Let's start with this Shell. It is the top holding in your Cohen and Steers natural resources active ETF. Last week I did a fireside chat with their CEO while Sawan in Italy.He is very focused on putting Shell back on top. They are already the world's biggest trader of LNG. Why is this the biggest holding in your active ETF.Yeah, you know, we've spent the last few years thinking about what the future of energy markets are going to look like. And we've been thinking about it as this, hey, it's not really an ...

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer's unit price has declined over 12% this year, underperforming the S&P 500's 10% gain, but the company is expected to recover due to several catalysts [1][10] Financial Performance - In 2024, Energy Transfer achieved a 13% growth in adjusted EBITDA and a 10% increase in distributable cash flow, driven by acquisitions and strong market conditions, resulting in a 42% spike in unit price [3] - For the current year, adjusted EBITDA is expected to be at or below the low end of the $16.1 billion to $16.5 billion guidance range, indicating a growth rate of less than 4% due to lack of acquisitions and cooling market conditions [4] Future Growth Prospects - Energy Transfer plans to invest $5 billion in organic expansion projects this year, with several projects entering commercial service, which is expected to contribute to income growth in 2026 and 2027 [5] - Additional projects are planned through the end of the decade, including the Hugh Brinson phase 2 in 2027 and the Desert Southwest Expansion project in 2029, which could enhance long-term growth potential [6] Acquisition Strategy - Acquisitions have significantly contributed to Energy Transfer's growth, with notable deals since 2019 totaling over $22 billion, leading to a 10% compound annual adjusted EBITDA growth from 2020 to 2024 [7][8] - The company is in a strong financial position, with a leverage ratio in the lower half of its target range, allowing for potential acquisitions to further accelerate growth [8] Impact of Affiliated MLPs - Energy Transfer will benefit from acquisitions made by its affiliated MLPs, such as Sunoco LP's recent acquisitions, which are expected to enhance earnings growth and positively impact Energy Transfer's bottom line [9]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the stability and profitability of energy pipeline operators, particularly in the context of fluctuating oil prices and drilling permits [2][3][8] Industry Overview - U.S. oil output has significantly increased from approximately 5 million barrels per day in 2008 to a record 13.4 million barrels per day today, positioning the U.S. as one of the largest oil exporters globally [3] - Despite a decline in Texas drilling permits from 772 to 606, production remains strong due to improved efficiency, allowing producers to extract more oil from each well [4] Company Focus - Antero Midstream (AM) operates pipelines that transport natural gas from Antero Resources, benefiting from a stable cash flow model without drilling risks [5] - AM has consistently paid dividends since its IPO in 2014, with cash flows covering dividends by about 30%, indicating potential for future increases [5][6] - AM has reduced its debt from over 4X EBITDA to 3.3X, with a target of below 3X, which may lead to more share buybacks and dividend raises [6] Investment Opportunities - Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) offers a diversified investment in major U.S. midstream companies, yielding 8.1% without the complexity of K-1 tax forms [7] - The model of energy toll collectors is attractive as it is insulated from oil and gas price fluctuations, relying instead on the volume of energy transported [8] - Existing pipeline operators benefit from limited competition due to high capital requirements and regulatory hurdles for new pipeline construction, ensuring robust cash flows from long-term contracts [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on Kinder Morgan (KMI), and emphasizes the importance of using these recommendations in conjunction with other research tools like the Zacks Rank [1][5][10]. Brokerage Recommendations for Kinder Morgan - Kinder Morgan has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.95, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 20 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 20 recommendations, 10 are classified as Strong Buy and 1 as Buy, representing 50% and 5% of the total recommendations respectively [2]. Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - The article highlights that relying solely on brokerage recommendations may not be wise, as studies show limited success in guiding investors to stocks with the best price increase potential [5]. - Brokerage firms often exhibit a positive bias in their ratings due to vested interests, leading to a disproportionate number of favorable ratings compared to negative ones [6][10]. Comparison with Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is presented as a more reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, based on earnings estimate revisions rather than brokerage recommendations [8][11]. - Unlike the ABR, which is based solely on brokerage recommendations, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model that reflects timely changes in earnings estimates [9][12]. Current Earnings Estimates for Kinder Morgan - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kinder Morgan's earnings for the current year remains unchanged at $1.27, suggesting stability in analysts' views regarding the company's earnings prospects [13]. - The Zacks Rank for Kinder Morgan is currently 3 (Hold), indicating a cautious approach despite the Buy-equivalent ABR [14].

