Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 6% and adjusted EPS increased by 12% compared to the previous year [9] - Net income attributable to Kinder Morgan was $715 million, a 24% increase from the second quarter of 2024 [20] - Adjusted net income was $619 million, with adjusted EPS of $0.28, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year [21] - Net debt at the end of the quarter was $32.3 billion, with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 4.0x, down from 4.1x in the previous quarter [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas transportation volumes were up 3% due to LNG deliveries, while natural gas gathering volumes decreased by 6% [16] - Refined products and crude volumes both increased by 2% compared to the previous year [17] - The CO2 segment saw a 3% decrease in oil production volumes but a 13% increase in NGL volumes [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. natural gas demand is expected to grow by 20% by 2030, with significant contributions from LNG exports [10] - LNG feed gas demand in the U.S. is projected to increase by 3.5 BCF per day this summer compared to 2024, and more than double by 2030 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to own and operate stable fee-based assets, using cash flow to invest in attractive return projects while maintaining a solid balance sheet [14] - The project backlog increased from $8.8 billion to $9.3 billion, with new projects added and existing projects placed in service [12] - The company is focused on expanding its natural gas pipeline network to support growing demand [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth of natural gas demand, driven by population growth and the transition to cleaner energy sources [4] - The federal permitting environment has improved, allowing for quicker project approvals [10] - Management expects significant cash tax benefits from recent tax reforms, with no material cash tax liability anticipated until 2028 [11] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share, an increase of 2% from the previous year [20] - Moody's and S&P have placed the company's credit rating on a positive outlook [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the commercial landscape changed with demand tailwinds? - Management noted that their existing asset footprint and track record in project delivery have allowed them to remain competitive in securing projects [28] Question: What is the progress on building additional natural gas infrastructure in Arizona? - Management acknowledged the need for more natural gas in Arizona and mentioned ongoing discussions regarding potential projects [31] Question: How does the company view capital allocation between gas pipelines and gathering investments? - Management emphasized that investment decisions are based on risk-reward assessments, with no change in their approach to capital allocation [36] Question: What is the outlook for behind-the-meter opportunities? - Management indicated that most activity is seen from regulated utilities, with potential for future projects as IPPs secure contracts [40] Question: How does the company view the risk of Permian overbuild? - Management expressed confidence in their existing contracts and the ability to extract value from their pipelines, viewing the risk as low [80][82] Question: What is the expected timeline for the Haynesville gathering project? - Management plans to have facilities in service by the end of the fourth quarter next year, with volume ramp-up expected [87]