← ONEOK overview

ONEOK vs Kinder Morgan: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

ONEOK Inc (OKE)

Q3 2026
▲4

ONEOK's AI Gas Deal and $4.4B Permian Buy Reshape Growth

  • AI data-center gas supply deal ONEOK signed its first deal to supply natural gas to an AI data center, opening a new demand source as tech companies race to power energy-hungry computing.

    This is a new growth avenue that could boost future volumes and investor confidence.

  • $4.425B Permian acquisition ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream's Permian assets for $4.425 billion, more than doubling its Midland Basin processing capacity and expanding its footprint in a key oil region.

    This major acquisition is a core strategic move that increases scale and future earnings potential.

  • Apollo's $9B investment funds deal Apollo made a $9 billion minority equity investment to fund the Permian purchase, reducing debt without issuing common stock or hurting credit ratings.

    This financing structure supports the acquisition while preserving financial health, a key investor concern.

  • Record results, raised guidance, dividend hike ONEOK posted record Q2 results, raised 2026 guidance, and lifted its dividend 4% to $1.07 per share, signaling confidence in cash flow.

    Strong operational performance and shareholder returns directly support the stock price.

August 2026
▲4

ONEOK's AI Gas Deal and $4.4B Permian Buy Reshape Growth

  • AI data-center gas supply deal ONEOK signed its first deal to supply natural gas to an AI data center, opening a new demand source as tech companies race to power energy-hungry computing.

    This is a new growth avenue that could boost future volumes and investor confidence.

  • $4.425B Permian acquisition ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream's Permian assets for $4.425 billion, more than doubling its Midland Basin processing capacity and expanding its footprint in a key oil region.

    This major acquisition is a core strategic move that increases scale and future earnings potential.

  • Apollo's $9B investment funds deal Apollo made a $9 billion minority equity investment to fund the Permian purchase, reducing debt without issuing common stock or hurting credit ratings.

    This financing structure supports the acquisition while preserving financial health, a key investor concern.

  • Record results, raised guidance, dividend hike ONEOK posted record Q2 results, raised 2026 guidance, and lifted its dividend 4% to $1.07 per share, signaling confidence in cash flow.

    Strong operational performance and shareholder returns directly support the stock price.

Latest
▲4

ONEOK funds Brazos buy with $9B Apollo equity, keeps dividend growing

  • Apollo's $9B equity funds Brazos purchase without new debt Apollo closed a $9 billion minority investment in ONEOK Holdings, structured below ONEOK's debt and treated by rating agencies as credit-enhancing. That gives ONEOK money to buy Brazos Midstream's West Texas gas operations and pay down debt without borrowing more or risking its credit rating.

    This is the period's biggest new event and directly explains how ONEOK is paying for growth while protecting its balance sheet.

  • Dividend raised 4% to $1.07 as cash flows and guidance grow ONEOK lifted its quarterly dividend 4% to $1.07 per share and guides 2026 adjusted EBITDA to $7.9-$8.3 billion, with $475 million of acquisition synergies booked. A rising payout backed by fee-based pipeline volumes signals steady cash and supports the stock's value case.

    Rising dividends and EBITDA guidance are the core fundamental drivers behind the stock's appeal to income investors.

  • Raised 2026 guidance leaves shares looking cheap on earnings After management raised 2026 earnings guidance, ONEOK trades near 16 times earnings versus a fair estimate of about 21 and peers averaging 19.5. If expansion projects and Permian volume growth deliver, the discount can close; bears warn returns could slip and debt from deals limits flexibility.

    Valuation versus peers is the main reason analysts see upside, and it frames the bull-bear debate for readers.

  • Earnings report due with $1.39 per share expected ONEOK was scheduled to report quarterly results on August 3, with analysts expecting $1.39 per share. The report is the next hard check on whether fee-based volumes and acquisition savings are flowing through as promised.

    The upcoming earnings print is the near-term catalyst that will confirm or challenge the growth story.

▲4

ONEOK's AI Gas Deal and $4.4B Permian Buy Reshape Growth

  • First AI data-center gas supply deal ONEOK signed its first deal to supply natural gas to a 1-gigawatt power plant for AI data centers, a $100 million project with strong returns. It is in late talks on more such deals, opening a new demand source for its pipelines.

