Core Viewpoint - The midstream energy sector presents high-yield stock opportunities for income-focused investors, with a $1,000 investment being a suitable starting point [1] Group 1: Midstream Energy Sector Overview - Pipeline companies are likened to energy toll roads, having minimal exposure to energy prices, but lower energy prices can lead to reduced volumes and potential contract renegotiations [2] - The midstream business is capital intensive, resulting in companies carrying debt, indicating that these stocks are not risk-free investments [2] Group 2: Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer offers a high yield of 7.3% and a low forward EV-to-EBITDA multiple of 8.1 times, significantly below the historical average of 13.7x for midstream MLPs [4] - The company has improved its leverage post-pandemic and currently has its highest percentage of take-or-pay contracts, ensuring revenue regardless of customer usage [5] - Energy Transfer is increasing its growth capex from $3 billion to $5 billion, with growth projects expected to come online late this year or next [6] Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners has consistently increased its distribution for 26 years, supported by a fee-based business model and take-or-pay contracts [8] - The company plans to increase its growth capex to between $4 billion and $4.5 billion, with $6 billion in projects expected to come online this year [9] - The stock trades at a forward EV-to-EBITDA multiple of 10 times, with a yield of 6.6%, making it a stable option for long-term investors [10] Group 4: MPLX - MPLX has a strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio of 3.3 times and a distribution coverage ratio of 1.5 times, having grown its distribution by over 10% annually for the past three years [11] - The company operates in natural gas and NGL services, as well as crude oil logistics, with growth opportunities primarily in the natural gas segment [12] - MPLX is expanding through acquisitions, including the purchase of the remaining 55% interest in the BANGL pipeline system, enhancing its strategic position [13] - The stock has a yield of 7.4% and a forward EV-to-EBITDA multiple of 10.3 times, indicating reasonable valuation [14]

Many investors came off the sidelines last week after the announcement of a relaxation in trade tensions between the U.S. and China. I was one of them. However, my decision to put some of my money to work had nothing to do with the Trump administration's tariffs. I added to my existing position in Enterprise Products Partners (EPD 0.43%), one of the top midstream energy companies in North America. What's more, I plan to buy even more of this 6.6%-yielding dividend stock. The easy answer Why am I buying and ...

Group 1 - The energy sector has experienced volatility recently, leading to lower stock prices for many energy producers [2] - However, the midstream segment of the energy sector has shown resilience amidst this volatility [2] Group 2 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1]

Industry Overview - Energy stocks are gaining strength as macro conditions improve and demand drivers increase, with recession fears easing and tariff negotiations progressing [1] - The global buildout of data centers is expected to significantly increase electricity demand, benefiting utilities, natural gas providers, and midstream energy firms [2] Crude Oil Market - Crude oil prices have shown technical strength, indicating a potential bottom, with recent price action suggesting a bullish reversal pattern [5][6] - A key resistance level has emerged near $64, and a breakout above this level could lead to a sustained move towards $70 [7] Company Highlights - **National Fuel Gas (NFG)**: - Vertically integrated natural gas company with a diverse business model, benefiting from multiple points along the energy value chain [8] - Currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) with upward earnings revisions indicating analyst confidence [9] - Shares trade at 11.7x forward earnings, below the 10-year median of 14x and the industry average of 16.8x, with projected earnings growth of 20.4% annually over the next three to five years, resulting in a PEG ratio of 0.58 [10] - **Epsilon Energy (EPSN)**: - Small-cap natural gas exploration and production company focused on the Appalachian Basin, emphasizing capital efficiency and shareholder returns [11] - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with earnings estimates surging, including a 38% increase for the current quarter [14] - Technical analysis shows a bullish flag pattern, with a breakout above $7.30 likely to trigger further buying [15] - **Global Partners (GLP)**: - Diversified midstream energy company involved in the wholesale, distribution, and retail of petroleum products, with a strong cash flow and market exposure [16] - Offers a 6% dividend yield, supported by consistent cash generation and a 10% average annual dividend increase over the last five years [17] - Holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with significant earnings estimate revisions, including a 42.9% increase for the current quarter [18] Investment Outlook - With improving macro conditions, rising energy demand, and technical support in crude oil prices, the outlook for energy stocks is strengthening [20] - National Fuel Gas, Epsilon Energy, and Global Partners present a compelling mix of value, growth, and yield, making them attractive options for investors [20]

