DT Midstream, Inc. (DTM)
SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > SIC 4922 Natural Gas Transmission
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1842022. Latest filing source: 0001842022-26-000003.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Risk Factors
Read DTM's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,243,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-19 |
| Net income | 441,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-19 |
| Assets | 10,080,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-19 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-19. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001842022.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 504,000,000 | 754,000,000 | 840,000,000 | 920,000,000 | 922,000,000 | 981,000,000 | 1,243,000,000 |
| Net income | 204,000,000 | 312,000,000 | 307,000,000 | 370,000,000 | 384,000,000 | 354,000,000 | 441,000,000 |
| Operating income | 261,000,000 | 414,000,000 | 402,000,000 | 478,000,000 | 471,000,000 | 489,000,000 | 614,000,000 |
| Diluted EPS | 2.11 | 3.23 | 3.16 | 3.81 | 3.94 | 3.60 | 4.30 |
| Operating cash flow | 390,000,000 | 597,000,000 | 572,000,000 | 725,000,000 | 798,000,000 | 763,000,000 | 867,000,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 211,000,000 | 518,000,000 | 140,000,000 | 338,000,000 | 772,000,000 | 350,000,000 | 426,000,000 |
| Dividends paid | 0.00 | 0.00 | 58,000,000 | 244,000,000 | 263,000,000 | 280,000,000 | 324,000,000 |
| Assets | 7,787,000,000 | 8,342,000,000 | 8,166,000,000 | 8,833,000,000 | 8,982,000,000 | 9,935,000,000 | 10,080,000,000 |
| Liabilities | 4,114,000,000 | 4,145,000,000 | 4,679,000,000 | 4,702,000,000 | 5,169,000,000 | 5,202,000,000 | |
| Stockholders' equity | 3,872,000,000 | 4,007,000,000 | 4,139,000,000 | 4,627,000,000 | 4,736,000,000 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 42,000,000 | 132,000,000 | 61,000,000 | 56,000,000 | 68,000,000 | 54,000,000 | |
| Free cash flow | 179,000,000 | 79,000,000 | 432,000,000 | 387,000,000 | 26,000,000 | 413,000,000 | 441,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 40.48% | 41.38% | 36.55% | 40.22% | 41.65% | 36.09% | 35.48% |
| Operating margin | 51.79% | 54.91% | 47.86% | 51.96% | 51.08% | 49.85% | 49.40% |
| Return on equity | 7.93% | 9.23% | 9.28% | 7.65% | 9.31% | ||
| Return on assets | 2.62% | 3.74% | 3.76% | 4.19% | 4.28% | 3.56% | 4.38% |
| Liabilities / equity | 1.07 | 1.17 | 1.14 | 1.12 | 1.10 | ||
| Current ratio | 0.15 | 2.03 | 0.43 | 0.63 | 0.73 | 1.07 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
Operating margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001842022-26-000003; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001842022-26-000003; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001842022-26-000003; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001842022-26-000003; filed 2026-02-19. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-04-30. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001842022.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 0.93 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 1.16 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 0.84 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 224,000,000 | 91,000,000 | 0.93 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 234,000,000 | 91,000,000 | 0.94 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 244,000,000 | 121,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 240,000,000 | 97,000,000 | 0.99 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 244,000,000 | 96,000,000 | 0.98 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 248,000,000 | 88,000,000 | 0.90 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 249,000,000 | 73,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 303,000,000 | 108,000,000 | 1.06 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 309,000,000 | 107,000,000 | 1.04 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 314,000,000 | 115,000,000 | 1.13 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 317,000,000 | 111,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 336,000,000 | 130,000,000 | 1.27 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001842022-26-000006; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: Revenues. Source concepts: us-gaap:Revenues.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001842022-26-000006; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001842022-26-000006; filed 2026-04-30. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001842022-26-000006.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included under Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report, and the historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in the DT Midstream 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the midstream industry and our business and financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an owner, operator, and developer of an integrated portfolio of natural gas midstream assets. We provide multiple, integrated natural gas services to customers through our Pipeline segment, which includes interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, and gathering lateral pipelines, and through our Gathering segment. We also own joint venture interests in equity method investees which own and operate interstate pipelines that connect to our wholly owned assets.
Our core assets strategically connect key demand centers in the Midwestern U.S., Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S. regions to the premium production areas of the Marcellus/Utica natural gas formation in the Appalachian Basin and connect key demand centers and LNG export terminals in the Gulf Coast region to premium production areas of the Haynesville natural gas formation.
We have an established history of stable, long-term growth with contractual cash flows from customers that include natural gas producers, local distribution companies, electric power generators, industrials, and national marketers.
STRATEGY
Our principal business objective is to safely and reliably operate and develop midstream natural gas assets across our premier footprint. Our proven leadership and highly engaged employees have an excellent track record. Prospectively, we intend to continue this track record by executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Additionally, we intend to develop low carbon business opportunities and deploy GHG reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry. We are executing on a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Our strategy is premised on the following principles:
•operate our assets in a sustainable and responsible manner;
•provide exceptional service to our customers;
•disciplined capital deployment in assets supported by strong fundamentals;
•capitalize on asset integration and utilization opportunities;
•pursue economically attractive opportunities; and
•grow cash flows supported by long-term firm revenue contracts.
26
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following sections discuss the operating performance and future outlook of our segments. Segment information includes intercompany revenues and expenses, as well as other income and deductions that are eliminated, as presented in Note 11 "Segment and Related Information" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2026 to the three months ended December 31, 2025, and the three months ended March 31, 2026 to the three months ended March 31, 2025, as applicable. The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results:
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 336 | $ | 317 | $ | 303 | |||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | 130 | 111 | 108 | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.06 |
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 108 | $ | 93 | $ | 92 | ||||||||||||||
| Gathering | 22 | 18 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 130 | $ | 111 | $ | 108 |
Pipeline
The Pipeline segment consists of our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, gathering lateral pipelines and compression and surface facilities. This segment also includes our equity method investments. Pipeline results and outlook are discussed below:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 185 | $ | 173 | $ | 169 | ||||
| Operation and maintenance | 35 | 36 | 32 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 29 | 28 | 28 | |||||||
| Taxes other than income | 9 | 4 | 9 | |||||||
| Operating Income | 112 | 105 | 100 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 14 | 13 | 13 | |||||||
| Interest income | (1) | — | (1) | |||||||
| Earnings from equity method investees | (43) | (37) | (37) | |||||||
| Other income | — | (1) | — | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 30 | 34 | 30 | |||||||
| Net Income | 112 | 96 | 95 | |||||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 4 | 3 | 3 | |||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 108 | $ | 93 | $ | 92 |
27
Operating revenues increased $12 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher revenue on LEAP of $7 million, of which $4 million was production-related and $3 million was from recovery of operational flow order fees, which are offset in operation and maintenance expense, and higher Stonewall inter-segment revenue from the MVP expansion of $5 million. Operating revenues increased $16 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to new contracts for the LEAP expansion of $6 million and production-related revenue of $5 million and higher Stonewall inter-segment revenue from the MVP expansion of $5 million.
Operation and maintenance expense decreased $1 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to lower operating expenses on DTM Interstate Transportation of $3 million, partially offset by higher operational flow order fees on LEAP of $3 million. Operation and maintenance expense increased $3 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to higher operational flow order fees on LEAP of $3 million.
Taxes other than income increased $5 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to assets placed into service at LEAP, franchise tax adjustments in the prior period at Millennium and property and payroll tax adjustments in the prior period at LEAP.
Earnings from equity method investees increased $6 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher seasonal short-term contract revenues and lower expenses of $3 million at Millennium and higher seasonal short-term contract revenues of $2 million at Vector. Earnings from equity method investees increased $6 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to higher seasonal short-term contract revenues of $4 million at Millennium and higher seasonal short-term contract revenues of $3 million at Nexus.
Income tax expense decreased $4 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to a decrease in the effective tax rate, partially offset by higher income before income taxes. Income tax expense was unchanged compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to a decrease in the effective tax rate, offset by higher income before income taxes.
Pipeline Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with customers and the location and connectivity of our pipeline assets position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include expansion opportunities on the DTM Interstate Transportation assets, further expansion at LEAP and Stonewall, new contracts at the Washington 10 Storage Complex and additional growth related to our equity method investments.
28
Gathering
The Gathering segment includes gathering systems, related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. Gathering results and outlook are discussed below:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, | December 31, | March 31, | ||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 156 | $ | 144 | $ | 134 | ||||
| Operation and maintenance | 55 | 51 | 46 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 40 | 39 | 35 | |||||||
| Taxes other than income | 6 | 3 | 5 | |||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | 1 | — | — | |||||||
| Operating Income | 54 | 51 | 48 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 26 | 28 | 27 | |||||||
| Interest income | — | (1) | — | |||||||
| Other income | — | (1) | — | |||||||
| Income tax expense | 6 | 6 | 5 | |||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 22 | $ | 19 | $ | 16 |
Operating revenues increased $12 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher Appalachia Gathering volumes of $7 million, higher volumes and deficiency fees at Ohio Utica Gathering of $4 million and higher Blue Union Gathering volumes of $2 million. Operating revenues increased $22 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to higher volumes of $8 million and new contracts of $4 million at Blue Union Gathering, higher Appalachia Gathering volumes of $5 million, higher Tioga Gathering volumes of $4 million and higher volumes and deficiency fees at Ohio Utica Gathering of $3 million.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $4 million compared to the three months ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher inter-segment fees at Appalachia Gathering from the MVP expansion of $5 million, partially offset by lower operating expenses at Blue Union Gathering of $3 million. Operation and maintenance expense increased $9 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to higher inter-segment fees at Appalachia Gathering from the MVP expansion of $5 million and maintenance expenses at Blue Union Gathering of $4 million.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily due to assets placed into service at Blue Union Gathering, Clean Fuels Gathering and Ohio Utica Gathering.
Taxes other than income increased
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the midstream industry and our business and financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an owner, operator, and developer of an integrated portfolio of natural gas midstream assets. We provide multiple, integrated natural gas services to customers through our Pipeline segment, which includes interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, and gathering lateral pipelines, and through our Gathering segment. We also own joint venture interests in equity method investees which own and operate interstate pipelines that connect to our wholly owned assets.
Our core assets strategically connect key demand centers in the Midwestern U.S., Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S. regions to the premium production areas of the Marcellus/Utica natural gas formation in the Appalachian Basin and connect key demand centers and LNG export terminals in the Gulf Coast region to premium production areas of the Haynesville natural gas formation.
We have an established history of stable, long-term growth with contractual cash flows from customers that include natural gas producers, local distribution companies, electric power generators, industrials, and national marketers.
Our Strategy
See discussion of our strategy under Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Our Strategy" of this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following sections discuss the operating performance and future outlook of our segments. Segment information includes intercompany revenues and expenses, as well as other income and deductions that are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2025 to the year ended December 31, 2024, or the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023, as applicable. The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 1,243 | $ | 981 | $ | 922 | |||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | 441 | 354 | 384 | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 4.30 | $ | 3.60 | $ | 3.94 |
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 370 | $ | 276 | $ | 278 | ||||||||||||||
| Gathering | 71 | 78 | 106 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 441 | $ | 354 | $ | 384 |
42
Pipeline
The Pipeline segment consists of our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, gathering lateral pipelines and compression and surface facilities. This segment also includes our equity method investments. The Midwest Pipeline Acquisition assets and results of operations after the December 31, 2024 acquisition date are presented in our Pipeline segment. Pipeline results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 687 | $ | 443 | $ | 377 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 134 | 68 | 55 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 111 | 74 | 69 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 27 | 22 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | — | — | (4) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 415 | 279 | 242 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 51 | 47 | 55 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (1) | (4) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from equity method investees | (138) | (162) | (177) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | — | 3 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income | (1) | (1) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 121 | 107 | 75 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | 383 | 289 | 290 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 13 | 13 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 370 | $ | 276 | $ | 278 |
Operating revenues increased $244 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to activity from the interstate pipelines acquired in the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition of $212 million, new LEAP contracts of $31 million and higher long-term storage revenue at Washington 10 Storage Complex of $9 million, partially offset by lower Bluestone volumes of $7 million. Operating revenues increased $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to new LEAP long-term firm service revenue contracts of $55 million, higher long-term contracting rates and volumes at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $9 million and higher volumes at Stonewall of $9 million, partially offset by lower volumes at Bluestone of $8 million.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to effects from the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition, including increases in direct operations of $25 million, increases in corporate overhead and the acquisition's impact on corporate overhead segment mix of $36 million, as well as production-related operating expenses from the LEAP expansion of $9 million. Operation and maintenance expense increased $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher production-related operating expenses from the expansion of LEAP and acquisition related costs for the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $37 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to new LEAP assets placed into service.
Taxes other than income increased $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to an increase in property taxes due to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition. Taxes other than income increased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to LEAP assets placed into service.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net decreased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 due to a one-time gain realized from an insurance settlement that occurred in the prior year.
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Interest expense increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher interest expense from the 2034 Notes issued in the three months ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by lower interest expense related to the Term Loan Facility and lower interest expense related to the Bridge Facility. Interest expense decreased $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the repayment of the Term Loan Facility during 2024, partially offset by lower capitalized interest driven by lower construction in progress during 2024 and higher interest related to the Bridge Facility and 2034 Notes.
Earnings from equity method investees decreased $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher interest expense from senior unsecured notes issued by Millennium in the three months ended September 30, 2024 of $16 million and higher property taxes, lower short-term revenue and higher maintenance expenses at Millennium of $7 million. Earnings from equity method investees decreased $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher interest expense from new senior unsecured notes at Millennium and a full year of interest expense from senior unsecured notes at NEXUS.
Loss from financing activities increased $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to the repayment of our remaining Term Loan Facility that occurred during the year.
Income tax expense increased $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 due to an increase in income before income taxes, partially offset by deferred tax remeasurements for changes in state tax rates and apportionment factors related to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition in 2024. Income tax expense increased $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher income before income taxes and deferred tax remeasurement adjustments for changes in state tax rates and apportionment factors due to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition and enacted state legislation.
Pipeline Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with customers and the location and connectivity of our pipeline assets position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include expansion opportunities on the DTM Interstate Transportation assets, further expansion at LEAP and Stonewall, new contracts at the Washington 10 Storage Complex and additional growth related to our equity method investments.
