Global Partners (GLP), a Top Stock to Buy Amid the Spike in Oil Prices

Core Viewpoint - Global Partners (GLP) is positioned as an attractive investment opportunity amid rising crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions [1][2]. Group 1: Market Context - Escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, have raised concerns about oil supply disruptions, as Iran is a significant oil producer [2]. - Wildfires in Canada have led to a reduction of approximately 350,000 barrels of oil production per day [2]. - OPEC has been unable to reach an agreement to increase global oil output, contributing to the current market dynamics [2]. - WTI crude prices have increased by 15% over the last month, surpassing $70 per barrel, despite a slight dip of over 1% on Monday [2]. Group 2: Company Performance - Global Partners operates a vast network of liquid energy terminals from Maine to Florida, facilitating the storage and distribution of various petroleum products [4]. - The company has achieved a total return of +23% in 2025, outperforming the broader market and its peers in the oil refining and marketing sector [5]. - GLP's total sales are projected to increase by 37% in fiscal 2025, reaching $23.55 billion, up from $17.16 billion the previous year [10]. - Annual earnings per share (EPS) are expected to rise by 18% this year and an additional 6% in FY26, reaching $3.03 per share [11]. Group 3: Dividend and Distribution - Global Partners, as a Master Limited Partnership (MLP), benefits from a tax structure that allows it to pass income directly to shareholders, making it appealing to income investors [8]. - The company currently has a payout ratio of 94%, with an annual distribution yield of 5.8% [9]. - GLP has increased its dividend 17 times in the last five years, resulting in an annual growth rate of nearly 11% during this period [9][10]. Group 4: Investment Outlook - The stock is currently rated as a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong investor interest [12]. - The reasonable forward earnings multiple of 19.5X suggests potential for further price appreciation as crude prices rise [12].