A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Kinder Morgan (KMI) . Shares have added about 1.8% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Kinder Morgan due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.Kinder Morgan Q3 E ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income attributable to limited partners of $332 million and adjusted EBITDA of $634 million in Q3 2025, with adjusted gross margin remaining relatively flat compared to the previous quarter [17][20] - Operating and maintenance expenses decreased by 5%, or $12 million quarter-over-quarter, due to reduced asset maintenance and repair expenses [17][18] - Cash flow from operating activities totaled $570 million, generating free cash flow of $397 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas throughput increased by 2% sequentially, driven by higher throughput from the Chipeta plant in Utah and increased volumes in South Texas [7] - Crude oil and NGLs throughput decreased by 4% sequentially, primarily due to decreased throughput from the Delaware Basin [8] - Produced water throughput remained flat sequentially, with expectations for a 40% year-over-year increase in Q4 2025 due to the Aris acquisition [10][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Delaware Basin throughput was in line with expectations, with low double-digit year-over-year growth anticipated for natural gas and low to mid-single digits for crude oil and NGLs [10][12] - The DJ Basin is expected to see flat year-over-year throughput growth for natural gas and low to mid-single digits for crude oil and NGLs [12] - The Powder River Basin is projected to have flat throughput growth for both natural gas and crude oil and NGLs [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Aris Water Solutions positions the company as a leader in produced water midstream solutions in the Delaware Basin, enhancing its commercial capabilities [4][24] - The company aims to capture $40 million in annual run rate synergies from the Aris acquisition and is focused on organic growth alongside potential inorganic opportunities [4][15][67] - The company is maintaining a disciplined capital allocation framework while planning for significant capital expenditures in 2026 [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to address produced water challenges in the Delaware Basin and highlighted the importance of regulatory engagement [4][24] - The company anticipates continued throughput growth in the Delaware Basin, driven by the Aris acquisition and ongoing projects [10][15] - Management acknowledged potential commodity price weakness impacting certain basins but remains optimistic about overall growth prospects [12][58] Other Important Information - The company expects to be at the high end of its previously announced 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $2.35 billion to $2.55 billion, including contributions from Aris [20] - The company declared a quarterly distribution of $0.91 per unit, consistent with the prior quarter [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on O&M expense sustainability - Management confirmed that the reduction in O&M expenses is sustainable and ongoing cost management initiatives are expected to yield further improvements [30][34] Question: Potential for distribution step-ups with major projects - Management indicated that distribution step-ups are possible with major projects or acquisitions, but will be balanced against market conditions and yield considerations [35][37] Question: Update on the Pathfinder project and pore space agreement - Management noted that the pore space agreement enhances project efficiency and flexibility, with positive implications for returns [40][41] Question: Plans for expanding gas and oil infrastructure in New Mexico - Management plans to pursue both organic and inorganic growth opportunities in New Mexico, leveraging the Aris footprint [45][46] Question: Outlook for 2026 and potential portfolio gaps - Management expects overall product growth across all three product lines in 2026, with a focus on the Delaware Basin and cost-cutting initiatives [56][58] Question: Synergies from the Aris acquisition - Management is confident in achieving the $40 million in synergies and anticipates additional operational synergies to emerge in the near term [64][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - MPLX reported adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 billion for the third quarter, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year [15] - Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA reached $5.2 billion, showing a 4% growth compared to the same period last year [5] - Distributable cash flows amounted to $1.5 billion, supporting a return of $1.1 billion to unit holders [5][15] - The company increased its quarterly distribution by 12.5% for the second consecutive year, marking a total annualized base distribution growth of over 50% in the past four years [4][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the crude oil and products logistics segment, adjusted EBITDA increased by $43 million compared to Q3 2024, driven by higher rates despite flat pipeline volumes and a 3% decline in terminal volumes [13] - The natural gas and NGL services segment saw adjusted EBITDA rise by $9 million year-over-year, with gathered volumes increasing by 3% primarily due to production growth in the Utica [14] - Processing volumes in the Utica increased by 24% year-over-year, while Marcellus processing utilization was at 95% for the quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MPLX's investments are primarily focused on natural gas and NGL services, with over 90% of total investments allocated to these segments this year [10] - The company is advancing its strategic growth objectives in the Permian Basin, with significant expansions planned for