Raymond James Highlights Cash Flow Delivery as Key for MPLX LP (MPLX) Going Forward

Group 1 - MPLX LP is recognized as one of the top 20 stocks on the Dividend Contenders List [1] - Raymond James downgraded MPLX LP to Market Perform from Outperform, indicating a shift in focus towards execution rather than broad trends in the midstream sector [2][3] - The company has made significant acquisitions, including a $2.4 billion deal for a sour gas-treating business and a $715 million purchase of a 55% stake in the BANGL pipeline, enhancing its operational scale [4] Group 2 - MPLX LP is strategically positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for natural gas driven by data center development in Texas, having signed a letter of intent with MARA Holdings for natural gas supply [5] - The company is divesting noncore gathering and processing assets in the Rockies, aiming to raise approximately $1 billion from these sales [6] - Investments totaling around $3.5 billion in 2025 are expected to broaden MPLX's cash flow base and support future dividend growth [7]