The choice between Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP +0.20%) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP +0.45%) likely hinges on whether an investor prioritizes concentrated midstream exposure and high yield or a diversified utilities-heavy infrastructure mix.
Energy infrastructure assets—ranging from natural gas pipelines to electric transmission lines—serve as the "toll roads" of the economy, often providing steady cash flows that appeal to income-seeking investors. Both funds target this critical sector but approach the asset class with different philosophies, leading to distinct risk-return profiles.
Snapshot (cost & size)MetricEMLPAMLPIssuerFirst TrustALPS FundsShare price$44.64 (as of 2026-07-22)$54.82 (as of 2026-07-22)Expense ratio0.95%1.01%1-yr return (as of 2026-07-15)22.34%22.15%Dividend yield2.79%7.76%Beta0.560.51AUM$4.1 billion$12.5 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield as of the close of trading on July 22.
AMLP is slightly more expensive with a 1.01% expense ratio compared to 0.95% for EMLP. However, the Alerian fund offers a significantly higher payout, with a yield gap of nearly five percentage points over the First Trust fund.
Performance & risk comparisonMetricEMLPAMLPMax drawdown (5 yr)(14.60%)(20.90%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$2,149$2,357What's insideAlerian MLP ETF concentrates on the energy sector, which accounts for all of its portfolio, split 96% in energy stocks and 2% in utilities. Its largest positions include Sunoco LP (SUN -1.79%) at 13.6%, Energy Transfer LP (ET +0.24%) at 13.3%, and MPLX MP (MPLX +1.59%) at 13%. It holds 14 positions, plus some cash. Launched in 201, the fund has paid $4.02 per share over the trailing 12 months, which on its recent $54.82 share price works out to a 7.76% yield.
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund provides broader exposure, with 47% in utilities and 47% in energy, plus 5% in industrials. Its largest positions include Energy Transfer LP at 7.3%, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD -0.17%) at 7%, and Treasury bills through an institutional account with Morgan Stanley (MS -1.46%), essentially a cash position. It holds 65 positions. Launched in 2012, the fund has paid ~$1.21 per share over the trailing 12 months, which on its recent $44.64 share price works out to a 2.79% yield. It also employs an ESG screen as part of its investment process.
Which fund is the better buy?MLPs — master limited partnerships — are a common structure for midstream oil and gas businesses. The structure means that MLPs don’t pay taxes, instead handing the tax bill to investors who receive distributions. Investing directly means handling K-1 forms for each MLP, which is a time-consuming and sometimes confusing tax-time hassle.
These two ETFs simplify investing in MLPs by handling the accounting and sending shareholders a single 1099 for tax filing. It’s simpler for sure. The expense ratios for each include an allowance for the ETF’s estimated tax liability, which it will incur in the future because it will not pass along the full tax liability to ETF holders. That’s a drag on returns, but you know that going in, and it’s reflected in historical performance for both funds. Using the Alerian ETF as an example, the future tax liability expense is currently 0.17% of the fund’s 1.01% expense ratio. That is likely to grow over time as the fund collects more distributions and tax liability.
So how to differentiate between these ETFs? The First Trust ETF, EMLP, takes a more concentrated approach to investing in midstream assets, with just 14 equities, which means 99.9% of its holdings are in its top 10 stocks, compared with 47% for AMLP.
But a concentrated approach does not necessarily mean a bad one. Witness EMLP’s much lesser maximum drawdown compared to AMLP. That shows shrewd portfolio management by the index and the fund managers. That shows itself in the performance, when EMLP beats AMLP in most time frames.
EMLP has returned 21%, 16.1%, and 9.9% over the 3-, 5-, and 10-year look-backs. By comparison, AMLP returned an annualized 18.9% in the 3-year and 6.4% in the 10-year to trail EMLP in those time frames. However, AMLP did better than its competitor in the 5-year time frame, with a return of 16.3% annually.
For investors looking for a midstream energy play, EMLP is the better buy.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $56.49, moving -1.12% from the previous trading session. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.89%. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.74%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, added 1.29%.
The stock of company has risen by 0.4% in the past month, lagging the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 4.15% and overreaching the S&P 500's loss of 0.63%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of MPLX LP in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on August 4, 2026. The company is expected to report EPS of $1.07, up 3.88% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $3.26 billion, up 8.52% from the year-ago period.
Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $4.21 per share and revenue of $13.09 billion, indicating changes of -12.66% and +0.71%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for MPLX LP. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.
Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 0.24% lower. MPLX LP is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Investors should also note MPLX LP's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 13.57. This represents a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 20.1.
Meanwhile, MPLX's PEG ratio is currently 5.49. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. By the end of yesterday's trading, the Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.81.
The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 216, positioning it in the bottom 13% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
Pipeline partnerships get filed under “boring” for a reason. They collect tolls on hydrocarbons and mail out K-1s at tax time. So it is genuinely strange that MPLX LP (NYSE:MPLX | MPLX Price Prediction) has returned 225% over the past five years with distributions reinvested, versus about 97% for the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:QQQ). If you are deciding where MPLX belongs in a portfolio, that gap is both the argument for owning it and, if you squint, the warning label.
What You Are Actually Buying MPLX is a midstream master limited partnership owning pipelines, gathering systems, processing plants, and export terminals anchored in the Permian and Marcellus basins, majority-owned by Marathon Petroleum, which holds about 64% of the units. Cash flows are largely fee-based, driven by the volume of hydrocarbons moving through the system rather than the price of the barrel itself. David Heppner, MPLX’s SVP of Natural Gas and NGLs, told analysts on the Q1 call, “Generally, MPLX is a fee-based business, and we’re not taking on the commodity risks within the natural gas markets in the U.S. Gulf Coast.”
That distinction matters. Drillers get hammered when crude breaks. Refiners get squeezed when cracks compress. MPLX gets paid when molecules move, and molecules keep moving even in ugly commodity tapes. The structural steadiness funds a $1.08 quarterly distribution, an annualized $4.31 per unit, working out to a yield of roughly 7.4% on a unit trading near $57. Management has publicly committed to 12.5% annual distribution growth through 2027, with CEO Maryann Mannen adding a 1.3x distribution coverage floor as the guardrail.
Does The Math Actually Work That 225% five-year return is real, and cyclically flattered. MPLX started the five-year window in July 2021 near $18, still in the shadow of the 2020 energy collapse. Buying midstream when the sector was hated and holding through a fee-based cash flow recovery plus two consecutive 12.5% distribution hikes is roughly the ideal setup for an MLP. QQQ, meanwhile, was already trading at $357 in mid-2021, at the tail end of its pandemic-era melt-up.
Zoom out to ten years, and the picture flips. MPLX returned 323% versus QQQ’s 527%. The real lesson is that midstream is cyclical enough that entry point does a lot of the work, and the past five years handed MPLX holders a very good one.
The Tradeoffs You Sign Up For Owning an MLP comes with real friction. The K-1 tax form arrives late, complicates state filings, and can generate unrelated business taxable income if the units are held in an IRA above the $1,000 threshold. Holding MPLX in a Roth to shelter a 7% yield can feel clever until your custodian sends a tax bill. Concentration risk is also baked in: Marathon Petroleum is both majority owner and MPLX’s largest customer, so the partnership’s fortunes track a single refiner’s turnaround schedule. Q1 2026 crude pipeline throughput fell 4% year over year largely for that reason.
Leverage has also drifted higher. Debt-to-EBITDA sits at 3.7x, up from 3.1x as management funded the $2.38 billion Northwind deal and other bolt-ons, pushing quarterly interest expense to $291 million from $229 million a year earlier. The 4.0x ceiling gives running room, though not much.
Who This Fits MPLX belongs in a taxable account, owned by an investor who wants a real 7%-plus distribution, a management team publicly committed to double-digit distribution growth for the next two years, and who accepts they are buying a levered energy infrastructure toll operator. Investors chasing the last five years of price appreciation inside a tax-deferred account may prefer the Alerian MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMLP), which delivers similar exposure via a 1099 and skips the K-1 mess. Anyone who thinks a 225% run means MPLX has stopped being cyclical should reread the ten-year chart.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $56.51, moving -1.22% from the previous trading session. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily gain of 0.38%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.02%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.9%.
Coming into today, shares of the company had gained 2.77% in the past month. In that same time, the Oils-Energy sector lost 1.55%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.27%.
Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of MPLX LP in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to go public on August 4, 2026. On that day, MPLX LP is projected to report earnings of $1.08 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 4.85%. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $3.26 billion, up 8.52% from the year-ago period.
