GEL Genesis Energy, L.P.

With a juicy distribution yield of 5.5%, a business model focused on operational efficiencies and attractive acquisitions/growth projects, Genesis Energy L.P. (GEL) provides investors with a steady, predictable income stream. In addition, this Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) diversified midstream energy operator has raised its quarterly payout 28 times in a row.

On top of this, earnings growth is expected to be strong in 2012 and 2013, based on the solid fixed margin businesses and limited commodity price exposure.

Acquisitions Drive Margin, DCF

Genesis Energy reported second quarter 2012 earnings per unit of 23 cents on August 2, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 24 cents and last year's profit of 27 cents. The results were pulled down primarily by longer-than-expected planned turnaround outages at some large refinery service locations.

However, total segment margin for the three months ended June 30 rose 32% year over year to $62.8 million. This was due largely to higher crude oil tariff revenues and the acquisition of interests in Gulf of Mexico oil pipelines from Marathon Oil Corp. (MRO) in January. Results were further helped by the purchase of a black oil barge transportation business in August 2011, and higher traffic handled by Genesis Energy’s enlarged trucking and barge fleets.

More importantly, distributable cash flow (DCF) – an indicator of cash paid for distribution to unitholders – escalated approximately 35% year over year to a record $43.2 million, providing a healthy 1.18x distribution coverage.

Consistent History of Increasing Distributions

Genesis Energy has established a track record of consistent distribution growth. On July 9, the partnership raised its second quarter 2012 cash distribution to 46 cents per unit ($1.84 per unit annualized), representing an increase of approximately 2.2% sequentially and 10.8% year over year. Importantly, the latest payout marks the 28th consecutive quarterly distribution hike by the pipeline operator, of which 23 increases have been 10% or more year over year.

Genesis Energy’s announced distribution boost is in sync with its goal of delivering disciplined growth to unitholders. The partnership boasts of a consistent and improving financial policy with high distribution coverage.

High-Teens Earnings Growth Prospect

Based on a solid expected performance from all the partnership’s segments, analysts are predicting strong earnings growth for Genesis Energy over the next couple of years. The 2012 Zacks Consensus Estimate is $1.13, representing 17% earnings per unit growth over 2011. Next year’s average forecast is $1.33, corresponding with 18% growth.

Valuation Picture

Valuation looks reasonable for Genesis Energy. The stock is going for about 29.8 times forward estimates, a 42% discount to the peer group average of 51.7x. Its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.8 is essentially in-line with what similar firms offer.

Market Performance & Technicals

Since late-December, Genesis Energy stock has maintained momentum above its 200 day moving average, which currently stands at $29.64 against the current unit price of $33.63. Following the latest distribution increase announcement in early July, units started trading above its 50 day moving average as well. On the performance front, Genesis Energy’s unit price has outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date and has delivered a return of around 20% during the period, versus just 15% for the benchmark. The upside momentum is likely to persist on the back of expected higher payouts.

Genesis Energy’s success in executing accretive acquisitions will continue to drive distribution growth to common unitholders.

Houston, Texas-based Genesis Energy is a master limited partnership that operates crude oil pipelines and is an independent gatherer and marketer of crude oil in North America, with operations concentrated in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and New Mexico. Genesis Energy engages in three business segments: Pipeline Transportation, Refinery Services, and Supply and Logistics.

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