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Gathering
The Gathering segment includes gathering systems, related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. The Clean Fuels Gathering assets and results of operations after the July 1, 2024 acquisition date are presented in our Gathering segment. Gathering results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 556 | $ | 538 | $ | 545 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 195 | 176 | 190 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 147 | 135 | 113 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 15 | 17 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 199 | 210 | 229 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 110 | 106 | 95 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (1) | (3) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | — | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income | (4) | (3) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 23 | 30 | 29 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 71 | $ | 78 | $ | 106 |
Operating revenues increased $18 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to new Blue Union Gathering contracts of $18 million, higher Blue Union Gathering volumes of $15 million, higher volumes and deficiency fees due to expansion at Ohio Utica Gathering of $11 million and higher volumes at Tioga Gathering of $5 million, partially offset by lower volumes at Susquehanna Gathering of $22 million and Appalachia Gathering of $9 million. Operating revenues decreased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower volumes and recovery of production-related operating expenses on Blue Union Gathering of $19 million and lower Susquehanna Gathering volumes of $16 million, partially offset by a full year of operations at Ohio Utica Gathering of $18 million and higher Appalachia Gathering volumes of $12 million.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $19 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to new assets placed into service and higher production-related operating expenses at Blue Union Gathering of $20 million and a reduction in environmental contingent liabilities of $9 million at Appalachia Gathering in 2024, partially offset by the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition’s impact on corporate overhead segment mix of $10 million. Operation and maintenance expense decreased $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower planned maintenance and production-related operating expenses on Blue Union Gathering of $18 million, partially offset by a full year of operations at Ohio Utica Gathering.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to assets placed in service at Blue Union Gathering, Ohio Utica Gathering and Clean Fuels Gathering. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to assets placed into service at Ohio Utica Gathering, Blue Union Gathering, and Appalachia Gathering.
Taxes other than income increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to assets placed into service at Blue Union Gathering.
Interest expense increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to higher interest expense from the 2034 Notes issued in the three months ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by lower interest expense related to the Term Loan Facility and lower interest expense related to the Bridge Facility. Interest expense increased $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower capitalized interest driven by lower construction in progress during 2024 and higher interest related to the Bridge Facility and 2034 Notes issued in 2024. This increase was partially offset by lower outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the repayment of the Term Loan Facility during 2024.
Loss from financing activities increased $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to the repayment of our remaining Term Loan Facility that occurred during the year.
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Income tax expense decreased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 due to decreases in income before income taxes and deferred tax remeasurements for changes in state tax rates and apportionment factors related to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition in 2024. Income tax expense increased $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to deferred tax remeasurement adjustments for changes in state tax rates and apportionment factors due to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition and enacted state legislation, partially offset by lower income before income taxes.
Gathering Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with producers and the quality of the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus/Utica and Haynesville formations position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include further expansions at Blue Union Gathering, Appalachia Gathering, Ohio Utica Gathering, and Tioga Gathering.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to U.S. federal, state, and local laws and environmental regulations, including laws and regulations relating to pipeline safety, climate change and GHG emissions. Additional compliance costs may result as the effects of various substances on the environment and human health are studied and laws and regulations are developed and implemented. Actual costs to comply with such laws and regulations could vary substantially from our expectations. Pending or future legislation or regulation could have a material impact on our operations and financial position. Potential impacts include unplanned expenditures for environmental equipment, such as pollution control equipment, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures, and the replacement costs of aging pipelines and other facilities.
For further discussion of environmental matters, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties — Regulatory Environment — Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
CLIMATE CHANGE
We believe we have an opportunity to address climate change and have made strategically aligned environmental investment decisions a priority. Our Board of Directors includes a committee focused on environmental, social and governance initiatives, and our strategy will focus on targeted growth from carbon-reducing technologies associated with our current platforms. We have announced our intent to employ carbon-reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry, and we are executing on a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We established our baseline Scope 1 carbon emissions in 2021 and are targeting a 30% reduction from this baseline by 2030.
In 2024, we completed the Clean Fuels Acquisition and advanced our carbon capture and sequestration project in Louisiana through completion of the Class V test well. The carbon capture and sequestration Class VI permit application moved to formal technical review with the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy in July 2025, and we are awaiting the completion of that review.
In future years, we plan to continue to make progress on opportunities for energy transition advancements leveraging our existing assets, competencies and partnerships. These opportunities include the following:
•Our efforts to advance our Louisiana carbon capture project, as well as other potential carbon capture projects across our geographic regions; and
•Our Clean Fuels Gathering project to capture fugitive methane emissions.
Capital project investments have been contemplated in our forecasted capital expenditures discussed in the Capital Investments section below. DT Midstream published our fourth annual Corporate Sustainability Report in 2025. The information in our Corporate Sustainability Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
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For discussion of various risks including transitional risks associated with climate change related laws and regulations, reputational risks of climate change, and the physical risks of climate change, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Regulatory Risks—Risks related to climate change could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, access to and cost of capital or insurance, reputation, and business strategies." of this Form 10-K. For discussion of recent climate change related laws and regulations, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Regulatory Environment—Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations—Climate Change" of this Form 10-K.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash Requirements
Our principal liquidity requirements are to finance our operations, fund capital expenditures, satisfy our indebtedness obligations, and pay approved dividends. We believe we will have sufficient internal and external capital resources to fund anticipated capital and operating requirements.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | $ | 68 | $ | 56 | $ | 61 | ||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities | 867 | 763 | 798 | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities | (372) | (1,081) | (351) | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) financing activities | (509) | 330 | (452) | |||||||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (14) | 12 | (5) | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 54 | $ | 68 | $ | 56 |
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2025 to the year ended December 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Operating Activities
Cash flows from our operating activities can be impacted in the short term by the natural gas volumes gathered or transported through our systems under interruptible service revenue contracts, changing natural gas prices, seasonality, weather fluctuations, dividends received from equity method investees, working capital changes and the financial condition of our customers. Our preference to enter into firm service revenue contracts leads to more stable operating performance, revenues and cash flows and limits our exposure to natural gas price fluctuations.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities increased $104 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to an increase in operating income of $176 million after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation, and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and a decrease in cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, of $7 million, partially offset by a decrease of $44 million due to changes in net working capital, a decrease in dividends received from equity method investees of $23 million, higher interest
expense of $8 million and lower interest income of $5 million.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities decreased $35 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to a decrease in working capital changes and a decrease in dividends received from equity method investees, partially offset by a decrease in cash paid for income taxes and an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation, and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows associated with our investing activities are primarily the result of plant and equipment expenditures, acquisitions, and contributions to equity method investees. Cash inflows from our investing activities are generated from proceeds from sale or collection of Notes receivable, distributions received from equity method investees, and proceeds from asset sales.
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On December 31, 2024, we closed on the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition of three FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines for $1.2 billion. See Note 16, "Acquisition" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
As a result of the sales of senior unsecured notes at our equity method investees, we received net distributions from Millennium of $416 million and NEXUS of $371 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities decreased $709 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to cash consideration for the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition in 2024, partially offset by lower distributions received from equity method investees of $423 million, due to the Millennium distribution in 2024 of $416 million, and an increase in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures of $76 million.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities increased $730 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to cash consideration for the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures and higher distributions received from equity method investees, including those noted above.
Financing Activities
In December 2024, we issued the 2034 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $650 million, and we amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, extend the Revolving Credit Facility maturity date to 2029. In November 2024, we amended our Credit Agreement to permit the Company to incur certain customary bridge loans, including the Bridge Facility. In September 2024, we repaid the remaining indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility of $399 million. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
In November 2024, we issued 4,168,750 common shares for net proceeds of approximately $406 million. DT Midstream paid cash dividends on common stock of $324 million, $280 million, and $263 million during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 8, "Earnings Per Share and Dividends" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $509 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $330 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to proceeds received in 2024 from the issuance of common shares and from the issuance of the 2034 Notes, higher dividends paid on common stock of $44 million, higher payroll taxes paid related to vested stock-based compensation of $19 million and lower net borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of $135 million, partially offset by lower repayments on long-term debt of $399 million and higher contributions from noncontrolling interests of $7 million.
Net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $330 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $452 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to proceeds received from the issuance of common shares, proceeds received from the issuance of the 2034 Notes, and lower net repayments of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, partially offset by the repayment of the Term Loan Facility and higher dividends paid on common stock.
Outlook
We expect to continue executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Other than the impact of the items discussed below on our debt and equity capitalization, we are not aware of any trends, other demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to materially impact our liquidity position.
Our working capital requirements will be primarily driven by changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable and taxes payable. We continue our efforts to identify opportunities to improve cash flows through working capital initiatives and obtaining long-term firm service revenue contracts from customers.
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Our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents generated from operating activities and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2025, we had $17 million of letters of credit outstanding and no borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. We had approximately $1 billion of available liquidity as of December 31, 2025, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.
We expect to pay regular cash dividends to DT Midstream common stockholders in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and may depend on our future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition, and the effect a dividend payment would have on our compliance with relevant financial covenants. Over the long-term, we expect to grow our dividend with cash flow growth.
We believe we will have sufficient operating flexibility, cash resources and funding sources to maintain adequate liquidity amounts and to meet future operating cash, capital expenditure and debt servicing requirements. However, our business is capital intensive, and an inability to access adequate capital could adversely impact future earnings and cash flows.
The Credit Agreement covering the Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants that DT Midstream must maintain. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
See also Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings are intended to provide banks and capital market participants with a framework for comparing the credit quality of securities and are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Our credit ratings affect our cost of capital and other terms of financing, as well as our ability to access the credit and commercial paper markets. We believe that the current credit ratings provide sufficient access to capital markets. However, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to us may affect our ability to access these funding sources or cause an increase in the return required by investors. During the year ended December 31, 2025, our credit rating was upgraded to investment grade by both Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and the Company remained investment grade with Fitch Ratings following its 2024 upgrade. As a result, DT Midstream has achieved investment grade rating with all three major credit rating agencies.
Contractual Obligations
The following table details our contractual obligations due by year as of December 31, 2025:
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 and Thereafter | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Senior unsecured notes (a) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,100 | $ | 1,000 | ||||||||
| Senior unsecured notes (b) | — | — | — | — | 1,250 | |||||||||||||
| Letters of credit | — | — | — | — | 17 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense (c) | 153 | 153 | 153 | 130 | 316 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease payments | 18 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 8 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase commitments | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 33 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations | $ | 187 | $ | 185 | $ | 173 | $ | 1,246 | $ | 2,624 |
_____________________________
(a) Excludes $15 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(b) Excludes $1 million of unamortized debt discount and $10 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. These were formerly secured notes whose collateral was released on May 16, 2025 following an Investment Grade Event under the respective indentures. In the event of a Reversion Event (as defined in the respective indentures), the collateral is required to be reinstated in accordance with the respective indentures.
(c) Represents interest expense related to all Long-term debt.
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CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
Capital spending within our Company is primarily for ongoing maintenance and expansion of our existing assets, and if identified, attractive growth opportunities. We have been disciplined in our capital deployment and make growth investments that meet our criteria in terms of strategy, management skills, and identified risks and expected returns. All potential investments are analyzed for their rates of return and cash payback on a risk-adjusted basis. Our total capital investments were $431 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, inclusive of $5 million in contributions to equity method investees and $426 million in plant and equipment expenditures. These were primarily related to expansions on Blue Union Gathering, Appalachia Gathering, LEAP, Clean Fuels Gathering, Stonewall and Ohio Utica Gathering. We anticipate total capital investments, inclusive of contributions to equity method investees, for the year ended December 31, 2026 of approximately $490 million to $570 million.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We are party to off-balance sheet arrangements, which include our equity method investments. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation—Principles of Consolidation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the nature, purpose and other details of such agreements.
Other off-balance sheet arrangements include the Vector line of credit and our surety bonds, which are discussed in Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS
We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation and Distribution Agreement. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation—We agreed to numerous restrictions to preserve the non-recognition treatment of the Distribution, and we could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy in accordance with the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement if the Distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal tax purposes." of this Form 10-K for further details.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management apply accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect results of operations and the amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the areas described below require significant judgment in the application of the accounting policy or in making estimates and assumptions in matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. See additional discussion of our accounting policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Purchase Accounting
In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquired business are measured at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. As discussed in the Regulation paragraph below, the FERC-regulated pipelines acquired in the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition are accounted for under ASC 980, and thus, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed subject to these provisions approximate their regulated basis, and therefore no fair value adjustments have been reflected related to these amounts. Customer relationship intangible assets are not subject to rate making and cost recovery provisions, and therefore do include fair value adjustments. Determining the fair value of these items required management's judgment and involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives, among other items. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments related to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition as additional information became available and the purchase price allocation was finalized. For income tax purposes, the transaction is treated as a taxable deemed asset acquisition. Accordingly, the majority of deferred income tax assets and liabilities of the acquired entities are eliminated as the tax bases were increased to fair market value which equals net book value.
See Note 7, "Income Taxes" and Note 16, "Acquisition" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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Goodwill
We have goodwill that resulted from business combinations. Annually as of October 1st, an impairment test for goodwill is performed which compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment loss would be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The October 1, 2025 fair values for the reporting units were calculated using an income approach. The estimated fair value in our annual goodwill impairment analysis utilizes significant assumptions that require judgment by management. One such significant assumption is the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) which is used to discount estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by each reporting unit. The WACC is based on our cost of debt, which includes U.S. industrial bond spreads, and cost of equity, which consists of U.S. Treasury Rates plus an equity risk premium. Another significant assumption is the terminal value that utilizes an assumed long-term growth rate, which incorporates management’s judgment regarding sustainable long-term growth of the reporting units.
Our annual goodwill impairment analysis included a comparison of the estimated fair value of the Company as a whole to our market capitalization. Management also compared the implied market multiple of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to midstream industry transaction multiples and considered other market indicators to support the appropriateness of the fair value estimates.
We performed our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2025 and determined that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and no impairment existed. The results of the impairment test are as follows as of the October 1, 2025 valuation date:
| Reporting Unit | Goodwill | Weighted Average Costs of Capital | Fair Value Reduction % (a) | Valuation Methodology (b) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 361 | 6.8 | % | 73 | % | DCF | |||||
| Gathering | 420 | 7.5 | % | 44 | % | DCF | ||||||
| $ | 781 |
_________________________________
(a) Percentage by which the estimated fair value of the reporting unit would need to decline to equal its carrying value including goodwill.
(b) Discounted cash flows (DCF) incorporated 2025 (fourth quarter) through 2030 projected cash flows plus a calculated terminal value. We calculated the terminal-year cash flows using an estimated long-term growth rate of 2.5% discounted at the WACC for each of the reporting units.
In between annual impairment tests, we monitor our estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, including the impact of movements in market indicators, and will update the impairment analysis if a triggering event occurs. While we believe the estimates and assumptions in the fair value are reasonable, the actual results may differ from projections. To the extent projected results or cash flows are revised downward, the reporting unit may be required to write down all or a portion of its goodwill, which would adversely impact our earnings. If current expectations of future long-term growth are not met or market factors outside of our control change, such as U.S. Treasury Rates or a decline in midstream industry transaction multiples, this may lead to a goodwill impairment in the future. See Part II, Item 7A., "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk", in this Form 10-K for more information on our exposure to market risk.
