Energy infrastructure companies are drawing investor attention as oil prices surge in 2026, but analysts suggest focusing on high-yield energy stocks that operate as “toll takers” rather than chasing volatile commodity plays. These pipeline and midstream operators collect fees regardless of oil price fluctuations, offering yields ranging from 6.1% to 14.8% while providing more stability than traditional energy producers.
According to investment strategists, five midstream energy partnerships stand out for their reliable income streams and strategic positioning. The companies operate extensive pipeline networks, storage facilities, and processing plants that generate cash flow based on volume transported rather than commodity prices.
High-Yield Energy Stocks Provide Stable Returns
Enterprise Products Partners commands one of the largest infrastructure footprints in North America with over 50,000 miles of pipeline and more than 300 million barrels of storage capacity. The partnership has increased its distribution for 27 consecutive years and currently yields 6.1%, according to recent market data.
The company recently reported record volumes across multiple segments in its fourth quarter 2025 results. Management highlighted the conversion of its Seminole pipeline back to crude oil service and identified additional growth projects following its acquisition of Occidental Petroleum assets in August 2025.
Energy Transfer operates approximately 140,000 miles of pipelines transporting natural gas, crude oil, and refined products across North America. The partnership yields 7.1% and has raised its distribution quarterly since 2021, reflecting consistent cash flow growth.
Additionally, Energy Transfer is capitalizing on artificial intelligence infrastructure demand. The company reported requests to connect more than 60 power plants and roughly 200 data centers across its footprint. In January 2026, Energy Transfer began natural gas deliveries to the first of three Oracle data centers under long-term agreements.
Midstream Companies Benefit from Infrastructure Expansion
MPLX LP, which holds Marathon Petroleum’s midstream assets, yields 7.3% and has grown its annual distribution every year since its 2012 formation. The partnership operates across crude oil logistics and natural gas services divisions.
Several MPLX growth projects are scheduled to begin operations in 2026, including the Blackcomb and Bay Runner pipelines and the Harmon Creek III processing plant. The company’s diversified asset base provides multiple revenue streams independent of oil price movements.
Meanwhile, Kimbell Royalty Partners takes a different approach by owning royalty interests across more than 17 million acres in 28 states. The partnership yields 11.3% and collects both upfront lease bonuses and ongoing royalties from energy producers operating on its acreage.
In contrast to pure-play exploration companies, Kimbell’s royalty model provides exposure to rising commodity prices while maintaining lower volatility. The partnership benefits from production growth without bearing operational costs or risks associated with drilling activities.
Emerging Players Offer Higher Yields
Mach Natural Resources, which went public in late 2023, yields 14.8% based on its variable distribution policy. The partnership operates primarily in the Anadarko Basin with additional assets in the Green River, San Juan and Permian basins.
However, analysts note the company trades at 4.2 times enterprise value to EBITDAX, well below the midstream sector average. Natural gas represents just over half of Mach’s production, positioning the partnership to benefit from growing power generation and data center demand.
Investment strategists emphasize that these high-yield energy stocks provide predictable income compared to volatile commodity-focused investments. The toll-taker business model generates fees based on volumes transported rather than oil and gas prices, creating more stable cash flows for distribution payments.
Investors will monitor upcoming quarterly results from these partnerships to assess volume growth and project development timelines. The sustainability of elevated distributions depends on continued infrastructure utilization and successful execution of expansion projects currently under development.
