The AI Boom Could Empower This 4.3%-Yielding Dividend Stock to Add Another $10 Billion in Fuel to Its Growth Engine

Core Viewpoint - Kinder Morgan is experiencing significant growth opportunities, with its expansion project backlog increasing dramatically, positioning the company for future earnings growth and enhanced dividend yields [2][10]. Financial Performance - Kinder Morgan reported nearly $2 billion in adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter, marking a 6% increase year-over-year, with adjusted earnings rising 16% to $0.29 per share [4][5]. - The company's gas pipeline earnings increased by 10%, driven by contributions from its Texas Interstate system and Tennessee Gas Pipeline, alongside a 6% rise in volumes [6]. Expansion Opportunities - The expansion project backlog has surged from $1.4 billion at the end of 2021 to $9.3 billion, with natural gas projects making up approximately $8.6 billion of this total [2][9]. - Key projects include Trident ($1.8 billion), South System Expansion 4 ($1.8 billion), and Mississippi Crossing ($1.7 billion), expected to enter commercial service by the second quarter of 2030 [9]. Future Growth Catalysts - Kinder Morgan anticipates delivering 12 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of gas to LNG terminals by 2028, up from 8 Bcf/d currently, driven by increasing demand from LNG and power sectors [10][11]. - The company is exploring over 10 Bcf/d of opportunities to supply gas to the U.S. power sector, particularly to meet the electricity needs of AI technologies [11]. Strategic Partnerships - A partnership with Phillips 66 is underway to potentially construct the Western Gateway Pipeline, which would transport refined products from Texas to Arizona and California, with a projected commercial service date in 2029 [12]. Dividend Growth Potential - Kinder Morgan's expansion projects are expected to accelerate earnings growth, providing the company with the capacity to increase its high-yielding dividend, which has been raised for eight consecutive years [13].