its processing and treating capabilities [8][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - MPLX aims for mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth anchored in the Marcellus and Permian basins, supported by strategic acquisitions and capital deployment [5][10] - The company is optimizing its competitive position through acquisitions, including full ownership of the Bangle NGL Pipeline System and a Delaware Basin sour gas treating business [6][8] - MPLX is focused on expanding gathering infrastructure and enhancing butane blending at terminals to maximize asset utilization [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining mid-single-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, with expectations for stronger growth in 2026 compared to 2025 [22][24] - The company anticipates that adjusted EBITDA growth will not be linear, with a focus on throughput growth from existing and new assets [17] - Management highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and operational excellence in driving cash flow growth and delivering capital returns to unit holders [18] Other Important Information - MPLX maintains a solid balance sheet with leverage below its comfort level of four times, entering the quarter with a cash balance of $1.8 billion [16] - The company is progressing on schedule and on budget for its Gulf Coast Fractionation facility and LPG export terminal, expected to enter service in 2028 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: EBITDA growth outlook - Management indicated that growth from 2025 to 2026 is expected to be stronger than from 2024 to 2025, supported by recent acquisitions and projects coming online [22][23] Question: Power LOI and opportunity set - Management discussed the importance of the LOI with MPC, emphasizing the potential for in-basin demand and lower-cost reliable power for producer customers [26] Question: Permian sour gas opportunity - Management confirmed that no additional AGI wells are needed to run the sour gas asset at full capacity, with a $500 million incremental capital investment planned [32] Question: Data center opportunities - Management is evaluating additional letters of intent for data center opportunities, with a focus on supporting producer customers [34] Question: In-basin demand growth - Management highlighted growth in the Marcellus and Utica regions, with expectations for new greenfield pipelines to support demand [50] Question: Distribution growth policy - Management sees a path for 12.5% distribution growth for the next couple of years, with evaluations ongoing beyond that period [65] Question: Impact of crude oil prices on logistics segment - Management noted strong demand and throughput in the logistics segment, supported by partnerships with Marathon Petroleum [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was reported at $2.4 billion, with distributable cash flow (DCF) of $1.8 billion, providing a coverage ratio of 1.5x [10][18] - Net income attributable to common unitholders was $1.3 billion, or $0.61 per common unit on a fully diluted basis [14] - The partnership declared a distribution of $0.545 per common unit, representing a 3.8% increase over the same period in 2024 [14] - Total capital investments for Q3 2025 were $2 billion, including $1.2 billion for growth capital projects [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PDH plants showed improvement, with PDH 1 averaging 95% of nameplate capacity, while PDH 2 resumed operations after a turnaround [11] - The company purchased approximately 2.5 million common units under its buyback program for $80 million in Q3 2025 [14] - Total repurchases for the first nine months of 2025 reached $250 million, totaling approximately 8 million common units [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects an inflation inflection point in discretionary free cash flow in 2026, following a four-year period of significant investments [16] - The consolidated leverage ratio was reported at 3.3x on a net basis, above the target range of 2.75x-3.25x due to capital expenditures on large projects [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a $3 billion increase to its buyback program, raising it from $2 billion to $5 billion, indicating a strong commitment to returning capital to unitholders [12] - Strategic investments in pipelines, marine terminals, and key acquisitions are expected to capitalize on long-term growth from the Haynesville and Permian basins [12] - The company is nearing the end of a multi-year capital deployment cycle that began in 2022, with a focus on organic growth capital expenditures returning to a mid-cycle range of approximately $2 billion-$2.5 billion per year [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming projects, including the Bahia Pipeline and Seminole Pipeline Conversion, which are expected to enhance capacity and flexibility [10] - The management team highlighted that the Permian Basin remains primarily an oil basin, with the addition of more gas pipelines being beneficial for producers [23] - Management noted that the macroeconomic environment is not a concern, as they believe price will create supply and demand [26][46] Other Important Information - The company expects to see growth in cash distributions to partners commensurate with distributable cash flow per unit in the near term [17] - The acquisition of natural gas gathering systems from Occidental is expected to unlock significant revenue opportunities [93] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the new Permian gas pipelines drive more production? - Management indicated that the Permian Basin is primarily an oil basin, and the new pipelines will enhance NGL transportation, benefiting producers [23] Question: Is there unlimited demand for LPG in Asia? - Management noted that both residential/commercial and petrochemical demand are growing, and the U.S. will export what's needed to balance the market [25][26] Question: What is the capital allocation outlook for the next few years? - Management expects organic growth CapEx in the $2 billion-$2.5 billion range, with a focus on splitting free cash flow between buybacks and debt pay down [36] Question: How is the integration of the Occidental assets going? - The acquisition is strategic, with significant organic growth opportunities expected, including an incremental $200 million in revenue [93] Question: What is the outlook for the Permian sour gas opportunity? - Management remains optimistic about the Permian sour gas opportunity, with additional treating capacity expected to come online [98]

