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Why Is MPLX LP (MPLX) Down 5.1% Since Last Earnings Report?
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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 5.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is MPLX LP due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
MPLX's Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates on Lower NGL Prices
MPLX LP reported second-quarter earnings of 55 cents per unit, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 60 cents. The figure was in line with the year-ago level.
Revenues of $1,629 million were higher than second-quarter 2018 sales of $1,578 million. However, the top line lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,644 million.
The quarterly results were affected by the Logistics and Storage segment’s lower-than-expected profit levels and lower weighted average natural gas liquids prices. These negatives were partially offset by year-over-year improvement in performance of core businesses in its Logistics and Storage unit.
Segmental Highlights
MPLX’s operating income from the Logistics and Storage segment jumped from $434 million a year ago to $486 million. However, the reported figure lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $542 million. The year-over-year upside is attributable to strong performance of core businesses, partially offset by obstacles related to the weather in the Midwest region. Total pipeline throughput volume of 3,489 thousand barrels per day increased 3% from the year-ago level.
Operating income from the Gathering and Processing segment marginally decreased to $173 million from $174 million in the prior-year quarter due to lower weighted average natural gas liquids prices.
Costs and Expenses
Total costs and expenses in the quarter were recorded at $970 million, in line with the year-ago level.
Cash Flow
Distributable cash flow available to limited partners in second-quarter 2019 was $741 million, providing 1.36x distribution coverage, up from $695 million in the year-ago period. Distribution per unit was 66.75 cents in the reported quarter. This marks a 6.4% hike from the year-ago period and 1.5% sequential growth, representing the 26th consecutive quarterly distribution increase.
Cash flow from operating activities in the quarter under review decreased to $834 million from $840 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2018.
Balance Sheet
As of Jun 30, 2019, the partnership’s cash and cash equivalents were $7 million. Its total debt amounted to $14.1 billion, while debt-to-capitalization ratio was 67.2%.
Outlook
On Jul 30, the partnership closed the Andeavor Logistics acquisition, which can affect third-quarter results. The partnership expects the Whistler project to come online in third-quarter 2021.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in estimates revision. The consensus estimate has shifted -15.4% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
Currently, MPLX LP has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision has been net zero. Notably, MPLX LP has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
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Why Is MPLX LP (MPLX) Down 5.1% Since Last Earnings Report?
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 5.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is MPLX LP due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
MPLX's Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates on Lower NGL Prices
MPLX LP reported second-quarter earnings of 55 cents per unit, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 60 cents. The figure was in line with the year-ago level.
Revenues of $1,629 million were higher than second-quarter 2018 sales of $1,578 million. However, the top line lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,644 million.
The quarterly results were affected by the Logistics and Storage segment’s lower-than-expected profit levels and lower weighted average natural gas liquids prices. These negatives were partially offset by year-over-year improvement in performance of core businesses in its Logistics and Storage unit.
Segmental Highlights
MPLX’s operating income from the Logistics and Storage segment jumped from $434 million a year ago to $486 million. However, the reported figure lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $542 million. The year-over-year upside is attributable to strong performance of core businesses, partially offset by obstacles related to the weather in the Midwest region. Total pipeline throughput volume of 3,489 thousand barrels per day increased 3% from the year-ago level.
Operating income from the Gathering and Processing segment marginally decreased to $173 million from $174 million in the prior-year quarter due to lower weighted average natural gas liquids prices.
Costs and Expenses
Total costs and expenses in the quarter were recorded at $970 million, in line with the year-ago level.
Cash Flow
Distributable cash flow available to limited partners in second-quarter 2019 was $741 million, providing 1.36x distribution coverage, up from $695 million in the year-ago period. Distribution per unit was 66.75 cents in the reported quarter. This marks a 6.4% hike from the year-ago period and 1.5% sequential growth, representing the 26th consecutive quarterly distribution increase.
Cash flow from operating activities in the quarter under review decreased to $834 million from $840 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2018.
Balance Sheet
As of Jun 30, 2019, the partnership’s cash and cash equivalents were $7 million. Its total debt amounted to $14.1 billion, while debt-to-capitalization ratio was 67.2%.
Outlook
On Jul 30, the partnership closed the Andeavor Logistics acquisition, which can affect third-quarter results. The partnership expects the Whistler project to come online in third-quarter 2021.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in estimates revision. The consensus estimate has shifted -15.4% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
Currently, MPLX LP has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision has been net zero. Notably, MPLX LP has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.