Energy prices are up YTD, leading to a significant increase in prices and valuations for energy stocks. The ALPS Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF is a midstream energy index ETF and has seen its share price increase by over 20% YTD. Although midstream energy prospects have improved much these past few months, the price increase seems excessive.
ALPS Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF earns a "Buy" rating, offering diversified exposure to U.S. oil and gas midstream operators. ENFR benefits from secular tailwinds: rising domestic electricity demand driven by data center growth and reindustrialization, and international gas supply disruptions. The ETF delivers a 4.23% yield, with distribution growth since 2022 and low expenses at 35bps, supporting durable cash flow for income or reinvestment.
The intersection of artificial intelligence and U.S. energy production has reached a new milestone. A series of large infrastructure projects underscore the critical role of natural gas in supporting data centers.
Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF is not a pure MLP; it includes about 75% of C-corps in its holdings distribution. The distribution is lower than that of AMLP, but still linear and consistent, an element I appreciate. ENFR is partly (minimally) linked to the price of natural gas and oil and highly sensitive to dynamics related to the cost of capital.
The growing demand for power, including for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, is driving a major shift in the U.S. natural gas landscape. New natural gas pipeline projects a few years ago were concentrated in Texas and driven by rising supply.
I rate ENFR a buy due to its strong positioning in natural gas infrastructure, benefiting from global clean energy trends and rising LNG demand. ENFR offers superior diversification, lower fees (0.35% expense ratio), and better long-term performance compared to its main competitor, AMLP. The fund's holdings are well-aligned with sector tailwinds, including stable cash flows, robust management, and projected midstream industry growth.
U.S. natural gas power generation is set to increase, lending to growth opportunities for midstream companies. Developers plan to add 18.7 gigawatts (GW) of combined-cycle capacity to the grid by 2028, with 4.3 GW already under construction, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Wildfires burning in Canada's oil-producing region are prompting investors to examine the potential impact to midstream companies. There were over 24 out of control wildfires in Alberta as of Wednesday.
There are several reasons why midstream companies have earned a long-term allocation in portfolios. Those include income, real asset exposure, and diversification benefits.
First-quarter earnings have underscored that natural gas remains a compelling opportunity for the midstream segment. As earnings are well underway, many midstream names have provided updates on natural gas growth opportunities, including those driven by AI and data centers.
First-quarter earnings are well underway for midstream companies with some notable developments for investors. Several midstream names have reaffirmed full-year 2025 financial guidance.
Natural gas could be a bright spot for the midstream segment as oil sells off. Crude oil prices have seen significant volatility recently, influenced by tariffs and escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China.