If you are looking for dividend stocks in today's market, you need to be selective. Given that the average stock in the S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.64%) is offering a paltry 1.3% yield, you can easily find higher-yielding investments. But finding high yields from companies you'd want to hold onto for a decade requires deeper consideration. Hormel's dividend yield is around 3.8%, which is nearly three times the level of the S&P 500 index. It also happens to be near the highest levels in the food maker's history. That ...

Core Insights - The energy midstream sector is attractive for investors seeking passive income due to stable cash flows from oil and gas transportation through pipelines [1] - Enbridge, Enterprise Products Partners, and Kinder Morgan are highlighted as top options for generating passive income in this sector [2] Enbridge - Enbridge is a significant player in the midstream sector, with approximately 75% of its EBITDA linked to oil and natural gas pipelines [3] - The company has a strong history of dividend increases, with a streak of 30 years, supported by its diversified portfolio that includes regulated natural gas utilities and renewable power investments [4][5] - Enbridge offers a dividend yield of 5.8%, making it a suitable long-term investment for dividend-focused investors [6] Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners operates a vast pipeline network exceeding 50,000 miles and has a strong track record of capital management and shareholder rewards [7] - The company has increased its dividend for 26 consecutive years, with distributable cash flows covering dividend payouts by at least 1.5 times since 2018 [8] - Major projects worth $6 billion are expected to come online this year, enhancing the company's earnings and cash flow, with a current dividend yield of 6.8% [9] Kinder Morgan - Kinder Morgan has a dividend yield of approximately 4.5%, supported by stable cash flows from long-term fee-based contracts, with less than 45% of cash flows paid out as dividends [10] - The company has a backlog of $8.8 billion in growth capital projects, primarily focused on natural gas pipeline expansions, with significant visibility into future cash flow growth [11] - Demand for natural gas is increasing, driven by factors such as AI data centers and the electrification of transportation, positioning Kinder Morgan for continued expansion and dividend growth [12][13]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the difficulty of forecasting the economy, highlighting that predictions are inherently uncertain and based on current data and developments [1] - It mentions that the research provided by iREIT on Alpha includes a variety of investment vehicles such as REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs, catering to income-seeking investors [1] Group 2 - The article includes a disclosure regarding the author's beneficial long position in specific stocks, indicating a vested interest in ODFL, FIX, and CP [1] - It clarifies that the opinions expressed are personal and not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [1]

Core Viewpoint - Enterprise Products Partners is positioned as a strong high-yield midstream investment option despite having a lower yield compared to competitors like Energy Transfer and USA Compression Partners [1]. Company Overview - Enterprise Products Partners operates energy infrastructure, primarily pipelines, and charges energy producers fees for using this infrastructure [2]. - It is categorized as a master limited partnership (MLP), similar to Energy Transfer and USA Compression Partners, which also operate under a toll-taking model that generates reliable cash flows [3]. Distribution Reliability - Enterprise Products Partners has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years, showcasing its reliability as an income investment [7]. - In contrast, Energy Transfer cut its distribution in half during the pandemic, while USA Compression Partners has maintained a stable distribution since 2016, indicating higher financial risk [5][6]. Financial Health - Enterprise Products Partners boasts an investment-grade balance sheet, with its distribution covered 1.7 times by distributable cash flow, suggesting a strong capacity to maintain its payouts [9]. - The company has a $7.6 billion capital investment plan, which is expected to lead to further distribution increases as new projects generate cash flow [10]. Investment Considerations - For dividend investors, the focus should be on a combination of high yield, income growth, and reliability, making Enterprise Products Partners a balanced option for achieving these goals [11].

Core Viewpoint - Dividend investors should consider energy companies for high yields, as they provide essential services and have a history of increasing dividends [1][8] Group 1: Black Hills - Black Hills (BKH) serves approximately 1.35 million customers across several states and offers a 4.5% dividend yield, having increased its dividend for 55 consecutive years [2][3] - The company's customer growth rate is nearly three times that of the U.S. population growth, supported by a $4.7 billion capital investment budget [3] - Management anticipates earnings growth of 4% to 6% year-over-year, which should support continued dividend increases [3] Group 2: Chevron - Chevron (CVX) provides a 4.9% dividend yield and has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years, outperforming the average energy stock yield of 3.1% [4][5] - The company's diversified business model includes upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, which helps mitigate the volatility of oil prices [5] - Chevron maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.15%, allowing flexibility to manage debt regardless of oil price fluctuations [5] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) operates a significant midstream business in North America, focusing on pipelines and storage, with a distribution yield of 6.8% [6][7] - The company has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years, supported by a $7.6 billion capital investment plan [7] - Distributable cash flow covered the distribution by 1.7 times in 2024, providing a buffer against potential downturns [7]