MPLX's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $4.22 per share and revenue of $13.09 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of -12.45% and +0.71%, respectively.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for MPLX LP should also be noted by investors. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. As of now, MPLX LP holds a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).
In terms of valuation, MPLX LP is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.56. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 18.85, so one might conclude that MPLX LP is trading at a discount comparatively.
One should further note that MPLX currently holds a PEG ratio of 5.49. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. As of the close of trade yesterday, the Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry held an average PEG ratio of 1.88.
The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 207, finds itself in the bottom 16% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
July's GVAS Dogs list highlights ten fair-priced, high-yield large-cap stocks, including IRSA Inversiones, Weibo, Verizon, and AT&T, as ideal buys. Analyst targets project average net gains of 40.39% for the top ten GVAS stocks by July 2027, with risk profiles generally below market volatility. The dividend dogcatcher strategy favors stocks whose $1K dividend income exceeds share price, with 36 of 54 GVAS stocks meeting this ideal condition.
SummaryThis article is part of our monthly series where we highlight five large-cap, relatively safe, dividend-paying companies offering significant discounts to their historical norms.We go over our filtering process to select just five conservative DGI stocks from more than 7,500 companies that are traded on U.S. exchanges, including OTC networks.In addition to the primary list that yields 4.1%, we present two other groups of five DGI stocks each, from moderate to high yields of up to 8%.Looking for a portfolio of ideas like this one? Members of High Income DIY Portfolios get exclusive access to our subscriber-only portfolios. Learn More » Olivier Le Moal/iStock via Getty Images
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Author's Note: This is our monthly series on Dividend Stocks, usually published in the first week of every month. We scan the universe of roughly 7,500 stocks listed and traded on U.S. exchanges and use our
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Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and in no way should be construed as financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any stock. The author is not a financial advisor. Please always do further research and do your own due diligence before making any investments. Every effort has been made to present the data/information accurately; however, the author does not claim 100% accuracy. The stock portfolios presented here are model portfolios for demonstration purposes. For the complete list of our LONG positions, please see our profile on Seeking Alpha.
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Key Takeaways Kinder Morgan earns mostly from take-or-pay contracts across 78,000 miles of pipelines.MPLX generates stable cash flows from long-term shipper contracts and fee-based gathering systems.Williams operates more than 30,000 pipeline miles linking U.S. basins to key natural gas markets. The outlook for the U.S.-Iran conflict remains uncertain after the recent U.S. strikes, with President Donald Trump saying it is unclear whether the situation will stabilize or escalate further. As a result, uncertainty persists, and the oil and energy markets are likely to remain volatile.
Renewed tensions, with the United States and Iran having already exchanged intense attacks, could disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, inflation and broader economic concerns may weigh on global oil demand.
Therefore, the near-term direction of West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices, currently trading below the $75-per-barrel mark, remains uncertain, creating volatility across the energy sector. However, not all stocks are affected. Three midstream players like Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI - Free Report) , MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) and The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB - Free Report) are well-poised to gain. Let's delve deeper.
Resilient Business Model of Midstream BusinessStocks in the midstream space have lower exposure to volatility in commodity prices than oil and gas producers. This is because midstream players generate stable fee-based revenues since the transportation and storage assets are being booked by shippers for the long term. Hence, their business model is relatively low-risk, which indicates considerably less exposure to oil and gas prices and volume risks.
3 Pipeline Stocks to Keep an Eye on: KMI, MPLX & WMBKinder Morgan: With its operating interests in oil and gas pipeline networks spread across 78,000 miles, KMI is a leading energy infrastructure company in North America. It derives most of its earnings from take-or-pay contracts, generating stable fee-based revenues.
The midstream energy major, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), is likely to grow on the back of its business model, which is relatively resilient to volume and commodity price risks. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
MPLX: MPLX’s midstream business comprises transporting crude oil and refined products. The #3 Ranked partnership generates stable cash flows from its long-term contracts with the shippers. Its crude oil and natural gas gathering systems also generate stable fee-based revenues.
The Williams Companies: The company is well-poised to capitalize on the mounting demand for clean energy since it is engaged in transporting, storing, gathering and processing natural gas and natural gas liquids.
With its pipeline networks spread across more than 30,000 miles, The Williams Companies, with a Zacks Rank of 3, connects premium basins in the United States to the key market. WMB’s assets can meet a considerable proportion of the nation’s natural gas consumption, which is utilized for heating purposes and clean-energy generation.
