and commodity imbalances; our working capital deficit at December 31, 2021, was driven primarily by current maturities of long-term debt and our working capital surplus at December 31, 2020, was driven primarily by cash on hand. We may have working capital deficits in future periods as we continue to repay long-term debt. We do not expect this working capital deficit to have an adverse impact to our cash flows or operations.

For additional information on our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, see Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Long-term Financing - In addition to our principal sources of short-term liquidity discussed above, we expect to fund our longer-term financing requirements by issuing long-term notes. Other options to obtain financing include, but are not limited

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to, issuing common stock, loans from financial institutions, issuance of convertible debt securities or preferred equity securities, asset securitization and the sale and lease-back of facilities.

Debt Repayments - In November 2021, we redeemed the remaining $536.1 million of our $700 million, 4.25% senior notes due February 2022 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, with cash on hand and short-term borrowings.

In June 2021, we repaid the remaining $11.7 million of Guardian Pipeline’s senior notes due December 2022 with cash on hand.

In 2021, we repurchased in the open market outstanding principal of certain of our senior notes in the amount of $55.2 million for an aggregate repurchase price of $54.6 million with cash on hand.

Material Commitments - We have material cash commitments related to our capital expenditures, senior notes and corresponding interest payments, which we expect to fund through our sources of cash inflows discussed above. Our senior notes and interest payments are discussed in Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. We also have cash commitments related to transportation, storage and other commercial contracts, as well as our financial and physical derivative obligations, which we expect to fund with cash from operations.

Capital Expenditures - We classify expenditures that are expected to generate additional revenue, return on investment or significant operating or environmental efficiencies as growth capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures are those capital expenditures required to maintain our existing assets and operations and do not generate additional revenues. Maintenance capital expenditures are made to replace partially or fully depreciated assets, to maintain the existing operating capacity of our assets and to extend their useful lives. Our capital expenditures are financed typically through operating cash flows and short- and long-term debt.

The following table sets forth our growth and maintenance capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC, for the periods indicated:

Capital Expenditures202120202019
(Millions of dollars)
Natural Gas Gathering and Processing$275.2$446.1$926.5
Natural Gas Liquids306.91,655.82,796.6
Natural Gas Pipelines92.671.999.2
Other22.221.626.0
Total capital expenditures$696.9$2,195.4$3,848.3

Total capital expenditures decreased in 2021, compared with 2020, due primarily to our completed capital-growth projects in the prior year. We expect our 2022 capital expenditures to increase relative to 2021 due to our publicly announced capital-growth projects. See discussion of our announced capital-growth projects in the “Recent Developments” section.

We expect total capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC and capitalized interest, of $900-$1,050 million in 2022.

Credit Ratings - Our long-term debt credit ratings as of February 22, 2022, are shown in the table below:

Rating AgencyLong-Term RatingShort-Term RatingOutlook
Moody’sBaa3Prime-3Stable
S&PBBBA-2Stable
FitchBBBF2Stable

Our credit ratings, which are investment grade, may be affected by a material change in our financial ratios or a material event affecting our business and industry. The most common criteria for assessment of our credit ratings are the debt-to-EBITDA ratio, interest coverage, business risk profile and liquidity. If our credit ratings were downgraded, our cost to borrow funds under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement could increase and a potential loss of access to the commercial paper market could occur. In the event that we are unable to borrow funds under our commercial paper program and there has not been a material adverse change in our business, we would continue to have access to our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement, which expires in 2024. An adverse credit rating change alone is not a default under our $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement.

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In the normal course of business, our counterparties provide us with secured and unsecured credit. In the event of a downgrade in our credit ratings or a significant change in our counterparties’ evaluation of our creditworthiness, we could be required to provide additional collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments as a condition of continuing to conduct business with such counterparties. We may be required to fund margin requirements with our counterparties with cash, letters of credit or other negotiable instruments.

Dividends - Holders of our common stock share equally in any common stock dividends declared by our Board of Directors, subject to the rights of the holders of outstanding preferred stock. In 2021, we paid common stock dividends of $3.74 per share, which is consistent with prior year. In February 2022, we paid a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.935 per share ($3.74 per share on an annualized basis), which is consistent with the same quarter in the prior year.

Our Series E Preferred Stock pays quarterly dividends on each share of Series E Preferred Stock, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, at a rate of 5.5% per year. In 2021, we paid dividends of $1.1 million for the Series E Preferred Stock. In February 2022, we paid quarterly dividends totaling $0.3 million for the Series E Preferred Stock.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, our cash flows from operations exceeded dividends paid by $878.8 million. We expect our cash flows from operations to continue to sufficiently fund our cash dividends. To the extent operating cash flows are not sufficient to fund our dividends, we may utilize cash on hand from other sources of short- and long-term liquidity to fund a portion of our dividends.

