$WMB

Alternative asset managers like Apollo, Blackstone, and KKR are financing U.S. LNG and pipeline projects, with $20.35B invested in 2026. Insurance capital is backing projects like Sempra's Port Arthur LNG, Williams' power projects, and ONEOK's acquisitions. LNG projects now attract diverse investors, including infrastructure funds and sovereign wealth funds, due to long-term revenue stability.

Williams Companies (WMB), a midstream energy firm, has seen its stock rise 130% over the past decade, excluding dividends. The company boasts a 3% dividend yield, a 162% dividend increase over the past decade, and stable cash flows. Its Q2 earnings per share rose 51% year-over-year, with revenue up 9.7%. Williams benefits from U.S. energy export growth and data center power demands, with a $15.5 billion backlog of orders. The stock is up 15% year-to-date, trading at 28 times forward earnings.

Five midstream energy companies—EPD, ET, MPLX, WMB, and KMI—highlighted for raising dividends despite market cycles. EPD yields 5.87%, ET 6.56%, MPLX 7.32%, WMB 2.88%, and KMI 3.76%. All have multiyear contracts insulating payouts from oil price swings, with U.S. LNG export capacity expected to reach 27.7 Bcf/d by 2030. Each company's financials and growth prospects are detailed, including record cash flows and planned expansions.

Morgan Stanley updated its 'Vintage Values' portfolio for 2027, adding Alphabet (GOOGL) and Coca-Cola (KO). The 2026 portfolio returned 32.12%, outperforming the S&P 500. The new list includes 15 stocks, with a focus on large-cap quality and growth. Morgan Stanley's strategy emphasizes bottom-up drivers over momentum. Stock reactions were mixed on Monday.

Morgan Stanley updated its 'Vintage Values' stock picks for 2027, including Alphabet, Coca-Cola, and Apple. The 2026 list gained 32.12%, outperforming the S&P 500. The 2027 portfolio focuses on large-cap growth stocks with high quality metrics. Key selections include Alphabet, Coca-Cola, Apple, Dynatrace, Eli Lilly, and others. GOOGL rose 2%, KO fell 1%, and AAPL added 0.8% on Monday.

Energy Transfer (ET) and Williams Companies (WMB) are major U.S. midstream natural gas firms. Both benefit from AI-driven demand, but Williams has more exposure. ET has a 6.5% yield, while WMB trades at 14x EBITDA.

Four midstream energy companies—Enterprise Products Partners (EPD), MPLX, Williams Companies (WMB), and ONEOK (OKE)—highlighted for stable dividends and growth. EPD yields 5.68% with 1.9x distribution coverage, MPLX offers 7.37% yield with 12.5% annual growth commitment. All maintained dividends through 2020 crash, showcasing resilience. EPD, WMB, and OKE also discussed their financials and growth prospects.

The Williams Companies (WMB) lost a key water-quality certification for its $1B NESE project after a federal appeals court ruling. The company expects no impact on construction or its Q4 2027 in-service timeline. The project aims to expand gas supply to high-demand areas in New York.

The Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline project, opposed by environmental groups and local communities, has faced multiple denials and reversals. In 2025, New York's DEC granted conditional approval, citing revised ecological impact estimates. Critics argue the pipeline is unnecessary, and its economics favor National Grid, which earns a guaranteed return on infrastructure projects. Legal challenges continue, with one active in the D.C. Circuit.

Stifel highlights U.S. midstream energy sector's growth potential, citing disciplined capital allocation and rising power demand. Targa Resources (TRGP) and Williams Companies (WMB) are noted for strong performance, with TRGP reporting $1.603B Q2 2026 adjusted EBITDA and WMB exceeding revenue expectations and raising full-year guidance. Both companies saw price target increases from analysts.