Kinder Morgan(KMI) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with natural gas demand growing by 6.8 billion cubic feet per day, driven by a 10% increase in residential and commercial demand and a 15% increase in LNG demand [14] - The project backlog increased to $8.8 billion after adding approximately$900 million during the quarter, with over 70% focused on serving power demand [15][16] - The acquisition of the Bakken Gathering and Processing System for $640 million was completed, although it had minimal impact on quarterly results due to a short ownership period [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transport volumes in the natural gas business unit increased by 3$430 million extension of the Elba Express pipeline, expected to deliver 325 million cubic feet per day into South Carolina [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. natural gas demand rose from approximately 60 BCF per day in 2005 to almost 109 BCF per day in 2024, marking an increase of roughly 80% [4] - Future growth in natural gas demand is projected to be between 20 and 28 BCF per day by 2030, primarily driven by increased LNG export demand [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains bullish on U.S. LNG exports, citing factors such as increased demand from the EU and Asia to offset any potential loss from the Chinese market [9][10] - The company is focused on long-term contracts with creditworthy entities to support its projects, ensuring stable cash flow and a strong balance sheet [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a conservative outlook for 2025 due to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and commodity prices, although they do not expect a material impact from tariffs [19] - The company anticipates that the $7 trillion in new U.S. investments could drive additional demand not currently captured in projections [15] Other Important Information - Management succession plans were discussed, with Tom Martin set to retire in January 2026, and Dax Sanders to succeed him as president [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on project economics - Management does not believe tariffs will significantly impact project economics, estimating the impact to be roughly 1% of project costs for new large projects [17][18] Question: Performance of the Bakken Gathering and Processing System acquisition - The acquisition is performing in line with expectations, despite having only been owned for 45 days during the quarter [20]