Core Viewpoint - Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) is recognized for its consistent growth in the energy midstream sector, having increased its cash distribution for 26 consecutive years, currently yielding 6.8% due to robust cash flow and strategic investments [1][5]. Group 1: Financial Performance - In the first quarter, Enterprise Products Partners generated $2 billion in distributable cash flow, marking a 5% increase from the previous year, driven by Permian-driven volume growth and strong energy demand [3]. - The company covered its cash distribution by 1.7 times, resulting in $894 million of excess free cash flow, which was allocated to fund growth capital projects [4]. - The distribution was increased by 3.9% over the past year, with cash flow growing faster than the distribution, enhancing payout safety [5]. Group 2: Growth Prospects - Enterprise Products Partners has $6 billion in growth capital projects expected to come online by the end of 2025, which will accelerate its growth rate [2][6]. - The company has $7.6 billion in major capital projects under construction, with an additional $700 million in potential projects that could be approved in the next two years [8]. - With capital spending projected to decrease and cash flow rising, the company anticipates significant excess free cash flow starting next year, providing flexibility for distribution increases, unit repurchases, or further investments [9]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The upcoming projects include natural gas processing plants and enhancements at marine terminals, which are expected to generate stable cash flow and support continued distribution increases [6][7]. - The company is positioned to maintain a strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio of 3.1 times, the lowest in the midstream sector, contributing to its A-rated credit status [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $2.4 billion, with a distribution coverage ratio of 1.7 times and retained DCF of $842 million [6][14][17] - Net income attributable to common unitholders was $1.4 billion, or $0.64 per common unit, compared to $0.66 per common unit in Q1 2024 [14] - The partnership declared a distribution of $0.0535 per common unit, a 3.9% increase from Q1 2024 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company moved 13.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and 2 million barrels per day of liquid hydrocarbon exports [6] - PDH facilities experienced downtime, with PDH 1 down for 63 days due to unplanned maintenance, but both PDH plants are now operational [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong demand for U.S. hydrocarbons globally, particularly from China and India, despite ongoing tariff discussions [8][10] - LPG exports have not been significantly disrupted, with 85% to 90% of LPG exports contracted [22][61] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to bring online two gas processing plants in the Permian in Q3 2025 and several other projects throughout the year, indicating a focus on expanding processing and export capacity [7][16] - The management emphasized the importance of U.S. energy production and exports, aligning with the administration's pro-energy policies [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand for U.S. oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, despite global market volatility [10][12] - The outlook for the Permian Basin remains positive, with expectations of continued production growth [35][39] Other Important Information - Total capital investments in Q1 2025 were $1.1 billion, with $964 million allocated for growth capital projects [16] - The company has returned approximately $58 billion to unitholders since its IPO in 1998 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current status of U.S. LPG exports and competitive landscape - Management indicated that U.S. LPG is being rerouted effectively, with no disruptions in exports, and highlighted the capital efficiency of their expansion projects [22][23] Question: Outlook for projects coming online in 2025 - Management confirmed that many projects are expected to be fully contracted upon completion, with a rapid ramp-up in EBITDA anticipated [26][32] Question: Impact of recent market price volatility on buybacks - Management noted that excess distributable cash flow is expected to increase significantly in 2026, allowing for potential buybacks and debt paydown [53] Question: Update on PDH utilization and outlook for the segment - Both PDH plants are running well, with expectations to maintain current operational rates [43][44] Question: Global demand and potential impacts of tariff policies - Management acknowledged a demand slowdown internationally but emphasized that pricing will adjust to clear the market [61][71] Question: CapEx plans and potential adjustments due to market conditions - Management indicated that current projects are well contracted and unlikely to slow down despite tariff concerns [70][72]

Group 1 - Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) is one of 246 individual stocks in the Oils-Energy sector, which ranks 14 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - EPD currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPD's full-year earnings has increased by 2.5% over the past quarter, reflecting improving analyst sentiment [4] Group 2 - EPD has returned approximately 0% year-to-date, outperforming the average loss of 5.4% in the Oils-Energy sector [4] - EPD is part of the Oil and Gas - Production Pipeline - MLB industry, which ranks 202 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average loss of 5.8% this year [6] - Another stock in the Oils-Energy sector, Complete Solaria, Inc. (SPWR), has increased by 14.5% year-to-date, with a consensus EPS estimate rise of 129.6% over the past three months [5][7]

