Gradient Investments Acquires $13.5 Million Stake in Kinder Morgan

Gradient Investments LLC has acquired a significant stake in Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI), purchasing **477,013 shares** valued at approximately **$13,504,000** during the third quarter of 2023. This acquisition was disclosed in the company’s latest **13F filing** with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The investment reflects a growing interest in Kinder Morgan among institutional investors and hedge funds, with several firms adjusting their positions in the pipeline company.

In addition to Gradient Investments, **Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC** has established a new position in Kinder Morgan valued at **$161,000**. Meanwhile, **Nilsine Partners LLC** raised its holdings by **3.8%**, now owning **17,223 shares** valued at **$488,000**. Other notable moves include **Jackson Wealth Management LLC**, which increased its position by **1.7%**, and **Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC**, which grew its holdings by **62.7%**, now owning **14,418 shares** worth **$408,000**.

As of now, institutional investors and hedge funds hold **62.52%** of Kinder Morgan’s stock.

Recent Insider Transactions

Recent insider trading activity at Kinder Morgan shows increased confidence from key executives. On **October 31**, **Amy W. Chronis**, a director of the company, purchased **3,800 shares** at an average price of **$26.23** per share, totaling **$99,674**. Following this transaction, Chronis holds **39,051 shares**, valued at approximately **$1,024,308**, marking a **10.78%** increase in her ownership.

Additionally, **Richard D. Kinder**, the company’s chairman, acquired **1,000,000 shares** on **October 27** for an average cost of **$25.96** per share, amounting to **$25,960,000**. Post-transaction, Kinder holds **246,212,353 shares**, valued at about **$6.39 billion**, representing a **0.41%** increase in his stake. Insider transactions over the past three months show that insiders have purchased **1,004,287 shares** valued at **$26,072,463**, while selling **18,498 shares** for **$511,655**. Insiders currently own **12.73%** of the company’s stock.

Kinder Morgan’s Financial Performance and Market Outlook

On **November 17**, Kinder Morgan’s stock opened at **$26.66**, showing a gain of **1.3%**. The company has experienced a 12-month low of **$23.94** and a high of **$31.48**. The stock is currently trading below its **50-day simple moving average** of **$26.86** and its **200-day moving average** of **$27.34**. Kinder Morgan has a market capitalization of **$59.31 billion** and a **P/E ratio** of **21.85**. It also holds a **debt-to-equity ratio** of **0.98**.

In its most recent earnings report on **October 22**, Kinder Morgan announced earnings of **$0.29 per share**, meeting analyst expectations. The company achieved **$4.15 billion** in revenue for the quarter, surpassing estimates of **$3.98 billion**. This represents a **12.1%** increase in revenue compared to the same quarter last year. For fiscal year **2025**, Kinder Morgan has set guidance at **$1.270** earnings per share.

The company also declared a quarterly dividend of **$0.2925**, which was distributed to shareholders on **November 17**. The ex-dividend date was **November 3**, resulting in an annualized dividend of **$1.17** and a yield of **4.4%**. The dividend payout ratio stands at **95.90%**.

Market analysts have varying perspectives on Kinder Morgan. **Weiss Ratings** maintains a “buy” rating, while **Stifel Nicolaus** has increased its price target from **$29.00** to **$30.00** with a “hold” rating. Conversely, **Scotiabank** has reduced its target from **$28.00** to **$27.00**, while **Mizuho** adjusted its target from **$32.00** to **$31.00**, affirming an “outperform” rating. The consensus rating for Kinder Morgan is a “Moderate Buy,” with an average target price of **$31.33** according to data from MarketBeat.com.

Kinder Morgan operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in North America, focusing on various segments including natural gas pipelines, products pipelines, terminals, and CO2. The company continues to adapt to market changes while providing dividends to its shareholders, indicating a stable financial outlook.