Seeking High Dividend Yield? Earn 9.6% from This Energy Stock Now.
Western Midstream operates in the midstream segment of the energy industry, a space known for its stable cash flow characteristics. The company's core operations include gathering and transporting oil and gas and the disposal of produced water. It also markets natural gas, NGLs, and condensates under specific processing agreements. This diversified service offering positions WES to generate consistent revenue, even as energy markets fluctuate.
WES Is Built for Stability and Growth
WES benefits from a large, high-quality asset base spread across multiple productive basins in the U.S. These assets are not only strategically located, but also modernized with advanced processing, measurement, and operating technologies. This sets the company up for long-term operational efficiency and the ability to attract more volume from key upstream producers.
A significant strength of Western Midstream is its ability to generate low-volatility cash flows, even amid commodity price fluctuations. WES focuses on fee-based contracts with protective features like minimum-volume commitments and cost-of-service provisions. These mechanisms ensure the company continues to bring in steady revenue, which helps support its generous payouts to investors.
As of year-end 2024, WES had 95% of its wellhead natural gas and 100% of its crude oil and produced water throughput, covered by these fee-based agreements. That means most of its revenue isn't directly exposed to fluctuating commodity prices.
Western Midstream's long-standing partnership with Occidental Petroleum (OXY) is another positive. This relationship aligns WES with a major upstream player and provides capital-efficient growth opportunities tied to Occidental's development plans. It's a unique synergy that adds stability and upside potential to WES's business model.
Financially, Western Midstream is well-equipped to handle both organic expansion and acquisitions. Its robust operating cash flow, ample borrowing capacity, and access to capital markets provide the liquidity needed to seize strategic growth opportunities. The company's long-term debt profile and solid relationships in the financial community add to its overall resilience.
Thanks to strong financial performance and a healthy underlying business, WES has consistently increased its base distribution over the years. Since 2021, the company's annual base dividend per share has jumped from $1.27 to $3.20 in 2024 and now $3.50 — an impressive rise reflecting operational strength and growing free cash flow. Looking ahead, WES aims for continued distribution growth in the mid-to-low single digits each year.
The Bottom Line on This Dividend Stock
Western Midstream Partners' fee-based operating model has built a strong foundation for stability and growth. This approach enables it to deliver more predictable cash flows and financial resilience even during challenging market conditions.
The company is expanding its footprint through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. By continually investing in economically viable development and expansion projects, it efficiently meets rising demand for its services while also creating opportunities for long-term growth.
Mergers and acquisitions significantly influence the company's broader growth agenda. Western Midstream strategically targets new assets, business lines, and geographies to add to its portfolio. When combined with steady organic growth, these accretive acquisitions will support the company's goal of maintaining a healthy return and driving sustained distribution growth over time.
Further, Western Midstream's focus on controlling operating and administrative costs in check bodes well for future growth. Its efforts to enhance productivity will help generate meaningful cost savings and support overall profitability.
Despite these strengths, the stock carries a 'Hold' consensus rating from Wall Street analysts, mainly due to macroeconomic risks. The ongoing trade tensions could push operating and capital costs higher for the company, which may pressure its margins and distributions.
Still, Western Midstream presents a compelling case for income-focused investors. Its forward yield of 9.6% stands out, especially given the company's stable cash flows and commitment to returning more cash to its shareholders.
