Core Thesis - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP) is viewed positively due to its strong performance and growth potential, with shares trading at $37.03 and trailing and forward P/E ratios of 40.86 and 156.25 respectively [1][2] Financial Performance - BIP reported a Q4/25 FFO of $0.87 per unit and increased its annual distribution by 6% to $1.82, marking a 17-year streak of distribution increases [2] - Management anticipates that 2026 will be an inflection year, with FFO growth expected to exceed 10% driven by new investments and a growing backlog of data-related capital projects [2] Transaction Activity - The company has robust transaction activity, including the first Bloom Energy project delivering 55MW of power to a U.S. data center, and secured additional hyperscaler projects, bringing total AI and data center exposure to approximately 230MW [3] - Capital recycling is progressing well, highlighted by a $150 million sale of Brazilian electricity transmission that generated a 45% IRR, alongside monetization of stabilized North American data centers to fund further development [3] Strategic Focus - BIP's approach to AI and data infrastructure emphasizes disciplined growth with long-term, inflation-protected contracts and investment-grade counterparties, allowing for upside capture without excessive risk [3] Liquidity and Valuation - The company maintains $2.7 billion in corporate liquidity and offers a current yield of 5%, positioning it among the top TSX60 dividend payers, while its valuation remains below its long-term mid-range despite recent 52-week highs [4] Investment Outlook - With accelerating earnings, strong transaction momentum, and active capital recycling, BIP is well-positioned to deliver reliable income and capital appreciation, presenting a compelling risk/reward profile for long-term holders [5]

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) is one of the 11 Best Pipeline and MLP Stocks to Buy in 2026. RBC Capital Lowered Price Target on Energy Transfer (ET) On January 28, 2026, RBC Capital lowered its price target on Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) from $22 to $21 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The update was part of RBC’s broader research note previewing the fourth quarter for the U.S. Midstream industry. RBC Capital noted underperformance in stocks focused on natural gas compared to those r ...

Core Viewpoint - Sunoco LP (NYSE:SUN) is recognized as one of the best pipeline and MLP stocks to buy in 2026, with a maintained Buy rating and a price target of $64 from RBC Capital [1][2][8]. Financial Performance - Sunoco LP announced its fifth consecutive quarterly distribution increase, raising the quarterly distribution by 1.15 cents per common unit, resulting in a cash distribution of 93.17 cents per common unit for the quarter ended December 2025, which is a 1.25% increase from the previous quarter [3]. - The company provided its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance, estimating it to be in the range of $3.1 billion to $3.3 billion, with anticipated synergies of approximately $125 million from the acquisition of Parkland Corporation being a key assumption for this guidance [4]. Company Overview - Founded in 1886, Sunoco LP is one of North America's largest independent distributors of motor fuels, operating a vast network of pipelines and refined-product terminals, and providing wholesale fuel distribution and energy infrastructure services globally [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the expertise of Michael Del Monte as a buy-side equity analyst specializing in technology, energy, industrials, and materials sectors, emphasizing his extensive background in professional services across various industries [1]. Group 1 - Michael Del Monte has over a decade of experience in professional services, which includes sectors such as Oil & Gas (O&G), Oilfield Services (OFS), Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Services, and consumer discretionary [1].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, reported earnings were $2.9 billion or $7.17 per share, while adjusted earnings were $1 billion or $2.47 per share, reflecting a flat performance compared to the previous quarter [10][11] - Capital spending for the quarter was $682 million, with operating cash flow generated at $2.8 billion, including a $708 million working capital benefit due to inventory reduction [12][13] - Net debt to capital ratio stood at 38%, with $756 million returned to shareholders, including $274 million in share repurchases [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company adjusted earnings were flat at $1 billion, with sequential improvements in Refining, Renewable Fuels, and Midstream, offset by decreases in Chemicals and Marketing and Specialties [11][12] - Midstream adjusted EBITDA increased by 40% since 2022, reaching approximately $1 billion in Q4 2025, driven by higher volumes despite lower margins [6][11] - Refining results benefited from the acquisition of WRB, with higher realized margins in the Gulf Coast, while Marketing and Specialties results decreased due to the sale of a 65% interest in the Germany and Austria retail marketing business [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company increased its exposure to Canadian heavy crude differentials by 40% following the acquisition of WRB, with differentials widening by approximately $4 a barrel since the acquisition announcement [4][5] - The worldwide crude utilization rate is expected to be in the low 90s for Q1 2026, with turnaround expenses projected between $170 million and $190 million [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safe, reliable operations, continuous improvement, and disciplined capital allocation to maximize shareholder returns [3][17] - Strategic actions in 2025 included acquiring the remaining 50% interest in the WRB joint venture and idling the Los Angeles refinery, which is expected to positively influence costs [4][15] - The company aims to achieve an adjusted controllable cost per barrel of approximately $5.50 by the end of 2027, with ongoing initiatives to reduce costs and improve reliability [4][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the refining sector, anticipating that demand will continue to grow in 2026, with challenges in meeting that demand due to low refinery additions [79] - The company highlighted a positive inflection point in results for 2025, with expectations for continued improvement and momentum in 2026 [17][81] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining investor trust and delivering consistent results in a competitive environment [17] Other Important Information - The company plans to add a gas plant approximately every 12-18 months, with the Iron Mesa gas plant expected to be operational in early 2027 [8] - The Western Gateway project is in the scoping and design phase, with positive feedback from prospective customers and regulatory support [61][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for Mid-Continent products and feedstock opportunities post-WRB acquisition - Management noted strong integration between refining, midstream, and marketing assets, with a robust demand profile expected in PADD 2, benefiting from widening heavy dips [20] Question: 2026 priorities on cost outlook - Management indicated a target of $5.50 per barrel for controllable refining costs, with continuous improvement initiatives expected to drive down costs further [26] Question: Turnaround management and utilization rates - Management confirmed a relatively light turnaround cycle for 2026, with costs slightly increasing due to the inclusion of WRB assets, but overall guidance remains stable [32] Question: Midstream growth outlook and potential for stock buybacks - Management outlined a framework for returning over 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders, with expectations for significant debt reduction and share buybacks [36] Question: Refining macro outlook for 2026 - Management expressed bullish sentiment for refining margins in 2026, citing expected demand growth and low unplanned turnarounds [79][81] Question: Likelihood of increased ethane rejection in the Permian - Management does not foresee a material change in ethane rejection due to new gas pipelines, expecting continued balance in supply and demand [85]

