Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

Midstreams Going C-Corp, Should SEC Disallow the Measure Distributable Cash Flow?
It’s important to differentiate the concept of enterprise free cash flow valuation and the idea of capital-market dependence. The uncertainty of the MLP business model remains, as it is clear operators are shunning the MLP business model preferring C-Corps instead. According to work from Global X Funds, now 40% of the energy infrastructure market cap consists of C-Corps, up considerably from just 15% at the end of 2014. Though many simplifications have come with implied distribution cuts, the primary reason for the rise in C-Corps across the midstream space has been the rationalizing of excess MLP valuations to enterprise free cash flow assessments. We encourage the SEC to consider disallowing the use of distributable cash flow, as it is confusing to investors.

Jun 1, 2018

The Free Cash Flow Shortfall in the Master Limited Partnership Space
With the recent acceleration of master limited partnership simplification transactions, we find it appropriate to revisit the internally-generated cash flow shortfall present throughout much of the space. The table provides a breakdown of traditional free cash flow (cash from operating activities less all capital spending) relative to distributions paid, as well as a measure of the elevated financial leverage often found within the group.

May 24, 2018

Understanding the Phenomenon of “Price Risk” in High Yield
Image Source: Julien Carnot. We want you to learn about a unique risk innate to the high yield space like the back of your hand. We'll explain the "information contained in prices" and talk about what you should be on the lookout for, the "avalanche effect." Order the new High Yield Dividend Newsletter here.

May 17, 2018

Master Limited Partnership Simplifications on the Rise
With the announcement of three separate master limited partnership simplification transactions on May 17 alone, we must revisit our thesis that the business structure may not be in it for the long haul.

Mar 15, 2018

Nearly 60 Distribution Cuts Later, We Maintain Our View on the Hazards of the MLP Business Model
Image Source: Brian Cantoni. Valuentum has been highlighting the inherent risks associated with the master limited partnership (MLP) structure for some time now, but we are not alone in acknowledging the limited sustainability of such structures. Internal simplification transactions may only become more common moving forward as management teams seek to optimize the structure of their entities.

Dec 27, 2017

Objectivity in Analysis and the MLP Enigma
President of Investment Research Brian Nelson talks about how financial statement analysis keeps analysts objective. He also goes into how the distribution yields of MLPs may not reflect underlying business dynamics. Nelson also explains an inconsistency in the use of financing that supports the idea that MLPs are using external capital market issuances to fund distributions. Running time: ~15 minutes.

Jul 7, 2017

MLP Speak: A Critique of Distributable Cash Flow
Let’s talk about a controversial metric that is used in master limited partnership (MLP) reporting. Just how useful is it, and should it be allowed?

Apr 10, 2017

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending April 7
Let's take a look at companies raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Jul 26, 2016

Plains All American to Undergo Simplification Transaction
Image Source: Plains All American. The master limited partnership is making major moves with its corporate structure. Let’s take a look at the deal and how it fits with our broader thesis on the MLP space.

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Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor