Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE:WES) is included among the 13 Best February Dividend Stocks to Buy. Wells Fargo Updates 2026 Assumptions for Western Midstream (WES) On January 22, Wells Fargo analyst Ned Baramov lowered the firm’s price target on Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE:WES) to $39 from $40 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The adjustment reflects updated assumptions for 2026 and beyond, including lower expected operating cash flow, reduced capital spending in 2026, ...

Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners has successfully renegotiated contracts with Occidental Petroleum for natural gas gathering and processing in the Delaware Basin [1] Company Summary - Western Midstream Partners is involved in natural gas gathering and processing operations [1] - The renegotiation of contracts indicates a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and potentially improve financial performance [1] Industry Summary - The Delaware Basin remains a critical area for natural gas production, and partnerships between midstream companies and producers like Occidental Petroleum are essential for optimizing resource extraction and processing [1]

Core Viewpoint - ONEOK has significantly expanded and diversified its operations over the past five years through a series of acquisitions, enhancing its position as one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the U.S. [1] Performance Summary - ONEOK's share price has seen a one-year decline of 29.5%, but over three years, it has returned 14%, and over five years, it has achieved an impressive 88.5% return. [3] - The total return, including reinvested dividends, shows a decline of 27% over one year, but a growth of 31.4% over three years and a remarkable 148.4% over five years, outperforming the S&P 500 in total returns. [3] Key Financial Data - ONEOK's current market capitalization stands at $48 billion, with a current price of $76.34 and a dividend yield of 5.4%. [4][5] - The company's gross margin is reported at 19.10%. [5] Acquisition Strategy - ONEOK's transformation began with the $18.8 billion acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners in 2023, which added refined products, crude oil, and export terminals to its portfolio. [6] - Subsequent acquisitions include Medallion Midstream and a 43% interest in EnLink for $5.9 billion, followed by the complete acquisition of EnLink for $4.3 billion. [6] - Smaller acquisitions include NGL pipelines from Easton Energy for $280 million and a 49.9% interest in a Delaware Basin gathering and processing company for $940 million. [6] Growth Prospects - The acquisitions have fueled significant earnings growth and positioned ONEOK for continued growth, with expectations of capturing hundreds of millions in merger synergies in the coming years. [7] - The company has approved several growth capital projects expected to come online through mid-2028, which will support its growth strategy. [7] Investor Returns - ONEOK has generated robust returns driven by its acquisition strategy and a growing dividend, with expectations to increase its dividend by 3% to 4% per year over the next five years. [8]