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Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Shell completes sale of interest in Colonial Enterprises Inc. to Brookfield subsidiary
HOUSTON, July 31, 2025 /CNW/ -- Shell Midstream Operating LLC (SMUS), a subsidiary of Shell plc ("Shell"), has completed the previously announced sale of its 16.125% interest in Colonial Enterprises, Inc. ("Colonial") to Colossus AcquireCo LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. and its institutional partners (collectively, "Brookfield"). The divestment reflects Shell's focus on performance, discipline and simplification and enables the company to concentrate on areas where it has scale and competitive advantage. Notes to editors Together with Shell, the co-owners of Colonial Enterprises, Inc., have sold 100% of their Colonial shares to Brookfield. Colonial was previously divided among five partners: Shell Midstream Operating LLC (16.125%), Koch Capital Investments Company, LLC (28.088%); KKR-Keats Pipeline Investors, L.P. (23.443%); La Caisse (16.549%); and IFM Investors (IFM) (15.795%). The sale values Shell's share of Colonial at $1.45 billion, inclusive of approximately $500 million in non-recourse debt and excluding customary closing adjustments. Colonial operates as an independent company and fully owns Colonial Pipeline Company (CPC), a non-operated venture, as well as Colonial Marketing Company. CPC provides oil products transportation services from the US Gulf Coast to the US Atlantic Seaboard. Shell Midstream Operating LLC is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Shell Pipeline Company LP, and the largest pipeline operator in the Gulf of America. It transports 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil, refined products, chemicals and NGLs annually through its vast network of pipelines and tank farms across 12 states and the Gulf of America. The U.S. is a key market for Shell, where it has interests in 50 states and employs more than 11,000 people who work to provide a secure supply of energy today, while tackling the energy challenges of the future. Shell's U.S. portfolio of operated companies and interests consists of oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, lubricants and refined fuel products along with renewables such as wind, solar, and mobility segments like electric vehicle charging. Cautionary Note The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this press release, "Shell", "Shell Group" and "Group" are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this press release refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms "joint venture", "joint operations", "joint arrangements", and "associates" may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest. Forward-Looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "aim"; "ambition"; ''anticipate''; "aspire", "aspiration", ''believe''; "commit"; "commitment"; ''could''; "desire"; ''estimate''; ''expect''; ''goals''; ''intend''; ''may''; "milestones"; ''objectives''; ''outlook''; ''plan''; ''probably''; ''project''; ''risks''; "schedule"; ''seek''; ''should''; ''target''; "vision"; ''will''; "would" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc's Form 20-F and amendment thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at and These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this press release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, July 31, 2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Shell's net carbon intensity Also, in this press release we may refer to Shell's "net carbon intensity" (NCI), which includes Shell's carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers' carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers' carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell's NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell's "net carbon intensity" or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries. Shell's net-zero emissions target Shell's operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell's operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell's operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target. Forward-Looking non-GAAP measures This press release may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc's consolidated financial statements. The contents of websites referred to in this press release do not form part of this press release. We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this press release that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, and any amendment thereto, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website
Globe and Mail
24-06-2025
- Globe and Mail
Analysts Offer Insights on Energy Companies: Western Midstream Partners (WES), Mach Natural Resources LP (MNR) and California Resources Corp (CRC)
Companies in the Energy sector have received a lot of coverage today as analysts weigh in on Western Midstream Partners (WES – Research Report), Mach Natural Resources LP (MNR – Research Report) and California Resources Corp (CRC – Research Report). Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Western Midstream Partners (WES) Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad maintained a Sell rating on Western Midstream Partners today and set a price target of $41.00. The company's shares closed last Monday at $38.88. According to Kad is a 4-star analyst with an average return of 9.6% and a 65.2% success rate. Kad covers the NA sector, focusing on stocks such as Enterprise Products Partners, Plains All American, and Plains GP Holdings. ;'> The word on The Street in general, suggests a Hold analyst consensus rating for Western Midstream Partners with a $40.57 average price target. In a report released today, John Freeman from Raymond James reiterated a Buy rating on Mach Natural Resources LP, with a price target of $21.00. The company's shares closed last Monday at $15.47. According to Freeman is a top 25 analyst with an average return of 42.2% and a 72.5% success rate. Freeman covers the NA sector, focusing on stocks such as Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Class A, Crescent Energy Company Class A, and National Fuel Gas Company. ;'> Currently, the analyst consensus on Mach Natural Resources LP is a Strong Buy with an average price target of $21.00. California Resources Corp (CRC) In a report released today, Leo Mariani from Roth MKM maintained a Buy rating on California Resources Corp, with a price target of $48.00. The company's shares closed last Monday at $46.98. According to Mariani is a top 100 analyst with an average return of 28.1% and a 63.5% success rate. Mariani covers the NA sector, focusing on stocks such as Occidental Petroleum, Magnolia Oil & Gas, and Comstock Resources. ;'> California Resources Corp has an analyst consensus of Strong Buy, with a price target consensus of $55.80, which is a 16.4% upside from current levels. In a report issued on June 10, TD Cowen also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $45.34 price target.