The energy sector is ripe with both high-dividend stocks and consistent payout growers. To the delight of income-hungry investors, some stocks fit both bills.
A fine place to locate high-yield dividend growers in the energy patch is the midstream space, home to master limited partnerships (MLPs) and pipeline stocks. The midstream is littered with well-known income powerhouses, including Enbridge and Energy Transfer, among others, but some less heralded names are also deserving of investors' attention. Enter MPLX LP (MPLX 0.33%).
This pipeline stock could provide years of comfort to income investors. Image source: Getty Images.
For those not familiar with this pipeline operator, it was spun off from Marathon Petroleum in 2012 and continues to manage Marathon's pipeline assets. Investors evaluating MPLX need to account for the Marathon relationship because it is, in a word, additive. It's rooted in long-term contracts driving highly visible cash flow, which are vital when assessing this energy stock and its 7.3% dividend yield.
The Marathon partnership is important and is one ingredient in the MPLX dividend recipe. Still, there's much more to like about MPLX, and those other ingredients indicate this could be a durable dividend stock for long-term investors.
Deal-making hones focus Not all energy stocks benefit from deal-making, but MPLX is a prime example of a company that knows how to execute on that front. Last year, this midstream outfit made three purchases while parting ways with its Rocky Mountain business. That slims the company's focus (in a good way) to the Marcellus and Permian shale regions.
Investors approaching MPLX with a long-term perspective may find those areas of emphasis appealing for several reasons. Acquisitions that deepen MPLX's Permian footprint enable the energy company to strengthen its drill-to-Gulf Coast proposition while fortifying its natural gas liquids (NGLs) exposure.
Long-term investors shouldn't gloss over MPLX's place in the NGL ecosystem. From this year through 2035, the NGL market is expected to nearly double, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. North America is the largest NGL market in the world, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are ramping up, and they are at the top of the White House's America energy independence agenda. So while MPLX isn't a 100% pure-play liquefied natural gas stock, its angles on that corner of the energy space may be contributors to long-term share price appreciation.
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There's also an artificial intelligence (AI) angle here. Yes, these days it sure feels as though many non-tech companies have "AI hooks," but in MPLX's case, the energy firm is AI-relevant. The reasoning is simple. It's Marcellus, and Permian footprints are favorable in the data center expansion scenario because natural gas is abundant and cost-effective. That's exactly the type of energy data centers crave.
More gas in this dividend's tank Seasoned energy investors know that dividends are one of the primary reasons to consider pipeline stocks, but it's not just about whether an operator pays today. It's about what they can deliver next year and for years to come.
MPLX answers the payout growth bell with ease. The 12.5% dividend hike announced by the company last October raised the annual distribution to $4.31 per share, meaning it has grown nearly 10 times in just over 11 years. The company is targeting 12.5% distribution growth through 2027, implying a dividend primed to compound.
Skeptical investors may be apt to think MPLX's dividend outlook sounds too good to be true. While some skepticism is warranted in investing, there's good news with MPLX: Its dividend doesn't burden it. It has a 1.8 debt-to-equity ratio, and its $5 billion in liquidity can fund almost two years of spending based on current rates. In the first quarter, MPLX generated $549 million in free cash flow, leading to distribution coverage of 1.3 times. So the dividend is safe with a solid foundation for long-term growth.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of MPLX either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Enterprise Products Partners and MPLX LP are leading blue-chip energy infrastructure companies. Both have high yields, strong balance sheets, and impressive distribution track records. I compare them side by side and share which is the better option for which investor.
Key Takeaways Oil prices are falling as Strait of Hormuz flows recover, but midstream stocks face less exposure.KMI gets most earnings from take-or-pay contracts across its 78,000-mile pipeline network.MPLX and Williams rely on long-term contracts, fee-based revenues and major energy infrastructure. The oil-energy sector remains in the spotlight after the United States and Iran reached an interim deal last week. Media reports suggest that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are recovering, with shipping activity picking up again. Eventually, oil prices are declining significantly, altering the business landscape of energy companies.
Notably, the West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) oil is currently hovering around $70 per barrel, according to data from Oilprice.com, significantly lower than the more than $100 per barrel reached in May this year. This reflects the heightened volatility in commodity prices that is affecting the energy sector. However, not all stocks are being affected. Three midstream players like Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI - Free Report) , MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) and The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB - Free Report) are now well-poised to gain. Let's delve deeper.
