What is the best pipeline stock to buy?

Top Pipeline Stocks to Consider for High-Yield Investors

For income-focused investors, pipeline stocks continue to offer a compelling mix of steady cash flow and attractive dividends. With energy infrastructure remaining a backbone of the U.S. economy, midstream companies—those responsible for transporting and storing oil and gas—often deliver reliable returns, even in volatile markets.

Among the dozens of pipeline stocks yielding 5% or more, three stand out for their operational strength and consistent payouts: Energy Transfer (ET), Hess Midstream (HESM), and MPLX (MPLX). Each offers a unique profile that appeals to long-term investors seeking both yield and stability.

Energy Transfer, one of the largest midstream operators in the country, runs an extensive network of pipelines and terminals. Its diversified footprint across natural gas, crude oil, and NGLs helps insulate it from sector-specific disruptions. With a forward dividend yield hovering above 7%, ET remains a favorite among income-driven portfolios.

Hess Midstream, while smaller in scale, benefits from a strategic partnership with Hess Corporation, particularly in the Bakken shale region. Its fee-based revenue model reduces exposure to commodity price swings, making HESM a more predictable performer. The stock currently offers a forward yield near 6%, backed by disciplined capital management.

MPLX, sponsored by Marathon Petroleum, operates a robust network of pipelines and storage assets, including key positions in oil and refined products. Known for its operational efficiency and strong balance sheet, MPLX delivers a forward yield around 5.5% and has a track record of disciplined distribution growth.

While pipeline stocks aren't without risks—regulatory scrutiny, interest rate sensitivity, and environmental concerns remain—these three offer a balanced mix of yield, resilience, and strategic positioning. For investors seeking dependable income with a foothold in essential energy infrastructure, ET, HESM, and MPLX are worth a closer look.