Canada Standard
03-06-2025
- Canada Standard
Inbox: They're all here for a reason
Its better to fall short in pursuit of excellence than settle for mediocrity Wes Hodkiewicz Russ from Peosta, IA Hi Mike and Wes and all of II! My thought is about players in a contract year. It is usually said you will see that player have or try to have a banner year. Doesn't that sound like he isn't trying that hard in other "safe" years? It is hard to conceive a player at the NFL can think about it being a contract year every game and play harder than he usually does. Any insight to a player thought process for a contract year? GPG! I think that's a glass-half empty way of looking at it, especially in a league that doesn't fully guarantee contracts. I don't think players in a contract year try that much harder than those with long-term stability. I think we, starting with the media, just perseverate more on their Kraft, for example, worked his ass off last season but isn't even eligible for an extension until after the 2025 season, so we didn't really talk about that aspect of his JacobsandXavier McKinneysigned life-changing contracts last offseason and promptly responded with career years, respectively. There may be more financial incentive for players in contract years to push harder, but I promise the average NFL player is already working hard. Paul from Ledgeview, WI Mike or Wes, does theMecole Hardmansigning stand as the absolute testimonial that Brian Gutekunst does not know what will happen during the draft? I would not imagine Hardman being signed if BG knew the Packers would draft two WRs. Obviously Gutekunst doesn't know how the draft board will fall, but he does have a hunch who could be available where the Packers are picking. What's more, everyone thought it was possible Green Bay could draft another receiver or two after how last season went. The point I'm trying to make is the Packers never would've signed Hardman if he had no chance of making this roster. If a player has a roster spot, it means the Packers believe he can help the team meet its goals and objectives. They're all here for a reason. Larry from Hudson, WI I forgot all about being down three receivers in that last game. One could argue that most of our offseason personnel moves were a response to how we lost that game. This offseason also drives home the fact that availability is the most important ability. Definitely. It was sort of the same story on the offensive line, too. Everything changed for the Packers after Nolan Smith rammed his helmet intoElgton Jenkins' shoulder. Tom from Houston, TX If I offered you a 3-3 divisional record for 2025, would you take it? No. It's better to fall short in pursuit of excellence than settle for mediocrity. The Packers want to win the NFC North, not merely survive it. Jim from Hudsonville, MI If you could only improve upon one single detail from last year, what would it be? I'd choose drops on third (fourth) down. Seems like we had too many drive-killers from those. Runner-up might be penalties, but I forced myself to choose just one. It would be the drops because it's sensational what the Packers' wideouts can do once they secure the catch. This receiving corps already was an explosive play waiting to happen and now it addsMatthew GoldenandSavion Williamsinto the mix. My runner-up would be more consistency with the four-man pass rush. It's not always about getting sacks, either. It's also applying pressure to force the QB into making mistakes. That's where Green Bay struggled at times last year. Mike from Baraboo, WI What are the chances that we will seeChristian Watsonplay this season? I think very good. It's not so much a matter of if, but when. Jimmy from Easley, SC As we approach the 18-game season, will the NFL allow for an increased roster size from 53 on the roster and 48 for gametime? More games will likely lead to more injuries, bumps and bruises. Do we know if the league has considered this? I doubt it. I think the NFL's reaction to a longer season was expanding practice-squad rosters to 16 (or 17 with an international player) and relaxing the rules to now enable PS players to be elevated to the gameday roster. Josh from Fort Myers, FL I have to disagree with the idea that increasing the number of teams wouldn't increase viewership. I believe it is only a matter of time before we have multiple teams outside the U.S. Toronto has been tossed around as a potential NFL city for years. London seems like a given at some point. And there are numerous untapped markets stateside (imagine a rivalry between Dallas and OKC). Put teams where there aren't and give local fans something that is theirs and they will watch. The NFL is always looking to grow its footprint, but I don't believe adding more teams accomplishes that objective. Also, adding more teams would cut into the 1/32 cut every owner receives from league revenue. If you're going to add more seats at the table, owners need a guarantee the table will also be larger. It's much easier to add more international games, a blueprint that's worked quite well for the Premier League in the United States. Rob from Louisville, CO As far as expansion goes, do you think we will see teams in Canada first, rather than overseas? Does the NFL have any sort of agreement or informal relationship with the CFL that would make that more or less likely? If there was ever a chance the NFL would expand to Canada, it came and went when the Buffalo Bills officially ended their flirtation with Toronto in 2014. Bruce from Appleton, WI Do you think any of the rookies have a chance at starting this year? Oh sure. Steve from Grawn, MI I liked Mike's response to my question about what we need to do to win some division games next year. Indeed, a number of wins last year (Indy, TN, Seattle, Miami, etc.) included fast starts. So, to follow up, what are the keys to fast starts? While game plan and execution seem primary, how much does coming out "on fire" vs. "flat" have to do with it do you think? We make a lot out of "fast" starts, but really, it's just a euphemism for execution. When you really break it down, I think