Core Insights - Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE:TRGP) is recognized as a leading midstream energy company with a robust infrastructure connecting North American natural gas and natural gas liquids to key markets, providing stable fee-based revenue streams for long-term investors [1][4] Group 1: Recent Developments - In September 2025, Targa launched the Forza Pipeline Project in the Delaware Basin, a 36-mile pipeline capable of transporting up to 750,000 dekatherms per day, enhancing its capacity to meet rising demand for cleaner fuel infrastructure [2] - Approximately 90% of Targa's earnings are derived from multi-year, fee-based contracts, which protect the company from commodity price fluctuations [4] Group 2: Market Position and Growth Potential - BMO Capital initiated a "Buy" rating for Targa, highlighting its strong asset base and strategic positioning in the Delaware and Midland basins, making it a top stock in the midstream energy sector [3] - Targa's controlling position in the Mont Belvieu fractionation hub, along with strong insider ownership and improving EBIT margins, bolsters its long-term growth outlook [4]

Summary of ONEOK Fireside Chat - September 30, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: ONEOK (NYSE: OKE) - **Industry**: Midstream Energy Key Points and Arguments Strategic Acquisitions - ONEOK has been highly acquisitive in the midstream space, doubling its size through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) since the early 2000s [2][3] - The company has established specific criteria for future acquisitions, focusing on projects that are credit accretive and provide scale [4][8] - Recent acquisitions include Magellan, Easton, EnLink, and Medallion, with five acquisitions completed in two years [5][4] Market Position and Integration - ONEOK is currently focused on integrating recent acquisitions and extending existing assets rather than pursuing new acquisitions aggressively [6][7] - The company aims to diversify its operations beyond the Bakken region, seeking demand-pull businesses [6][7] Volume Growth and Market Dynamics - The company anticipates modest volume growth across key basins, including Bakken, Mid Continent, and Permian, despite some winter-related volume declines [12][19] - The Mid Continent region has shown unexpected growth, particularly in the Cherokee formation [13][14] - The Permian Basin continues to grow, with producers becoming more efficient in drilling operations [20][21] Financial Outlook - ONEOK targets mid to upper single-digit growth in EBITDA for 2026, driven by volume growth and capital projects [23] - The company is completing several projects that will contribute to incremental growth, including the Denver expansion project [27][28] Risks and Market Sentiment - The primary risk to achieving growth targets is potential slowdowns in producer activity due to fluctuating crude oil prices [30][31] - There is skepticism in the market regarding the company's ability to model the impact of multiple acquisitions on earnings [10][11] New Projects and Infrastructure - The Sunbelt Connector project aims to address growing demand in Phoenix, with plans to connect refined products from various regions [33][34] - The company is optimistic about the returns from this project, which will include a larger pipeline to accommodate future demand [35][36] Capital Expenditure and Financial Strategy - ONEOK's growth capital expenditure (CapEx) is projected to remain around $3 billion, with expectations for a decrease in future years as projects are completed [40][42] - The company plans to utilize tax savings from new legislation to enhance cash flow and reduce leverage [42] Ethane Market and Export Opportunities - There is potential for increased ethane recovery in the Mid Continent region due to rising demand from export projects [47][49] - ONEOK is supportive of ethane export projects, recognizing their positive impact on pricing and demand [51][52] Natural Gas and LNG Demand - The company is well-positioned to benefit from increasing LNG demand, particularly in Louisiana, where it has seen unexpected growth in natural gas assets [55][56] - The Mid Continent region is viewed as an option for natural gas production, with expectations for increased activity as prices rise [57][58] Competition and Market Share - ONEOK holds a 60% market share in the Bakken for gas processing, with limited competition expected to impact its operations significantly [71][72] - The company maintains strong relationships with producers, which helps mitigate competitive risks [75] Additional Important Insights - The company is expanding its gas storage capabilities to manage increased gas flow and maintenance needs [66][68] - ONEOK's integrated systems provide a competitive advantage, allowing for streamlined operations and customer relationships [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of $1,163 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by higher Permian volumes and margin contributions from the Badlands assets [18][19][21] - The full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be in the range of $4,650 