On Wednesday, Mizuho Securities reinstated coverage on EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE:ENLC) with a Neutral rating and a price target of $15.00 per unit. The firm's decision comes as EnLink Midstream is approaching its third quarter 2024 earnings release, scheduled for after the market closes on November 6, 2024.
The analyst at Mizuho provided an update on EnLink Midstream's financial figures in anticipation of the upcoming earnings report. They noted that the company will not be conducting a conference call due to the ongoing potential acquisition by ONEOK , Inc. (NYSE:NYSE:OKE), which also holds a Neutral rating with a price target of $85.
Mizuho's price target for EnLink Midstream remains unchanged at $15.00 per unit. This valuation is based on a stand-alone assessment of the company, applying an 8.5x EV/EBITDA multiple to the 2026 estimates. According to Mizuho, this valuation aligns closely with the potential purchase price from ONEOK.
ONEOK previously acquired a 43% stake in EnLink Midstream's common units at a price of $14.90 per unit, in addition to purchasing 100% of the interests of EnLink Midstream's managing member for $300 million. The analyst suggests that the current valuation reflects a fair comparison to the eventual purchase price that may be offered by ONEOK for the remaining common units of EnLink Midstream.
In other recent news, the U.S. energy sector has seen significant developments. The inauguration of the Matterhorn Express pipeline, a joint venture involving WhiteWater Midstream, EnLink Midstream, Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN), and MPLX (NYSE:MPLX), is expected to boost U.S. oil production by easing local natural gas prices in west Texas. The pipeline, which extends 580 miles from the Permian basin in west Texas to the Gulf Coast, increases the region's capacity by 14%.
ONEOK, Inc. has maintained its quarterly dividend at 99 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend rate of $3.96 per share. The company has also acquired approximately 43% of EnLink Midstream's common units and the entirety of its management company. This move has led to the appointment of three new directors from ONEOK to EnLink's Board, with Pierce H. Norton II assuming the role of Board Chairman.
EnLink Midstream, following a major transaction with ONEOK, Inc., has seen significant changes in control and leadership. The company's Q3 EBITDA is projected to reach $325 million, slightly below the average estimate of $330 million, according to Citi. Additionally, both Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) have downgraded EnLink Midstream's stock from Overweight to Equalweight following the announcement of ONEOK's acquisition.
Citi has reaffirmed its Buy rating on shares of EnLink Midstream, with a steady price target of $15.00. The firm's outlook is based on the anticipation of EnLink's third-quarter 2024 EBITDA reaching $325 million. However, EnLink Midstream is positioned to potentially approve the relocation of a Permian processing plant, which could be a more cost and time-efficient alternative to constructing a new facility.
InvestingPro Insights
EnLink Midstream's financial landscape, as revealed by InvestingPro data, offers additional context to Mizuho's analysis. The company's market capitalization stands at $6.83 billion, with a P/E ratio of 45.99, suggesting a premium valuation. This aligns with an InvestingPro Tip indicating that ENLC is "Trading at a high earnings multiple."
The company's dividend yield of 3.57% and a 6% dividend growth over the last twelve months underscore its commitment to shareholder returns. An InvestingPro Tip highlights that ENLC "Has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years," which may be attractive to income-focused investors.
ENLC's stock performance has been robust, with a 26.12% total return over the past year and trading near its 52-week high. This strength is reflected in another InvestingPro Tip noting that the stock is "Trading near 52-week high."
For investors seeking a deeper understanding of ENLC's financial health and market position, InvestingPro offers 8 additional tips, providing a more comprehensive analysis to inform investment decisions.
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