Midstream: A Resilient Business ModelStocks in the midstream space have lower exposure to volatility in commodity prices than oil and gas producers. This is because midstream players generate stable fee-based revenues since the transportation and storage assets are being booked by shippers for the long term. Hence, their business model is relatively low-risk, which indicates considerably less exposure to oil and gas prices and volume risks.
3 Pipeline Stocks to Keep an Eye On: KMI, MPLX & WMBKinder Morgan: With its operating interests in oil and gas pipeline networks spread across 78,000 miles, KMI is a leading energy infrastructure company in North America. It derives most of its earnings from take-or-pay contracts, generating stable fee-based revenues.
The midstream energy major, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), is likely to grow on the back of its business model, which is relatively resilient to volume and commodity price risks. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
MPLX: MPLX’s midstream business comprises transporting crude oil and refined products. The #3 Ranked partnership generates stable cash flows from its long-term contracts with the shippers. Its crude oil and natural gas gathering systems also generate stable fee-based revenues.
The Williams Companies: The company is well-poised to capitalize on the mounting demand for clean energy since it is engaged in transporting, storing, gathering and processing natural gas and natural gas liquids.
With its pipeline networks spread across more than 30,000 miles, The Williams Companies, with a Zacks Rank of 3, connects premium basins in the United States to the key market. WMB’s assets can meet a considerable proportion of the nation’s natural gas consumption, which is utilized for heating purposes and clean-energy generation.
MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $57.68, demonstrating a +1.37% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 1.44%. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.09%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 2.22%.
The stock of company has risen by 0.76% in the past month, leading the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 7.14% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.08%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of MPLX LP in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on August 4, 2026. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $1.08, showcasing a 4.85% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $3.26 billion, up 8.52% from the prior-year quarter.
Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $4.22 per share and revenue of $13.09 billion, indicating changes of -12.45% and +0.71%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for MPLX LP. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 1.12% decrease. As of now, MPLX LP holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
In terms of valuation, MPLX LP is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.48. This represents a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 17.85.
Investors should also note that MPLX has a PEG ratio of 5.46 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.85 as trading concluded yesterday.
The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, putting it in the top 38% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
, /PRNewswire/ -- MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. EDT to discuss 2026 second-quarter financial results.
Interested parties may listen to the conference call by visiting MPLX's website at www.mplx.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on MPLX's website for two weeks. Financial information, including the earnings release and other investor-related material, will also be available online prior to the conference call and webcast at www.mplx.com.
About MPLX LP
MPLX is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets and provides fuels distribution services. MPLX's assets include a network of crude oil and refined product pipelines; an inland marine business; light-product terminals; storage caverns; refinery tanks, docks, loading racks, and associated piping; and crude and light-product marine terminals. The company also owns crude oil and natural gas gathering systems and pipelines as well as natural gas and NGL processing and fractionation facilities in key U.S. supply basins. More information is available at www.MPLX.com.
MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) closed at $55.67 in the latest trading session, marking a -2.11% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's 1.65% gain on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.92%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq increased by 3.07%.
The company's shares have seen an increase of 3.83% over the last month, surpassing the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 2.71% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.48%.
The upcoming earnings release of MPLX LP will be of great interest to investors. The company is expected to report EPS of $1.08, up 4.85% from the prior-year quarter. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $3.26 billion, indicating a 8.52% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $4.22 per share and a revenue of $13.09 billion, demonstrating changes of -12.45% and +0.71%, respectively, from the preceding year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for MPLX LP. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.
The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 2.54% fall in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. MPLX LP currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
In terms of valuation, MPLX LP is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.48. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 19.37, which means MPLX LP is trading at a discount to the group.
It is also worth noting that MPLX currently has a PEG ratio of 5.46. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The average PEG ratio for the Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry stood at 1.78 at the close of the market yesterday.
The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 59, placing it within the top 25% of over 250 industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
Investors interested in stocks from the Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines sector have probably already heard of Transportadora De Gas Sa Ord B (TGS) and MPLX LP (MPLX). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors?