Group 1: Valuation and Market Position - Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) is currently trading at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 10.28x, which is below the industry average of 11.49x and significantly lower than midstream competitors like Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) at 14.18x and Enbridge Inc. (ENB) at 15.14x [1][2] Group 2: Business Resilience - EPD is largely immune to market uncertainties related to tariffs, as it has secured 85% to 90% of its LPG export capacity through long-term take-or-pay agreements with international counterparties, providing predictable revenue sources [3][4] - The company’s contracts are primarily with international trading companies, insulating it from geopolitical risks such as tariffs or sanctions, as traders can reroute barrels based on global demand [4] Group 3: Asset Portfolio and Growth Potential - EPD has a diversified asset portfolio with over 50,000 miles of pipelines and a storage capacity of 300 million barrels, which supports stable fee-based revenues from long-term contracts [5] - The company has a backlog of $7.6 billion in major capital projects, which will generate additional fee-based earnings and stable cash flows for unitholders [6] - EPD has achieved over two decades of distribution growth, with a current distribution yield of 6.7%, slightly above the industry average of 6.4% [7] Group 4: Operational Outlook - EPD connected more than 1,000 wells in the Permian Basin last year and plans to add a similar number this year, which will increase the volume of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids transported through its pipelines [15][16] - Even if oil production remains flat, the volume of natural gas and NGLs will continue to grow due to the byproducts from oil wells, generating incremental cash flows for the partnership [16] Group 5: Stock Performance - Over the past year, EPD's stock price has increased by 19%, outperforming the industry's composite stocks, which improved by 18.3% [17]

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is positioned for significant earnings growth due to its ongoing and upcoming expansion projects, which will enhance its cash distribution to investors, currently yielding around 7.3% [1][4]. Growth Outlook - The company plans to invest approximately $5 billion in organic growth capital projects this year, expecting mid-teen returns from these initiatives [3]. - Most of the projects are anticipated to come online in 2025 or 2026, contributing to substantial earnings growth in 2026 and 2027 [3][4]. Current Expansion Projects - Energy Transfer has a backlog of expansion projects that will enter commercial service by the end of next year, which will drive earnings growth [5][9]. - The company is making progress on the Hugh Brinson Pipeline's Phase 2, with demand exceeding available capacity for Phase 1 [6]. Lake Charles LNG Project - The company is advancing the long-delayed Lake Charles LNG project, with a joint development partner, MidOcean Energy, funding 30% of construction costs [7]. - Energy Transfer has secured LNG sales contracts with a Japanese utility and a German energy company, targeting a final investment decision by year-end [7]. Natural Gas Demand - There is robust demand for natural gas from power generation facilities, with the company in advanced discussions to supply and transport natural gas to various facilities [8]. - The company has already secured a project with CloudBurst, indicating a strategy to enhance revenue with low capital requirements [8]. Future Growth Potential - The combination of current and future projects positions Energy Transfer for continued growth, supporting its high-yielding dividend and passive income stream for investors [9].

Core Viewpoint - Enbridge Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2025 earnings, exceeding expectations due to higher contributions from its major business segments, indicating a positive business outlook driven by strong asset utilization [1][2]. Financial Performance - Enbridge's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were 72 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents and increasing from 68 cents in the same quarter last year [2]. - Total revenues for the quarter reached $12.9 billion, up from $8.2 billion year-over-year, and also exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.5 billion [2]. Business Segments and Operations - Enbridge operates an extensive crude oil and liquids transportation network of 18,085 miles, and a gas transportation pipeline network of 71,308 miles, covering significant areas in the U.S. and Canada [4]. - The company transports 20% of the total natural gas consumed in the U.S., generating stable, fee-based revenues from long-term contracts, which minimizes commodity price volatility and volume risks [5][10]. Project Backlog and Future Growth - Enbridge has a secured capital project backlog worth C$28 billion, which includes various projects in liquids pipelines, gas transmission, gas distribution and storage, and renewables, with a maximum in-service date of 2029 [6][7]. - The company is expected to generate incremental cash flows from this backlog, enhancing its financial stability and growth prospects [6]. Business Model Stability - Approximately 98% of Enbridge's EBITDA is supported by regulated or take-or-pay contracts, with over 80% of profits coming from activities that allow automatic price or fee increases, providing resilience against inflation [10][11]. Market Performance - Enbridge's stock has outperformed the industry, gaining 7.4% over the past six months compared to the industry's 4.9% increase [17].

