Core Insights - Midstream master limited partnerships (MLPs) provide reliable income and steady growth, playing a crucial role in the energy value chain by earning stable fees from the transportation, processing, and storage of oil and natural gas [1] Company Summaries - **Energy Transfer**: - The company has improved its balance sheet and distribution coverage, entering a growth phase with plans to invest approximately $5 billion in growth capital expenditures this year, an increase from $3 billion last year [2] - Major projects are focused in the Permian Basin, including the Hugh Brinson pipeline to meet rising Texas power demand and the Desert Southwest pipeline for gas transport to Arizona and New Mexico [3] - The Lake Charles LNG export terminal project is nearing a final decision, with global LNG demand expected to rise significantly over the next decade, potentially securing long-term fee-based revenues [4] - Financially, Energy Transfer is in a strong position with low leverage and about 90% of this year's EBITDA supported by fee-based contracts, offering a nearly 8% yield well-covered by distributable cash flow, with expected annual distribution increases of 3% to 5% [5] - The stock has underperformed this year, presenting a buying opportunity for investors [6] - **Western Midstream Partners**: - This company offers an attractive mix of high yield, strong balance sheet, and steady growth, supported by Occidental Petroleum, which owns over 40% of the partnership [9] - Its contracts are primarily cost-of-service or include minimum volume commitments, ensuring reliable revenue regardless of commodity price fluctuations, with a conservative leverage ratio of around 2.9 [9] - **Genesis Energy**: - The company is positioned as a potential turnaround story, appealing to investors looking for growth opportunities [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three master limited partnerships (MLPs) that offer high yields, strong cash flow, and growth potential, making them suitable for income-focused investors Group 1: Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer has a yield of 7.6% and is entering a growth phase with significant projects, including a $5.3 billion Desert Southwest pipeline to transport natural gas from the Permian Basin to Arizona and New Mexico [2] - The company is progressing on the Lake Charles LNG export project, having partnered with MidOcean Energy and secured several offtake deals, with $5 billion in growth capital expenditures planned for this year [3][4] - Energy Transfer maintains a solid financial foundation with a distribution coverage ratio of 1.7x and has raised its distribution for 15 consecutive quarters, expecting 3% to 5% annual growth [4] Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners offers a 7% yield and has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years, with a strong coverage ratio and controlled leverage [5][6] - The company plans to spend between $4 billion and $4.5 billion in growth capital expenditures this year, a significant increase from $1.6 billion in 2022, with growth projects expected to come online soon [7] - Enterprise's cash flow is primarily from fee-based contracts, ensuring stability and a clear growth trajectory [5][6] Group 3: Western Midstream - Western Midstream provides the highest yield at 9.5%, supported by steady cash flows and disciplined management, with over 40% ownership by parent company Occidental Petroleum [9] - The company is expanding its produced water business, with significant projects like the Pathfinder produced water system and the North Loving natural gas processing plant [10] - Western Midstream's recent $2 billion acquisition of Aris Water Solutions is expected to be immediately accretive, enhancing its cash flow visibility and operational synergies [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is entering a new growth phase with a significant backlog of attractive projects, which is expected to drive solid growth in the coming years [2][10]. Growth Projects - The company announced a new $5.3 billion natural gas pipeline project, the Desert Southwest pipeline, which will transport 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) from the Permian to Arizona and New Mexico, expected to be completed by the end of 2029 [3]. - Phase 1 of the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, also with a capacity of 1.5 Bcf/d, is anticipated to come online by the end of 2026, with Phase 2 allowing for 2.2 Bcf/d transport from west to east and 1 Bcf/d from east to west [4]. - The company is making progress on the Lake Charles LNG project, having found a partner in MidOcean Energy and signed several offtake agreements, with plans to own about 25% of the project [4]. Financial Performance - In Q2, Energy Transfer's adjusted EBITDA grew by 3% year over year to $3.87 billion, while distributable cash flow (DCF) to partners fell by 1% to $1.96 billion [6]. - The company experienced volume increases across its systems, including an 11% rise in interstate natural gas volumes and a 10% increase in midstream gathered volumes [7]. Future Outlook - The company expects its full-year EBITDA to be at or slightly below the low end of its guidance range of $16.1 billion to $16.5 billion [8]. - Energy Transfer anticipates a mid-teens return on its growth projects, which are expected to provide a strong runway for growth in the coming years [10]. Distribution and Valuation - The company has a robust coverage ratio of 1.7 times for its Q2 distribution, with plans to grow its distribution by 3% to 5% annually [11]. - Approximately 90% of its 2025 EBITDA is expected to come from fee-based operations, contributing to a stable business model [12]. - The stock trades at a forward enterprise value (EV)-to-EBITDA multiple of 8.1 times, which is low compared to its MLP peers and historical averages [12].