Capital Allocation and Returns - Since IPO, the company has returned $58 billion of capital to equity investors via LP distributions and common unit buybacks[9] - Distributions for 1Q 2025 were $0.535/unit, a 3.9% increase over 1Q 2024[9] - Buybacks in 1Q 2025 totaled $60 million, representing 1.8 million common units[9] - For the trailing 12 months ended 1Q 2025, buybacks amounted to $239 million, representing 8 million common units[9] - The Adjusted CFFO Payout Ratio was 56% for the trailing 12 months ended 1Q 2025[9] Capital Expenditures and Liquidity - Growth Capital Expenditures are projected to range from $40 billion to $45 billion in 2025 and $20 billion to $25 billion in 2026[9] - Sustaining Capital Expenditures are estimated at approximately $525 million in 2025[9] - The Leverage Ratio was 31x for the trailing 12 months ended 1Q 2025, with a target ratio of 30x (+/– 025x)[9] - As of March 31, 2025, liquidity stood at $36 billion, comprising available credit capacity and unrestricted cash[9] Operational Performance and Growth Projects - Natural Gas Processing Plant Inlet Volume reached 77 Bcf/d in 1Q 2025, reflecting a 9% CAGR[20] - Equivalent Pipeline Transportation Volume reached 132 MMBPD in 1Q 2025, reflecting an 8% CAGR[21] - The company has $76 billion of major capital projects under construction, with $6 billion of these projects slated to come online in 2025[24, 27] Gross Operating Margin (GOM) Analysis - Total GOM for 1Q 2025 was $2431 million[41] - NGL Segment GOM for 1Q 2025 was $1418 million, an increase of $78 million compared to 1Q 2024[41, 44] - Crude Oil Segment GOM for 1Q 2025 was $374 million, a decrease of $37 million compared to 1Q 2024[41, 47]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $2.4 billion with a distribution coverage ratio of 1.7 times and retained DCF of $842 million [6][14] - Net income attributable to common unitholders was $1.4 billion or $0.64 per common unit, compared to $0.66 per common unit in Q1 2024 [14] - Distribution declared was $0.0535 per common unit, a 3.9% increase from Q1 2024 [15] - Total debt principal outstanding was approximately $31.9 billion with a weighted average cost of debt of 4.7% [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company moved 13.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and 2 million barrels per day of liquid hydrocarbon exports [6] - PDH facilities experienced downtime; PDH1 was down for 63 days due to unplanned maintenance, but both PDH plants are now operational [6][7] - Total capital investments in Q1 2025 were $1.1 billion, including $964 million for growth capital projects [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong demand for U.S. hydrocarbons globally, particularly from China and India, despite tariff uncertainties [8][10] - LPG exports have not been significantly disrupted, with 85% to 90% of LPG exports contracted [22][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to bring online two gas processing plants in the Permian and several other projects throughout 2025 [7][16] - The focus remains on increasing capacity to gather, process, transport, and export hydrocarbons, with a significant backlog of wells expected to be connected [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for U.S. energy production and exports, citing supportive policies from the current administration [12] - The company anticipates continued growth in the Permian Basin, with expectations of connecting a similar number of wells in 2025 as in 2024 [39] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $58 billion to unitholders since its IPO in 1998 through distributions and buybacks [16] - The expected range of growth capital expenditures for 2025 is $4 billion to $4.5 billion, with sustaining capital expenditures around $525 million [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current U.S. LPG rerouting and competitive landscape - Management indicated that trade flows are balancing, with no disruptions in exports, and highlighted their capital-efficient expansion plans [22][23] Question: Incremental EBITDA from upcoming projects - Management confirmed that many projects are expected to be fully contracted upon coming online, leading to a rapid ramp-up in EBITDA [26][32] Question: Impact of recent market price volatility on buybacks - Management discussed their strategy for excess distributable cash flow and indicated a significant increase in cash flow expected in 2026 [53] Question: Outlook for the petchem and refined product segment - Management noted that both PDH plants are running well and expressed optimism for the segment's performance for the remainder of the year [42][44] Question: Global demand and tariff impacts - Management acknowledged a demand slowdown internationally but emphasized that pricing would adjust to clear the market [61] Question: CapEx plans in light of potential demand slowdown - Management stated that current projects are well contracted and unlikely to slow down despite tariff concerns [70] Question: Update on major capital projects - Management confirmed that major capital projects are progressing well and are expected to come online ahead of schedule [81]