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

We use the indirect method to prepare our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Under this method, we reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income for those items that affect net income but do not result in actual cash receipts or payments during the period and for operating cash items that do not impact net income. These reconciling items can include depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, allowance for equity funds used during construction, gain or loss on sale of assets, deferred income taxes, net undistributed earnings from equity-method investments, share-based compensation expense, other amounts and changes in our assets and liabilities not classified as investing or financing activities.

The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:

Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(Millions of dollars)
Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$2,546.3$1,899.0$1,946.8
Investing activities(665.3)(2,270.5)(3,768.8)
Financing activities(2,259.1)875.01,831.0
Change in cash and cash equivalents(378.1)503.59.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period524.521.012.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$146.4$524.5$21.0

Operating Cash Flows - Operating cash flows are affected by earnings from our business activities and changes in our operating assets and liabilities. Changes in commodity prices and demand for our services or products, whether because of general economic conditions, changes in supply, changes in demand for the end products that are made with our products or increased competition from other service providers, could affect our earnings and operating cash flows. Our operating cash flows can also be impacted by changes in our NGLs and natural gas inventory balances, which are driven primarily by commodity prices, supply, demand and the operation of our assets.

2021 vs. 2020 - Cash flows from operating activities, before changes in operating assets and liabilities, increased $628.5 million due primarily to higher net income resulting from higher exchange services in our Natural Gas Liquids segment, higher realized prices and increased volumes in our Natural Gas Gathering and Processing segment and natural gas sales in our Natural Gas Pipelines segment, as discussed in “Financial Results and Operating Information.”

The changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased operating cash flows $141.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with a decrease of $160.5 million for the same period in 2020. The change is due primarily to changes in accounts payable resulting from the timing of payments to vendors, suppliers and other third parties and changes in commodity

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prices, which vary from period to period; changes in risk-management assets and liabilities, which include a loss in 2020 on the settlement of $750 million of our forward interest-rate swaps related to our March 2020 issuances of senior unsecured notes and changes in the fair value of risk-management assets and liabilities, which vary from period to period and with changes in commodity prices and interest rates; and changes in other assets and liabilities; offset partially by changes in accounts receivable resulting from the timing of receipt of cash from customers and NGLs and natural gas in storage, both of which vary from period to period and with changes in commodity prices.

Investing Cash Flows

2021 vs. 2020 - Cash used in investing activities decreased $1.6 billion due primarily to reduced capital expenditures related to our completed capital-growth projects.

Financing Cash Flows

2021 vs. 2020 - Cash from financing activities decreased $3.1 billion due primarily to the issuances of $3.25 billion in long-term debt and issuance of common stock in 2020, offset partially by repayments of long-term debt of $0.6 billion in 2021 compared with repayments of $1.5 billion in 2020.

Cash Flow Analysis for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 - The cash flow analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with the year ended December 31, 2019, is included in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information about the impact of new accounting standards is included in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ from our estimates.

The following is a summary of our most critical accounting policies and estimates, which are defined as those estimates and policies most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requiring management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgment, particularly because of the need to make estimates concerning the impact of inherently uncertain matters. We have discussed the development and selection of our estimates and critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for the description of our accounting policies and additional information about our critical accounting policies and estimates.

Derivatives and Risk-management Activities - We utilize derivatives to reduce our market-risk exposure to commodity price and interest-rate fluctuations and to achieve more predictable cash flows. Our commodity price risk includes basis risk, which is the difference in price between various locations where commodities are purchased and sold. We record all derivative instruments at fair value, except for normal purchases and normal sales transactions that are expected to result in physical delivery. Many of the contracts in our derivative portfolio are executed in liquid markets where price transparency exists.

Our commodity derivatives are generally valued using quoted prices published by an exchange. Our fair value measurements classified as Level 3 are composed predominantly of exchange-cleared and over-the-counter derivatives to hedge NGL price risk at certain market locations. These measurements are based on inputs that may include one or more unobservable inputs, including internally developed commodity price curves, that incorporate market data from broker quotes and third-party pricing services. We believe any measurement uncertainty at December 31, 2021, is immaterial as our Level 3 fair value measurements are based on unadjusted pricing information from broker quotes and third-party pricing services.

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The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship. When possible, we implement effective hedging strategies using derivative financial instruments that qualify as hedges for accounting purposes. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss from a change in fair value of the derivative instrument is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the forecasted transaction affects earnings, at which time the fair value of the derivative instrument is reclassified into earnings.