    New demand channel that can lift long-term volumes and earnings.

  • $4.425B Brazos Permian acquisition ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream's Permian assets for $4.425 billion, more than doubling its Midland Basin processing capacity to about 2.3 Bcf/d. The deal is immediately accretive and speeds deleveraging without issuing common stock.

    Major growth deal that expands core Permian footprint and earnings.

  • Apollo-backed $5B debt overhaul Apollo is investing $9 billion in minority equity, with $5 billion used to cut debt. ONEOK launched a $5 billion debt repayment plan and tender offer, aiming to lower leverage to 3.25x and improve free cash flow without diluting common shareholders.

    Strengthens balance sheet and funds acquisition, reducing financial risk.

  • Record Q2 results and raised guidance ONEOK beat Q2 estimates with $1.53 EPS on record NGL volumes and $12.05 billion revenue, then raised 2026 net income guidance to $3.41–$3.79 billion. Shares have gained 9.2% since the report, reflecting stronger cash flow and confidence.

    Confirms operational strength and upward earnings trajectory.

Kinder Morgan Inc (KMI)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

Kinder Morgan rides AI gas demand, record backlog, but valuation rich

  • AI data-center gas demand fuels record backlog Kinder Morgan is benefiting from surging natural gas demand from AI data centers, with a record $9.6–10.1B project backlog (92% natural gas) and U.S. gas demand projected up 27% by 2031.

    This is the core growth driver behind the stock's positive momentum this quarter.

  • Record Q2 earnings and dividend hike Kinder Morgan reported record Q2 net income of $867M (EPS $0.37), beating estimates by 12%, and raised its dividend by 2%, signaling strong financial health.

    Earnings beat and dividend increase directly support investor confidence and stock price.

  • Western Gateway Pipeline JV finalized The $5B Western Gateway Pipeline joint venture was finalized, backed by 10-year contracts, expanding Kinder Morgan's infrastructure and locking in long-term revenue.

    This major project secures future cash flows and demonstrates execution on growth strategy.

  • Rich valuation and debt pose risks Kinder Morgan trades at a 21.3x P/E versus the industry's 12.9x, leaving little room for error, while heavy net debt and potential overbuilding or weaker contract renewals could pressure cash flows if growth slows.

    This is the main counterweight that could limit upside or trigger a pullback.

September 2026
▲4

Kinder Morgan's $9.6B backlog, dividend hike, and new pipeline JV drive growth

  • Record $9.6B project backlog signals growth cycle Kinder Morgan's project backlog hit $9.6 billion, with 92% in natural gas, driven by power generation and LNG export demand. This builds future earnings and supports the stock as new projects get sanctioned.

    This is the core growth driver behind KMI's improving outlook and earnings expectations.

  • Western Gateway Pipeline JV finalized Kinder Morgan finalized a $5 billion joint venture for the Western Gateway Pipeline, contributing existing assets and cash. The 1,300-mile line is backed by 10-year contracts, adding long-term fee-based revenue.

    This is a concrete new project that expands KMI's midstream footprint and future cash flows.

  • Dividend raised 2% after strong Q2 earnings Kinder Morgan raised its quarterly dividend to $0.2975, up 2%, after adjusted EBITDA rose 12% and EPS jumped 32% in Q2. Management raised full-year guidance, signaling confidence in cash flow.

    The dividend increase and earnings beat directly reward shareholders and reflect financial strength.

  • Force majeure lifted on Tennessee Gas Pipeline Kinder Morgan lifted the force majeure on its Tennessee Gas Pipeline after repairs restored natural gas shipments to Mexico. Mexico is the largest buyer of U.S. pipeline gas, so resolving the outage removes a supply disruption.

    This restores normal operations and avoids potential revenue loss from the outage.

Latest
▲4

Kinder Morgan's $9.6B backlog, dividend hike, and new pipeline JV drive growth

  • Record $9.6B project backlog signals growth cycle Kinder Morgan's project backlog hit $9.6 billion, with 92% in natural gas, driven by power generation and LNG export demand. This builds future earnings and supports the stock as new projects get sanctioned.