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Assessment of Long-Lived Assets for Impairment
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Conditions that could have an adverse impact on the cash flows and fair value of the long-lived assets are a deteriorating business climate, condition of the asset, or plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its useful life, which could result from the loss of or reduction in volume from our customers. The review of long-lived assets for impairment requires significant assumptions about operating strategies and estimates of future cash flows, which require assessments of current and projected market conditions and anticipated customer revenues. An impairment evaluation is based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level for which independent cash flows of long-lived assets can be identified from other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment may occur when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows. When the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates a long-lived asset is not recoverable, the amount of the impairment loss is determined by measuring the excess of the long-lived asset over its fair value. An impairment would require us to reduce both the long-lived asset and current period earnings by the amount of the impairment, which would adversely impact our earnings. As part of our ongoing reviews of business operations and associated long-lived assets, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2025.
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-Lived Assets
We compute depreciation and amortization based on estimated useful lives. These estimates are based on various factors including condition, manufacturing specifications, technological advances and historical data concerning useful lives of similar assets. Uncertainties that impact these estimates include economic conditions and supply and demand in the area. When assets are put into service, we make estimates with respect to useful lives and salvage values that we believe are reasonable. However, subsequent events could cause us to change our estimates, thus impacting the future calculation of depreciation and amortization. For our regulated assets, depreciation studies to assess the estimated useful lives of the asset are typically conducted as part of rate proceedings or tariff filings, which can result in changes in economic lives. Changes in economic lives, if applicable, are implemented prospectively as of the tariff approved effective date.
Assessment of Equity Method Investments for Impairment
We assess at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that the equity method investment is impaired by completing a quantitative or qualitative analysis of factors impacting the investment. If there is objective evidence of impairment, we determine whether the decline below carrying value is other than temporary. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings with an offsetting reduction to the carrying value of the investment. As part of our ongoing reviews of equity method investment operations, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2025.
Regulation
Guardian, Midwestern and Viking are subject to rate regulation and accounting requirements of FERC. The regulated operations of each of these subsidiaries have rates that are (i) established by independent, third-party regulators, (ii) set at levels that will recover our costs when considering the demand and competition for our services and (iii) charged to and collectible from our customers. Accordingly, we follow the accounting for regulated operations as defined in ASC 980 for these pipelines, which results in differences in the application of GAAP between our regulated and non-regulated businesses. These entities are required to record regulatory assets and liabilities for certain transactions that would have been treated as revenue or expense in non-regulated businesses. Future regulatory changes could result in changes in the amounts of regulatory assets and liabilities or the discontinuance of this accounting treatment for regulatory assets and liabilities for some or all of our regulated businesses. We believe that currently available facts support the continued use of regulatory accounting and that all regulatory assets and liabilities are recoverable or refundable in the current regulatory environment.
See Note 17, "Regulatory Matters" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 3, "New Accounting Pronouncements" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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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: 0001842022-25-000003.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the midstream industry and our business and financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an owner, operator, and developer of an integrated portfolio of natural gas midstream assets. We provide multiple, integrated natural gas services to customers through our Pipeline segment, which includes interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, and gathering lateral pipelines, and through our Gathering segment. We also own joint venture interests in equity method investees which own and operate interstate pipelines that connect to our wholly owned assets. On December 31, 2024, we closed on the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition of three FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines. See Note 16, "Acquisitions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our core assets strategically connect key demand centers in the Midwestern U.S., Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S. regions to the premium production areas of the Marcellus/Utica natural gas formation in the Appalachian Basin and connect key demand centers and LNG export terminals in the Gulf Coast region to premium production areas of the Haynesville natural gas formation.
We have an established history of stable, long-term growth with contractual cash flows from customers that include natural gas producers, local distribution companies, electric power generators, industrials, and national marketers.
Our Strategy
See discussion of our strategy under Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Our Strategy" of this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following sections discuss the operating performance and future outlook of our segments. Segment information includes intercompany revenues and expenses, as well as other income and deductions that are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023, or the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, as applicable. The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 981 | $ | 922 | $ | 920 | |||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 354 | $ | 384 | $ | 370 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 3.60 | $ | 3.94 | $ | 3.81 |
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 276 | $ | 278 | $ | 228 | ||||||||||||||
| Gathering | 78 | 106 | 142 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 354 | $ | 384 | $ | 370 |
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Pipeline
The Pipeline segment consists of our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, gathering lateral pipelines including related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. This segment also includes our equity method investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we completed the conversion of the Michigan System from gathering to dry gas transmission service and began providing services under a new long-term dry gas transmission contract. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Michigan System financial results are presented in the Pipeline segment. The activity for the year ended December 31, 2022 was for gathering services and therefore was not revised from presentation in the Gathering segment.
Pipeline results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 443 | $ | 377 | $ | 339 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 68 | 55 | 54 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 74 | 69 | 63 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 22 | 15 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | — | (4) | (6) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 279 | 242 | 214 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 47 | 55 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (4) | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from equity method investees | (162) | (177) | (150) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | 3 | — | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income | (1) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 107 | 75 | 62 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | 289 | 290 | 240 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 13 | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 276 | $ | 278 | $ | 228 |
Operating revenues increased $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to new LEAP long-term firm service revenue contracts of $55 million, higher long-term contracting rates and volumes at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $9 million and higher volumes at Stonewall of $9 million, partially offset by lower volumes at Bluestone of $8 million. Operating revenues increased $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher long-term and short-term storage contracting rates at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $18 million, new transmission service contracts at the Michigan System of $16 million, and new LEAP long-term firm service revenue contracts of $10 million, partially offset by lower volumes at Bluestone of $2 million.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher production-related operating expenses from the expansion of LEAP and acquisition related costs for the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition. Operation and maintenance expense increased $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new transmission service contracts at the Michigan System, partially offset by increased capitalized labor and overhead.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to new LEAP assets placed into service. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new transmission service assets at the Michigan System and new LEAP assets placed into service.
Taxes other than income increased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to LEAP assets placed into service.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net decreased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 due to a one-time gain realized from an insurance settlement that occurred in the prior year.
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Interest expense decreased $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the repayment of the Term Loan Facility during 2024, partially offset by lower capitalized interest driven by lower construction in progress during 2024 and higher interest related to the Bridge Facility and 2034 Notes. Interest expense decreased $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher capitalized interest on higher construction in progress during 2023, partially offset by higher borrowings and rates under the Revolving Credit Facility, higher interest rates on the Term Loan Facility, and a full year of interest expense related to our 2032 Notes.
Earnings from equity method investees decreased $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher interest expense from new senior unsecured notes at Millennium and a full year of interest expense from senior unsecured notes at NEXUS. Earnings from equity method investees increased $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher earnings from Millennium of $19 million from our higher ownership percentage and a goodwill impairment at Generation of $7 million in 2022. Additionally, NEXUS had increased contract rates and additional customers offset by higher interest expense from new senior unsecured notes. On October 7, 2022, DT Midstream closed on the $552 million purchase of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in Millennium from National Grid. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Loss from financing activities increased $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to the repayment of our remaining Term Loan Facility that occurred during the current year. Loss from financing activities decreased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the partial repayment of our Term Loan Facility that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Income tax expense increased $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher income before income taxes and deferred tax remeasurement adjustments for changes in state tax rates and apportionment factors due to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition and enacted state legislation. Income tax expense increased $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to higher income before income taxes in 2023. Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include the impacts of net tax benefits related to state tax rate changes. See Note 7, "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Pipeline Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with customers and the location and connectivity of our pipeline assets position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include DTM Interstate Transportation assets, further expansion at LEAP and Stonewall, new contracts at the Washington 10 Storage Complex and additional growth related to our equity method investments.
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Gathering
The Gathering segment includes gathering systems, related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. Gathering results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 538 | $ | 545 | $ | 581 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 176 | 190 | 213 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 135 | 113 | 107 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 17 | 13 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | — | — | (17) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 210 | 229 | 264 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 106 | 95 | 80 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (3) | — | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | 2 | — | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income | (3) | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 30 | 29 | 38 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 78 | $ | 106 | $ | 142 |
Operating revenues decreased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower volumes and recovery of production-related operating expenses on Blue Union Gathering of $19 million and lower Susquehanna Gathering volumes of $16 million, partially offset by a full year of operations at Ohio Utica Gathering of $18 million and higher Appalachia Gathering volumes of $12 million. Operating revenues decreased $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower Blue Union Gathering revenues of $50 million, lower Michigan System gathering services of $6 million, and lower Susquehanna Gathering volumes of $3 million, partially offset by higher Appalachia Gathering volumes of $21 million driven primarily by new contracts resulting from the expansion in 2023. Lower Blue Union Gathering revenues were driven primarily by lower deficiency fees of $23 million, lower recovery of production-related operating expenses of $12 million, lower rates of $9 million and lower production volumes of $5 million.
Operation and maintenance expense decreased $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower planned maintenance and production-related operating expenses on Blue Union Gathering of $18 million, partially offset by a full year of operations at Ohio Utica Gathering. Operation and maintenance expense decreased $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower Blue Union Gathering expenses of $14 million driven by lower production-related operating expenses, a reduction in Appalachia Gathering environmental contingent liabilities of $6 million, and increased capitalized labor and overhead of $3 million.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to assets placed into service at Ohio Utica Gathering, Blue Union Gathering, and Appalachia Gathering. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new Blue Union Gathering and Appalachia Gathering assets placed into service.
Taxes other than income increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to assets placed into service at Blue Union Gathering.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net decreased $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the 2022 one-time gain on sale of certain assets in the Utica Shale region. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Interest expense increased $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to lower capitalized interest driven by lower construction in progress during 2024 and higher interest related to the Bridge Facility and 2034 Notes issued in 2024. This increase was partially offset by lower outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the repayment of the Term Loan Facility during 2024. Interest expense increased $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher borrowings and interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility, higher interest rates on the Term Loan Facility, and a full year of interest expense related to our 2032 Notes, partially offset by higher capitalized interest due to higher construction in progress during 2023.
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Loss from financing activities increased $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to the repayment of our remaining Term Loan Facility that occurred during the current year. Loss from financing activities decreased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the partial repayment of our Term Loan Facility that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Income tax expense increased $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to deferred tax remeasurement adjustments for changes in state tax rates and apportionment factors due to the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition and enacted state legislation, partially offset by lower income before income taxes. Income tax expense decreased $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower income before income taxes in 2023. Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include the impacts of net tax benefits related to state tax rate changes. See Note 7, "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Gathering Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with producers and the quality of the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus/Utica and Haynesville formations position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include further expansions at Blue Union Gathering, Appalachia Gathering, Ohio Utica Gathering, Tioga Gathering and Clean Fuels Gathering.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to extensive U.S. federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Additional compliance costs may result as the effects of various substances on the environment are studied and governmental regulations are developed and implemented. Actual costs to comply with such regulation could vary substantially from our expectations. Pending or future legislation or regulation could have a material impact on our operations and financial position. Potential impacts include unplanned expenditures for environmental equipment, such as pollution control equipment, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures, and the replacement costs of aging pipelines and other facilities.
For further discussion of environmental matters, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties — Regulatory Environment — Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
CLIMATE CHANGE
We believe we have an opportunity to address climate change and have made strategically aligned environmental investment decisions a priority. Our Board of Directors includes a committee focused on environmental, social and governance initiatives, and our strategy will focus on targeted growth from carbon-reducing technologies associated with our current platforms. We have announced our intent to employ carbon-reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry, and we are executing on a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We established our baseline Scope 1 carbon emissions in 2021 and are targeting a 30% reduction from this baseline by 2030.
In 2024, we completed the Clean Fuels Acquisition and advanced our carbon capture and sequestration project in Louisiana through completion of the Class V test well. The carbon capture and sequestration Class VI permit application was transferred to the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources in February 2024, and we are awaiting the completion of their review.
In future years, we plan to continue to make progress on opportunities for energy transition advancements leveraging our existing assets, competencies and partnerships. These opportunities include the following:
•Our efforts to advance our Louisiana carbon capture project, as well as other potential carbon capture projects across our geographic regions;
•Our Clean Fuels Gathering project to capture fugitive methane emissions; and
•Our strategic joint development agreement with Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. to advance hydrogen development projects across the United States.
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Capital project investments have been contemplated in our forecasted capital expenditures discussed in the Capital Investments section below. DT Midstream published our third annual Corporate Sustainability Report in 2024. The information in our Corporate Sustainability Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
For discussion of various risks including transitional risks associated with climate change related laws and regulations, reputational risks of climate change, and the physical risks of climate change, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—Regulatory Risks—Risks related to climate change could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, access to and cost of capital or insurance, reputation, and business strategies." of this Form 10-K. For discussion of recent climate change related laws and regulations, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Regulatory Environment—Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations—Climate Change" of this Form 10-K.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash Requirements
Our principal liquidity requirements are to finance our operations, fund capital expenditures, satisfy our indebtedness obligations, and pay approved dividends. We believe we will have sufficient internal and external capital resources to fund anticipated capital and operating requirements.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | $ | 56 | $ | 61 | $ | 132 | ||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities | 763 | 798 | 725 | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities | (1,081) | (351) | (854) | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) financing activities | 330 | (452) | 58 | |||||||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 12 | (5) | (71) | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 68 | $ | 56 | $ | 61 |
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Operating Activities
Cash flows from our operating activities can be impacted in the short term by the natural gas volumes gathered or transported through our systems under interruptible service revenue contracts, changing natural gas prices, seasonality, weather fluctuations, dividends received from equity method investees, working capital changes and the financial condition of our customers. Our preference to enter into firm service revenue contracts leads to more stable operating performance, revenues and cash flows and limits our exposure to natural gas price fluctuations.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities decreased $35 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to a decrease in working capital changes and a decrease in dividends received from equity method investees, partially offset by a decrease in cash paid for income taxes and an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation, and amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities increased $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to a decrease in cash paid for taxes, net changes in working capital, an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and assets (gains) losses and impairments, and an increase in dividends received from equity method investees. These increases were partially offset by an increase in interest expense.
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Investing Activities
Cash outflows associated with our investing activities are primarily the result of plant and equipment expenditures, acquisitions, and contributions to equity method investees. Cash inflows from our investing activities are generated from proceeds from sale or collection of Notes receivable, distributions received from equity method investees, and proceeds from asset sales.
On December 31, 2024, we closed on the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition of three FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines for $1.2 billion. See Note 16, "Acquisitions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
As a result of the sales of senior unsecured notes at our equity method investees, we received net distributions from Millennium of $416 million and NEXUS of $371 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities increased $730 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to cash consideration for the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures and higher distributions received from equity method investees, including those noted above.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities decreased $503 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to the acquisition of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in the Millennium from National Grid in 2022 and higher distributions received from equity method investees in 2023, including the NEXUS distribution noted above. This change was partially offset by an increase in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures for expansions on LEAP, Blue Union Gathering, Appalachia Gathering, and Ohio Utica Gathering, and a decrease in proceeds from the sale of notes receivable.
