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KMI vs OKE
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Kinder Morgan (KMI) vs. ONEOK (OKE) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both KMI and OKE are large-cap North American midstream energy operators with roughly 90% fee-based earnings and comparable leverage, near a net debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio of about 3.8x.
- Kinder Morgan skews toward natural gas transportation and storage, while ONEOK is more weighted to natural gas liquids (NGLs), gathering, processing, and refined products.
- Recent market activity shows Kinder Morgan with a lower beta (a measure of volatility versus the broader market) and a dividend yield around 3.8%, reflecting a steadier, income-oriented profile.
- ONEOK has leaned on acquisitions (EnLink and Medallion) and the Eiger Express expansion to drive growth, while Kinder Morgan's momentum centers on a roughly $10 billion natural gas project backlog.
- Both companies received credit-rating recognition or balance-sheet improvements in recent periods, supporting their relative stability as dividend payers.
Introduction
Investors evaluating energy infrastructure often weigh KMI and OKE side by side, given their overlapping exposure to natural gas and liquids logistics. This stock comparison is most relevant to income-focused and momentum-oriented traders who want to understand how two of North America's largest midstream operators differ in market positioning, growth drivers, and risk. While both generate predominantly fee-based cash flows, their asset mixes, recent catalysts, and relative performance have diverged in ways that matter for portfolio construction. The sections below examine business context, recent developments, and observable market sentiment to provide a balanced, fact-based comparison.
KMI Overview and Recent Performance
Kinder Morgan, headquartered in Houston, operates one of North America's largest energy infrastructure networks spanning natural gas pipelines, products pipelines, terminals, and a CO2 (carbon dioxide) business. Its natural gas pipelines segment accounts for roughly two-thirds of the business and has been the principal driver of recent results. In its latest quarterly report, the company delivered record net income and adjusted EBITDA, helped by higher natural gas transport and gathering volumes tied to LNG (liquefied natural gas) demand and contributions from the Outrigger Energy acquisition.
Recent weeks have featured supportive developments, including an S&P credit-rating upgrade to BBB+ and a project backlog that reached approximately $10 billion, with natural gas projects representing about 90% of the total. Management has pointed to long-term contracts to move growing volumes of natural gas feedstock to LNG facilities as a key catalyst. In terms of relative performance, KMI carries a five-year beta near 0.55 and a dividend yield around 3.8%, characteristics that position it as a relatively defensive, income-generating holding within the energy sector.
OKE Overview and Recent Performance
ONEOK, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a leading integrated midstream operator with a roughly 60,000-mile pipeline network spanning NGLs, refined products, crude oil, and natural gas gathering and processing. Its growth strategy has emphasized scale through acquisition, including the EnLink and Medallion transactions, which have expanded its footprint across key basins. For full-year 2025, the company reported net income attributable to ONEOK of about $3.39 billion and adjusted EBITDA of roughly $8.02 billion, with approximately 90% of earnings fee-based.
Recent catalysts include a 4% dividend increase to $1.07 per share quarterly (about $4.28 annualized) and the announcement, with joint-venture partners, of an expansion of the Eiger Express Pipeline to 3.7 Bcf/d (billion cubic feet per day), fully subscribed under long-term contracts. The company also extinguished nearly $3.1 billion of long-term debt during 2025 and ended the year with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of approximately 3.8x. These moves reflect a focus on integration, deleveraging, and organic expansion rather than purely defensive income generation.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two lies in business mix. Kinder Morgan is more concentrated in long-haul natural gas transportation and storage, which tends to produce steady, contracted cash flows with moderate growth. ONEOK is comparatively more diversified across NGLs, gathering and processing, and refined products, which offers broader exposure to volume growth but can introduce slightly more commodity-linked variability within its optimization and marketing activities.
