Core Viewpoint - Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE:WES) is recognized as one of the best dividend stocks to buy in February, despite recent adjustments in financial projections and contract renegotiations with Occidental Petroleum [1][2]. Financial Adjustments - Wells Fargo analyst Ned Baramov has lowered the price target for Western Midstream from $40 to $39, maintaining an Equal Weight rating, reflecting updated assumptions for 2026, including lower expected operating cash flow and reduced capital spending [2]. - The adjustments also account for a smaller unit count and distributions, alongside anticipated cost savings [2]. Contract Renegotiations - Western Midstream has renegotiated contracts with Occidental Petroleum regarding its Delaware Basin assets, shifting to a fixed-fee structure for natural gas gathering [3]. - Occidental will transfer 15.3 million common units back to Western Midstream, valued at approximately $610 million, reducing its ownership stake to about 40% [3][4]. Revenue Structure - Following the contract changes, approximately 9% of Western's revenue will still come from cost-of-service arrangements, with most contracts set to expire between the late 2020s and mid-to-late 2030s, potentially transitioning to fixed-fee terms [4]. - The previous fee structure was based on the cost of providing services plus a regulated return, while the new agreement stipulates a fixed rate payment from Occidental [4]. New Agreements - Western Midstream has also entered into a new natural gas gathering and processing agreement with ConocoPhillips for a portion of its Delaware Basin volumes [5].

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]