Kinder Morgan Q1 Earnings Preview: Growth Expectations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 21 2026
0mins
Should l Buy KMI?
Source: seekingalpha
- Earnings Expectations: Kinder Morgan is expected to report Q1 earnings of 39 cents per share, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase, with revenues projected at $4.55 billion, indicating a 7% growth, showcasing the company's ongoing expansion in pipeline operations.
- Pipeline Expansion Progress: The company has extended the open season for the Western Gateway pipeline project in collaboration with Phillips 66 and launched a second open season for a California pipeline project, indicating a proactive approach in the natural gas pipeline sector.
- Rising Market Demand: With global gas prices rising due to disruptions related to Qatar, Kinder Morgan's adjusted EBITDA from its natural gas pipelines segment has seen double-digit growth, demonstrating the company's resilience amid market volatility.
- Future Outlook: Although the fiscal 2026 outlook falls below market expectations, analysts believe the company's business model is largely insulated from commodity price fluctuations, and increased demand for U.S. natural gas and refined products could provide additional benefits.
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Analyst Views on KMI
Wall Street analysts forecast KMI stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 31.520
Low
27.00
Averages
31.62
High
36.00
Current: 31.520
Low
27.00
Averages
31.62
High
36.00
About KMI
Kinder Morgan, Inc. is an energy infrastructure company. The Company owns an interest in or operates approximately 79,000 miles of pipelines and 139 terminals. Its Natural Gas Pipelines segment includes ownership and operation of interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline and storage systems and natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities. Its Products Pipelines segment includes ownership and operation of refined petroleum products, crude oil and condensate pipelines that primarily deliver, among other products, gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, crude oil and condensate to various markets, plus the ownership and/or operation of associated product terminals and petroleum pipeline transmix facilities. Its Terminals segment includes ownership and/or operation of liquid and bulk terminal facilities and Jones Act-qualified tankers. Its CO2 segment is engaged in the production, transportation and marketing of CO2 to oil fields.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Growing Energy Demand: The importance of pipeline infrastructure has become increasingly evident with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the critical role of Saudi Arabia and UAE pipelines in mitigating supply disruptions amid rising global energy needs.
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- Increased Shareholder Returns: Piper Sandler returned $171 million to shareholders in Q1, including $1.425 per share in dividends and $70 million in share repurchases, demonstrating strong cash flow and commitment to shareholder value.
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- Earnings Growth Drivers: Although Energy Transfer does not produce oil, approximately 10% of its earnings are commodity price-linked, which are expected to rise with oil prices, while increased volumes through its liquids pipelines and marine export terminals will further boost revenue.
- LNG Project Restart Possibility: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global LNG supplies, prompting Energy Transfer to reconsider its Lake Charles LNG project, with potential discussions with partners that could add long-term value to its gas pipeline business.
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See More
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- LNG Project Restart Potential: Although the Lake Charles LNG project was suspended last year, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting 20% of global LNG supplies, may prompt Energy Transfer to find a new partner to restart the project, adding long-term value to its gas pipeline business.
- Increased Pipeline Volumes: With U.S. energy exports surging due to geopolitical tensions, Energy Transfer expects significant increases in volumes across its liquids pipelines and marine export terminals, which will drive higher fee-based income and further boost unit prices.
- Valuation Upside Anticipation: Despite a more than 20% rise in unit price this year, Energy Transfer still trades at a discount compared to large-scale energy midstream companies, suggesting that the market may soon recognize its strong financial position and growth prospects, potentially driving unit prices towards the $25 target.
See More
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