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A 64-year-old retiree with $475,000 who wants to generate $2,800 per month, or $33,600 annually, from dividends alone needs a portfolio yield of roughly 7%. That is simply the arithmetic. With the S&P 500 yielding well under 2%, a traditional index-fund portfolio falls far short of producing that level of income without selling shares. The... A $475,000 Portfolio That Quietly Pays $2,800 a Month From Just Two Sectors Most Investors Ignore
MLPs remain highly attractive for income investors due to defensive cash flows, CPI-linked contracts, and yields averaging ~7.5%. Recent MLP price surges do not signal overvaluation; current valuations are not detached given sector fundamentals and macro risks. MLPs have deleveraged, consolidated, and now benefit from higher inflation expectations and a flight-to-quality dynamic.
Pulling in $9,800 a month from a portfolio without selling a single share is the kind of math that can completely reshape a retirement plan. That works out to $117,600 a year, roughly four times the median U.S. monthly mortgage payment of about $2,200 for principal and interest. For a 64-year-old couple with a paid-off... A $1.7 Million Portfolio That Quietly Pays $9,800 a Month and Outpaces the Median U.S. Mortgage Payment Twice Over
MPLX LP stands out as my top MLP pick, offering a compelling combination of high yield, robust distribution growth, and lower risk relative to peers. MPLX units yield nearly 8%, trade at ~12x earnings, and management guides to 12.5% annual distribution growth through 2027, outpacing Enterprise Products Partners. The company's fee-based, long-term contracts and strategic ties to Marathon Petroleum Corporation provide stable, predictable cash flows and strong downside protection.
MPLX stands out as a leading midstream MLP, driven by steady natural gas and NGL expansion and robust distribution growth. With a 1.3X distribution coverage and a 12.5% Y/Y distribution increase, MPLX offers compelling yield and growth for income-focused investors. MPLX trades at an attractive 11.2X forward EV/EBITDA, comparable to peers like EPD, and is well-positioned for accretive pipeline acquisitions.
MPLX LP offers a 7.5% yield, with management targeting 12.5% distribution growth in 2026 and 2027. Strong cash flow visibility, disciplined capital allocation, and a robust balance sheet support the distribution growth thesis. I estimate MPLX's fair value at $64.5/unit, implying 14% upside if leverage moderates and growth materializes as planned.
MPLX LP offers a near 8% yield with a multi-year plan for 12.5% distribution growth, but units now trade just above fair value. I downgrade MPLX to a "Hold," as major growth projects are on schedule but back-weighted to late 2026, with leverage expected to normalize to 3.5x by 2027. Distribution coverage remains robust at 1.3x, with management reiterating double-digit distribution growth through 2027 and a stable investment-grade balance sheet.
Investors with an interest in Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines stocks have likely encountered both Transportadora De Gas Sa Ord B (TGS) and MPLX LP (MPLX). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors?
Energy remains a top investment focus due to global demand, constrained supply growth, and attractive sector valuations versus the S&P 500. I highlight my preferred picks across the energy supply chain: LandBridge, Viper Energy, Helmerich & Payne, Diamondback Energy, Western Midstream, and Marathon Petroleum. VNOM offers high cash returns to shareholders, while WES and MPC provide strong yields and capital return strategies, each excelling in their respective niches.
North American natural gas demand is poised for a historic increase driven by growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and the demand for power, which includes data centers. This backdrop is driving unprecedented opportunities for natural gas-focused midstream companies.
The June GVAS portfolio highlights 13 'safer,' fair-priced large-cap value stocks with strong dividend yields and positive free cash flow margins. Top ten GVAS stocks are forecasted to deliver average net gains of 39.68% by June 2027, with yields ranging from 7.9% to 16.46%. Energy and financial sectors dominate the highest-yielding, lowest-priced GVAS, with Okeanis Eco Tankers and IRSA Inversiones offering standout upside potential.
This article is part of our monthly series where we highlight five large-cap, relatively safe, dividend-paying companies offering significant discounts to their historical norms. We go over our filtering process to select just five conservative DGI stocks from more than 7,500 companies that are traded on U.S. exchanges, including OTC networks. In addition to the primary list that yields 4.2%, we present two other groups of five DGI stocks each, from moderate to high yields of up to 8%.
REITs, BDCs, and MLPs are structured to be powerful income machines. I detail a REIT, BDC, and MLP that I think are ideal for retiring on dividends. I also share some risk factors to keep in mind for each of them.
North American midstream M&A activity has slowed into 2026 relative to 2025. For many midstream companies, organic growth projects and returning capital to shareholders are seen as more attractive.
