4 Brilliant Ultra-Yield Pipeline Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for the Long Term

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights four high-yield master limited partnerships (MLPs) that offer attractive investment opportunities for long-term income generation, with yields of nearly 7% or above. Company Summaries 1. Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer has a yield of 7.7% and has improved its balance sheet by reducing leverage and increasing distributions after a previous cut during the COVID-19 pandemic [3][5] - The company plans to invest approximately $5 billion in expansion projects this year, focusing on natural gas demand in Texas and the Southwestern U.S., as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects [4] - Energy Transfer's distribution is well-supported by its distributable cash flow, with 90% of its EBITDA coming from fee-based operations, and it has raised its distribution for 15 consecutive quarters [5] 2. Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners offers a yield of 6.9% and has raised its distribution for 27 consecutive years, reflecting its conservative financial management [6][7] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with leverage just over 3x and has increased its growth capital expenditures to over $4 billion this year [9] - With a consistent return on invested capital (ROIC) around 13%, Enterprise is positioned for solid growth in the coming years [9] 3. Western Midstream - Western Midstream provides a yield of 9.6%, supported by predictable cash flows from contracts, particularly due to its relationship with parent company Occidental Petroleum [10][12] - The company is expanding into new growth areas, including produced water, and has recently acquired Aris Water Solutions for $2 billion [12] - With leverage around 3x, Western Midstream expects to steadily grow its payout while offering a nearly 10% yield [12] 4. MPLX - MPLX has a yield of 7.6% and has increased its annual distribution by over 10% for three consecutive years, with a recent hike of 12.5% in 2024 [13] - The company has a solid coverage ratio of 1.5x and is involved in significant growth initiatives, including a $1.7 billion increase in growth capital expenditures this year [14] - MPLX is actively reshaping its business through M&A, including a $2.4 billion acquisition of Northwind Midstream, while maintaining a strong financial position [15][16]