On growth drivers, KMI is anchored by a deep natural gas backlog and LNG-linked transport contracts, while OKE combines acquisition synergies with project expansions such as Eiger Express and Permian Basin processing. Risk profiles differ accordingly: Kinder Morgan's lower beta suggests less market sensitivity, whereas ONEOK's integration and expansion work introduces execution-related variables alongside stronger revenue growth. From a market-sentiment standpoint, both have enjoyed balance-sheet improvement and rating agency recognition in recent periods, leaving their relative positioning driven more by strategy and sector weighting than by credit fundamentals.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely express a modest preference for KMI in the current environment. The combination of a lower beta, a natural-gas-centric backlog, and a recent credit upgrade points to steadier trend characteristics that algorithmic models often reward. That said, OKE presents a stronger growth-oriented profile through acquisition integration and capacity expansions, which may appeal to momentum-focused strategies when volume and catalyst momentum align. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive, and relative positioning could shift as new earnings data and project milestones emerge.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is KMI is a Hold and OKE is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for KMI turns positive, indicating new upward trend
KMI saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 88 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 57 of the 88 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for KMI just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where KMI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
KMI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for KMI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 21 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Following a +2.89% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KMI advanced for three days, in 198 of 349 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 8 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KMI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 42%.
KMI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 12, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for KMI entered a downward trend on October 07, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 41, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 20 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.156) is normal, around the industry mean (179.095). P/E Ratio (19.761) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.536). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.126) is also within normal values, averaging (13.660). Dividend Yield (0.038) settles around the average of (0.050) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.807) is also within normal values, averaging (4.657).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 33 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. KMI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
OKE's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for OKE turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where OKE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where OKE's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 12 of 19 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on OKE as a result. In 65 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
OKE moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.99% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where OKE advanced for three days, in 247 of 373 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 10-day moving average for OKE crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 25, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where OKE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
OKE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for OKE entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 17 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.435) is normal, around the industry mean (179.095). P/E Ratio (15.306) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.536). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.674) is also within normal values, averaging (13.660). Dividend Yield (0.048) settles around the average of (0.050) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.487) is also within normal values, averaging (4.657).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 32 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 41, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. OKE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
KMI | OKE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 37 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 20 Undervalued | 17 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 4 | 40 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 67 | 53 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 33 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 32 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
OKE's Valuation (17) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as KMI (20). This means that OKE’s stock grew similarly to KMI’s over the last 12 months.
KMI's Profit vs Risk Rating (4) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is somewhat better than the same rating for OKE (40). This means that KMI’s stock grew somewhat faster than OKE’s over the last 12 months.
OKE's SMR Rating (53) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as KMI (67). This means that OKE’s stock grew similarly to KMI’s over the last 12 months.
KMI's Price Growth Rating (33) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as OKE (45). This means that KMI’s stock grew similarly to OKE’s over the last 12 months.
OKE's P/E Growth Rating (32) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry is in the same range as KMI (57). This means that OKE’s stock grew similarly to KMI’s over the last 12 months.
| KMI | OKE | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 39% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 68% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 57% | 5 days ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 42% | 3 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 72% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 54% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
KMI’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green while OKE’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- KMI’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- OKE’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
KMI’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while OKE’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KMI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- OKE’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
KMI (@Oil & Gas Pipelines) experienced а +5.26% price change this week, while OKE (@Oil & Gas Pipelines) price change was +3.91% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oil & Gas Pipelines industry was -3.57%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.26%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.58%.
Reported Earning Dates
KMI is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
OKE is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Oil & Gas Pipelines (-3.57% weekly)Oil & Gas Pipelines industry includes companies that transport natural gas and crude oil through pipelines. These companies also collect and market the fuels. The pipeline segment could be considered as a midstream operation – functioning as a link between the upstream and downstream operations in the oil and gas industry. Some of the largest U.S. pipeline players include Enterprise Products Partners L.P, TC Energy Corporation and Energy Transfer, L.P.
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KMI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KMI has been closely correlated with WMB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KMI jumps, then WMB could also see price increases.