ABOUT WESTERN MIDSTREAM AND PARTICIPATION IN UPCOMING INVESTOR CONFERENCES HOUSTON, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Today Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: WES) ("WES" or the "Partnership") announced that tomorrow before the market open it will make available on its website at www.westernmidstream.com a post-earnings interview with Kristen Shults, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer that provides additional insights related to WES's first-quarter 2025 results. In addition, WES intends to parti ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA attributable to Plains of $754 million for Q1 2025, with a crude oil segment adjusted EBITDA of $559 million impacted by winter weather and refinery downtime [6][12] - The NGL segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $189 million, benefiting from higher frac spreads and NGL sales volumes [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NGL segment's transition to fee-based earnings continues, with a 30,000 barrel per day fractionation project placed into service [8] - The crude segment saw two strategic transactions, including the acquisition of the remaining 50% equity in the Cheyenne Pipeline and the acquisition of Black Knight Midstream for approximately $55 million [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ongoing uncertainty regarding trade tariffs and OPEC member dissension has created significant market volatility, impacting economic forecasts [6][7] - The company expects a $60 to $65 WTI price environment for the remainder of the year, which may lead to lower EBITDA guidance and Permian growth outlook [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on efficient growth strategies, generating significant free cash flow, and maintaining a flexible balance sheet [8][14] - The company has successfully deployed approximately $1.3 billion into bolt-on acquisitions over the last several years, indicating a commitment to capital discipline and attractive risk-adjusted returns [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current market volatility but believes it reinforces the cyclical nature of commodity markets, leading to a constructive medium to long-term outlook [7][39] - The company expects to generate strong cash flow in 2025, with adjusted free cash flow projected at about $1.1 billion [13] Other Important Information - The company has hedged approximately 80% of its estimated C3 plus spec products sales for 2025, providing insulation from lower commodity prices [8] - The company is committed to returning capital to unitholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility [14][76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation in the current environment - Management remains committed to distribution growth as the primary method for returning cash to shareholders, with opportunistic unit repurchases [20] Question: M&A landscape and volatility impact - Volatile markets create questions, but the company is well-positioned to pursue attractive deals while maintaining capital discipline [22] Question: Earnings cadence in Canada post-expansion - The expanded capacity at the PFS facility will ramp up over the remainder of the year and into next year [26] Question: Details on the Black Knight Midstream acquisition - The acquisition is strategically located in the Northern Midland Basin and complements the company's existing asset base [30] Question: Outlook on Permian volumes - The company has already grown over 100,000 barrels a day and maintains a growth expectation of 200,000 to 300,000 barrels per day [35] Question: Acquisition multiples for recent deals - Both recent acquisitions met the company's return thresholds and fit the model of previous successful transactions [41] Question: Capital expenditure guidance - The investment capital guidance for 2025 remains unchanged at $400 million net to Plains, with a focus on pacing capital with producer activity [46] Question: Hedging philosophy - The company maintains a consistent hedging strategy to ensure steady cash flow, with a focus on the front end of the market [49] Question: Sensitivity regarding Permian production - The guidance for Permian production is based on full-year expectations, with a focus on market dynamics influencing pricing [52] Question: Volume recovery in April and May - The recovery was driven by production coming back online after weather-related disruptions, with expectations for increased long-haul throughput [60] Question: Demand signals from refining and export sides - The global refining market remains healthy, with strong crack spreads, while export movements fluctuate based on pricing [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA attributable to Plains of $754 million for Q1 2025, with the crude oil segment adjusted EBITDA at $559 million, impacted by winter weather and refinery downtime [5][10] - The NGL segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $189 million, benefiting from higher frac spreads and NGL sales volumes [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The NGL segment's transition to more fee-based earnings continues, with a 30,000 barrel per day fractionation project placed into service [7] - The crude segment experienced two strategic transactions, including the acquisition of the remaining 50% equity in the Cheyenne Pipeline and the acquisition of Black Knight Midstream for approximately $55 million [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects a $60 to $65 WTI price environment for the remainder of the year, which may lead to EBITDA guidance being in the lower half of the respective ranges [6] - The NGL segment remains largely insulated from lower commodity prices, with approximately 80% of estimated C3 plus spec products sales hedged for 2025 [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute on its efficient growth strategy, generating significant free cash flow and maintaining a flexible balance sheet [7][13] - The focus remains on distribution growth as the primary method for returning cash to shareholders, with opportunistic unit repurchases [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing uncertainty regarding trade tariffs and OPEC dynamics, which are creating volatility in the market [5][6] - The company remains optimistic about the medium to long-term outlook despite current market conditions, emphasizing the cyclical nature of commodity markets [6][39] Other Important Information - The company has successfully deployed approximately $1.3 billion into bolt-on acquisitions over the last several years, indicating a commitment to pursuing attractive risk-adjusted returns [9] - The management acknowledged the retirement of Harry Pofonis, the President and Co-Founder, recognizing his contributions to the company [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on capital allocation in the current environment - The company remains committed to distribution growth as the primary method for returning cash to shareholders, with opportunistic unit repurchases as a component of capital allocation [21][22] Question: M&A landscape and volatility impact - Volatile markets create questions, but the company believes it is well-positioned to pursue attractive deals while maintaining capital discipline [23][24] Question: Earnings cadence in Canada with new fractionation complex - The expanded capacity at the PFS facility in Edmonton will ramp up over the remainder of the year and into next year, contributing gradually to earnings [27][28] Question: Insights on Permian volumes and producer conversations - The company has seen over 100,000 barrels per day growth from the end of last year, with producers adopting a wait-and-see approach due to market volatility [35][36] Question: Acquisition multiples for recent deals - Both recent acquisitions met the company's return thresholds, with a focus on capital discipline and risk-adjusted returns [41][42] Question: Capital expenditure guidance and 2026 outlook - The investment capital guidance for 2025 remains unchanged at $400 million, with expectations for 2026 to align with long-term capital guidance [45][46] Question: Hedging philosophy and frac spread - The company maintains a consistent hedging strategy, with approximately 80% of estimated C3 plus spec products sales hedged for 2025 [47][48] Question: Demand signals and refining market health - The global refining market remains healthy, with strong crack spreads and refineries running at high capacity [71][73]