million to $4,850 million [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Permian, natural gas inlet volumes averaged a record 6,300 million cubic feet per day in the second quarter, an 11% increase year-over-year [12] - NGL pipeline transportation volumes averaged a record 961,000 barrels per day, while fractionation volumes averaged 969,000 barrels per day during the second quarter [15][16] - The fractionation volumes were impacted by a planned turnaround, but are now exceeding 1,000,000 barrels per day post-turnaround [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that while the Permian rig count has softened, the number of rigs on its system remains largely unchanged, indicating stability in its operations [7] - The demand for natural gas and NGLs is expected to continue increasing, supported by strong customer performance across the value chain [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing adjusted EBITDA, common dividends per share, and reducing share count while maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet [10][21] - The company plans to invest in integrated growth opportunities and return increasing capital to shareholders over the long term [10][21] - The company is preparing for growth in 2027 and beyond by ordering long lead items for additional Permian plants [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong growth on the Permian system for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, supported by ongoing discussions with producers [7][9] - The company highlighted its differentiated growth profile, outperforming crude and gas production growth rates over the past five years [8][9] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $324 million in common shares during the second quarter and authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program [21][22] - The company expects net growth capital spending for 2025 to be approximately $3 billion, with maintenance capital spending of $250 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on outperforming the basin - Management noted that the combination of having the largest footprint and being over some of the best rock in the Midland and Delaware Basins contributes to their ability to outperform [25][26] Question: Outlook on NGL margins - Management indicated that they have a growing supply from their gas processing footprint and are well-positioned due to long-term contracts, despite concerns about overbuild and margin pressures [28][30] Question: Competition in the Northern Delaware - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized their established capabilities and long-term contracts that provide a competitive advantage [37][42] Question: Capital expenditures for 2026 - Management stated that they will assess producer budgeting cycles to inform their 2026 capital budget, but they expect to continue capital-efficient spending aligned with growth opportunities [46] Question: Confidence in future volume growth - Management expressed confidence based on observed volume ramp-up and the expected contributions from new processing plants coming online [54][56] Question: Expectations for Bull Run extension - Management described the Bull Run extension as a natural extension of their capabilities, supported by existing volumes and expected growth [60][61] Question: Balancing buybacks with other capital uses - Management emphasized an opportunistic approach to share repurchases while maintaining flexibility to invest in organic growth projects [62][64] Question: Performance of Badlands assets - Management confirmed that the Badlands transaction has met expectations, with overall volumes remaining flat but potential for future increases [69][70] Question: Approach to LPG export docks and competition - Management reiterated their strong position due to long-term contracts and the ability to meet growing global demand, despite new entrants in the market [81][83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 of $1,163 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by higher Permian volumes and margin improvements across segments [19][20] - Full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA is estimated to be in the range of $4,650 million to $4,850 million [20] - The company had $3,500 million of available liquidity at the end of Q2 2025, with a pro forma consolidated leverage ratio of 3.6 times, within the long-term target range of three to four times [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas inlet volumes in the Permian averaged a record 6,300 million cubic feet per day in Q2 2025, an 11% increase year-over-year [12] - NGL pipeline transportation volumes averaged a record 961,000 barrels per day, while fractionation volumes averaged 969,000 barrels per day during the same period [15] - The company experienced a planned turnaround at its fractionation complex, which reduced capacity for two-thirds of Q2, but volumes have since increased to over 1,000,000 barrels per day post-turnaround [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Permian gas production growth has outpaced crude production, with associated gas growth averaging 13% per year over the past five years, while crude production has averaged 8% [8][9] - The company’s year-over-year volume growth averaged 17%, outperforming both associated gas and crude production [9] - The company is well-positioned for growth due to its footprint across high-quality rock in the Permian Basin and strong relationships with world-class producers [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase adjusted EBITDA and return capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, while maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet [10][22] - The company is focused on integrated growth opportunities, with a capital spending plan of approximately $3,000 million for 2025 [21] - The