Financing Activities
In December 2024, we issued the 2034 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $650 million, and we amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, extend the Revolving Credit Facility maturity date to 2029. In November 2024, we amended our Credit Agreement to permit the Company to incur certain customary bridge loans, including the Bridge Facility. In September 2024, we repaid the remaining indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility of $399 million. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
In November 2024, we issued 4,168,750 common shares for net proceeds of approximately $406 million. DT Midstream paid cash dividends on common stock of $280 million, $263 million, and $244 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 8, "Earnings Per Share and Dividends" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
In April 2022, we issued the 2032 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $600 million. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the 2032 Notes of $593 million to partially repay indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility.
Net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $330 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $452 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to proceeds received from the issuance of common shares, proceeds received from the issuance of the 2034 Notes, and lower net repayments of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, partially offset by the repayment of the Term Loan Facility and higher dividends paid on common stock.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $452 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher net repayments of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, higher dividends paid on common stock, and lower proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt. The increase was partially offset by lower repayments of long-term debt.
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Outlook
We expect to continue executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Other than the impact of the items discussed below on our debt and equity capitalization, we are not aware of any trends, other demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to materially impact our liquidity position.
Our working capital requirements will be primarily driven by changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable and taxes payable. We continue our efforts to identify opportunities to improve cash flows through working capital initiatives and obtaining long-term firm service revenue contracts from customers.
Our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents generated from operating activities and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2024, we had $16 million of letters of credit outstanding and $150 million borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. We had approximately $902 million of available liquidity as of December 31, 2024, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.
We expect to pay regular cash dividends to DT Midstream common stockholders in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and may depend on our future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition, and the effect a dividend payment would have on our compliance with relevant financial covenants. Over the long-term, we expect to grow our dividend with cash flow growth.
We believe we will have sufficient operating flexibility, cash resources and funding sources to maintain adequate liquidity amounts and to meet future operating cash, capital expenditure and debt servicing requirements. However, our business is capital intensive, and the inability to access adequate capital could adversely impact future earnings and cash flows.
The Credit Agreement covering the Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants that DT Midstream must maintain. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
See also Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings are intended to provide banks and capital market participants with a framework for comparing the credit quality of securities and are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Our credit ratings affect our cost of capital and other terms of financing, as well as our ability to access the credit and commercial paper markets. We believe that the current credit ratings provide sufficient access to capital markets. However, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to us may affect our ability to access these funding sources or cause an increase in the return required by investors. During the year ended December 31, 2024, our credit rating was upgraded to investment-grade by Fitch Ratings and our outlook was upgraded to positive by both Moody's and S&P.
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Contractual Obligations
The following table details our contractual obligations due by year as of December 31, 2024:
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 and Thereafter | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings (a) | $ | 150 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
| Long-term debt: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Senior notes (b) | — | — | — | — | 2,100 | |||||||||||||
| Senior secured notes (c) | — | — | — | — | 1,250 | |||||||||||||
| Letters of credit | — | — | — | — | 16 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense (d) | 156 | 153 | 153 | 153 | 446 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease payments | 17 | 15 | 14 | 6 | 5 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase commitments | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 44 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations | $ | 337 | $ | 181 | $ | 179 | $ | 171 | $ | 3,861 |
_____________________________
(a) Short-term borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility can be extended up to the October 2027 expiration date.
(b) Excludes $19 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(c) Excludes $1 million of unamortized debt discount and $11 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(d) Represents interest expense related to all Long-term debt.
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
Capital spending within our Company is primarily for ongoing maintenance and expansion of our existing assets, and if identified, attractive growth opportunities. We have been disciplined in our capital deployment and make growth investments that meet our criteria in terms of strategy, management skills, and identified risks and expected returns. All potential investments are analyzed for their rates of return and cash payback on a risk-adjusted basis. Our total capital expenditures, inclusive of $5 million in contributions to equity method investees, were $355 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily for expansions on Blue Union Gathering, Ohio Utica Gathering, LEAP and Appalachia Gathering. On December 31, 2024, we closed on the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition of three FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines for $1.2 billion. See Note 16, "Acquisitions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. We anticipate total capital expenditures, inclusive of contributions to equity method investees, for the year ended December 31, 2025 of approximately $470 million to $550 million.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We are party to off-balance sheet arrangements, which include our equity method investments. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation—Principles of Consolidation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the nature, purpose and other details of such agreements.
Other off-balance sheet arrangements include the Vector line of credit and our surety bonds, which are discussed in Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS
We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation and Distribution Agreement. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation—We agreed to numerous restrictions to preserve the non-recognition treatment of the Distribution, and we could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy in accordance with the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement if the Distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal tax purposes." of this Form 10-K for further details.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management apply accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect results of operations and the amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the areas described below require significant judgment in the application of the accounting policy or in making estimates and assumptions in matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. See additional discussion of our accounting policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Purchase Accounting
In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquired business are measured at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. As discussed in the Regulation paragraph below, these acquired FERC-regulated pipelines are accounted for under ASC 980, and thus, the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed subject to these provisions approximate their regulated basis, and therefore no fair value adjustments have been reflected related to these amounts. Customer relationship intangible assets are not subject to rate making and cost recovery provisions, and therefore do include fair value adjustments. Determining the fair value of these items required management's judgment and involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives, among other items. Changes to these estimates and assumptions could result in material changes to the fair value of assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. For income tax purposes, the transaction is treated as a taxable deemed asset acquisition. Accordingly, the majority of deferred income tax assets and liabilities of the acquired entities are eliminated as the tax bases were increased to fair market value which equals net book value.
See Note 7, "Income Taxes" and Note 16, "Acquisitions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We have goodwill that resulted from business combinations. Annually as of October 1st, an impairment test for goodwill is performed which compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment loss would be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The October 1, 2024 fair values for the reporting units were calculated using an income approach. The estimated fair value in our annual goodwill impairment analysis utilizes significant assumptions that require judgment by management. One such significant assumption is the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) which is used to discount estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by each reporting unit. The WACC is based on our cost of debt, which includes U.S. industrial bond spreads, and cost of equity, which consists of U.S. Treasury Rates plus an equity risk premium. Another significant assumption is the terminal value that utilizes an assumed long-term growth rate, which incorporates management’s judgment regarding sustainable long-term growth of the reporting units.
Our annual goodwill impairment analysis included a comparison of the estimated fair value of the Company as a whole to our market capitalization. Management also compared the implied market multiple of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to midstream industry transaction multiples and considered other market indicators to support the appropriateness of the fair value estimates.
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We performed our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2024 and determined that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and no impairment existed. The results of the impairment test are as follows as of the October 1, 2024 valuation date:
| Reporting Unit | Goodwill | Weighted Average Costs of Capital | Fair Value Reduction % (a) | Valuation Methodology (b) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 53 | 7.5 | % | 65 | % | DCF | |||||
| Gathering | 420 | 8.6 | % | 22 | % | DCF | ||||||
| $ | 473 |
_________________________________
(a) Percentage by which the estimated fair value of the reporting unit would need to decline to equal its carrying value including goodwill.
(b) Discounted cash flows (DCF) incorporated 2024 (fourth quarter) through 2028 projected cash flows plus a calculated terminal value. We calculated the terminal-year cash flows using an estimated long-term growth rate of 2.5%, discounted at the WACC for each of the reporting units.
In between annual impairment tests, we monitor our estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, including the impact of movements in market indicators, and will update the impairment analysis if a triggering event occurs. While we believe the estimates and assumptions in the fair value are reasonable, the actual results may differ from projections. To the extent projected results or cash flows are revised downward, the reporting unit may be required to write down all or a portion of its goodwill, which would adversely impact our earnings. If current expectations of future long-term growth are not met or market factors outside of our control change, such as U.S. Treasury Rates or a decline in midstream industry transaction multiples, this may lead to a goodwill impairment in the future. See Part II, Item 7A., "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk", in this Form 10-K for more information on our exposure to market risk.
On December 31, 2024, we completed the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition, which resulted in an addition of $303 million to goodwill under the Pipeline reporting unit. This addition occurred after the completion of our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2024. As part of our year-end procedures, we performed a qualitative assessment of the goodwill balance, including the newly added goodwill from the acquisition, and determined there were no indicators of impairment as of December 31, 2024. See Note 16, "Acquisitions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Assessment of Long-Lived Assets for Impairment
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Conditions that could have an adverse impact on the cash flows and fair value of the long-lived assets are a deteriorating business climate, condition of the asset, or plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its useful life, which could result from the loss of or reduction in volume from our customers. The review of long-lived assets for impairment requires significant assumptions about operating strategies and estimates of future cash flows, which require assessments of current and projected market conditions and anticipated customer revenues. An impairment evaluation is based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level for which independent cash flows of long-lived assets can be identified from other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment may occur when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows. When the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates a long-lived asset is not recoverable, the amount of the impairment loss is determined by measuring the excess of the long-lived asset over its fair value. An impairment would require us to reduce both the long-lived asset and current period earnings by the amount of the impairment, which would adversely impact our earnings. As part of our ongoing reviews of business operations and associated long-lived assets, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2024.
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-Lived Assets
We compute depreciation and amortization based on estimated useful lives. These estimates are based on various factors including condition, manufacturing specifications, technological advances and historical data concerning useful lives of similar assets. Uncertainties that impact these estimates include economic conditions and supply and demand in the area. When assets are put into service, we make estimates with respect to useful lives and salvage values that we believe are reasonable. However, subsequent events could cause us to change our estimates, thus impacting the future calculation of depreciation and amortization. For our regulated assets, depreciation studies to assess the estimated useful lives of the asset are typically conducted as part of rate proceedings or tariff filings, which can result in changes in economic lives. Changes in economic lives, if applicable, are implemented prospectively as of the tariff approved effective date.
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Assessment of Equity Method Investments for Impairment
We assess at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that the equity method investment is impaired by completing a quantitative or qualitative analysis of factors impacting the investment. If there is objective evidence of impairment, we determine whether the decline below carrying value is other than temporary. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings with an offsetting reduction to the carrying value of the investment. As part of our ongoing reviews of equity method investment operations, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2024.
Regulation
Guardian, Midwestern and Viking are subject to rate regulation and accounting requirements of the FERC. The regulated operations of each of these subsidiaries have rates that are (i) established by independent, third-party regulators, (ii) set at levels that will recover our costs when considering the demand and competition for our services and (iii) collectible from our customers. Accordingly, we follow the accounting for regulated operations as defined in ASC 980, Regulated Operations for these pipelines, which results in differences in the application of GAAP between our regulated and non-regulated businesses. These entities are required to record regulatory assets and liabilities for certain transactions that would have been treated as revenue or expense in non-regulated businesses. Future regulatory changes could result in changes in the amounts of regulatory assets and liabilities or the discontinuance of this accounting treatment for regulatory assets and liabilities for some or all of our regulated businesses. We believe that currently available facts support the continued use of regulatory accounting and that all regulatory assets and liabilities are recoverable or refundable in the current regulatory environment.
See Note 17, "Regulatory Matters" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 3, "New Accounting Pronouncements" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001842022-24-000003.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the midstream industry and our business and financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an owner, operator, and developer of an integrated portfolio of natural gas midstream assets. We provide multiple, integrated natural gas services to customers through our Pipeline segment, which includes interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, and lateral pipelines, and through our Gathering segment. We also own joint venture interests in equity method investees which own and operate interstate pipelines that connect to our wholly owned assets.
Our core assets strategically connect key demand centers in the Midwestern U.S., Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S. regions to the premium production areas of the Marcellus/Utica natural gas formation in the Appalachian Basin and connect key demand centers and LNG export terminals in the Gulf Coast region to premium production areas of the Haynesville natural gas formation.
We have an established history of stable, long-term growth with contractual cash flows from customers that include natural gas producers, local distribution companies, electric power generators, industrials, and national marketers.
On July 1, 2021, DT Midstream completed the Separation from DTE Energy and became an independent public company. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our Strategy
See discussion of our strategy under Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Our Strategy" of this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following sections discuss the operating performance and future outlook of our segments. Segment information includes intercompany revenues and expenses, as well as other income and deductions that are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022, or the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021, as applicable. The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 922 | $ | 920 | $ | 840 | |||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | 384 | 370 | 307 | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 3.94 | $ | 3.81 | $ | 3.16 |
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream by Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 278 | $ | 228 | $ | 178 | ||||||||||||||
| Gathering | 106 | 142 | 129 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 384 | $ | 370 | $ | 307 |
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Pipeline
The Pipeline segment consists of our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, lateral pipelines including related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. This segment also includes our equity method investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we completed the conversion of the Michigan System from gathering to dry gas transmission service and began providing services under a new long-term dry gas transmission contract. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Michigan System financial results are presented in the Pipeline segment. The prior years' comparative activity was for gathering services and therefore was not revised from presentation in the Gathering segment.
Pipeline results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 377 | $ | 339 | $ | 307 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 55 | 54 | 59 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 69 | 63 | 63 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 15 | 14 | 13 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | (4) | (6) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 242 | 214 | 172 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 55 | 57 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (1) | (1) | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from equity method investees | (177) | (150) | (126) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | — | 6 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) and expense | — | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 75 | 62 | 62 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | 290 | 240 | 189 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 12 | 12 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 278 | $ | 228 | $ | 178 |
Operating revenues increased $38 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher long-term and short-term storage contracting rates at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $18 million, new transmission service contracts at the Michigan System of $16 million, and new LEAP long-term firm service revenue contracts of $10 million, partially offset by lower volumes at Bluestone of $2 million. Operating revenues increased $32 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher volumes and rates on LEAP of $21 million, a new customer on Stonewall of $7 million, and higher volumes and rates at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $4 million.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new transmission service contracts at the Michigan System, partially offset by increased capitalized labor and overhead. Operation and maintenance expense decreased $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to lower Separation-related transaction costs of $10 million, partially offset by increased maintenance and labor costs at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $3 million.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new transmission service assets at the Michigan System and new Haynesville System (LEAP) assets placed into service.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to a one-time gain realized from a legal settlement with a supplier that occurred in 2022.
Interest expense decreased $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher capitalized interest on higher construction in progress during 2023, partially offset by higher borrowings and rates under the Revolving Credit Facility, higher interest rates on the Term Loan Facility, and a full year of interest expense related to our 2032 Notes. Interest expense increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings and higher interest rates on our external debt as compared to interest rates on borrowings from DTE Energy prior to the Separation.
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Earnings from equity method investees increased $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher earnings from Millennium of $19 million from our higher ownership percentage and a goodwill impairment at Generation of $7 million in 2022. Additionally, NEXUS had increased contract rates and additional customers offset by higher interest expense from new senior unsecured notes. Earnings from equity method investees increased $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to the Millennium acquisition of $9 million, higher revenues from increased contract rates and additional customers at NEXUS of $15 million and higher westbound contracted volumes at Vector of $4 million, partially offset by a goodwill impairment at Generation of $7 million. On October 7, 2022, DT Midstream closed on the $552 million purchase of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in Millennium from National Grid. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Loss from financing activities decreased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the partial repayment of our Term Loan Facility that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Income tax expense increased $13 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher income before income taxes in 2023. Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include the impacts of net tax benefits related to state tax rate changes. Income tax expense was unchanged for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to increased Income before income taxes, fully offset by state tax rate changes. See Note 7, "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Pipeline Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with customers and the location and connectivity of our pipeline assets position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include further expansion at the Haynesville System (LEAP) and Stonewall, new contracts at the Washington 10 Storage Complex, and additional growth related to our equity method investments.
