If you like big-yield income, you’ve likely come across the oil & gas midstream industry. The group can offer impressive high income, plus total returns that are less correlated with the overall stock market (because of the steady fee-based income these companies generate). But there are a few things you need to consider before investing. In this brief report, we share comparative data on the 12 biggest companies in the group, plus a few important caveats on investing in them.
Stable Cash Flow Giant: Attractive 8.5% Yield
Headquartered in Canada, this midstream company operates the world’s largest oil and natural gas pipeline network (transporting about 25% of overall crude oil produced in North America). Approximately 98% of the revenue is derived from long term cost-of-service or take-or-pay contracts with automatic escalators leading to predictable cash flows across business cycles which in turn allows for consistent dividends. The company has been actively investing in upgrading and expanding its pipeline networks while also taking small steps towards greener alternatives to reduce its carbon footprint. In this report, we analyze the business model, market opportunity, financials, valuations, risks, and finally, conclude whether an investment in the company’s stock offers an attractive balance between risks and rewards.