Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced volatility in 2025 due to overstretched valuations of U.S. stocks, persistent inflation, weak economic data, geopolitical conflicts, and concerns regarding the Trump administration's trade policies [1] - The Federal Reserve's uncertainty over rate cuts, recession fears, and the emergence of a low-cost Chinese AI platform have contributed to investor unease [1] Investment Strategy - It is advisable to invest in high dividend-paying corporate giants, which typically possess strong financial positions, robust business models, and globally recognized brand value [2] - Regular dividend payments from these firms can provide a steady income stream during market fluctuations [2] Company Highlights Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Zacks Rank 1, benefiting from strong pricing power and an expanding smoke-free product portfolio, aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [6][7] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.1% and 13.7% respectively for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 3.01% [8] CVS Health Corp. (CVS) - Zacks Rank 2, investing in technology to reduce costs and enhance customer experience, with plans to close 271 stores to save over $500 million in 2025 [9][10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.7% and 12.6% respectively for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 4.34% [10] Energy Transfer LP (ET) - Zacks Rank 2, benefiting from long-term fee-based contracts, with nearly 90% of earnings from such contracts [11][13] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 18.2% and 12.5% respectively for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 7.30% [13] GSK plc (GSK) - Zacks Rank 2, strong position in HIV and Vaccines, with increased sales growth in Specialty Medicines and promising new products [14][15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 5.1% and 6.7% respectively for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 4.28% [16] NatWest Group plc (NWG) - Zacks Rank 1, providing a range of banking and financial services in the UK and internationally [17][18] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 20.1% and 17.3% respectively for the current year, with a current dividend yield of 5.41% [19]

Summary of Kinder Morgan Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Kinder Morgan - **Industry**: Natural Gas and Energy Infrastructure Key Points Industry and Market Dynamics - **Natural Gas Demand Growth**: Forecasted growth of natural gas demand is 28 billion cubic feet (BCF) per day, representing a 25% increase over the next four years, which is above consensus estimates [5][6][7] - **Drivers of Growth**: Growth is primarily driven by LNG exports (15-18 BCF per day), incremental power demand, industrial demand, and exports to Mexico [7][8] - **Pipeline Capacity**: Existing pipeline systems are highly utilized, with significant price increases in storage services noted [8] - **Backlog of Projects**: Kinder Morgan has an $8.8 billion backlog, with 90% related to natural gas, largely backed by take-or-pay contracts [9][10] Demand Drivers - **LNG Exports**: LNG export facilities require pipeline capacity, leading to increased demand for upstream connections [12][13] - **Power Demand**: 50% of Kinder Morgan's backlog is associated with power demand, driven by population migration, industrial growth, and coal retirements [17][18][21] - **Geographic Focus**: 85% of expected natural gas demand growth is in the Southern and Southeastern United States [21] Financial Performance and Strategy - **Revenue Sources**: 64% of EBITDA comes from take-or-pay contracts, with 26% from fee-for-service businesses, indicating low sensitivity to commodity prices [25][26] - **Capital Allocation**: Maintenance capital is around $1 billion, with growth CapEx at approximately $2.5 billion. The company aims to maintain and modestly grow dividends while investing in high-return projects [76][77] - **Debt Management**: Net debt to EBITDA is targeted at 3.5 to 4.5 times, with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet [78][79] Regulatory Environment - **Permitting Process**: The federal permitting process is improving, with recent regulatory changes aimed at expediting permits [33][34][36] - **Judicial Challenges**: There is a need for clarity in the judicial process regarding permit challenges, which can impact project timelines [37][39] Growth Opportunities - **M&A Strategy**: Kinder Morgan maintains a strong appetite for mergers and acquisitions, focusing on stable fee-based assets that meet specific criteria [49][50] - **Technological Advancements**: The company is exploring AI applications to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making [52][54] Refined Products and CO2 Business - **Refined Products Outlook**: Demand for refined products is expected to stabilize, with a modest price increase due to tariff escalators, despite a slight volume decline [56][59] - **CO2 Business**: Kinder Morgan's CO2 business involves enhanced oil recovery methods, contributing to 9% of overall business, with a focus on existing infrastructure [61][66] Conclusion - **Investment Proposition**: Kinder Morgan offers stable cash flow backed by long-term contracts, an attractive dividend, and a significant project backlog, positioning the company for growth in the natural gas sector [87][88]

CALGARY, Alberta, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) (South Bow or the Company) reports its first-quarter 2025 financial and operational results and provides an update on its 2025 outlook. Unless otherwise noted, all financial figures in this news release are in U.S. dollars. Highlights Safety and operational performance Recorded first-quarter 2025 throughput of approximately 613,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) on the Keystone Pipeline, with a System Operating Factor (SOF) of 98 ...

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (PAA) reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 39 cents per unit, which lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents by 13.3%. In the year-ago quarter, the firm reported earnings of 41 cents per unit. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.)The company reported GAAP earnings of 49 cents per unit compared with 29 cents in the year-ago period.PAA’s Total RevenuesNet sales of $12.01 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $13.1 ...

