Realty Income and Energy Transfer are reliable income plays in this wobbly market.Many dividend stocks slumped in 2022 and 2023 as rising interest rates drove investors toward higher-yielding CDs, bonds, and T-bills. However, the Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark rates six times in 2024 and 2025 as inflation cooled off.As those rates declined, high-yield stocks became more appealing again. Let's take a closer look at two of my personal favorites -- Realty Income (O +1.67%) and Energy Transfer (ET +0.61% ...

Company Overview - Antero Midstream Corporation is a leading midstream energy company that operates an integrated infrastructure network providing essential gathering, processing, and water services to natural gas producers in the Appalachian Basin [9] - The company primarily generates revenue from gathering pipelines, compressor stations, and water handling facilities, focusing on supporting Antero Resources' production in West Virginia and Ohio [8] Recent Developments - Ripple Effect Asset Management disclosed a new position in Antero Midstream, acquiring 510,000 shares valued at approximately $9.91 million, which represents 1.94% of the firm's 13F reportable assets [2][3][6] - As of the latest filing, Antero Midstream shares were priced at $17.94, reflecting a 16% increase over the past year, aligning closely with the S&P 500's nearly 17% gain during the same period [4] Financial Performance - Antero Midstream reported a 10% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA to $281 million, while free cash flow after dividends nearly doubled to $78 million [11] - The company's leverage declined to 2.7x, capital spending decreased, and it repurchased $41 million of stock during the quarter, indicating a strong cash flow position and a tightening balance sheet [11] Investment Strategy - The acquisition of both put and call options alongside common shares suggests an investor strategy aimed at engineering outcomes rather than merely collecting yield, which is notable for a midstream company typically viewed as a cash-flow vehicle [10] - The presence of put options indicates a strategy for downside protection against commodity or rate-driven volatility, while call options may enhance returns if market conditions improve [12]

Core Viewpoint - Ripple Effect Asset Management has initiated a significant new position in Antero Midstream Corporation, acquiring 510,000 shares valued at approximately $9.91 million, while also holding put and call options, indicating a strategic approach to risk-reward management [2][3][6]. Company Overview - Antero Midstream Corporation is a leading midstream energy company that provides essential gathering, processing, and water services to natural gas producers, primarily in the Appalachian Basin [5][8]. - The company reported a revenue of $1.25 billion and a net income of $472.42 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM), with a dividend yield of 5% [5]. Recent Performance - Antero Midstream's stock price was $17.94, reflecting a 16% increase over the past year, which is in line with the S&P 500's nearly 17% gain during the same period [4]. - The company's third-quarter results showed a 10% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA to $281 million, with free cash flow after dividends nearly doubling to $78 million [9]. Investment Strategy - The combination of common shares with both put and call options suggests that investors are engineering specific outcomes rather than merely seeking yield, which is notable for a midstream company typically viewed as a cash-flow vehicle [6][10]. - The put options indicate a strategy for downside protection against volatility, while the call options suggest potential upside if market conditions improve [10].

Core Viewpoint - Enterprise Products Partners is expected to significantly increase cash returns to investors in 2026, following a period of substantial capital investment and infrastructure development in the energy sector [1][10]. Group 1: Capital Investment and Infrastructure Development - In 2022, Enterprise Products Partners initiated a major capital investment cycle to enhance infrastructure supporting production in the Permian and Haynesville basins, including the Bahia NGL Pipeline and Neches River Terminal [4]. - The company invested $4.5 billion in 2025, a significant increase from $1.6 billion in 2022, enabling the launch of $6 billion in growth capital projects [5]. - Capital spending is projected to decrease to between $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion in 2026, allowing for the completion of several projects, including the Neches River Terminal and two new gas processing plants [7]. Group 2: Cash Flow and Financial Flexibility - The completion of expansion projects in late 2025 is expected to generate substantial incremental cash flow for Enterprise Products Partners in 2026 [9]. - A reduction in capital spending will free up an additional $2 billion in cash, contributing to a significant surplus cash position [10]. - The company has increased its unit repurchase capacity from $2 billion to $5 billion, with $3.6 billion remaining available, indicating a potential increase in buyback rates in 2026 [12]. Group 3: Distribution and Growth Potential - Enterprise Products Partners has a history of increasing its distribution, having raised payments for 27 consecutive years, and is positioned to grow payouts at an accelerated rate in 2026 [11]. - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a low leverage ratio of 3.3 times and strong bond ratings, providing the flexibility to pursue acquisitions and further expansion projects [13]. - Future acquisitions and organic growth initiatives are expected to enhance earnings visibility and overall value for investors [13].