We assess hedging relationships at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis to determine whether the hedging relationship is, and is expected to remain, highly effective. We do not believe that changes in our fair value estimates of our derivative instruments have a material impact on our results of operations, as the majority of our derivatives are accounted for as effective cash flow hedges. However, if a derivative instrument is ineligible for cash flow hedge accounting or if we fail to appropriately designate it as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recorded in earnings. Additionally, if a cash flow hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting treatment because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the change in fair value of the derivative instrument would be recognized in earnings. For more information on commodity price sensitivity and a discussion of the market risk of pricing changes, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

See Notes A, B and C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of fair value measurements and derivatives and risk-management activities.

Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets - We assess our goodwill for impairment at least annually as of July 1, unless events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred before that time. As part of our goodwill impairment test, we may first assess qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance) to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units is less than its carrying amount. If further testing is necessary or a quantitative test is elected, we perform a Step 1 analysis for goodwill impairment.

In a Step 1 analysis, an assessment is made by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Our impairment tests require the use of assumptions and estimates, such as industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. To estimate the fair value of these assets and investments, we use two generally accepted valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach. Under the income approach, our discounted cash flow analysis includes the following inputs that are not readily available: a discount rate reflective of industry cost of capital, our estimated contract rates, volumes, operating margins, operating and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Under the market approach, our inputs include EBITDA multiples, which are estimated from recent peer acquisition transactions, and forecasted EBITDA, which incorporates inputs similar to those used under the income approach. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to future impairment charges.

See Notes A, D, E and M of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of goodwill, long-lived assets and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Depreciation Methods and Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment - Our property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method that incorporates management assumptions regarding useful economic lives and residual values. As we place additional assets in service, our estimates related to depreciation expense have become more significant and changes in estimated useful lives of our assets could have a material effect on our results of operations. At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that would cause us to change these assumptions, which would change our depreciation expense prospectively. Examples of such circumstances include changes in (i) competition, (ii) laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset, (iii) technology that render an asset obsolete, (iv) expected salvage values and (v) forecasts of the remaining economic life for the resource basins where our assets are located, if any. For the fiscal years presented in this Form 10-K, no changes were made to the determinations of useful lives that would have a material effect on the timing of depreciation expense in future periods.

See Note D of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report for additional discussion of property, plant and equipment.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements relate to our anticipated financial performance (including projected operating income, net income, capital expenditures, cash flows and projected levels of dividends), liquidity, management’s plans and objectives for our future capital-growth projects and other future operations (including plans to construct additional natural gas and NGL pipelines, processing and fractionation facilities and related cost estimates), our business prospects, the outcome of regulatory and legal proceedings, market conditions and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under federal securities legislation and other applicable laws. The following discussion is intended to identify important factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated in this Annual Report identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “scheduled,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and other words and terms of similar meaning.

One should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Those factors may affect our operations, markets, products, services and prices. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with the forward-looking statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:

•the length, severity and reemergence of a pandemic or other health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that international, federal, state and local governments, agencies, law enforcement and/or health authorities implement to address it, which may (as with COVID-19) precipitate or exacerbate one or more of the factors herein, reduce the demand for natural gas, NGLs and crude oil and significantly disrupt or prevent us and our customers and counterparties from operating in the ordinary course for an extended period and increase the cost of operating our business;

•operational challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, including logistical challenges, protecting the health and well-being of our employees, remote work arrangements, performance of contracts and supply chain disruption;

•the impact on drilling and production by factors beyond our control, including the demand for natural gas and crude oil; producers’ desire and ability to drill and obtain necessary permits; regulatory compliance; reserve performance; and capacity constraints and/or shut downs on the pipelines that transport crude oil, natural gas and NGLs from producing areas and our facilities;

•risks associated with adequate supply to our gathering, processing, fractionation and pipeline facilities, including production declines that outpace new drilling, the shutting-in of production by producers, actions taken by federal, state or local governments to require producers to prorate or to cut their production levels as a way to address any excess market supply situations or extended periods of ethane rejection;

•demand for our services and products in the proximity of our facilities;

•economic climate and growth in the geographic areas in which we operate;

•the risk of a slowdown in growth or decline in the United States or international economies, including liquidity risks in United States or foreign credit markets;

•performance of contractual obligations by our customers, service providers, contractors and shippers;

•the effects of changes in governmental policies and regulatory actions, including changes with respect to income and other taxes, pipeline safety, environmental compliance, cybersecurity, climate change initiatives, emissions credits, carbon offsets, carbon pricing, production limits and authorized rates of recovery of natural gas and natural gas transportation costs;

•changes in demand for the use of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil because of the development of new technologies or other market conditions caused by concerns about climate change;

•the transition to a lower-carbon economy, including the timing and extent of the transition, as well as the expected role of different energy sources in such a transition;