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer (ET) reported mixed financial results for Q1 2025, with adjusted earnings per unit exceeding expectations while total revenues fell short of estimates [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q1 2025 were 36 cents per unit, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents by 9.1% and increasing 12.5% from the previous year's figure of 32 cents [1]. - Total revenues amounted to $21 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $23.4 billion by 11% and decreasing 2.9% from $21.63 billion year-over-year [1]. - Total costs and expenses were $18.5 billion, down 3.7% year-over-year, attributed to lower costs of products sold [2]. - Operating income reached $2.5 billion, reflecting a 4.7% increase year-over-year [2]. - Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, was $809 million, which is 11.1% higher than the prior year [2]. Operational Developments - In February 2025, ET commissioned the first of eight 10-megawatt natural gas-fired electric generation facilities in Texas [2]. - Construction of Phase I of the Hugh Brinson Pipeline commenced, with all pipeline steel secured and currently being rolled in U.S. pipe mills [3]. - ET entered a long-term agreement with Cloudburst Data Centers, Inc. to supply natural gas for its AI-focused data center development [3]. - The company approved the construction of a new natural gas processing plant in the Midland Basin, with a capacity of nearly 275 million cubic feet per day, expected to be operational by Q2 2026 [4]. Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, ET's long-term debt was $59.78 billion, slightly up from $59.75 billion as of December 31, 2024 [5]. - The partnership had an available borrowing capacity of $4.37 billion under its revolving credit facility [5]. - For the three months ending March 31, 2025, ET invested approximately $955 million in growth capital expenditures [5]. Guidance - ET expects its adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be between $16.1 billion and $16.5 billion [6]. - The firm anticipates growth capital expenditures of approximately $5 billion and maintenance capital expenditures of about $1.1 billion for 2025 [6].

Group 1: Walmart - Walmart's stock has outperformed the market over the past year, with a 5% revenue increase and a 3% rise in store traffic in fiscal Q4, building on a previous year's 4% boost [4][5] - E-commerce sales increased by 16%, and digital advertising grew by 24%, showcasing Walmart's technological advancements and investments in AI for efficiency [4][5] - Operating profit rose by 8%, leading to a 13% increase in the annual dividend for 2025, marking the largest hike in over a decade [5][6] Group 2: Micron Technology - Micron Technology is positioned strongly in the AI hardware market, being the only provider of low-power memory chips for data centers, which is crucial for large computing systems [7][9] - The company is trading over 50% below its all-time highs, with a modest valuation of 7 times forward earnings estimates, presenting a potential buying opportunity [10] - CEO Sanjay Mehrotra stated that Micron is in its best competitive position in history, with its products firmly integrated into high-value customer roadmaps [10] Group 3: Starbucks - Starbucks reported a 2% increase in consolidated revenue but missed earnings estimates, with non-GAAP EPS down 40% and operating margins at 8.2% [11][12] - The company faces challenges in consumer spending and performance in China, but management remains optimistic about long-term strategies focused on employee investment and customer experience [12][15] - Despite current struggles, Starbucks has a dividend yield of 3% and a history of 14 consecutive years of dividend increases, making it attractive for patient investors [16] Group 4: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy operates Florida Power & Light, the largest utility in the U.S., and is a leader in renewable energy, with a 9% growth in adjusted EPS reported for Q1 [18][19] - The company plans to invest $8 billion to $8.8 billion in FPL this year and aims for a renewables generation and storage capacity of 70 GW by the end of 2027 [19][20] - NextEra Energy expects adjusted EPS growth of 6% to 8% through 2027 and a dividend growth of around 10%, with a current yield of 3.4% [20] Group 5: Enbridge - Enbridge's shares have increased nearly 10% year-to-date, building on an 18% rise in 2024, attributed to the stability of its business model [21][22] - The company has met or exceeded financial guidance for 19 consecutive years, providing predictable cash flows despite market volatility [22] - Enbridge anticipates a 7% to 9% increase in adjusted EBITDA through 2026, supported by growth drivers such as toll escalators and contributions from its natural gas utilities [24][25]

MPLX LP (MPLX) is set to report first-quarter 2025 results on May 6, before the opening bell.In the last reported quarter, its adjusted earnings of $1.07 per unit beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04, primarily due to higher throughputs and increased contributions from the partnership’s newly acquired assets in the Utica and Permian Basins.MPLX’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate twice in the trailing four quarters and missed twice, with the average surprise being 3.6%. This is depicted in th ...

ONEOK Inc. (OKE) reported first-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.04, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.23 by 15.4%. The bottom line also declined 4.6% from the year-ago quarter’s figure of $1.09. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.)OKE’s Total RevenuesOperating revenues for the quarter totaled $8.04 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7 billion by 14.9%. The top line also improved 68.2% from $4.78 billion in the prior ...