Gathering
The Gathering segment includes gathering systems, related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. Gathering results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 545 | $ | 581 | $ | 534 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 190 | 213 | 173 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 113 | 107 | 103 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 13 | 14 | 11 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | — | (17) | 17 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 229 | 264 | 230 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 95 | 80 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | — | (2) | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | — | 7 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) and expense | (1) | (1) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 29 | 38 | 42 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 106 | $ | 142 | $ | 129 |
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Operating revenues decreased $36 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower Haynesville System (Blue Union Gathering) revenues of $50 million, lower Michigan System gathering services of $6 million, and lower Susquehanna Gathering volumes of $3 million, partially offset by higher Appalachia Gathering volumes of $21 million driven primarily by new contracts resulting from the expansion in 2023. Lower Blue Union Gathering revenues were driven primarily by lower deficiency fees of $23 million, lower recovery of production-related operating expenses of $12 million, lower rates of $9 million and lower production volumes of $5 million. Operating revenues increased $47 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher Blue Union Gathering revenues of $42 million and higher volumes on Appalachia Gathering of $5 million. Higher Blue Union Gathering revenues were driven by recovery of production-related operating expenses of $25 million and increased gathering volumes primarily from new contracts of $17 million.
Operation and maintenance expense decreased $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower Haynesville System (Blue Union Gathering) expenses of $14 million driven by lower production-related operating expenses, a reduction in Appalachia Gathering environmental contingent liabilities of $6 million, and increased capitalized labor and overhead of $3 million. Operation and maintenance expense increased $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher Blue Union Gathering and Susquehanna Gathering expenses of $46 million and $2 million, respectively, partially offset by lower Appalachia Gathering expenses of $7 million. Higher Blue Union Gathering expenses were driven by planned maintenance and increased production-related operating expenses recovered from customers. Higher public company costs were mostly offset by lower Separation-related transaction costs of $10 million.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to new Blue Union Gathering and Appalachia Gathering assets placed into service. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to new Blue Union Gathering and Susquehanna Gathering assets placed into service.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net decreased $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the 2022 one-time gain on sale of certain assets in the Utica Shale region. Asset gains of $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as compared to Asset losses and impairments, net of $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to the 2022 one-time gain on sale of certain assets in the Utica Shale region of $17 million as compared to the 2021 one-time loss on notes receivable for an investment in certain assets in the Utica Shale region of $19 million, partially offset by a $2 million gain on sale of Michigan System assets. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Interest expense increased $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher borrowings and interest rates under the Revolving Credit Facility, higher interest rates on the Term Loan Facility, and a full year of interest expense related to our 2032 Notes, partially offset by higher capitalized interest due to higher construction in progress during 2023. Interest expense increased $19 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings and higher interest rates on our external debt as compared to interest rates on borrowings from DTE Energy prior to the Separation.
Loss from financing activities decreased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and increased $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the partial repayment of our Term Loan Facility that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Income tax expense decreased $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower income before income taxes in 2023. Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include the impacts of net tax benefits related to state tax rate changes. Income tax expense decreased $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to state tax rate changes. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in Income before income taxes. See Note 7, "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Gathering Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with producers and the quality of the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus/Utica and Haynesville formations position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include further expansion at the Haynesville System (Blue Union Gathering), Appalachia Gathering, Tioga Gathering, and Ohio Utica Gathering.
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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to extensive U.S. federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Additional compliance costs may result as the effects of various substances on the environment are studied and governmental regulations are developed and implemented. Actual costs to comply with such regulation could vary substantially from our expectations. Pending or future legislation or regulation could have a material impact on our operations and financial position. Potential impacts include unplanned expenditures for environmental equipment, such as pollution control equipment, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures, and the replacement costs of aging pipelines and other facilities.
For further discussion of environmental matters, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Regulatory Environment—Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
CLIMATE CHANGE
We believe we have a responsibility to address climate change and have made consistent, effective environmental policies a priority. Our Board of Directors includes a committee focused on environmental, social and governance initiatives. Our strategy will focus on targeted growth from carbon-reducing technologies associated with our current platforms. We have announced our intent to employ carbon-reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry, and we are executing on a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We established our baseline Scope 1 carbon emissions in 2021 and expect to achieve a 30% reduction from this baseline by 2030.
During 2024, we plan to continue to make progress on opportunities for energy transition advancements leveraging our existing assets, competencies and partnerships. These opportunities include the following:
•Our efforts to advance our Louisiana carbon capture project, as well as other potential carbon capture projects across our geographic regions;
•Our "wellhead to water" expansion proposal of the Haynesville System which offers a carbon neutral pathway for supply to reach LNG markets; and
•Our strategic joint development agreement with Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. to advance hydrogen development projects across the United States.
Capital expenditure investments for these projects have been contemplated in our forecasted capital expenditures discussed in the Capital Investments section below.
DT Midstream published our second annual Corporate Sustainability Report in the second quarter 2023. The information in our Corporate Sustainability Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
For discussion of various risks including transitional risks associated with climate change related laws and regulations, reputational risks of climate change, and the physical risks of climate change, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Regulatory Risks—Risks related to climate change could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, access to and cost of capital or insurance, reputation, and business strategies." of this Form 10-K. For discussion of recent climate change related laws and regulations, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Regulatory Environment—Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations—Climate Change" of this Form 10-K.
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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash Requirements
Our principal liquidity requirements are to finance our operations, fund capital expenditures, satisfy our indebtedness obligations, and pay approved dividends. We believe we will have sufficient internal and external capital resources to fund anticipated capital and operating requirements.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | $ | 61 | $ | 132 | $ | 42 | ||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities | 798 | 725 | 572 | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) investing activities | (351) | (854) | 123 | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) financing activities | (452) | 58 | (605) | |||||||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (5) | (71) | 90 | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 56 | $ | 61 | $ | 132 |
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Operating Activities
Cash flows from our operating activities can be impacted in the short term by the natural gas volumes gathered or transported through our systems under interruptible service revenue contracts, changing natural gas prices, seasonality, weather fluctuations, dividends received from equity method investees and the financial condition of our customers. Our preference to enter into firm service revenue contracts leads to more stable operating performance, revenues and cash flows and limits our exposure to natural gas price fluctuations.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities increased $73 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to a decrease in cash paid for taxes, net changes in working capital, an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and assets (gains) losses and impairments, and an increase in dividends received from equity method investees. These increases were partially offset by an increase in interest expense.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities increased $153 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to net changes in working capital, an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and assets (gains) losses and impairments, and an increase in dividends received from equity method investees. These increases were partially offset by an increase in interest expense and an increase in cash paid for income taxes.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows associated with our investing activities are primarily the result of plant and equipment expenditures, acquisitions, and contributions to equity method investees. Cash inflows from our investing activities are generated from proceeds from sale or collection of notes receivable, distributions received from equity method investees, and proceeds from asset sales.
In May 2023, NEXUS closed on the sale of $750 million of senior unsecured notes with a weighted-average coupon rate of 5.52%. We received a distribution from NEXUS of $371 million, net of fees and expenses, which reduced our investment balance.
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Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities decreased $503 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to the acquisition of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in the Millennium from National Grid in 2022 and higher distributions received from equity method investees in 2023, including the NEXUS distribution noted above. This change was partially offset by an increase in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures for expansions on LEAP, Blue Union Gathering, Appalachia Gathering, and Ohio Utica Gathering, and a decrease in proceeds from the sale of notes receivable.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities of $854 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents from investing activities of $123 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in the Millennium from National Grid in 2022, cash collection of the Notes receivable from DTE Energy in 2021, and an increase in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures in 2022, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of notes receivable in 2022.
Financing Activities
In April 2022, we issued the 2032 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $600 million. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the 2032 Notes of $593 million to partially repay indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
DT Midstream paid cash dividends on common stock of $263 million, $244 million, and $58 million during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 8, "Earnings Per Share and Dividends" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $452 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher net repayments of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, higher dividends paid on common stock, and lower proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt. The increase was partially offset by lower repayments of long-term debt.
Prior to the Separation, we relied on short-term borrowings and contributions from DTE Energy. In June 2021, we issued the 2029 Notes and 2031 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion and entered into a $1.0 billion Term Loan Facility. Proceeds were used for the repayment of the short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy, as well as a one-time special dividend provided to DTE Energy.
Net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $605 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the 2021 Separation-related repayment of short-term borrowings and special dividend to DTE Energy, partially offset by contributions from DTE Energy that did not recur in 2022. Additionally, the increase was driven by higher borrowings under the revolving credit facility in 2022. The increase was partially offset by lower proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, higher repayment of long-term debt, and higher dividends paid on common stock in 2022.
Outlook
We expect to continue executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Other than the impact of the items discussed below on our debt and equity capitalization, we are not aware of any trends, other demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to materially impact our liquidity position.
Our working capital requirements will be primarily driven by changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable. We continue our efforts to identify opportunities to improve cash flows through working capital initiatives and obtaining long-term firm service revenue contracts from customers.
Our sources of liquidity include cash and cash equivalents generated from operating activities and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2023, we had $16 million of letters of credit outstanding and $165 million of borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. We had approximately $875 million of available liquidity as of December 31, 2023, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.
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We expect to pay regular cash dividends to DT Midstream common stockholders in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and may depend on our future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition, and the effect a dividend payment would have on our compliance with relevant financial covenants. Over the long-term, we expect to grow our dividend 5% to 7% annually.
We believe we will have sufficient operating flexibility, cash resources and funding sources to maintain adequate liquidity amounts and to meet future operating cash, capital expenditure and debt servicing requirements. However, our business is capital intensive, and the inability to access adequate capital could adversely impact future earnings and cash flows.
The Credit Agreement covering the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants that DT Midstream must maintain. See Note 10, "Debt" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings are intended to provide banks and capital market participants with a framework for comparing the credit quality of securities and are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Our credit ratings affect our cost of capital and other terms of financing, as well as our ability to access the credit and commercial paper markets. We believe that the current credit ratings provide sufficient access to capital markets. However, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to us may affect our ability to access these funding sources or cause an increase in the return required by investors.
Contractual Obligations
The following table details our contractual obligations due by year as of December 31, 2023:
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 and Thereafter | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings (a) | $ | 165 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
| Long-Term Debt: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Senior Notes (b) | — | — | — | — | 2,100 | |||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Notes (c) | — | — | — | — | 600 | |||||||||||||
| Term Loan Facility (d) | — | — | — | — | 399 | |||||||||||||
| Letters of credit | — | — | — | — | 16 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense (e) | 127 | 125 | 125 | 126 | 342 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease payments | 15 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 6 | |||||||||||||
| Purchase commitments | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 53 | |||||||||||||
| Total Contractual Obligations | $ | 321 | $ | 147 | $ | 144 | $ | 144 | $ | 3,516 |
_____________________________
(a) Short-term borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility can be extended up to the October 2027 expiration date.
(b) Excludes $23 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(c) Excludes $1 million of unamortized debt discount and $5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(d) Excludes $1 million of unamortized debt discount and $4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(e) Represents interest expense related to all Long-Term Debt. The interest expense related to the Term Loan Facility assumes the variable rate is 2.614%.
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
Capital spending within our Company is primarily for ongoing maintenance and expansion of our existing assets, and if identified, attractive growth opportunities. We have been disciplined in our capital deployment and make growth investments that meet our criteria in terms of strategy, management skills, and identified risks and expected returns. All potential investments are analyzed for their rates of return and cash payback on a risk-adjusted basis. Our total capital expenditures, inclusive of $7 million in contributions to equity method investees, were $779 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. We anticipate total capital expenditures, inclusive of contributions to equity method investees, for the year ended December 31, 2024 of approximately $350 million to $435 million.
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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We are party to off-balance sheet arrangements, which include our equity method investments. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation—Principles of Consolidation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the nature, purpose and other details of such agreements.
Other off-balance sheet arrangements include the Vector line of credit and our surety bonds, which are discussed further in Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS
We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation and Distribution Agreement. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation—We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy in accordance with the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement if the Distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal tax purposes." of this Form 10-K for further details.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management applies accounting policies and makes estimates and assumptions that affect results of operations and the amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the areas described below require significant judgment in the application of the accounting policy or in making estimates and assumptions in matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. See additional discussion of our accounting policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We have goodwill that resulted from business combinations. Annually as of October 1st, an impairment test for goodwill is performed which compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment loss would be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The October 1, 2023 fair values for the reporting units were calculated using an income approach. The estimated fair value in our annual goodwill impairment analysis utilizes significant assumptions that require judgement by management. One such significant assumption is the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) which is used to discount estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by each reporting unit. The WACC is based on our cost of debt, which includes U.S. industrial bond spreads, and cost of equity, which consists of U.S. Treasury Rates plus an equity risk premium. Another significant assumption is the terminal value that utilizes an assumed long-term growth rate, which incorporates management’s judgment regarding sustainable long-term growth of the reporting units.
Our annual goodwill impairment analysis included a comparison of the estimated fair value of the Company as a whole to our market capitalization. Management also compared the implied market multiple of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to midstream industry transaction multiples and considered other market indicators to support the appropriateness of the fair value estimates.
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We performed our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2023 and determined that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and no impairment existed. The results of the impairment test are as follows as of the October 1, 2023 valuation date:
| Reporting Unit | Goodwill | Weighted Average Costs of Capital | Fair Value Reduction % (a) | Valuation Methodology (b) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 53 | 9.4 | % | 42 | % | DCF | |||||
| Gathering | 420 | 9.6 | % | 9 | % | DCF | ||||||
| $ | 473 |
_________________________________
(a) Percentage by which the estimated fair value of the reporting unit would need to decline to equal its carrying value including goodwill. The fair value reduction percentage for the Gathering reporting unit increased 1% as compared to the October 1, 2022 annual impairment test, principally due to a slight reduction in the Gathering reporting unit net book value, partially offset by an increased WACC. The WACC increase was driven by the increased U.S. Treasury Rates during 2023.
(b) Discounted cash flows (DCF) incorporated 2023 (fourth quarter) through 2027 projected cash flows plus a calculated terminal value. We calculated the terminal-year cash flows using an estimated long-term growth rate of 2.0%, discounted at the WACC for each of the reporting units.
In between annual impairment tests, we monitor our estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, including the impact of movements in market indicators, and will update the impairment analysis if a triggering event occurs. While we believe the estimates and assumptions in the fair value are reasonable, the actual results may differ from projections. To the extent projected results or cash flows are revised downward, the reporting unit may be required to write down all or a portion of its goodwill, which would adversely impact our earnings. If current expectations of future long-term growth are not met or market factors outside of our control change, such as U.S. Treasury Rates or a decline in midstream industry transaction multiples, this may lead to a goodwill impairment in the future. See Part II, Item 7A., "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk", in this Form 10-K for more information on our exposure to market risk.
