Core Insights - Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 29 cents, meeting the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing from 25 cents year over year [1][9] - Total quarterly revenues reached $4.15 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.13 billion and up from $3.70 billion in the prior-year quarter [1][9] Business Performance - The in-line earnings and better-than-expected revenue were primarily driven by activities related to natural gas pipelines [2] - Natural Gas Pipelines segment saw adjusted earnings before depreciation, depletion, and amortization (EBDA) rise to $1.4 billion from $1.27 billion year over year, benefiting from higher transported and gathering volumes [3] - Product Pipelines segment's EBDA increased to $288 million from $276 million, attributed to higher diesel fuel volumes [4] - Terminals segment generated EBDA of $274 million, up from $267 million, with liquids utilization at 94.6% [4] - CO2 segment's EBDA decreased to $136 million from $160 million year over year [5] Operational Highlights - Total expenses related to operations and maintenance were $786 million, down from $790 million a year ago, while total operating costs increased to $3.08 billion from $2.68 billion [6] - KMI reported a project backlog of $9.3 billion at the end of the September quarter, with a significant portion related to natural gas projects [6] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, KMI had $71 million in cash and cash equivalents, with long-term debt amounting to $31.3 billion [7] Future Outlook - For the year, KMI projected net income attributable to the company at $2.8 billion and estimated adjusted EPS at $1.27, with a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio anticipated at 3.8x by the end of 2025 [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was approximately $2.2 million, down from $5.4 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting the impact of divestitures in the second half of 2024 [20] - Lease operating expense for the quarter was $1.6 million or $34.23 per BOE, compared to $3.2 million or $29.2 per BOE in the same quarter last year, indicating a decrease due to divestitures [21] - Cash position stood at over $10.5 million as of March 31, 2025, reflecting net cash proceeds of $10.3 million from a successful equity offering [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on the development of its Montana industrial gas project, which includes workovers, flow testing, and drilling new development wells [7][8] - The processing plant at Ki Bin Dome is expected to process approximately 17 million cubic feet of raw gas per day, with an estimated cost of $15 million [11] - The company anticipates sequestering approximately 250,000 metric tons of CO2 annually once the processing plant is operational [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The helium market remains steady, with current pricing around $400 per Mcf, down from previous peaks [34] - The largest growth forecast for helium demand is in the semiconductor industry, which is expected to drive future growth [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a full cycle platform from production and processing to long-term carbon storage while maintaining disciplined capital allocation [15] - The strategy includes monetizing legacy hydrocarbon assets while investing in the core Montana project [16] - The company positions itself as a first mover in the industrial gas sector with a unique non-hydrocarbon gas stream, providing a competitive advantage [14] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the transformational opportunity presented by the Montana project [14] - The company has de-risked its project year to date and is on track to launch and grow its initiatives within the next twelve months [41] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately 832,000 shares, representing roughly 2.5% of its outstanding float, reflecting management's confidence in the stock's value [17] - The company is in talks to renew and extend its credit agreement, expected to be completed in Q2 2025 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Was the cost of the processing plant higher than expectations? - Management clarified that the cost was in line with expectations, considering the complexity of the infrastructure and production requirements [27][29] Question: Could the completion of the processing plant bleed into Q2 2026? - Management indicated that completion could be at the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2 2026, depending on weather conditions [31] Question: Can you provide an update on the helium markets? - Management noted that the helium market remains steady, with pricing around $400 per Mcf, and highlighted the semiconductor industry as a key growth area [34][36]