Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE:WES) is recognized as one of the best pipeline and MLP stocks to buy in 2026, indicating strong market confidence in its future performance [1]. Group 1: Ratings and Price Targets - RBC Capital's Elvira Scotto reiterated a Hold rating on WES with a price target of $42 as of January 28, 2026, while Morgan Stanley maintained a Sell rating with a price target of $41 [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Western Midstream Partners declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.91 per unit for Q4 2025, consistent with the previous quarter's payout, with eligibility for shareholders as of February 2, 2026, for payment on February 13, 2026 [3]. Group 3: Strategic Developments - The company announced renegotiations on key natural gas contracts in the Delaware Basin with Occidental and ConocoPhillips, transitioning to simplified, fixed-fee arrangements. Occidental will transfer 15.3 million WES common units, valued at approximately $610 million, back to the partnership for redemption, aiming to solidify revenue through the late 2030s and diversify its customer base [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Founded in 2007, Western Midstream Partners, LP is a master limited partnership focused on the gathering, processing, and transportation of natural gas, crude oil, and NGLs across major U.S. basins, utilizing fee-based contracts, and is headquartered in Texas [5].

Company Overview - The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) is a major energy infrastructure company founded in 1908, handling approximately one-third of the natural gas used in the U.S. The company specializes in gathering, processing, and interstate transportation of natural gas [4]. Investment Ratings - On January 28, 2026, Morgan Stanley's analyst Robert Kad reiterated a Buy rating on The Williams Companies, maintaining a price target of $83 [2]. - Scotiabank's Brandon Bingham raised the stock's price target from $61 to $66 on January 16, 2026, while keeping a Sector Perform rating, citing increased opportunities for energy infrastructure stocks due to strong power demand and LNG exports [2]. Industry Developments - The PJM Board of Managers proposed a 2026 plan on January 16, 2026, to integrate data centers and large load customers, aiming to enhance grid reliability and affordability. The plan includes a connect and manage framework for large loads and a backstop generation procurement process [3]. - The Williams Companies, along with other identified companies, is seen as a potential critical infrastructure partner to address the growing demand from data centers and ensure grid reliability [3].

Core Viewpoint - Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is recognized as one of the best pipeline and MLP stocks to buy in 2026, reflecting positive long-term prospects in the energy infrastructure sector [1]. Analyst Ratings - Mixed sentiment exists among analysts regarding Enterprise Products Partners L.P. On January 28, 2026, RBC Capital maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $35, while Morgan Stanley issued a Sell rating with a price target of $34 [2]. - Earlier, on January 16, 2026, Scotiabank maintained a Sector Perform rating and raised the price target from $34 to $35, citing increasing power demand and significant LNG exports as drivers for long-term earnings [3]. Analyst Consensus - According to CNN, 57% of 23 analysts have assigned a Buy rating to Enterprise Products Partners L.P., with a 1-year median price target reflecting a 4.98% increase [4]. Company Overview - Founded in 1968, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is based in Texas and provides services for natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, and petrochemicals through a comprehensive network of pipelines, storage, and processing assets [4].

Group 1 - Hess Midstream LP (NYSE:HESM) is considered one of the most profitable oil stocks to invest in currently, with Eagle Global Advisors LLC increasing its position by 53.7% in Q2, acquiring 857,669 shares, making it the firm's fourth largest holding [1] - The company is expected to benefit from new drilling plans, although near-term growth prospects may appear modest due to reduced throughput in its system [2] - Hess Midstream LP has a strong contract structure with minimum volume commitments (MVC) extending through 2033, positioning it well for guaranteed minimum revenue [3] Group 2 - Hess Midstream LP operates midstream assets in Texas and provides fee-based services to Hess and third-party customers, with three main segments: Gathering, Processing and Storage, and Terminaling and Export [4]