Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI – Free Report) reported fourth-quarter 2017 earnings of 21 cents per share from continuing operations. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 18 cents and improved about 10.5% year over year from 19 cents.
Full-year 2017 earnings of 66 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 65 cents and wa sin line with the year-ago figure.
Total revenues for the quarter rose 7.2% year over year to $3,632million. The top line also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,324million.
For 2017, total revenues were $13,705 million, up from $13,058 million reported in 2016. Revenues also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13,361 million.
Higher contributions from Elba Express pipeline and Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) supported the company's strong fourth-quarter results. It was partially offset by higher expenses and the negative impact on tariff rates of Colorado Interstate Gas Company pipeline following the rate case settlement in 2016.
Dividend
Kinder Morgan maintained quarterly dividend at 12.5 cents per share (50 cents per share annualized). The dividend is payable on Feb 15 to shareholders on record as of Jan 31, 2018.
Segment Analysis
Natural Gas Pipelines: Operating income from this segment was $1,027 million, up 4% from $986 million in the year-ago quarter. The upside can be attributed to improved contributions from TGP owing to incremental short-term capacity sales and projects commissioned. Lower interest expense from Natural Gas Pipeline of America (NGPL) and SNG due to completion of an expansion project is favorable as well. Higher results from the Elba Express pipeline also contributed to the growth.
However, an adverse impact on the tariff rates of Colorado Interstate Gas Company pipeline following the rate case settlement in 2016 and disruptions caused by tropical storm Harvey contributed to lower income.
CO2: The segment reported earnings of $228 million, which declined 4% from $238 million in fourth-quarter 2016. Lower commodity prices were responsible for the downside.