Assessment of Long-Lived Assets for Impairment
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Conditions that could have an adverse impact on the cash flows and fair value of the long-lived assets are a deteriorating business climate, condition of the asset, or plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its useful life, which could result from the loss of or reduction in volume from our customers. The review of long-lived assets for impairment requires significant assumptions about operating strategies and estimates of future cash flows, which require assessments of current and projected market conditions and anticipated customer revenues. An impairment evaluation is based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level for which independent cash flows of long-lived assets can be identified from other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment may occur when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows. When the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates a long-lived asset is not recoverable, the amount of the impairment loss is determined by measuring the excess of the long-lived asset over its fair value. An impairment would require us to reduce both the long-lived asset and current period earnings by the amount of the impairment, which would adversely impact our earnings. As part of our ongoing reviews of business operations and associated long-lived assets, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2023.
Assessment of Equity Method Investments for Impairment
We assess at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that the equity method investment is impaired by completing a quantitative or qualitative analysis of factors impacting the investment. If there is objective evidence of impairment, we determine whether the decline below carrying value is other than temporary. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings with an offsetting reduction to the carrying value of the investment. As part of our ongoing reviews of equity method investment operations, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2023.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 3, "New Accounting Pronouncements" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001842022-23-000006.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the midstream industry and our business and financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an owner, operator, and developer of an integrated portfolio of natural gas midstream assets. We provide multiple, integrated natural gas services to customers through our Pipeline segment, which includes interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, and lateral pipelines, and through our Gathering segment. We also own joint venture interests in equity method investees which own and operate interstate pipelines that connect to our wholly owned assets.
Our core assets strategically connect key demand centers in the Midwestern U.S., Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S. regions to the premium production areas of the Marcellus/Utica natural gas formation in the Appalachian Basin, and connect key demand centers and LNG export terminals in the Gulf Coast region to premium production areas of the Haynesville natural gas formation.
On July 1, 2021, DT Midstream completed the Separation from DTE Energy and became an independent public company. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our Strategy
See discussion of DT Midstream's strategy under Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties—Our Strategy" of this Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following sections discuss the operating performance and future outlook of our segments. Segment information includes intercompany revenues and expenses, as well as other income and deductions that are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021, or the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2020, as applicable.
The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 920 | $ | 840 | $ | 754 | |||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | 370 | 307 | 312 | ||||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 3.81 | $ | 3.16 | $ | 3.23 |
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream by Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 228 | $ | 178 | $ | 155 | ||||||||||||||
| Gathering | 142 | 129 | 157 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 370 | $ | 307 | $ | 312 |
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Pipeline
The Pipeline segment consists of our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, lateral pipelines including related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. This segment also includes our equity method investments. Pipeline results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 339 | $ | 307 | $ | 266 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 54 | 59 | 53 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 63 | 63 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 14 | 13 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | (6) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 214 | 172 | 154 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 57 | 51 | 43 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (1) | (1) | (4) | ||||||||||||||||
| Earnings from equity method investees | (150) | (126) | (108) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | 6 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) and expense | — | (3) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 62 | 62 | 58 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income | 240 | 189 | 167 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 12 | 11 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 228 | $ | 178 | $ | 155 |
Operating revenues increased $32 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher volumes and rates on LEAP of $21 million, a new customer on Stonewall Gas Gathering of $7 million, and higher volumes and rates on Washington 10 Storage Complex of $4 million. Operating revenues increased $41 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher LEAP revenues of $51 million as a result of a full year of LEAP operations in 2021. LEAP was placed into service in the third quarter 2020. This increase was partially offset by lower storage revenues at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $8 million due to lower market rates.
Operation and maintenance expense decreased $5 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to lower Separation-related transaction costs of $10 million, partially offset by increased maintenance and labor costs at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $3 million. Operation and maintenance expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher Separation-related transaction costs, higher public company costs, and higher LEAP operating costs after it was placed into service in the third quarter 2020, partially offset by cost savings initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $11 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher depreciation related to LEAP of $12 million after it was placed into service in the third quarter 2020, partially offset by lower depreciation of storage assets.
Taxes other than income expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to LEAP property and ad valorem taxes after it was placed into service in the third quarter 2020.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net decreased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 due to a one-time gain realized from a legal settlement with a supplier that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022.
Interest expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings and higher interest rates on our external debt as compared to interest rates on borrowings from DTE Energy prior to the Separation. Interest expense increased $8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher capitalized interest during 2020 related to LEAP construction, partially offset by lower interest on borrowings from DTE Energy in 2021.
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Earnings from equity method investees increased $24 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the Millennium acquisition of $9 million, higher revenues from increased contract rates and additional customers at NEXUS of $15 million and higher westbound contracted volumes at Vector Pipeline of $4 million, partially offset by a goodwill impairment at Generation Pipeline of $7 million. On October 7, 2022, DT Midstream closed on the $552 million purchase of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in Millennium Pipeline from National Grid. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Earnings from equity method investees increased $18 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher operating earnings of $12 million from NEXUS, $3 million from the Vector Pipeline and $2 million from the Millennium Pipeline.
Loss from financing activities increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the partial repayment of our Term Loan Facility that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Income tax expense was unchanged in the year ended December 31, 2022, due to increased Income before income taxes, fully offset by a decrease in Pennsylvania income tax rates which resulted in a $15 million benefit from remeasuring our deferred tax balances. See Note 7, "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details. Income tax expense increased $4 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in Income before income taxes.
Pipeline Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with customers and the location and connectivity of our pipeline assets position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include further expansion at the Haynesville System (LEAP) and Stonewall Gas Gathering, new contracts with higher rates on the Washington 10 Storage Complex, and additional growth related to our equity method investments.
Gathering
The Gathering segment includes gathering systems, related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. Gathering results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 581 | $ | 534 | $ | 489 | |||||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 213 | 173 | 123 | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 107 | 103 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 14 | 11 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | (17) | 17 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 264 | 230 | 260 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 80 | 61 | 70 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (2) | (3) | (5) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from financing activities | 7 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other (income) and expense | (1) | 1 | (20) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 38 | 42 | 58 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 142 | $ | 129 | $ | 157 |
Operating revenues increased $47 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher Blue Union revenues of $42 million and higher volumes on the Appalachia Gathering System of $5 million. Higher Blue Union revenues were driven by recovery of production-related operating expenses of $25 million and increased gathering volumes primarily from new contracts of $17 million. Operating revenues increased $45 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher gathering revenues on Blue Union of $33 million and the Appalachia Gathering System of $17 million, partially offset by lower volumes on Susquehanna Gathering System of $4 million.
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Operation and maintenance expense increased $40 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher Blue Union and Susquehanna Gathering System expenses of $46 million and $2 million, respectively, partially offset by lower Appalachia Gathering System expenses of $7 million. Higher Blue Union expenses were driven by planned maintenance and increased production-related operating expenses recovered from customers. Higher public company costs were mostly offset by lower Separation-related transaction costs of $10 million. Operation and maintenance expense increased $50 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase of $30 million related to increased Blue Union operations, higher activity on the Appalachia Gathering System, higher Separation-related transaction costs, and higher public company costs.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to additional depreciation and amortization expense related to new Blue Union and Susquehanna Gathering System assets placed into service.
Asset gains of $17 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as compared to Asset losses and impairments, net of $17 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to a one-time gain on sale of certain assets in the Utica shale region of $17 million that occurred during 2022 as compared to the 2021 loss on notes receivable for an investment in certain assets in the Utica shale region of $19 million, partially offset by a $2 million gain on sale of Michigan gathering assets. See Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details. Asset losses and impairments, net of $17 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased as compared to Asset gains of $2 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the 2021 loss on notes receivable for an investment in certain assets in the Utica shale region.
Interest expense increased $19 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings and higher interest rates on our external debt as compared to interest rates on borrowings from DTE Energy prior to the Separation. Interest expense decreased $9 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to a lower interest rate on outstanding borrowings from DTE Energy.
Loss from financing activities increased $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the partial repayment of our Term Loan Facility that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2022. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Other expense of $1 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased as compared to other income of $20 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a post Blue Union acquisition income settlement of $20 million in 2020.
Income tax expense decreased $4 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in Pennsylvania income tax rates, which resulted in a $10 million benefit from remeasuring our deferred tax balances. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in Income before income taxes. See Note 7, "Income Taxes" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details. Income tax expense decreased $16 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a decrease in Income before income taxes.
Gathering Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with producers and the quality of the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus/Utica and Haynesville formations position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include further expansion at the Haynesville System (Blue Union) and the Appalachia Gathering System.
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CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
Capital spending within our company is primarily for ongoing maintenance and expansion of our existing assets, and if identified, attractive growth opportunities. We have been disciplined in our capital deployment and make growth investments that meet our criteria in terms of strategy, management skills, and identified risks and expected returns. All potential investments are analyzed for their rates of return and cash payback on a risk-adjusted basis. On October 7, 2022, DT Midstream closed on the $552 million purchase of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in Millennium Pipeline from National Grid. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Our total capital expenditures, inclusive of $5 million in contributions to equity method investees and the Millennium Pipeline acquisition discussed above, were $895 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We anticipate total capital expenditures, inclusive of contributions to equity method investees, in 2023 of approximately $605 million to $690 million.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to extensive U.S. federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Additional compliance costs may result as the effects of various substances on the environment are studied and governmental regulations are developed and implemented. Actual costs to comply with such regulation could vary substantially from our expectations. Pending or future legislation or regulation could have a material impact on our operations and financial position. Potential impacts include unplanned expenditures for environmental equipment, such as pollution control equipment, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures and the replacement costs of aging pipelines and other facilities.
For further discussion of environmental matters, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties — Regulatory Environment — Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
CLIMATE CHANGE
We believe we have a responsibility to address climate change and have made consistent, effective environmental policies a priority. Our Board of Directors includes a committee focused on environmental, social and governance initiatives. Our strategy will focus on targeted growth from carbon-reducing technologies associated with our current platforms. We have announced our intent to employ carbon-reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry and we are executing on a plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We expect to achieve a 30% reduction by 2030.
During 2023, we expect to continue our exploration of early-stage development opportunities for energy transition advancements leveraging our existing assets, competencies and partnerships. These opportunities include the following:
•Our efforts to advance carbon capture projects across our geographic regions;
•Our "wellhead to water" expansion proposal of the Haynesville System which offers a carbon neutral pathway for supply to reach LNG markets;
•Our strategic joint development agreement with Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. to advance hydrogen development projects across the United States; and
•Our partnership with Project Canary to monitor methane emissions.
Capital expenditure investments for these projects have been contemplated in our forecasted capital expenditures discussed in the Capital Investments section above.
DT Midstream published its inaugural Corporate Sustainability Report in the second quarter 2022. The information in our Corporate Sustainability Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
For discussion of various risks including transitional risks associated with climate change related laws and regulations, reputational risks of climate change, and the physical risks of climate change, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Regulatory Risks—Risks related to climate change could be material and adverse to our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, access to and cost of capital or insurance, reputation, and business strategies." of this Form 10-K. For discussion of recent climate change related laws and regulations, see Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties — Regulatory Environment—Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations—Climate Change" of this Form 10-K.
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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash Requirements
Our principal liquidity requirements are to finance our operations, fund capital expenditures, satisfy our indebtedness obligations, and pay approved dividends. We believe we will have sufficient internal and external capital resources to fund anticipated capital and operating requirements.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | $ | 132 | $ | 42 | $ | 46 | ||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities | 725 | 572 | 597 | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) investing activities | (854) | 123 | (714) | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) financing activities | 58 | (605) | 113 | |||||||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (71) | 90 | (4) | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 61 | $ | 132 | $ | 42 |
Operating Activities
Cash flows from our operating activities can be impacted in the short term by the natural gas volumes gathered or transported through our systems under interruptible service revenue contracts, changing commodity prices, seasonality, weather fluctuations, dividends received from equity method investees and the financial condition of our customers. Our preference to enter into firm service revenue contracts leads to more stable operating performance, revenues and cash flows and limits our exposure to natural gas price fluctuations.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities increased $153 million in the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to net changes in working capital, an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and assets (gains) losses and impairments, and an increase in dividends received from equity method investees. These increases were partially offset by an increase in interest expense and an increase in cash paid for income taxes.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities decreased $25 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to net changes in working capital, and a decrease in other income driven by proceeds received from a nonrecurring settlement in 2020. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and asset (gains) losses and impairments.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows associated with our investing activities are primarily the result of plant and equipment expenditures, acquisitions, and contributions to equity method investees. Cash inflows from our investing activities are generated from proceeds from sale or collection of notes receivable, distributions received from equity method investees, and proceeds from asset sales.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities of $854 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents from investing activities of $123 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in the Millennium Pipeline from National Grid in 2022, cash collection of the Notes receivable from DTE Energy in 2021, and an increase in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures in 2022, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of notes receivable in 2022.
Net cash and cash equivalents from investing activities of $123 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities of $714 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the Separation-related cash collection of the Notes receivable from DTE Energy, a decrease in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures, and a reduction in contributions to equity method investees in 2021.
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Financing Activities
Prior to the Separation, we relied on short-term borrowings and contributions from DTE Energy. In June 2021, we issued the 2029 Notes and 2031 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion and entered into a $1.0 billion Term Loan Facility. Proceeds were used for the repayment of the short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy, as well as a one-time special dividend provided to DTE Energy.
In April 2022, we issued the 2032 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $600 million. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the 2032 Notes of $593 million to partially repay indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, DT Midstream paid cash dividends on common stock of $244 million and $58 million, respectively. See Note 8, "Earnings Per Share and Dividends" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $58 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $605 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the 2021 Separation-related repayment of short-term borrowings and special dividend to DTE Energy, partially offset by contributions from DTE Energy that did not recur in 2022. Additionally, the increase was driven by higher borrowings under the revolving credit facility in 2022. The increase was partially offset by lower proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, higher repayment of long-term debt, and higher dividends paid on common stock in 2022.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities of $605 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased as compared to net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities of $113 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the 2021 Separation-related repayment of short-term borrowings and special dividend to DTE Energy, a decrease in contributions from DTE Energy, and dividends paid on common stock in 2021. These increases were partially offset by net proceeds received from the issuance of long-term debt in June 2021 and decreased acquisition-related deferred payments.
Outlook
We expect to continue executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Other than the impact of the items discussed below on our debt and equity capitalization, we are not aware of any trends, other demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to materially impact our liquidity position.
Our working capital requirements will be primarily driven by changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable. We continue our efforts to identify opportunities to improve cash flows through working capital initiatives and obtaining additional long-term firm service revenue contracts from customers.