company is preparing for future growth by ordering long lead items for additional Permian plants and enhancing connectivity through pipeline extensions [14][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong growth in volumes for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, despite some macroeconomic volatility [6][10] - The company noted that ongoing discussions with producers indicate robust growth potential, supported by a strong demand for natural gas and NGLs [10][9] - Management highlighted the resilience of the business model amid commodity price volatility and global trade concerns [18] Other Important Information - The company announced a retirement of a key executive, Scott Pryor, effective March 1, 2026, with Ben Branstetter set to succeed him [4][5] - The company repurchased $324 million in common shares during Q2 2025, continuing its strategy of opportunistic share repurchases [20][22] - A new $1,000 million common share repurchase program was authorized, bringing total available repurchase capacity to approximately $1,600 million [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Ability to outperform peers in the basin - Management highlighted the largest footprint and strong relationships with active producers as key factors for continued outperformance [26][27] Question: Outlook for NGL margins - Management noted growing supply and long-term contracts as supportive of margins, despite concerns about overbuilding [29][30] Question: Competition in the Northern Delaware - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized Targa's established capabilities and strategic positioning in sour gas treatment [38][39] Question: Capital expenditures for future projects - Management indicated that capital expenditures would be informed by producer budgeting cycles and ongoing project efficiencies [47][48] Question: Performance of Badlands assets post-acquisition - Management confirmed that the Badlands assets are performing as expected, with potential for increased production in the future [71][72] Question: LPG export docks performance - Management clarified that while dock loadings were strong, sequential volume fluctuations were due to market dynamics and contract structures [80][84] Question: Impact of new pipeline capacity on pricing - Management expressed optimism about new egress pipelines unlocking the basin and potentially improving pricing dynamics [90][92] Question: Use of third-party NGL transport - Management indicated that utilizing third-party transport allows for capital efficiency and diversification of transport options [93][94] Question: Capital costs for processing plants - Management acknowledged rising costs but emphasized effective cost management strategies to maintain competitive returns [100]

Financial Performance - For the quarter ended June 2025, Energy Transfer LP reported revenue of $19.24 billion, down 7.2% year-over-year, and EPS of $0.32 compared to $0.35 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue was a surprise of -23.83% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $25.26 billion, while the EPS met the consensus estimate [1] Key Metrics - Gathered volumes for midstream operations were 21,329.00 BBtu/D, exceeding the average estimate of 20,762.51 BBtu/D [4] - NGLs produced were 1,181 million barrels, surpassing the estimated 1,098.09 million barrels [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for intrastate transportation and storage was $284 million, below the average estimate of $319.2 million, while interstate transportation and storage achieved $470 million, above the estimate of $423.8 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Energy Transfer LP returned -0.4% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +0.5% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market [3]

Core Viewpoint - Enbridge is positioned as a reliable dividend provider while meeting global energy demands, making it an attractive investment option for dividend-focused investors [1]. Dividend Attractiveness - Enbridge offers a high dividend yield of 6%, significantly above the S&P 500's 1.2% and the average energy stock's 3.4% [2]. - The company has a consistent dividend history, having increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, indicating reliability [4]. Financial Stability - Enbridge maintains a strong financial foundation with an investment-grade credit rating, ensuring access to affordable capital [5]. Business Model - The company operates a stable business model by owning infrastructure assets like pipelines, generating income through fees for their use, which supports its dividend payments [7]. - Enbridge's large market capitalization of approximately $100 billion allows it to act as an industry consolidator, acquiring smaller companies to enhance its business [8]. Growth Opportunities - Enbridge has multiple avenues for growth, including internal capital investments to upgrade assets and expand capacity [9]. - The company is shifting towards natural gas and cleaner energy sources, having recently acquired regulated natural gas utilities, which enhances its cash flow and growth prospects [10]. Renewable Energy Exposure - Enbridge has invested in renewable energy, owning offshore wind farms in Europe and other renewable assets, positioning itself for future energy needs [11]. Simplified Ownership - Unlike some peers structured as master limited partnerships, Enbridge operates as a traditional corporation, simplifying ownership for investors [13]. Tax Considerations - U.S. investors can avoid Canadian taxes on dividends by holding Enbridge shares in tax-advantaged accounts, although dividends may fluctuate with interest rates [14]. Overall Assessment - Enbridge presents a compelling investment opportunity with a favorable balance of positives, making it a strong candidate for long-term holding [15].