CBA News and Press, ClearBridge American Energy MLP Fund Inc. From 09/28/22

Summary The energy markets have been volatile for most of 2022, continuing a two-year trend that dates to the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The rising rig count and share buyback and M&A activity in midstream, especially in the Permian Basin, indicate strength in the...

Summary MLPs are pass-through entities that enjoy special tax treatment. As pass-through entities, MLPs avoid the double-taxation associated with investments in C-Corporations. Typically, 70-100% of MLP distributions have been considered a tax-deferred return of capital, which mea...

Summary Recent U.S. legislation alters the trajectory of GHG emissions and expands the opportunity set for midstream issuers. The bill enhances and expands the incentives for a diverse array of investments, enabling decarbonization across the U.S. economy. The strength of IRA ...

Summary Oil prices have seen three straight months of price declines and are down more than 30% from their relative high in June, but energy stocks have been relatively resilient, particularly MLPs. Much of the weakness in oil prices has been driven by demand concerns related to t...

Summary Following the hawkish comments from Jackson Hole, it seems like the dynamic seen for much of 2022 is set to continue. Less sensitivity to interest rates may also work in energy’s favor. Positive changes in recent years to the financial positioning of midstream c...

Summary With free cash flow generation becoming more meaningful since 2020, many companies have used excess cash flow to reduce debt, while EBITDA growth has also contributed to lower leverage ratios. With improved balance sheets, midstream companies have been able to execute on d...

A dozen energy infrastructure companies spent a combined $1.4 billion on equity repurchases in 2Q22. Four names spent $100+ million in the quarter led by Cheniere Energy (LNG). Constituents with buyback programs account for over 75% of the Alerian Midstream Energy Index (AMNA) by weig...

Last quarter, we discussed the ongoing trends of sticky inflation and a hawkish Federal Reserve. These trends accelerated in Q2 as the U.S. Consumer Price Index rose again to 9.1% in June. Equity volatility remains elevated, but strategies such as covered calls can offer compelling op...

Midstream dividend trends remained positive for 2Q22, with a few examples of growth and no cuts. Comparing 2Q22 payouts with 2Q21, more than 80% of the Alerian Midstream Energy Index (AMNA) and Alerian MLP Index (AMZ) by weighting have grown their payouts. Combining the strong yea...

The Permian’s abundant resources, favorable economics, established infrastructure, and relative proximity to end markets will result in continued volume growth. While some of the largest public Permian producers are only growing modestly, the integrated majors and private explo...