Our sources of liquidity include cash generated from operating activities and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. In June 2021, we issued the 2029 Notes and 2031 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion and entered into a $1.0 billion Term Loan Facility. We also entered into a $750 million secured Revolving Credit Facility for general corporate purposes and letter of credit issuances to support our future operations and liquidity. In April 2022, we issued the 2032 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and used the net proceeds of $593 million to partially repay indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility.
In October 2022, DT Midstream closed on the $552 million purchase of an additional 26.25% ownership interest in Millennium Pipeline from National Grid. Additionally, we amended the Credit Agreement to increase the Revolving Credit Facility commitments by $250 million to aggregate commitments of $1.0 billion and extended the maturity to October 19, 2027. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion on the Millennium Pipeline acquisition. The Credit Agreement covering the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants that DT Midstream must maintain. See Note 10, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion on the amendment of the Credit Agreement and required financial covenants.
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As of December 31, 2022, we had $39 million of letters of credit outstanding and $330 million of borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. We had approximately $692 million of available liquidity as of December 31, 2022, consisting of amounts available under our Revolving Credit Facility and cash and cash equivalents.
We expect to pay regular cash dividends to DT Midstream common stockholders in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and may depend on our future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition, and the effect a dividend payment would have on our compliance with relevant financial covenants. Over the long-term, we expect to grow our dividend consistent with cash flow growth and are targeting a payout ratio consistent with pure-play midstream companies.
We believe we will have sufficient operating flexibility, cash resources and funding sources to maintain adequate amounts of liquidity and to meet future operating cash, capital expenditure and debt servicing requirements. However, virtually all of our businesses are capital intensive, or require access to capital, and the inability to access adequate capital could adversely impact future earnings and cash flows.
See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation", Note 10, "Debt" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings are intended to provide banks and capital market participants with a framework for comparing the credit quality of securities and are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Our credit ratings affect our cost of capital and other terms of financing, as well as our ability to access the credit and commercial paper markets. Our management believes that the current credit ratings provide sufficient access to capital markets. However, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to us may affect our ability to access these funding sources or cause an increase in the return required by investors.
Contractual Obligations
The following table details our contractual obligations due by year as of December 31, 2022:
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 and Thereafter | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings (a) | $ | 330 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
| Long-Term Debt: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Senior Notes (b) | — | — | — | — | 2,100 | |||||||||||||
| Senior Secured Notes (c) | — | — | — | — | 600 | |||||||||||||
| Term Loan Facility (d) | — | — | — | — | 399 | |||||||||||||
| Letters of Credit | — | — | — | — | 39 | |||||||||||||
| Interest Expense (e) | 127 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 467 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Leases | 16 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 8 | |||||||||||||
| Other Purchase Commitments | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 56 | |||||||||||||
| Total Obligations | $ | 484 | $ | 147 | $ | 140 | $ | 137 | $ | 3,669 |
_____________________________
(a) Short-term borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility can be extended up to the October 2027 expiration date.
(b) Excludes $26 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(c) Excludes $1 million of unamortized debt discount and $6 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(d) Excludes $2 million of unamortized debt discount and $5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
(e) Interest Expense calculation related to the Term Loan Facility assumes the variable rate of LIBOR is 0.50% plus the margin rate of 2.00%.
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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We are party to off-balance sheet arrangements, which include our equity method investments. See Note 1, "Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation—Principles of Consolidation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the nature, purpose and other details of such agreements.
Other off-balance sheet arrangements include the Vector Pipeline Line of Credit, which is discussed further in Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS
We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation and Distribution Agreement. See Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Separation—We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy in accordance with the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement if the Distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal tax purposes, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations" of this Form 10-K for additional information.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management applies accounting policies and makes estimates and assumptions that affect results of operations and the amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the areas described below require significant judgment in the application of the accounting policy or in making estimates and assumptions in matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. Additional discussion of our accounting policies can be found in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We have goodwill that resulted from business combinations. An impairment test for goodwill is performed annually as of October 1st, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired. In performing the impairment test, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment loss would be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The October 1, 2022 fair values for the reporting units were calculated using an income approach. In prior years, the fair values for the reporting units were calculated using an equal weighted combination of the income approach and the market approach. We determined that the income approach was appropriate as we believe it is most representative of the value that would be received from a market participant as it allows the projected future results and cash flows to be generated by each reporting unit and the estimated fair value, to better align with DT Midstream's business model as it reflects the specific strengths of DT Midstream's reporting units. For example, many of our peers have commodity risk exposure resulting from the structure of their revenue contracts, while the majority of our revenue is generated under firm service revenue contracts. The income approach utilizes significant assumptions that require judgment by management. One such significant assumption is a terminal value that utilizes an assumed long-term growth rate, which incorporates management’s judgment regarding sustainable long-term growth of the reporting units. Another significant assumption includes the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) which is used to discount estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by each reporting unit. The WACC is based on our cost of debt, which includes U.S. industrial bond spreads, and cost of equity, which consists of U.S. Treasury Rates plus an equity risk premium. If current expectations of future long-term growth are not met or market factors outside of our control change, such as U.S. Treasury Rates, this may lead to a goodwill impairment in the future.
Our goodwill impairment analysis included a comparison of the estimated fair value of the Company as a whole to our market capitalization. Management also compared the implied market multiple under the income approach to midstream industry transaction multiples and considered other market indicators to support the appropriateness of the fair value estimates.
In between annual impairment tests, we monitor our estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, including the impact of movements in market indicators in future quarters, and will update the impairment analyses if a triggering event occurs. While we believe the assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ from projections. To the
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extent projected results or cash flows are revised downward, the reporting unit may be required to write down all or a portion of its goodwill, which would adversely impact our earnings.
We performed our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2022 and determined that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and no impairment existed.
The results of the test are as follows as of the October 1, 2022 valuation date:
| Reporting Unit | Goodwill | Weighted Average Costs of Capital | Fair Value Reduction % (a) | Valuation Methodology (b) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 53 | 9.0 | % | 52 | % | DCF | |||||
| Gathering | 420 | 9.2 | % | 8 | % | DCF | ||||||
| $ | 473 |
__________________________________
(a) Percentage by which the estimated fair value of the reporting unit would need to decline to equal its carrying value including goodwill. The fair value reduction percentage narrowed as compared to the October 1, 2021 annual impairment test, principally due to the increased WACC. The WACC primarily increased due to the increased risk-free interest rate and increased industrial bond spreads during 2022.
(b) Discounted cash flows (DCF) incorporated 2022-2026 projected cash flows plus a calculated terminal value. DT Midstream calculated the terminal year cash flows using an estimated long-term growth rate of 2.0%, discounted at the WACC for each of the reporting units.
Assessment of Long-Lived Assets for Impairment
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Conditions that could have an adverse impact on the cash flows and fair value of the long-lived assets are a deteriorating business climate, condition of the asset, or plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its useful life, which could result from the loss of or reduction in volume from our customers. The review of long-lived assets for impairment requires significant assumptions about operating strategies and estimates of future cash flows, which require assessments of current and projected market conditions and anticipated customer revenues. An impairment evaluation is based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level for which independent cash flows of long-lived assets can be identified from other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment may occur when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows. When the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates a long-lived asset is not recoverable, the amount of the impairment loss is determined by measuring the excess of the long-lived asset over its fair value. An impairment would require us to reduce both the long-lived asset and current period earnings by the amount of the impairment, which would adversely impact our earnings.
As part of our ongoing reviews of business operations and associated long-lived assets, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2022.
Assessment of Equity Method Investments for Impairment
We assess at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that the equity method investment is impaired by completing a quantitative or qualitative analysis of factors impacting the investment. If there is objective evidence of impairment, we determine whether the decline below carrying value is other than temporary. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings with an offsetting reduction to the carrying value of the investment.
As part of our ongoing reviews of equity method investment operations, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2022.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 3, "New Accounting Pronouncements" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001842022-22-000006.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the midstream industry and our business and financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors."
OVERVIEW
Our Business
We are an owner, operator, and developer of an integrated portfolio of natural gas midstream assets. We provide multiple, integrated natural gas services to customers through our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, lateral pipelines and related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities, and gathering systems and related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. We also own joint venture interests in equity method investees which own and operate interstate pipelines, many of which have connectivity to our wholly owned assets.
Our core assets connect demand centers in the Midwestern U.S., Eastern Canada, Northeastern U.S. and Gulf Coast regions to production areas of the Haynesville and Marcellus/Utica dry natural gas formations in the Gulf Coast and Appalachian Basins, respectively.
The Separation
On October 27, 2020, DTE Energy announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the separation of the DTE midstream business, formerly known as DTE Gas Enterprises, LLC, and its consolidated subsidiaries ("DT Midstream", "we", "our", "us") from DTE Energy.
In June 2021, in order to facilitate the Separation and settle short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy, we issued long-term debt in the form of $2.1 billion senior notes and a $1.0 billion term loan facility. Using the debt proceeds, net of discount and issuance costs of $53 million, we made the following cash payments:
•Settled Short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy as of June 30, 2021 of $2,537 million;
•Settled Accounts Receivable due from DTE Energy and Accounts Payable due to DTE Energy as of June 30, 2021 for net cash of $9 million; and
•Provided a one-time special dividend to DTE Energy of $501 million.
On July 1, 2021, DTE Energy completed the Separation through the distribution of 96,732,466 shares of DT Midstream common stock to DTE Energy shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. ET on June 18, 2021 (the "record date"). DTE Energy shareholders received one share of DT Midstream common stock for every two shares of DTE Energy common stock held at the close of business on the record date, with certain shareholders receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares of DT Midstream common stock.
Following the Separation on July 1, 2021, we became an independent public company listed under the symbol "DTM" on the NYSE. DTE Energy no longer retains any ownership in our company.
See Note 1, "Separation, Description of the Business, and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following sections provide a detailed discussion of the operating performance and future outlook of our segments. Segment information, described below, includes intercompany revenues and expenses, as well as other income and deductions that are eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For purposes of the following discussion, any increases or decreases refer to the comparison of the year ended December 31, 2021 to the year ended December 31, 2020, or the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2019.
The following table summarizes our consolidated financial results:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| (millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 840 | $ | 754 | $ | 504 | |||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | 307 | 312 | 204 | ||||||||||||||
| Diluted Earnings per Common Share | $ | 3.16 | $ | 3.23 | $ | 2.11 |
Operating revenues increased in the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 in both our Pipeline and Gathering segments.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream by Segment | ||||||||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 178 | $ | 155 | $ | 116 | ||||||||||||
| Gathering | 129 | 157 | 88 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 307 | $ | 312 | $ | 204 |
Net income attributable to DT Midstream decreased $5 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 due to lower earnings at our Gathering segment, partially offset by higher earnings at our Pipeline segment. Net income attributable to DT Midstream increased in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the first full year of operations of Blue Union and a partial year of operations for LEAP.
See Note 4, "Acquisitions" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for discussion of the acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP in December 2019. See detailed explanations of segment performance in the sections below.
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Pipeline
The Pipeline segment consists of our interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines, storage systems, lateral pipelines and related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. This segment also includes our equity method investments. Pipeline results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 307 | $ | 266 | $ | 234 | |||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 59 | 53 | 64 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 63 | 52 | 46 | ||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 13 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 172 | 154 | 117 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 51 | 43 | 56 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (1) | (4) | (11) | ||||||||||||||
| Earnings from equity method investees | (126) | (108) | (98) | ||||||||||||||
| Other (income) and expense | (3) | (2) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 62 | 58 | 38 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income | 189 | 167 | 132 | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 11 | 12 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 178 | $ | 155 | $ | 116 |
Operating revenues increased $41 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher LEAP revenues of $51 million as a result of a full year of LEAP operations in 2021. LEAP was placed into service in the third quarter 2020. This increase was partially offset by lower storage revenues at the Washington 10 Storage Complex of $8 million due to lower market rates. Operating revenues increased $32 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the LEAP partial year of operations and higher storage and Stonewall Gas Gathering revenues, partially offset by lower services provided to our equity method investees and lower Bluestone volumes.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher Separation related transaction costs, higher public company costs, and higher LEAP operating costs after it was placed into service in the third quarter 2020, partially offset by cost savings initiatives. Operation and maintenance expense decreased $11 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to lower reserves for uncollectible accounts and cost savings initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $11 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher depreciation related to LEAP of $12 million after it was placed into service in the third quarter 2020, partially offset by lower depreciation of storage assets. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to depreciation related to LEAP after it was placed in service, partially offset by increased useful lives of certain storage assets.
Taxes other than income expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to LEAP after it was placed into service in the third quarter 2020.
Interest expense increased $8 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher capitalized interest during 2020 related to LEAP construction, partially offset by lower interest on borrowings from DTE Energy in 2021. Interest expense decreased $13 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to lower interest on borrowings from DTE Energy in 2020.
Earnings from equity method investees increased $18 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher operating earnings of $12 million from NEXUS, $3 million from the Vector Pipeline and $2 million from the Millennium Pipeline. Earnings from equity method investees increased $10 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to higher NEXUS earnings, including the first full year of operations of the Generation Pipeline.
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Income tax expense increased $4 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to an increase in Income before income taxes. Income tax expense increased $20 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in Income before income taxes.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $4 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the May 2019 purchase of an additional 30% ownership interest in Stonewall Gas Gathering.
Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with customers and the location and connectivity of our pipeline assets soundly position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include future Haynesville system expansion (LEAP), completion of a new customer interconnection at Stonewall Gas Gathering, and additional growth related to our equity method investees.
Gathering
The Gathering segment consists of our gathering systems and related treatment plants and compression and surface facilities. Gathering results and outlook are discussed below:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| (millions) | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues | $ | 534 | $ | 489 | $ | 273 | |||||||||||
| Operation and maintenance | 173 | 123 | 80 | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 103 | 100 | 47 | ||||||||||||||
| Taxes other than income | 11 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net | 17 | (2) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Operating Income | 230 | 260 | 144 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 61 | 70 | 22 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (3) | (5) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Other (income) and expense | 1 | (20) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Expense | 42 | 58 | 34 | ||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream | $ | 129 | $ | 157 | $ | 88 |
Operating revenues increased $45 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to higher gathering revenues on Blue Union of $33 million and the Appalachia Gathering System of $17 million, partially offset by lower volumes on Susquehanna Gathering System of $4 million. Operating revenues increased $216 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the first full year of Blue Union operations.
Operation and maintenance expense increased $50 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to an increase of $30 million related to increased Blue Union operations, higher activity on the Appalachia Gathering System, higher Separation related transaction costs, and higher public company costs. Operation and maintenance expense increased $43 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the first full year of Blue Union operations, partially offset by no direct acquisition costs in 2020, cost savings initiatives and lower physical purchases of gas from Appalachia Gathering System customers.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $53 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the first full year of Blue Union operations.
Taxes other than income expense increased $6 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to placing the Blue Union assets in service.
Asset (gains) losses and impairments, net increased $19 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to the 2021 loss on notes receivable for an investment in certain assets in the Utica shale region.
Interest expense decreased $9 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to a lower interest rate on outstanding borrowings from DTE Energy. Interest expense increased $48 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the first full year of financing Blue Union.