Key Takeaways Phillips 66 posted Q4 adjusted EPS of $2.47, beating estimates and reversing a year-ago quarterly loss.PSX refining swung to profit as worldwide realized margins nearly doubled from last year's levels.Phillips 66 saw higher midstream earnings and cash flow, while chemicals and renewables weighed on results.Phillips 66 (PSX) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.47 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.11. The bottom line also improved from the year-ago quarter ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $10.70 and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $12 billion, with a cash flow from operations of $8.7 billion [13][5] - The fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share was reported at $4.07, with adjusted EBITDA around $3.5 billion [13][5] - The refining and marketing segment adjusted EBITDA per barrel was $5.63 for the year and $7.15 for the fourth quarter [13][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The midstream segment grew adjusted EBITDA year-over-year, reaching nearly $7 billion, while the refining and marketing segment's fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was $2 billion [5][14] - Refining utilization was reported at 95% for the fourth quarter, with total throughput exceeding 3 million barrels per day [14][15] - The renewable segment achieved 94% utilization, benefiting from a one-time sale of credits [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global consumption trends for refined products remained steady, with gasoline and distillates each growing by approximately 1% and jet fuel demand increasing nearly 4% [6] - The global refining system is expected to remain tight, with limited new capacity coming online in 2026, further tightening U.S. markets due to regional closures [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest approximately $700 million in refining value-enhancing capital in 2026, focusing on lowering operating costs and enhancing system reliability [7] - Investments in marketing are set at $250 million to expand the reach of branded stations in targeted markets, supporting long-term secured offtake [8] - The company aims for a disciplined capital strategy, targeting returns of 25% or above on capital deployment [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains constructive on refined product demand, expecting growth to outpace capacity additions through the end of the decade [6] - The company anticipates that the structural demand growth across refined products will continue, supported by a strong midstream business outlook [10] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the energy markets, particularly in the context of MPLX's growth and distribution [12][20] Other Important Information - The company returned $4.5 billion to shareholders in 2025, including a 6.5% reduction in shares outstanding [13] - The company has a net debt to capital ratio within the range of 25%-30% and targets an annual cash balance of $1 billion [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capture Rate Performance - The capture rate was strong at 114%, attributed to optimization through the commercial team and improved structural capabilities [25][26] Question: Return of Capital Expectations - The company expects to match or exceed the $4.5 billion returned to shareholders in 2026 based on current market conditions [31][32] Question: Venezuelan Crude Absorption - The company views access to Venezuelan crude positively, with capabilities to absorb incremental barrels, enhancing its competitive position [35][36] Question: Refining Utilization Sensitivity - The company can adjust refining operations to optimize margins based on market conditions, demonstrating flexibility in its operations [50][51] Question: CapEx Guidance - The company expects a 20% reduction in refining capital expenditures in 2026, with further reductions anticipated in 2027 and 2028 [53][56] Question: Negotiations with USW - Ongoing negotiations with the United Steelworkers are progressing positively, with rolling extensions in place [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, the company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $10.70 and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $12 billion, with a fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share of $4.07 and adjusted EBITDA of about $3.5 billion [13][14] - The company generated $8.3 billion in cash from operations and returned $4.5 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, reflecting a 6.5% reduction in shares outstanding [5][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The refining and marketing segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $2 billion for the fourth quarter, with refineries running at 95% utilization and total throughput just over 3 million barrels per day [14][15] - The midstream segment's adjusted EBITDA grew year-over-year, reaching a record of nearly $7 billion, although fourth quarter results declined due to divestitures of non-core assets [5][11][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global refined product demand is expected to continue growing, with gasoline and distillates each increasing by roughly 1% and jet fuel demand rising nearly 4% [6] - The global refining system is anticipated to remain tight, with limited new capacity coming online in 2026, further tightening U.S. markets due to regional closures [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest approximately $700 million in refining value-enhancing capital in 2026, focusing on lowering operating costs and enhancing system reliability [7][10] - Investments in marketing will total $250 million to expand the reach of branded stations in targeted markets, supporting long-term secured offtake and enhancing performance [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about refined product demand and expects growth to outpace the net effect of capacity additions through the end of the decade [6][10] - The company emphasizes a disciplined capital strategy and aims for returns of 25% or above on capital investments, reflecting confidence in long-term opportunities across the energy space [10][12] Other Important Information - The company achieved its strongest process safety performance in the last four years and the lowest OSHA recordable injury rate, reflecting a commitment to safe and environmentally sound operations [5] - MPLX, the company's midstream segment, plans to invest $2.4 billion in growth capital, with 90% directed towards natural gas and NGL services, targeting a distribution growth rate of 12.5% over the next two years [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capture rate performance - Management highlighted that the strong capture rate of 114% was driven by optimization through the commercial team and improved structural capabilities [25][26][28] Question: Return of capital expectations - Management indicated that based on current market conditions, they expect to match or exceed the previous year's capital return of $4.5 billion [31][32] Question: Incremental Venezuelan crude absorption - Management expressed confidence in their ability to absorb more Venezuelan crude, leveraging their system's capabilities and optimizing sour crude processing [35][36][39] Question: CapEx guidance and negotiations with USW - Management confirmed that CapEx for 2026 is expected to be lower than in 2025, and negotiations with the USW are ongoing with positive dialogue [62][65][66]

