Kinder Morgan (KMI) reported earnings of $0.08 on Wednesday, January 18th after market close. This was well short of the $0.21 whisper number, and short of the analysts estimate of $0.19. Whispers ranged from a low of $0.20 to a high of $0.22. KMI has a 27% positive surprise history (having topped the whisper in 4 of the 15 earnings reports for which we have data).

Earnings history:

•  Beat whisper: 4 qtrs
•  Met whisper: 1 qtrs
•  Missed whisper: 10 qtrs

Our primary focus is on post earnings price movement. Knowing how likely a stock's price will move following an earnings report can help you determine the best action to take (long or short). In other words, we analyze what happens when the company beats or misses the whisper number expectation.

The table below indicates the average post earnings price movement within a one and thirty trading day timeframe:

The strongest price movement of +3.6% comes within one trading day when the company reports earnings that beat the whisper number, and +2.7% within thirty trading days when the company reports earnings that miss the whisper number. The overall average post earnings price move is 'positive' (beat the whisper number and see strength (inconsistent), miss and see strength) when the company reports earnings.

The table below indicates the most recent earnings reports and short-term price reaction:

The company has reported earnings ahead of the whisper number in none of the past four quarters with a whisper number. In the comparable quarter last year the company did not have a whisper number. Last quarter the company reported earnings twenty-six cents short of the whisper number. Following that report the stock realized a 7.9% loss in ten trading days. Overall historical data indicates the company to be (on average within thirty trading days) a 'positive' (but inconsistent) price reactor when the company reports earnings.

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