Core Insights - The article discusses the potential of three dividend stocks: Conagra Brands, Realty Income, and Oneok, which are expected to maintain their dividends and experience price appreciation in the coming years [3]. Conagra Brands - Conagra Brands has seen a year-to-date decline of over 37% due to high inflation and low growth impacting its fiscal performance [4]. - The company faces concerns regarding its $0.35-per-share quarterly dividend, which translates to an 8.0% forward yield, amid fears of a potential dividend cut [5]. - The recently announced "Project Catalyst," which leverages AI technology for operational improvements, could enhance profitability, secure the dividend, and drive stock recovery [6]. - Currently trading at 10 times forward earnings, Conagra's shares could rise with earnings growth and valuation expansion if the turnaround plan is successful [6][7]. Realty Income - Realty Income, a REIT known for monthly dividend payments, has experienced modest gains in 2025 due to uncertainty surrounding potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [8]. - If interest rates decline further in 2026, Realty Income could see a significant re-rating to the upside, enhancing its cash flow and securing its dividend [7]. Oneok - Oneok, a midstream energy company, is expected to benefit from increased cash flow, indicating a secure dividend and potential share price growth [7].

HOUSTON, Jan. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: KYN) today provided a summary unaudited statement of assets and liabilities and announced its net asset value and asset coverage ratios under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as of December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s net assets were $2.3 billion, and its net asset value per share was $13.57. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s asset coverage ratio unde ...

Key Takeaways Enterprise Products secures stable, fee-based income through long-term, inflation-protected contracts.EPD's 50,000 miles of pipelines and 300M barrels of storage are booked to move and store energy products.EPD plans to lift cash flow from projects like Athena and Mentone West 2 by 2026.Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) secures stable, fee-based income through long-term contracts with shippers who book its diverse midstream assets capacity, ensuring predictable cash flow. The midstream a ...

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) ranks among the best stocks under $25 to buy now. On December 15, RBC Capital reaffirmed coverage of Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) with an Outperform rating and a $22 price target. The firm adjusted its model in response to the company’s recent earnings reports, the completion of SUN’s acquisition of Parkland, and USAC’s planned acquisition of J-W Power. The company’s adjusted EBITDA reached $3.84 billion, compared to $3.96 billion in the previous year. Distributable cash flow ...

Core Insights - Enbridge Inc. (ENB) is a leading midstream energy company that generates stable fee-based revenues, making it resilient to oil and natural gas price volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - ENB is well-positioned to generate incremental cash flows for shareholders, supported by over C$30 billion in secured capital projects related to liquid pipelines, gas transmissions, renewables, and gas distribution & storage [2] - Enbridge has a history of rewarding shareholders with dividend hikes for 31 consecutive years [2] Group 2: Industry Comparisons - Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) and Williams (WMB) are also significant players in the midstream energy sector, generating resilient, fee-based cash flows [3][4] - EPD operates over 50,000 miles of pipeline and has a liquid storage facility of more than 300,000 barrels, ensuring stable cash flows for unitholders [3] - WMB has a pipeline network spanning 33,000 miles, responsible for transporting significant volumes of natural gas in the U.S., which also contributes to stable cash flows [4] Group 3: Financial Performance - ENB shares have increased by 17.7% over the past year, outperforming the industry composite stocks, which improved by 12.3% [5] - The company trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 15.11X, higher than the industry average of 13.79X [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ENB's 2025 earnings has not seen any revisions in the past 30 days [10]

These supercharged income stocks -- sporting an average yield of 8.51% -- can fatten investors' wallets in the new year.In 2025, Wall Street proved, yet again, why it's the premier wealth creator. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all rallied by double digits, with each index notching several record-closing highs.However, not all stocks are created equally. According to an analysis from Hartford Funds, buying and holding high-quality dividend stocks gives investors a high proba ...