Summary of Energy Services of America Corporation (ESOA) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Energy Services of America Corporation (ESOA) - **Ticker**: ESOA - **Industry**: General contracting and construction, HVAC electrical work - **Primary Region**: Appalachian region - **Revenue**: $352 million in the last fiscal year - **Adjusted EBITDA**: $29 million [5][6] Core Business Segments - **Natural Gas and Petroleum Transmission**: Main focus area - **Water and Natural Gas Distribution**: Significant operations - **Industrial Services**: Involves power, automotive, chemical, and steel manufacturing [3][4] Financial Performance - **Employee Count**: Approximately 1,400 employees [6] - **Backlog**: Increased to $304 million as of June, with $125 million in water services and $100 million in industrial services [7][43] - **Quarterly Dividend**: $0.03 per share [10][48] Growth Strategies - **Geographical Expansion**: Active in expanding reach, particularly in Michigan and other states based on customer demand [8][11] - **Mergers and Acquisitions**: Completed four acquisitions to enhance service offerings and geographical presence [9][12] - **Diversification**: Shifted focus from solely gas transmission to include water distribution and industrial services to mitigate risks [15][16] Customer Relationships - **Key Customers**: American Water, Toyota, Mountaineer Gas, Dow, and TC Energy [12][13] - **Importance of Relationships**: Strong customer relationships are crucial for securing contracts and expanding operations [7][11] Safety and Operational Focus - **Safety as a Core Value**: Emphasis on safety to maintain customer trust and employee well-being [36][37] - **Quality Production**: Aiming for high standards in service delivery to ensure shareholder returns [38] Market Outlook - **Future Opportunities**: Anticipation of growth in water distribution services due to aging infrastructure and increasing demand for clean water [42][43] - **Challenges**: Weather-related disruptions and customer spending delays have impacted profitability [46][47] Capital Allocation and Stock Management - **Active in Acquisitions**: Continues to seek acquisition opportunities to enhance service capabilities [47] - **Stock Repurchase Plan**: Approximately 786,000 shares remaining for repurchase [48] Conclusion - **Overall Sentiment**: Optimistic about future growth despite recent challenges, with a focus on diversifying services and maintaining strong customer relationships [44][45]

Core Viewpoint - The Eiger Express Pipeline project, a joint venture involving ONEOK, Enbridge, MPLX, and WhiteWater, is set to enhance the growth potential of these high-yielding dividend stocks by transporting natural gas from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, with completion expected by mid-2028 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Eiger Express Pipeline Overview - The Eiger Express Pipeline will transport up to 2.5 million cubic feet per day of natural gas, enabling producers in the Permian Basin to access higher-value markets along the Gulf Coast [4]. - The pipeline will support growing demand from gas-fired power plants and LNG export terminals, receiving gas from various processing facilities in the Permian Basin [4]. Group 2: Financial Structure and Ownership - Firm transportation contracts with terms of 10 years or more will provide stable income for the pipeline's owners upon its commercial service launch in mid-2028 [5]. - The Matterhorn JV, which owns 70% of the Eiger Express Pipeline, includes WhiteWater (65%), ONEOK (15%), MPLX (10%), and Enbridge (10%) [5]. Group 3: Growth Prospects for ONEOK - ONEOK will hold a 25.5% interest in the Eiger Express Pipeline, positioning it as the largest beneficiary among publicly traded pipeline companies [6]. - The company is also involved in other significant projects, including a JV with MPLX for the Texas City Logistics LPG export terminal and associated MBTC pipeline, with an investment of approximately $1 billion [6]. Group 4: MPLX's Growth Strategy - MPLX will have a 15% direct interest in the Eiger Express Pipeline, enhancing its long-term growth outlook alongside several expansion projects in its backlog [9]. - The company aims for mid-single-digit annual earnings growth, supporting distribution growth at or above this level, with a historical increase in payouts exceeding 10% annually since 2021 [10]. Group 5: Enbridge's Expansion Plans - Enbridge will have a 10% interest in the Matterhorn JV, but it has a substantial expansion project backlog exceeding 32 billion Canadian dollars ($23 billion) [11]. - The company anticipates 3% compound annual cash flow per-share growth through 2026, increasing to around 5% annually thereafter, supporting dividend growth of up to 5% per year [12]. Group 6: Investment Outlook - The Eiger Express Pipeline adds a significant growth driver for ONEOK, MPLX, and Enbridge, enhancing their ability to grow high-yielding dividends, making them attractive long-term investment options for passive income [13].