    This is the core growth driver behind KMI's improving outlook and earnings expectations.

  • Western Gateway Pipeline JV finalized Kinder Morgan finalized a $5 billion joint venture for the Western Gateway Pipeline, contributing existing assets and cash. The 1,300-mile line is backed by 10-year contracts, adding long-term fee-based revenue.

    This is a concrete new project that expands KMI's midstream footprint and future cash flows.

  • Dividend raised 2% after strong Q2 earnings Kinder Morgan raised its quarterly dividend to $0.2975, up 2%, after adjusted EBITDA rose 12% and EPS jumped 32% in Q2. Management raised full-year guidance, signaling confidence in cash flow.

    The dividend increase and earnings beat directly reward shareholders and reflect financial strength.

  • Force majeure lifted on Tennessee Gas Pipeline Kinder Morgan lifted the force majeure on its Tennessee Gas Pipeline after repairs restored natural gas shipments to Mexico. Mexico is the largest buyer of U.S. pipeline gas, so resolving the outage removes a supply disruption.

    This restores normal operations and avoids potential revenue loss from the outage.

July 2026
▲3

KMI rides AI data-center gas demand and record Q2 earnings

  • Data-center gas demand drives $10B backlog Kinder Morgan's project backlog grew to $10.10 billion, including new data-center contracts. The company expects U.S. gas demand to jump 27% by 2031, with about 70% of future data-center power demand in states its pipelines already serve. This locks in long-term, fee-based cash flows.

    Shows the core growth driver behind KMI's rising earnings and stock.

  • Record Q2 earnings beat on AI-driven gas demand KMI reported record Q2 net income of $867 million and adjusted EPS of $0.37, beating estimates by 12%. Gas pipeline volumes rose 7% from LNG exports, Mexico exports, and power generation. Full-year EPS is now expected to exceed the initial budget by 12%.

    Directly shows the financial results that are pushing the stock up now.

  • LNG exports and power demand fuel growth Rising U.S. natural gas demand from LNG exports and gas-fired power is driving KMI's growth. Over 20% of its backlog serves LNG demand and about 60% serves power generation. U.S. LNG export capacity is projected to nearly double by 2030, boosting KMI's volumes.

    Explains the long-term demand tailwinds behind KMI's expansion.

  • Valuation and debt remain a counterweight KMI's stock may be 10.6% undervalued, but its 21.3x P/E is well above the industry average of 12.9x, leaving little room for error. Heavy net debt and risks of overbuilding or weaker contract renewals could pressure future cash flows if growth slows.

    Provides the fair counterweight to the bullish drivers.

▲3

KMI rides AI data-center gas demand and record Q2 earnings

  • Data-center gas demand drives $10B backlog Kinder Morgan's project backlog grew to $10.10 billion, including new data-center contracts. The company expects U.S. gas demand to jump 27% by 2031, with about 70% of future data-center power demand in states its pipelines already serve. This locks in long-term, fee-based cash flows.

    Shows the core growth driver behind KMI's rising earnings and stock.

  • Record Q2 earnings beat on AI-driven gas demand KMI reported record Q2 net income of $867 million and adjusted EPS of $0.37, beating estimates by 12%. Gas pipeline volumes rose 7% from LNG exports, Mexico exports, and power generation. Full-year EPS is now expected to exceed the initial budget by 12%.

    Directly shows the financial results that are pushing the stock up now.

  • LNG exports and power demand fuel growth Rising U.S. natural gas demand from LNG exports and gas-fired power is driving KMI's growth. Over 20% of its backlog serves LNG demand and about 60% serves power generation. U.S. LNG export capacity is projected to nearly double by 2030, boosting KMI's volumes.

    Explains the long-term demand tailwinds behind KMI's expansion.

  • Valuation and debt remain a counterweight KMI's stock may be 10.6% undervalued, but its 21.3x P/E is well above the industry average of 12.9x, leaving little room for error. Heavy net debt and risks of overbuilding or weaker contract renewals could pressure future cash flows if growth slows.

    Provides the fair counterweight to the bullish drivers.