•the pace of technological advancements and industry innovation, including those focused on reducing GHG emissions and advancing other climate-related initiatives, and our ability to take advantage of those innovations and developments;

•the effectiveness of our risk-management strategies, including mitigating cyber- and climate-related risks;

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•our ability to identify and execute opportunities, and the economic viability of those opportunities, including those relating to renewable natural gas, carbon capture, use and storage, other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind and alternative low carbon fuel sources such as hydrogen;

•the ability of our existing assets and our ability to apply and continue to develop our expertise to support the growth of, and transition to, various renewable and alternative energy opportunities, including through the positioning and optimization of our assets;

•our ability to efficiently reduce the carbon intensity of our operations (both Scope 1 and 2 emissions), including through the use of lower carbon power alternatives, management practices and system optimizations;

•the necessity to direct our focus on maintaining and enhancing our existing assets instead of efforts to reduce our GHG emissions;

•the effects of weather and other natural phenomena, including climate change, on our operations, demand for our services and energy prices;

•acts of nature, sabotage, terrorism or other similar acts that cause damage to our facilities or our suppliers’, customers’ or shippers’ facilities;

•the possibility of future terrorist attacks or the possibility or occurrence of an outbreak of, or changes in, hostilities or changes in the political conditions throughout the world;

•the risk of increased costs for insurance premiums, security or other items as a consequence of terrorist attacks;

•the timing and extent of changes in energy commodity prices, including changes due to production decisions by other countries, such as the failure of countries to abide by agreements to reduce production volumes;

•competition from other United States and foreign energy suppliers and transporters, as well as alternative forms of energy, including, but not limited to, solar power, wind power, geothermal energy and biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel;

•the ability to market pipeline capacity on favorable terms, including the effects of:

–    future demand for and prices of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil;

–    competitive conditions in the overall energy market;

–    availability of supplies of United States natural gas and crude oil; and

–    availability of additional storage capacity;

•the efficiency of our plants in processing natural gas and extracting and fractionating NGLs;

•the composition and quality of the natural gas and NGLs we gather and process in our plants and transport on our pipelines;

•risks of marketing, trading and hedging activities, including the risks of changes in energy prices or the financial condition of our counterparties;

•our ability to control operating costs and make cost-saving changes;

•the risk inherent in the use of information systems in our respective businesses and those of our counterparties and service providers, including cyber-attacks, which, according to experts, have increased in volume and sophistication since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; implementation of new software and hardware; and the impact on the timeliness of information for financial reporting;

•the timely receipt of approval by applicable governmental entities for construction and operation of our pipeline and other projects and required regulatory clearances;

•the ability to recover operating costs and amounts equivalent to income taxes, costs of property, plant and equipment and regulatory assets in our state and FERC-regulated rates;

•the results of governmental actions, administrative proceedings and litigation, regulatory actions, executive orders, rule changes and receipt of expected clearances involving any local, state or federal regulatory body, including the FERC, the National Transportation Safety Board, Homeland Security, the PHMSA, the EPA and the CFTC;

•the mechanical integrity of facilities and pipelines operated;

•the capital-intensive nature of our businesses;

•the impact of unforeseen changes in interest rates, debt and equity markets, inflation rates, economic recession and other external factors over which we have no control, including the effect on pension and postretirement expense and funding resulting from changes in equity and bond market returns;

•actions by rating agencies concerning our credit;

•our indebtedness and guarantee obligations could make us vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limit our ability to borrow additional funds and/or place us at competitive disadvantages compared with our competitors that have less debt or have other adverse consequences;

•our ability to access capital at competitive rates or on terms acceptable to us;

•our ability to acquire all necessary permits, consents or other approvals in a timely manner, to promptly obtain all necessary materials and supplies required for construction, and to construct gathering, processing, storage, fractionation and transportation facilities without labor or contractor problems;

•our ability to control construction costs and completion schedules of our pipelines and other projects;

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•difficulties or delays experienced by trucks, railroads or pipelines in delivering products to or from our terminals or pipelines;

•the uncertainty of estimates, including accruals and costs of environmental remediation;

•the impact of uncontracted capacity in our assets being greater or less than expected;

•the impact of potential impairment charges;

•the profitability of assets or businesses acquired or constructed by us;

•risks associated with pending or possible acquisitions and dispositions, including our ability to finance or integrate any such acquisitions and any regulatory delay or conditions imposed by regulatory bodies in connection with any such acquisitions and dispositions;

•the risk that material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting could emerge or that minor problems could become significant;

•the impact and outcome of pending and future litigation;

•the impact of recently issued and future accounting updates and other changes in accounting policies; and

•the risk factors listed in the reports we have filed and may file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference.

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other factors could also affect adversely our future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in this Annual Report and in our other filings that we make with the SEC, which are available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Any such forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.