Happy Monday,
Today, we are looking at my two largest high-yield energy positions. Both of these are stocks many of you have asked for updated stock analysis videos on. So you got your wish. (HESM and MPLX).
Here is a deep dive into each, as well as a look into my recent MSFT gains and MCD Analysis.
Today’s Topics:
HESM: My $103K+ Highest Yielding Position (Watch Here)
MPLX Stock Analysis (Watch Here)
MCD Stock Analysis (Watch Here)
How I Made $22,003 in 5 Days on MSFT (Watch Here)
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HESM Stock Analysis
HESM: My $103K+ Highest Yielding Position
📊 Research HESM: DividendData.com/stocks/hesm
Summary
HESM makes up over 28% of my dividend growth portfolio, generating $7,940 in annual income. Despite common misconceptions around midstream energy companies, its structure and reliable cash flows make it my top income engine.
Key Points
No K-1 Tax Form: Structured as an Up-C corporation; distributions are reported on a standard 1099-DIV.
Protected Cash Flows: Chevron represents ~96% of revenue via 100% fee-based contracts and minimum volume commitments (MVCs) through 2028, protecting downside risk.
Surge in Free Cash Flow: Reduced 2026 CapEx to ~$15 million as major infrastructure buildouts end, directing cash toward debt reduction (targeting 2.5x leverage) and distributions.
Dividend Growth Machine: Target is 5%+ annual dividend growth through 2028, but it has delivered a 9.36% 5-year CAGR with raises every single quarter.
Verdict
HESM trades near fair value based on historic yield multiples, but the Dividend Discount Model (DDM) indicates significant intrinsic upside. It remains a core, high-conviction holding.
MPLX Stock Analysis
MPLX: High Yield Meets Double-Digit Growth
📊 Research MPLX: DividendData.com/stocks/mplx
Summary
I hold $19,946 in MPLX (330 units), generating $1,421 in annual income. It offers a rare combination of a >7% yield and double-digit distribution growth.
Key Points
Master Limited Partnership: Operates as an MLP (issues a K-1 form) with 64% ownership by Marathon Petroleum.
Gas-Driven Growth: Over 90% of growth CapEx targets natural gas and NGL infrastructure in the Permian/Delaware basins to meet growing domestic and data center demand.
Aggressive Distribution Guidance: Following consecutive 12.5% distribution increases, management guided for additional 12.5% raises in both 2026 and 2027.
Verdict
While MPLX trades near all-time highs and slightly above historical P/E medians, robust cash flow growth and DDM valuation confirm it remains an excellent long-term compounder.
MCD Stock Analysis
The Best Time to Buy McDonald's Stock in 5 Years?
📊 Research MCD: DividendData.com/stocks/mcd
Summary
MCD has pulled back nearly 20% from its 2026 highs due to slowing U.S. same-store sales growth (+0.8%), creating its lowest forward P/E (~20.7x) in 5 years.
Key Points
Capital-Light Model: 95% franchised structure generates resilient 30%+ net margins and $7B in TTM free cash flow.
Dividend Safety: Offers a 2.71% yield supported by an A-grade safety profile and decades of annual increases.
Verdict
MCD is at its most attractive entry price in five years. It is best suited for defensive income rather than market-beating growth.
MSFT Stock Analysis
How I Accidentally Made $22,003 in 5 Days (From Just 1 Stock)
📊 Research MSFT Stock: https://www.dividenddata.com/stocks/msft/
Summary
MSFT surged 26% off its recent $390 lows following strong Q4 earnings driven by Azure demand and commercial backlogs.
Key Points
Cloud Dominance: Intelligent Cloud grew 32% year-over-year, with Azure growing 43% and crossing $100B in annual revenue.
Surging Commitments: Commercial Remaining Performance Obligations (RPOs) jumped 84% to $678 billion.
Cash Flow Engine: TTM operating cash flow accelerated 34.3% to $182.9B, balancing heavy AI CapEx spending ($115B TTM).
Verdict
MSFT remains a premier long-term growth holding. It is attractive relative to operating cash flow, but avoid chasing short-term price spikes
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– Zach
Founder, Dividend Data
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Disclaimer: Dividend Dividend (Dividend Data LLC) is not a professional financial service. All materials released from Dividend Data (Dividend Data LLC) are for educational and entertainment purposes. Dividend Data (Dividend Data LLC) is not a replacement for a professional's opinion. Contributors to the Dividend Data (Dividend Data LLC) might have equities mentioned in the newsletter