Pipeline operator Enbridge forecasts higher 2025 core profit

Enbridge on Tuesday forecast higher core profit for 2025as the Canadian pipeline operator expects strong oil and gas demand to lift volumes, sending its U.S.-listed shares up 1% in premarket trading.

The company forecast adjusted core earnings between C$19.4 billion ($13.82 billion) and C$20 billion next year, higher than its 2024 expectations.

U.S. natural gas producers said in November they would increase output in 2025 after a series of production cuts in the current year, as increased demand from LNG export plants is expected to drive up prices.

“Global oil consumption has rebounded to all-time highs and increasing natural gas demand is being driven by LNG growth, coal-to-gas switching and the rapid increase in electric power demand, stemming from new data center developments,” CEO Greg Ebel said, adding that Enbridge’s portfolio was well suited to take advantage of the increased energy demand.

Recent U.S. gas utility acquisitions and roughly C$5 billion of secured projects expected to come online in 2024 also contributed to the upbeat forecast, the company said.

The pipeline operator acquired three utilities from U.S.-based Dominion Energy for $14 billion last year, expanding its gas distribution business.

Power supply in the United States is expected to increase 3% this year over 2023 to meet rising demand, with solar and natural gas-fired power leading the bulk of new electricity generation.

Enbridge expects to deploy nearly C$7 billion of capital in 2025, exclusive of maintenance capital. Italso raised its 2025 dividend by 3%.
Source: Reuters (Reporting by Pooja Menon in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Pooja Desai)