Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
ET vs KMI
Energy Transfer L.P. versus Kinder Morgan, Inc. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
KMI wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but ET can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | ET | KMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 6.81% | 3.48% | ET wins |
| Dividend safety | 4.8/10 | 7.2/10 | KMI wins |
| Growth trend | -0.55% vs 5y | -2.15% vs 5y | KMI wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.57 | 0.65 | Tie |
| Scale | $67.4B | $74.9B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | KMI wins |
Dimension by dimension
ET wins on yield (6.81% vs 3.48%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $333 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
KMI wins on safety (7.2/10 vs 4.8/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. KMI scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
KMI shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
KMI's yield is 2.15% below its 5y average, versus 0.55% for ET. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
Volatility (beta) is similar
Both tickers move with comparable sensitivity to the broader market.
Comparable scale ($67.4B vs $74.9B)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better, ET or KMI?
KMI wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but ET can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Does ET or KMI have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $333 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is ET or KMI a safer dividend?
ET scores 4.8/10 (Weak) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. KMI scores 7.2/10 (Solid). See the safety dimension above for what drove each score.
Should I own both ET and KMI?
It depends on overlap. Two ETFs in similar categories often hold many of the same companies — owning both can mean paying two expense ratios for similar exposure. Check the underlying holdings before stacking.
Already own ET or KMI? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding KMI to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →