During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting Analyst Stock Ratings page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including by analyst accuracy.Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yield ...

Core Insights - Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. reported its net assets as of November 30, 2025, totaling $2.3 billion, with a net asset value per share of $13.79 [2][5] - The company's asset coverage ratio for senior securities representing indebtedness was 695%, while the total leverage asset coverage ratio was 508% [2][5] - The fund's total assets amounted to $3.22 billion, with long-term investments primarily in Midstream Energy Companies (95%) [3][5] Financial Summary - Total assets: $3,222.4 million, including investments of $3,217.2 million and cash equivalents of $1.6 million [3] - Total liabilities: $321.9 million, with total leverage at $567.5 million, which includes a credit facility of $18 million and notes of $400 million [3] - Net assets were reported as $2,333.0 million [3] Investment Focus - The company focuses on investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies, aiming for high after-tax total returns with an emphasis on cash distributions to stockholders [7] - The top ten holdings are predominantly in Midstream Energy Companies, with the largest being The Williams Companies, Inc. at $343 million, representing 10.7% of long-term investments [5]

Core Insights - The midstream master limited partnership (MLP) sector offers high-yield stocks with potential for passive income and price appreciation, benefiting from tax-deferred distribution income [2] - The midstream industry is in strong financial health, with stocks trading below historical enterprise value-to-EBITDA multiples, and has eliminated unfavorable incentive distribution rights [3] Company Analysis: Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer has an 8% yield and operates one of the largest integrated midstream systems in the U.S., focusing on growth opportunities in the Permian Basin [5] - The company has budgeted $4.6 billion in growth capital expenditures for the current year and $5 billion for 2026, expecting mid-teens returns on this spending [7] - Energy Transfer's leverage is low, with a distribution coverage ratio of 1.7 times, and it anticipates annual distribution increases of 3% to 5% [8] - The stock trades at a forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 7.6 times, indicating it is undervalued based on projected adjusted EBITDA of $17.1 billion for 2026 [9] Company Analysis: Western Midstream - Western Midstream offers a 9.3% yield, with its distribution well-covered by free cash flow and a strong balance sheet, showing leverage of just 2.8 times [10] - The company is expanding its produced water infrastructure, having acquired Aris Water Solutions and is developing the Pathfinder Pipeline, both expected to drive growth [12] - Despite the high yield, Western Midstream aims for mid-single-digit distribution growth and trades at a forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 8.1 based on 2026 EBITDA estimates of $2.79 billion [13]

Group 1 - The article discusses the analysis of oil and gas companies, focusing on identifying undervalued firms within the sector [1] - The author emphasizes the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, highlighting the need for patience and experience in investment decisions [2] - The investing group, Oil & Gas Value Research, seeks out under-followed oil companies and midstream firms that present compelling investment opportunities [2] Group 2 - The article mentions that the author has no current stock or derivative positions in the companies discussed but may initiate a long position in Western Midstream Partners (WES) within 72 hours [3] - It is noted that the article is not intended as investment advice and encourages investors to review company documents for their own investment qualifications [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses Western Midstream Partners LP (WES) and presents an investment thesis that highlights its potential as an attractive buy [1]. Company Overview - WES has been previously analyzed, indicating a consistent interest in the company's performance and market position [1]. Investment Strategy - The investment strategy focuses on cyclical industries, which are expected to yield significant returns during economic recovery and growth phases [1]. - The portfolio is diversified, including bonds, commodities, and forex, to balance risk while pursuing high returns [1].

Core Viewpoint - RBC Capital analyst Elvira Scotto has raised the price target for Western Midstream (WES) to $42 from $39 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the shares, reflecting an update to the firm's model following the company's recent Q3 earnings and expectations for 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance [1] Group 1 - The increase in price target indicates a positive outlook for Western Midstream's financial performance [1] - The company is expected to be near the high-end of its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance, suggesting strong operational performance [1] - Western Midstream's robust balance sheet is highlighted as a key factor providing financial flexibility for growth plans and supporting operations during commodity price fluctuations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES) offers an attractive dividend yield of nearly 9.5%, which may indicate potential investment opportunities despite market sentiment and technical factors being prioritized over fundamentals [1]. Company Analysis - The high dividend yield of WES is a significant factor that draws investor attention, suggesting that the company may be undervalued or overlooked in the current market [1]. - The analysis emphasizes a fundamentals-first approach, indicating that the company's financial health and performance metrics should be prioritized in investment decisions [1]. Market Context - The investment environment is increasingly influenced by algorithm-driven strategies, which may overshadow fundamental analysis, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to investment [1].

Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES) offers an attractive dividend yield of nearly 9.5%, which may indicate potential investment opportunities despite market sentiment and technical factors being prioritized over fundamentals [1]. Company Analysis - The high dividend yield of WES is a significant factor that draws investor attention, suggesting that the company may be undervalued or overlooked in the current market [1]. - The analysis emphasizes a fundamentals-first approach, indicating that the company's financial health and performance metrics are critical in evaluating its investment potential [1]. Market Context - The investment environment is increasingly influenced by algorithm-driven strategies, which may overshadow fundamental analysis, highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to investment decisions [1].

Core Insights - Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES) will release a post-earnings interview with CFO Kristen Shults to provide insights on Q3 2025 results [1] - WES is scheduled to participate in several investor conferences in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 [2][4] - The company operates midstream assets across multiple states and has a business model that minimizes exposure to commodity price volatility through fee-based contracts [2] Financial Performance - WES announced record financial and operating results for Q3 2025, highlighting strong net income [3][5] Investor Engagement - WES will engage with investors at various conferences, including the Daniel Energy Partners Executive Series and the Mizuho Power, Energy, and Infrastructure Conference [4]

Group 1 - Western Midstream Partners (WES) is identified as an attractive investment opportunity within the midstream sector, particularly due to its core assets located in the Delaware River Basin [1] - The company's growth strategy focuses on expanding its asset portfolio through acquisitions and infrastructure development [1] Group 2 - The analysis emphasizes the importance of combining macro-economic insights with practical trading experience to identify profitable investment opportunities [1]