Core Insights - Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) reported a revenue of $10.64 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 17.7% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $0.36, an increase from $0.31 a year ago, resulting in an EPS surprise of +20% against the consensus estimate of $0.30 [1] - The reported revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.05 billion by -11.68% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total crude oil pipeline tariff volumes were reported at 9,659 thousand barrels, compared to the estimated 10,382.16 thousand barrels by analysts [4] - Revenues from NGL (Natural Gas Liquids) were $26 million, significantly lower than the average estimate of $139.11 million, marking a year-over-year decline of -91.1% [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for NGL was reported at $87 million, exceeding the average estimate of $68.82 million [4] - Segment Adjusted EBITDA for crude oil was $580 million, slightly below the average estimate of $598.78 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Plains All American have returned -4.7% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.9% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1 - Plains All American Pipeline is set to release its Q2 earnings results on August 8, with expected earnings of 33 cents per share, an increase from 31 cents per share in the same period last year [1] - The company is projected to report quarterly revenue of $12.86 billion, slightly down from $12.93 billion a year earlier [1] - On June 17, Plains All American and Plains GP Holdings finalized agreements to sell their NGL business to Keyera for $3.75 billion [2] Group 2 - Mizuho analyst Gabriel Moreen maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $20 to $22 [7] - JP Morgan analyst Jeremy Tonet maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $19 to $20 [7] - Citigroup analyst Spiro Dounis maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $21 to $18 [7] - Barclays analyst Theresa Chen maintained an Underweight rating and lowered the price target from $19 to $18 [7] - Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad maintained an Equal-Weight rating and increased the price target from $19 to $23 [7]

Core Viewpoint - The energy sector presents high-quality, high-yielding dividend stocks, with Oneok and Williams being notable examples for income-seeking investors [1] Group 1: Oneok - Oneok has a track record of over 25 years of dividend stability and growth, with its payout nearly doubling over the past decade, currently yielding almost 5.5% [3][4] - The company's adjusted EBITDA surged 22% in the second quarter, driven by acquisitions, generating over $2.4 billion in cash in the first half of the year, comfortably covering its dividend payments of less than $1.3 billion [4] - Oneok has several organic expansion projects underway, including relocating a gas processing plant and expanding its pipeline system, which are expected to boost earnings and cash flow in the coming years [5][6] Group 2: Williams - Williams has paid dividends for over 50 years, achieving a 6% compound annual dividend growth over the past five years, with a current yield of nearly 3.5% [8][9] - The company increased its adjusted EBITDA by 8% in the first quarter, with cash flow from operations rising 13%, allowing it to cover its dividend by 2.2 times [9] - Williams is engaged in multiple organic growth projects, including a $1.6 billion power innovation project and expansions of its Transco gas pipeline, which are expected to support future dividend increases [10][11] Group 3: Investment Appeal - Both Oneok and Williams offer high-yielding dividends supported by growing cash flows and strong financial profiles, making them attractive options for investors seeking stable and rising streams of passive income [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record second quarter with adjusted EBITDA of $464 million, excluding approximately $10 million of one-time transaction-related expenses, and distributable cash flows as adjusted of $300 million [3] - The distribution declared for the second quarter was $90.88 per common unit, representing an increase of 1.25% compared to the previous quarter, resulting in a trailing twelve-month coverage ratio of 1.9 times [4] - Leverage at the end of the quarter was just under 4.2 times [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Fuel Distribution segment, adjusted EBITDA was $214 million, with volumes at 2.2 billion gallons, up 5% from the previous quarter but flat compared to the same quarter last year [5][6] - The Pipeline Systems segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $177 million, with throughput at 1.2 million barrels per day, down from 1.3 million barrels per day in the first quarter [8] - The Terminals segment delivered adjusted EBITDA of $73 million, with throughput at 692,000 barrels per day, up from 620,000 barrels per day in the first quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted solid demand across its system despite macro volatility, with some minor impacts from planned turnaround activity on its crude system [8] - The overall market for fuel distribution remains flat, but the company has consistently grown its volume and fuel profit dollars over the last twelve to eighteen months [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects to continue generating increasing distributable cash flow per unit, positioning itself for ongoing distribution increases and additional growth [5] - The acquisition of Parkland is expected to enhance the scale and efficiency of the company's pipeline and terminal segments, with anticipated double-digit accretion [13][14] - The company is focused on strong operational execution, expense discipline, and profit optimization while continuing to grow its asset base [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year EBITDA guidance and expects the second half of the year to outperform the first half [12] - The company believes that refined product demand will remain robust for decades, supported by recent macro developments [16] - Management is optimistic about the integration of Parkland and the expected synergies, estimating $250 million in synergies by year three [22] Other Important Information - The company plans to close the acquisition of Tainquid terminal assets in Germany and Poland in early Q4 [14] - The regulatory process for the Parkland acquisition is proceeding as expected, with a close date estimated for Q4 [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Parkland acquisition synergies and tax implications - Management feels confident about achieving $250 million in synergies by year three and maintaining a strong balance sheet [22] - Tax planning indicates that Suncorp dividends will remain at parity with Sunoco LP distributions well past the two-year period [24] Question: Expectations for fuel margins in the second half of the year - The company anticipates a strong second half driven by organic investments and roll-up acquisitions, despite the absence of higher-margin businesses in reported numbers [30][51] Question: Capital allocation post-Parkland and Tanguid - The top priorities post-acquisition are integrating the acquired assets and returning the balance sheet to the target leverage ratio [43] - The company will assess market opportunities for future growth after achieving these priorities [44]