Core Insights - MPLX has achieved significant milestones in 2023, including new organic expansion projects and accretive acquisitions, enhancing its growth profile through the end of the decade [1][9] Group 1: Growth Projects - MPLX has a robust backlog of growth capital projects, including the Secretariat and Harmon Creek III gas processing plants, expected to be completed in Q4 2023 and H2 2026 respectively [3] - The WPC joint venture is constructing the Blackcomb and Rio Bravo natural gas pipelines, which are on track for commercial service in H2 2024, providing growth visibility through 2026 [3][4] - Additional projects include the Traverse Pipeline, expected to enter service in 2028, and the Eiger Express Pipeline, which will begin shipping gas in mid-2028 [4][5] - The company is also building two new NGL fractionators near Marathon Petroleum's Galveston Bay refinery, set to enter service in 2028 and 2029 [5] Group 2: Acquisitions - MPLX has completed four acquisitions in 2023, strategically enhancing its geographic footprint and increasing system capacity [7] - Notable acquisitions include Whiptail Midstream for $237 million, the remaining 55% interest in the BANGL NGL pipeline for $715 million, an additional 5% interest in the Matterhorn Express Pipeline for $151 million, and Northwind Midstream for $2.4 billion [10] - These acquisitions are expected to provide immediate cash flow and support long-term growth, with embedded growth opportunities in the BANGL pipeline and Matterhorn projects [7][10] Group 3: Financial Position - MPLX maintains a strong balance sheet, ending Q2 with a leverage ratio of 3.1 times, allowing for strategic debt acquisition for growth [8] - The company is also recycling capital by selling gathering and processing assets in the Rockies for $1 billion, which will enhance financial flexibility for future growth opportunities [8] Group 4: Distribution and Returns - MPLX has extended its growth outlook, providing visibility through the end of the decade, which supports continued distribution increases [6][9] - The current distribution yield stands at an attractive 7.5%, positioning the company for strong total returns for investors [9]

Core Viewpoint - MPLX is positioned as a high-yielding investment opportunity with a dividend yield exceeding 7% and a robust growth profile, bolstered by strategic acquisitions and expansion projects [1][12]. Group 1: Acquisition and Growth Strategy - MPLX has announced the acquisition of Northwind Midstream for approximately $2.4 billion, which is expected to enhance cash flow and provide growth potential through in-process expansions [2][4]. - The acquisition of Northwind Midstream will expand MPLX's services into southeast New Mexico and improve access to natural gas and natural gas liquids, supporting downstream operations [7][8]. - MPLX has previously secured over $1 billion in bolt-on acquisitions, including a $715 million purchase of the remaining 55% interest in the BANGL Pipeline, which will contribute to immediate cash flow and future growth [9]. Group 2: Financial Health and Capacity - MPLX ended the first quarter with $2.5 billion in cash and a low leverage ratio of 3.3 times, indicating a strong financial position to fund acquisitions [5]. - The company has consistently raised its distribution since its formation in 2012, achieving an annual growth rate of over 10% since 2021, with a coverage ratio of 1.5 times at the end of the first quarter [11]. Group 3: Expansion Projects - MPLX is involved in several major pipeline projects, including the Traverse Pipeline, Blackcomb, and Rio Bravo Pipelines, which are expected to enhance gas transportation from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast [10]. - Additional growth investments include the construction of two gas processing plants and two NGL fractionation facilities, with completion dates ranging from 2025 to 2029 [13].

Core Viewpoint - Oneok is positioned as an attractive long-term investment opportunity due to its high-yielding dividend and strong earnings growth potential, with total returns averaging 13% annually over the past decade [1][2]. Financial Performance - Oneok has achieved a remarkable adjusted EBITDA growth rate of over 16% annually for 11 consecutive years, despite declines in crude oil prices during this period [3]. - The company's adjusted EBITDA is projected to increase from $5.2 billion in 2023 to over $8.2 billion in 2024, representing a nearly 60% surge [6]. Growth Drivers - The company has made significant acquisitions, including an $18.8 billion acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners in 2023 and a $5.9 billion purchase of Medallion Midstream and a controlling interest in EnLink Midstream [5]. - Oneok expects to capture over $250 million in synergies from its acquisitions this year, with additional synergies anticipated in 2026 and 2027 [7]. Expansion Projects - Oneok is undertaking several organic expansion projects, including the expansion of its refined products system in Denver, expected to be completed by mid-2024, and a 210,000-barrel-per-day natural gas liquids fractionator in Medford, OK, set to come online in late 2026 and early 2027 [8]. - A joint venture with MPLX to build an LPG export terminal in Texas City, Texas, and a new pipeline is also in progress, with completion expected in early 2028 [9]. Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The company anticipates increasing its dividend payout by approximately 3% to 4% per year, supported by strong earnings growth from both acquisitions and organic projects [10]. - Oneok's combination of income and growth positions it as a compelling investment opportunity for those seeking both yield and capital appreciation [11].