execution, preparation, experience, talent and health are the five pillars of any successful team. If enough of those stand in alignment, a team will get the fast start it seeks. Derek from Lexington, KY I know it's only June, but can you reassure me that worrying about predicted strength of schedule is a silly thing to worry about? Strength of schedule is a silly thing to worry about, Derek. Ben from Avon, IN Just read that Frank Ragnow is retiring. Great player but sadly a short career. How much of a blow is it for a team to learn their amazing center is retiring this close to the start of the season? Ragnow's retirement is a massive blow for Detroit's offense and it would be disingenuous to say it's not. The guy has made the Pro Bowl in four of his last five seasons. Ragnow was not only an integral part of the Lions' offensive line but also a mainstay during Detroit's resurgence. While Ragnow was openly contemplating retirement after last season, Detroit doesn't have a readymade replacement for him at center. Justin from Thousand Oaks, CA Ragnow retiring in Detroit. Garrett Bradbury out in Minnesota. Chicago bringing in Drew Dalman. Jenkins taking over from Myers. Any thoughts about all four teams in the NFC North having new centers this year? It's definitely a changing of the guard or center within in the Clarkoften has gotten the best of the Vikings' and Bears' centers over the past decade, so it'll be interesting to see what Ryan Kelly and Dalman can offer. Gordon from Newport Beach, CA It's interesting that the 2024 Packers were a pretty healthy team over the year, however, when there was a backup player starting the odds of winning/losing hardly ever changed. Is that simply because of a lack of star skill players or something else? I wouldn't say that. I think it was more the Packers didn't lose many of their star players and had solid depth at key positions when injuries occurred (e.g. quarterback, cornerback and linebacker). Reserve players were ready to contributeand they did. John from Stevens Point, WI Bryce Huff reunites with Robert Saleh in San Francisco after bombing with the Eagles. Assuming he re-worked his big contract, wouldn't he be the type of guy to help the Packers? I think Huff makes more sense back in Saleh's scheme than trying to resurrect his career in a new defense for the third straight year. I also don't know how much of an upgrade Huff would've been for the Packers. He only has 10 career sacks in four seasons outside of his breakout year in 2023. Dustin from Kansas City, MO If the Packers started a Hall of Fame for assistant coaches, who would be your first inductee? To make it more interesting, you can't pick Tom Clements because I feel like that's too obvious of a choice and we all know he would be voted in regardless. So, other than him, who would you put in? He's a coordinator, not a position coach, but Fritz Shurmur should be in the Packers Hall of Fame. Jeff from Mequon, WI Hey Insiders, hope the offseason is treating you well. I'm excited to share that our 5-month-old is one of the newest members of the Packers' season ticket waiting list! I never got on the list, so this is an exciting tradition to start in our family. I had the pleasure of running into Matt LaFleur at a Marquette game a while back. How would you evaluate his career with GB so far? I can't help but feel if he had the level experience he does now back in 2020-21, he'd be a Super Bowl champion already. Wonderful. What an exciting day for your family. I think the results speak for themselves with LaFleur. Yes, the Packers are still chasing a return to the Super Bowl, but they've also made the playoffs in five of LaFleur's six seasons as head coach despite the massive transition from Aaron Rodgers toJordan Loveunder center. While I don't disagree there is no substitute for experience, Green Bay also arrived as a championship contender well ahead of schedule thanks to LaFleur's hiring in 2019. Jeff from Edgerton, WI Happy Tuesday, Wes. I'm previously known as Jeff from Victorville, CA, but have since retired and moved to Edgerton, WI. I just wanna say you have a very good speaking manner and get your point across in a positive way that resonates with the fans. You present yourself well on camera. If say, "Good Morning Football" asked you to be part of their morning show, filmed now in LA, do you take the job or remain true to your roots and stay in Green Bay for 1/5 of the income? Just a hypothetical question. Congratulations on retirement Jeff! Thank you for the kind words, but I'm very happy and content where I am with (not that anybody is even calling). If I weren't in Green Bay, maybe I'd be more open to new opportunities, but I get to cover the Packers/NFL 15 minutes from my childhood home. It doesn't get much better than that. Caleb from Knoxville, TN What's the most amusing sports headline you've ever read? "On to Chicaco." David from Ft. Worth, TX Mike, so sad to read you won't be writing books in your retirement. "There's a Song of Ice and Fire" tome that could use your help. "A Dream of Spring" would've been written before I graduated high school if Spoff had the pen and not GRRM. Jake from Regina, Canada Please pass along my thanks to Wayne Larrivee for recording his encouraging message for my dad, Pete, who is nearing the end of his five-year battle with cancer. Pete is a diehard Packers fan and is also a member of our local sports media. He spent many years working in journalism and broadcasting for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) and also coordinates and stars in a weekly sport talk show, giving a platform to any and all youth, amateur, or semi-pro athletes in our Province. That was a beautiful message, Jake. I will be sure to do that. All the best to you, your father and the rest of your family. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Andrew from Chicago, IL I'm pretty sure I'm the one who needs to get into shape. I don't think I've had a submission published this calendar year. I promise to do better, Mike and Wes. Back to the grind I go. 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