Kinder Morgan(US:KMI)2025-12-09 16:15Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company provided guidance indicating a 4% growth in EBITDA from 2025 to 2026 and an 8% growth in earnings [6] - The debt to EBITDA ratio is expected to end the year at 3.8 times, within the target range of 3.5 to 4.5 times [6] - Expansion capital expenditures (CapEx) guidance was raised from approximately $2.5 billion to over $3 billion per year for the next few years [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The current backlog of approved expansion projects is $9.3 billion, significantly up from $3 billion two years ago, with 90% of this backlog associated with natural gas projects [9] - The company is evaluating over $10 billion in potential projects, primarily focused on natural gas, driven by similar demand drivers as the existing backlog [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas demand is expected to grow by over 20% between the end of 2024 and 2030, with estimates ranging from 22 to 28 billion cubic feet per day (BCF) [11] - The growth in demand is primarily driven by LNG exports, power generation, and exports to Mexico [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company sees significant opportunities in the midstream space, particularly in natural gas, and plans to expand its existing asset base to meet market demand [7][12] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet to capitalize on M&A opportunities as they arise, while also pursuing organic growth through its project backlog [64][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the current regulatory environment, noting improvements in permitting processes, particularly with the Corps of Engineers and FERC [46][47] - There is a recognition of potential supply chain constraints, particularly regarding compression equipment, but current projects are on track [52][56] Other Important Information - The company has a substantial gas storage footprint of 700 billion cubic feet (BCF), with 75% regulated and 25% unregulated [32] - Recent expansions in gas storage facilities have been successful, with ongoing projects expected to enhance capacity [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current backlog and growth potential? - The current backlog of approved expansion projects is $9.3 billion, significantly up from $3 billion two years ago, with a strong growth outlook in the natural gas sector [9] Question: How does the company view competition in the market? - The company acknowledges competition from other pipelines but believes there is ample opportunity for growth in the natural gas market, particularly in the Southeast [20] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A? - The company remains open to M&A opportunities but emphasizes the need for flexibility and opportunism in pursuing such deals [64][66] Question: How is the regulatory environment impacting operations? - Management noted improvements in the regulatory environment, particularly in permitting timelines, but expressed a desire for further reductions in these timelines [46][48] Question: What are the company's plans for capital returns? - The company plans to maintain a conservative approach to dividend growth to preserve capital for expansion opportunities, with potential for faster growth in the future as projects come online [60][62]