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Other (income) and expense increased $21 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and decreased $20 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The variances were primarily due to a post Blue Union acquisition income settlement of $20 million in 2020.
Income tax expense decreased $16 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to a decrease in Income before income taxes. Income tax expense increased $24 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in Income before income taxes.
Outlook
We believe our long-term agreements with producers and the quality of the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus/Utica and Haynesville shale regions soundly position the business for future growth. We will continue to pursue economically attractive expansion opportunities that leverage our current asset footprint and strategic relationships. These growth opportunities include future Haynesville system expansion (Blue Union) and expansion opportunities at the Appalachia Gathering System.
STRATEGY
Our principal business objective is to safely and reliably operate and develop natural gas assets across our premier footprint. Our proven leadership and highly engaged employees have an excellent track record. Prospectively, we intend to continue this track record by executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Additionally, we intend to develop low carbon business opportunities and deploy greenhouse gas reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry and have announced a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. Our strategy is premised on the following principles:
•disciplined capital deployment in assets supported by strong fundamentals;
•capitalize on asset integration and utilization opportunities;
•pursue economically attractive opportunities;
•grow cash flows supported by long-term firm revenue contracts; and
•provide exceptional service to our customers.
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
Capital spending within our company is primarily for ongoing maintenance and expansion of our existing assets, and if identified, attractive growth opportunities. We have been disciplined in our capital deployment and make growth investments that meet our criteria in terms of strategy, management skills, and identified risks and expected returns. All potential investments are analyzed for their rates of return and cash payback on a risk adjusted basis. We anticipate total capital expenditures, inclusive of contributions to equity method investees, in 2022 of approximately $350 million to $400 million.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to extensive U.S. federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Additional compliance costs may result as the effects of various substances on the environment are studied and governmental regulations are developed and implemented. Actual costs to comply with such regulation could vary substantially from our expectations. Pending or future legislation or regulation could have a material impact on our operations and financial position. Potential impacts include expenditures for environmental equipment, such as pollution control equipment, beyond what is currently planned, financing costs related to additional capital expenditures and the replacement costs of aging pipelines and other facilities.
For further discussion of environmental matters, see Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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CLIMATE CHANGE
We believe we have a responsibility to address climate change and have made consistent, effective environmental policies a priority. Our Board of Directors includes a committee focused on environmental, social and governance initiatives. Our strategy will focus on targeted growth from carbon-reducing technologies associated with our current platforms. We have announced our intent to employ carbon-reducing technologies as part of our goal of being leading environmental stewards in the midstream industry and have committed to a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. We expect to achieve a 30% reduction in the next decade.
During 2022, we will continue our exploration of early-stage development opportunities for energy transition advancements leveraging our existing assets, competencies and partnerships. These opportunities include the following:
•Our efforts to advance carbon capture projects across our geographic regions;
•Our "wellhead to water" expansion proposal of the Haynesville system which offers a carbon neutral pathway for supply to reach LNG markets;
•Our strategic joint development agreement with Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. to advance hydrogen development projects across the United States; and
•Our new partnership with Project Canary to monitor methane emissions.
Capital expenditure investments for these projects have been contemplated in our forecasted capital expenditures discussed in Capital Investments section.
DT Midstream plans to publish its inaugural Sustainability Report in the second quarter 2022. The information in our Sustainability Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
For discussion of various risks associated with climate change related laws and regulations, reputational risks of climate change, and the physical risks of climate change, see Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K. For discussion of recent climate change related laws and regulations, see Part I, Item 1. and 2. "Business and Properties — Regulatory Environment" of this Form 10-K.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
During the first quarter 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the states in which we operate. We are actively monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains, markets, counterparties and customers and any related impacts on operating costs, customer demand and recoverability of assets that could materially impact our financial results. To date, impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have not had a material effect on our financial results.
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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Cash Requirements
Our principal liquidity requirements are to finance our operations, fund capital expenditures, satisfy our indebtedness obligations, and pay dividends, as deemed appropriate. We believe we will have sufficient internal and external capital resources to fund anticipated capital and operating requirements. We expect that cash from operations in 2022 will be approximately $605 million to $655 million.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | $ | 42 | $ | 46 | $ | 26 | ||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities | 572 | 597 | 390 | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents from (used for) investing activities | 123 | (714) | (2,561) | |||||||||||
| Net cash and cash equivalents (used for) from financing activities | (605) | 113 | 2,191 | |||||||||||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 90 | (4) | 20 | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 132 | $ | 42 | $ | 46 |
Operating Activities
Cash flows from our operations can be impacted in the short term by the volumes gathered or transported through our systems, changing commodity prices, seasonality, weather fluctuations, dividends from equity method investees and the financial condition of our customers. Our preference to enter into firm service contracts with firm reservation fees helps minimize our long-term exposure to commodity prices and its impact on the financial condition of our customers and provides us more stable operating performance and cash flows.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities decreased $25 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to net changes in working capital, and a decrease in other income driven by proceeds received from a nonrecurring settlement in 2020. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in operating income after adjustment for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, and asset (gains) losses and impairments.
Net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities increased $207 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in net income; adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization expense and deferred income taxes; and a change in working capital items. The change in working capital items in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily related to other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities. These increases were partially offset by an increase in earnings from equity method investees and a decrease in dividends from equity method investees.
Investing Activities
Cash outflows associated with investing activities are primarily the result of plant and equipment expenditures, acquisitions, and contributions to equity method investees. Cash inflows from investing activities are generated from collection of notes receivable, distributions from equity method investees, and proceeds from asset sales.
Net cash and cash equivalents from investing activities increased $837 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to the Separation related cash settlement of the Notes receivable due from DTE Energy, a decrease in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures, and a reduction in contributions to equity method investees.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for investing activities decreased $1.8 billion in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to a decrease in acquisitions, net of cash acquired, which was driven by our acquisition of Blue Union and LEAP in 2019, and a reduction in contributions to equity method investees in 2020. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in cash used for plant and equipment expenditures and an increase in notes receivable due from DTE Energy.
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Financing Activities
Prior to the Separation we relied on short-term borrowings and contributions from DTE Energy as a source of funding for capital requirements not satisfied by our operations. In June 2021, we issued senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $2.1 billion and entered into a Credit Agreement providing for a $1.0 billion Term Loan Facility and a $750 million Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 11, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Net cash and cash equivalents used for financing activities increased $718 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily due to the Separation related repayment of short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy and payment of a one-time special dividend to DTE Energy, a decrease in contributions from DTE Energy, and dividends paid on common stock in 2021. These increases were partially offset by net proceeds received from the issuance of long-term debt in June 2021 and decreased acquisition-related deferred payments.
Net cash and cash equivalents from financing activities decreased by $2.1 billion in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to reduced contributions from DTE Energy, lower cash from short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy and the Blue Union and LEAP acquisition related deferred payment. The decrease was partially offset by the purchase of noncontrolling interests in 2019.
During 2021, DT Midstream paid cash dividends on common stock of $0.60 per share related to the quarter ended September 30, 2021. See Note 9, "Earnings per Share and Dividends" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Outlook
We expect to continue executing on our natural gas-centric business strategy focused on disciplined capital deployment and supported by a flexible, well capitalized balance sheet. Other than the impact of the Separation on our debt and equity capitalization, described further below, we are not aware of any trends or other demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in our liquidity increasing or decreasing materially.
Our working capital requirements will be primarily driven by changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable. We continue our efforts to identify opportunities to improve cash flows through working capital initiatives and obtaining additional long-term firm commitments from customers.
Historically, our sources of liquidity included cash generated from operations and, prior to the Separation, loans obtained through DTE Energy’s corporate-wide cash management program. After the Separation, our sources of liquidity include cash generated from operating activities and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. We began investing in money market cash equivalents in August 2021.
In June 2021, we issued long-term debt in the form of $2.1 billion Senior Notes and a $1.0 billion Term Loan Facility. Proceeds were used for the repayment of the Short-term borrowings due to DTE Energy as well as a one-time special dividend provided to DTE Energy. We also entered into a $750 million secured Revolving Credit Facility for general corporate purposes and letter of credit issuances to support our future operations and liquidity. The Credit Agreement covering the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility includes financial covenants that DT Midstream must maintain. See Note 11, "Debt" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion on the financial covenants.
As of December 31, 2021, we had $8 million of letters of credit outstanding and no borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. We have approximately $874 million of available liquidity as of December 31, 2021, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and amounts available under our Revolving Credit Facility.
We expect to pay regular cash dividends to DT Midstream common stockholders in the future. Any payment of future dividends is subject to approval by the Board of Directors and may depend on our future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition, and the effect a dividend payment would have on our compliance with relevant financial covenants. Over the long-term, we expect to grow our dividend consistent with cash flow growth and are targeting a payout ratio consistent with pure-play midstream companies.
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We believe we will have sufficient operating flexibility, cash resources and funding sources to maintain adequate amounts of liquidity and to meet future operating cash, capital expenditure and debt servicing needs. However, virtually all of our businesses are capital intensive, or require access to capital, and the inability to access adequate capital could adversely impact future earnings and cash flows.
See Note 1, "Separation, Description of the Business, and Basis of Presentation", Note 11, "Debt" and Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings are intended to provide banks and capital market participants with a framework for comparing the credit quality of securities and are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Our credit ratings affect our cost of capital and other terms of financing, as well as our ability to access the credit and commercial paper markets. Our management believes that the current credit ratings provide sufficient access to capital markets. However, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to us may affect our ability to access these funding sources or cause an increase in the return required by investors.
Contractual Obligations
The following table details our contractual obligations due by year as of December 31, 2021:
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 and Thereafter | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Term Loan Facility (a) | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | $ | 955 | ||||||||
| Senior Notes (b) | — | — | — | — | 2,100 | |||||||||||||
| Letters of credit | — | — | — | — | 8 | |||||||||||||
| Interest Expense (c) | 114 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 459 | |||||||||||||
| Operating Leases | 17 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | |||||||||||||
| Other Purchase Obligations | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||
| Total Obligations | $ | 145 | $ | 139 | $ | 129 | $ | 126 | $ | 3,530 |
_____________________________
(a) Excludes $4 million of unamortized debt discount and $15 million of unamortized debt issuance costs
(b) Excludes $30 million of unamortized debt issuance costs
(c) Interest Expense calculation related to the Term Loan Facility assumes the variable rate of LIBOR is 0.50% plus 2.00%
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We are party to off-balance sheet arrangements, which include our equity method investments. See the section entitled "Principles of Consolidation" in Note 1, "Separation, Description of the Business, and Basis of Presentation" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the nature, purpose and other details of such agreements.
Other off-balance sheet arrangements include the Vector Pipeline Line of Credit and our guarantees, which are discussed further in Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS
We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement and the Separation and Distribution Agreement. See the section titled "We could have an indemnification obligation to DTE Energy in accordance with the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement if the Distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal tax purposes, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations" in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management applies accounting policies and makes estimates and assumptions that affect results of operations and the amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes that the areas described below require significant judgment in the application of the accounting policy or in making estimates and assumptions in matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. Additional discussion of our accounting policies can be found in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Goodwill
We have goodwill that resulted from business combinations. An impairment test for goodwill is performed annually as of October 1st, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the value of goodwill may be impaired.
In performing the impairment test, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment loss would be recognized. A goodwill impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
We estimate each reporting unit’s fair value using standard valuation techniques, including techniques which use estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. The fair values for the reporting units were calculated using a weighted combination of the income approach, which estimates fair value based on discounted cash flows, and the market approach, which estimates fair value based on market comparables within the Midstream industry.
The income approach includes a terminal value that utilizes an assumed long-term growth rate approach, which incorporates management’s assumptions regarding sustainable long-term growth of the reporting units. The income approach's cash flow valuations involve a number of estimates that require broad assumptions and significant judgment by management regarding future performance.
One of the most significant assumptions utilized in determining the fair value of reporting units under the market approach is implied market multiples for certain peer companies. Management selects comparable peers based on each peer’s primary business mix, operations, and market capitalization compared to the applicable reporting unit and calculates implied market multiples based on available projected earnings guidance and peer company market values as of the test date. Management also compared the fair value of the reporting units to DT Midstream's market capitalization including an estimated control premium.
In between annual impairment tests, we monitor our estimates and assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, including the impact of movements in market indicators in future quarters, and will update the impairment analyses if a triggering event occurs. While we believe the assumptions are reasonable, actual results may differ from projections. To the extent projected results or cash flows are revised downward, the reporting unit may be required to write down all or a portion of its goodwill, which would adversely impact our earnings.
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We performed our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2021 and determined that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, and no impairment existed.
The results of the test and key estimates that were incorporated are as follows as of the October 1, 2021 valuation date:
| Reporting Unit | Goodwill | Discount Rate | Fair Value Reduction % (a) | Valuation Methodology(b) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||||||||
| Pipeline | $ | 53 | 6.3 | % | 53 | % | DCF and market multiples analysis | |||||
| Gathering | 420 | 7.5 | % | 23 | % | DCF and market multiples analysis | ||||||
| $ | 473 |
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(a) Percentage by which the fair value of equity of the reporting unit would need to decline to equal its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair value reduction percentage improved as compared to the October 1, 2020 annual impairment test, principally due to improvement in market multiples.
(b) Discounted cash flows (DCF) incorporated 2021-2025 projected cash flows plus a calculated terminal value. For each of the reporting units, DT Midstream capitalized the terminal year cash flows at the weighted average costs of capital (WACC) less an assumed long-term growth rate of 2.0%. Management applied equal weighting to the DCF and market multiples analysis to determine the fair value of the respective reporting units.
Assessment of Long-Lived Assets for Impairment
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Conditions that could have an adverse impact on the cash flows and fair value of the long-lived assets are a deteriorating business climate, condition of the asset, or plans to dispose of or abandon the asset before the end of its useful life, which could result from the loss of or reduction in volume from our customers. The review of long-lived assets for impairment requires significant assumptions about operating strategies and estimates of future cash flows, which require assessments of current and projected market conditions and anticipated customer revenues. An impairment evaluation is based on an undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level for which independent cash flows of long-lived assets can be identified from other groups of assets and liabilities. Impairment may occur when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows. When the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates a long-lived asset is not recoverable, the amount of the impairment loss is determined by measuring the excess of the long-lived asset over its fair value. An impairment would require us to reduce both the long-lived asset and current period earnings by the amount of the impairment, which would adversely impact our earnings.
As part of our ongoing reviews of business operations and associated long-lived assets, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2021.
Assessment of Equity Method Investments for Impairment
We assess at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that the equity method investment is impaired by completing a quantitative or qualitative analysis of factors impacting the investment. If there is objective evidence of impairment, we determine whether the decline below carrying value is other than temporary. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings with an offsetting reduction to the carrying value of the investment.
As part of our ongoing reviews of equity method investment operations, we did not identify any indicators of impairment that existed during 2021.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 3, "New Accounting Pronouncements" to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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