Kinder Morgan(US:KMI)2025-10-22 21:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 6% increase in EBITDA and a 16% growth in adjusted EPS year-on-year, reflecting strong underlying business performance and successful execution of growth projects [11][19] - Net income attributable to the company was $628 million, with EPS at $0.28 per share, consistent with the third quarter of 2024 [19] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 3.9x, down from 4.1x at the end of the first quarter [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The natural gas segment, which constitutes two-thirds of the business, outperformed its budget, with transport volumes up 6% and gathering volumes up 9% year-on-year [11][15] - The Products Pipeline segment saw refined product volumes decrease by 1% compared to the third quarter of 2024, while crude and condensate volumes were down 3% [16] - The terminals business maintained high liquids lease capacity at 95%, with strong market conditions supporting high utilization rates [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company transports over 40% of the natural gas in the U.S., including significant volumes to LNG export facilities and power plants [12][13] - Internal projections estimate a 28 Bcf per day increase in natural gas demand by 2030, driven by LNG exports and power generation [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes its long-term strategy focused on natural gas transportation, with over $9 billion in approved projects aimed at expanding pipeline and terminal networks [9][10] - The company is actively pursuing over $10 billion in potential projects, primarily in natural gas, indicating a robust growth pipeline [12][14] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to capital deployment, with a backlog multiple below six times [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the significant growth in LNG feed gas demand and the increasing need for electricity, particularly for AI data centers, as key drivers for future natural gas demand [4][8] - The company expects to exceed its full-year budget due to contributions from the Outrigger acquisition, despite challenges from lower D3 RIN prices [11][22] - Management remains confident in the company's strategy and execution, anticipating double-digit earnings growth for the full year 2025 [22] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2925 per share, representing a 2% increase over the previous year [19] - The company is exploring opportunities to expand its gas infrastructure to meet growing demand, particularly in the Haynesville and Permian basins [16][86] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook and $10 billion opportunity set - Management indicated that the $10 billion opportunity set is primarily focused on natural gas projects supporting LNG exports and power generation, with active discussions ongoing with customers [26][27] Question: Competition and project commercialization - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape but expressed confidence in capturing a fair share of projects due to the company's existing footprint and strong track record [36][37] Question: Changes in guidance and RNG volumes - Management noted a slight change in guidance due to weaker RNG volumes and RIN prices, but overall gas performance remains strong [40][41] Question: 2026 outlook and growth rates - Management stated it is too early to discuss specific growth rates for 2026, but expansion projects and favorable market conditions are expected to support growth [69][71] Question: Western Gateway project details - Management confirmed that the Western Gateway project will likely be structured as a 50/50 joint venture with Phillips 66, with Kinder Morgan's capital expenditure being lower due to asset contributions [78][79] Question: CO2 business opportunities - Management expressed interest in supplying CO2 for enhanced oil recovery but emphasized the need for careful evaluation of investment risks [106][110]