Financial Performance - Marathon Petroleum Corp. reported a net income of $1.5 billion, or $5.12 per diluted share, for Q4 2025, a significant increase from $371 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, in Q4 2024 [1][7] - Adjusted net income for Q4 2025 was $1.2 billion, or $4.07 per diluted share, compared to $249 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, in Q4 2024 [1][3] - For the full year 2025, net income attributable to MPC was $4.0 billion, or $13.22 per diluted share, up from $3.4 billion, or $10.08 per diluted share, in 2024 [3][7] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $3.5 billion, compared to $2.1 billion in Q4 2024 [2][5] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $12.0 billion, an increase from $11.3 billion in 2024 [3][5] Operational Highlights - Refining & Marketing segment adjusted EBITDA was $1,997 million in Q4 2025, up from $559 million in Q4 2024, with a margin of $7.15 per barrel compared to $2.03 per barrel in the prior year [6][8] - Full-year refining utilization was 94% with a margin capture of 105%, indicating strong operational performance [7] - Crude capacity utilization was 95%, resulting in total throughput of 3.0 million barrels per day for Q4 2025 [8] Cash Flow and Capital Returns - Cash provided by operating activities was $8.3 billion for the full year 2025, slightly down from $8.7 billion in 2024 [3][7] - The company returned approximately $1.3 billion of capital to shareholders in Q4 2025, with a total of $4.5 billion in capital returns for the year [7][13] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to allocate $1.5 billion for standalone capital spending in 2026, focusing 65% on value-enhancing projects and 35% on sustaining capital [14][17] - Key investments include high-return projects at various refineries, with specific capital expenditures outlined for refining and marketing segments [17][20] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, the company had $3.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with no borrowings under its $5 billion revolving credit facility [13][49] - Total consolidated debt stood at $32.9 billion, with MPC debt at $7.2 billion and MPLX debt at $25.7 billion [49]

Financial Performance - Hess Midstream LP reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share of $0.72, meeting analyst expectations, while revenue was $404.2 million, falling short of the forecast of $417.05 million [1] - The net income for the quarter totaled $168.0 million, with $93.3 million attributable to Hess Midstream LP [2] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $309.1 million, and adjusted free cash flow totaled $207.8 million, indicating resilient financial performance despite lower throughput volumes [2] Operational Metrics - Throughput volumes declined year over year across all segments: oil terminaling volumes decreased by 4%, gas processing by 1%, and water gathering by 5% [3] - The declines in throughput were primarily attributed to reduced production caused by severe winter weather [3] - Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $47.6 million, down 44% from the prior-year period, reflecting the completion of gas compression expansion projects [3]