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Core Viewpoint - Growth investors seek stocks with above-average financial growth, but identifying such stocks can be challenging due to inherent volatility and risks [1] Group 1: Growth Stock Identification - The Zacks Growth Style Score system aids in identifying promising growth stocks by analyzing real growth prospects beyond traditional metrics [2] - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) is currently highlighted as a recommended stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Earnings growth is crucial for investors, with double-digit growth being particularly desirable as it indicates strong future prospects [4] - Brookfield Infrastructure has a historical EPS growth rate of 9.3%, with projected EPS growth of 10.4% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 3.1% [5] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - Higher-than-average cash flow growth is essential for growth-oriented companies, allowing them to expand without relying on external funding [6] - Brookfield Infrastructure's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 27.2%, compared to an industry average of -2.4% [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 22.9%, while the industry average is only 1.6% [7] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - Trends in earnings estimate revisions are important, with positive revisions indicating potential stock price increases [8] - Brookfield Infrastructure has seen a 3.2% increase in current-year earnings estimates over the past month [8] Group 5: Overall Assessment - Brookfield Infrastructure has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank 2, reflecting positive earnings estimate revisions and indicating potential for outperformance [10]

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Infrastructure is well-positioned to capitalize on the digitalization megatrend, which is expected to drive significant growth in shareholder value and earnings over the coming years [2][4][8] Group 1: Growth Catalysts - The company has benefited from inflation-linked rate increases, volume growth, capital projects, and accretive acquisitions, allowing it to increase its dividend for 16 consecutive years, including a 6% increase planned for 2025 [1] - Brookfield Infrastructure is focusing on three megatrends: decarbonization, deglobalization, and digitalization, with digitalization expected to provide the most significant boost [3][4] Group 2: Digitalization Investment - The company has invested $3.6 billion in data centers and over $9 billion in data infrastructure, including fiber networks and telecom towers, to support the growing demand from technology companies [5] - Approximately 40% of the company's $8 billion capital project backlog consists of data infrastructure projects, which are anticipated to contribute meaningfully to earnings as they come online [6] Group 3: Future Growth Expectations - The company targets over 10% annual growth in funds from operations (FFO) per share, which is expected to support dividend growth of 5% to 9% annually [7][8] - The digitalization sector is projected to outpace other areas of the business, potentially becoming the largest sector within five years [6][7]

Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC -0.71%) (BIP -2.26%) recently closed the books on 2024 by reporting its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results. The leading global infrastructure operator posted strong results, which it expects will continue. That gave it the confidence to increase its high-yielding dividend (currently 4%) by another 6%, representing its 16th straight year of dividend growth. Here's a look at what fueled its growth last year and what's ahead for the infrastructure stock.Another solid ...

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR, DECEMBER 31, 2024 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Factors that could cause actual results of Brookfield Infrastructure to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by the statements in this presentation include general economic and market conditions in the jurisdictions in which we operate (including that management's expectations may differ from actual economic and market trends), regulatory developments and changes in inflation rates in th ...

Group 1 - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners reported revenue of $5.44 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, reflecting a 9.5% increase year-over-year [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.82, a significant improvement from -$0.20 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.16 billion by 5.47%, and the EPS also surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.79 by 3.80% [1] Group 2 - Key metrics indicate that Brookfield Infrastructure's shares returned +1.1% over the past month, slightly underperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting potential outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3] Group 3 - Adjusted EBITDA for Utilities was reported at $317 million, slightly above the average estimate of $315.07 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Transport was $403 million, closely matching the average estimate of $403.79 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Midstream was $253 million, exceeding the average estimate of $246.53 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Corporate was -$103 million, better than the average estimate of -$106.31 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Data was $177 million, surpassing the average estimate of $167.71 million [4]

Core Insights - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners reported strong financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, with a net income of $391 million, down from $432 million in 2023, and funds from operations (FFO) of $2.5 billion, an increase of approximately 8% compared to the previous year [2][3][29]. Financial Performance - The company generated FFO of $2,468 million for 2024, reflecting an organic growth of 7%, driven by elevated inflation, stronger volumes across infrastructure networks, and the commissioning of over $1 billion in new capital projects [3][4]. - The utilities segment reported FFO of $760 million, down from $879 million in 2023, primarily due to asset sales and currency impacts [4]. - The transport segment saw a significant increase in FFO to $1,224 million, nearly 40% higher than the previous year, attributed to acquisitions and increased volumes [5][6]. - The midstream segment generated FFO of $625 million, an 11% year-over-year growth, despite a decrease from $684 million in the prior year due to capital recycling activities [7]. - The data segment reported FFO of $333 million, a 21% increase over the prior year, driven by strong organic growth and new investments [8]. Strategic Initiatives - The company achieved $2 billion in capital recycling proceeds in 2024 and anticipates delivering $5-6 billion in asset sale proceeds over the next two years, supported by increased investor interest in high-quality infrastructure assets [9][11]. - Recent asset sales included a fiber platform in France generating approximately $100 million and a Mexican natural gas pipeline expected to yield around $500 million [10]. Distribution and Dividend - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.43 per unit, representing a 6% increase compared to the prior year, payable on March 31, 2025 [12][41].

Core Insights - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners reported strong financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, with a net income of $391 million, down from $432 million in 2023, but with funds from operations (FFO) increasing to $2.5 billion, an 8% rise year-over-year [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - The company generated FFO of $2,468 million for 2024, compared to $2,288 million in 2023, reflecting an organic growth of 7% driven by inflation and increased volumes across infrastructure networks [3][4]. - Net income attributable to the partnership was $391 million, with a per unit income of $0.04, down from $0.14 in the previous year [2][29]. - Revenues for 2024 reached $21,039 million, up from $17,931 million in 2023, while direct operating costs increased to $15,676 million from $13,470 million [28]. Segment Performance - The utilities segment generated FFO of $760 million, down from $879 million in 2023, primarily due to asset sales [5]. - The transport segment saw a significant increase in FFO to $1,224 million, a nearly 40% rise attributed to acquisitions and increased volumes [6][7]. - The midstream segment reported FFO of $625 million, an 11% increase year-over-year, despite a decrease from $684 million due to capital recycling activities [8]. - The data segment achieved FFO of $333 million, a 21% increase, driven by strong organic growth and new investments [9]. Strategic Initiatives - The company successfully achieved $2 billion in capital recycling proceeds in 2024 and anticipates $5-6 billion in asset sale proceeds over the next two years [10][12]. - Recent asset sales included a fiber platform in France and a natural gas transmission pipeline in Mexico, generating significant returns [11]. Distribution and Dividend - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.43 per unit, representing a 6% increase compared to the prior year, payable on March 31, 2025 [13][38]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash from operating activities for 2024 was $4,653 million, compared to $4,078 million in 2023, while cash used in investing activities was $6,901 million [30]. - As of December 31, 2024, total assets amounted to $104,590 million, up from $100,784 million in 2023 [25][27].

Dividend Stocks Performance - Dividend-paying stocks have outperformed non-payers by more than 2-to-1 over the last 50 years, with an average annual total return of 9.2% compared to 4.3% [2] - Companies that grow their dividends have significantly higher returns (10.2%) compared to those that maintain (6.7%) or cut/eliminate dividends (-0.6%) [3] Realty Income (O) - Realty Income has increased its dividend 128 times since going public 30 years ago, with a 4.2% compound annual growth rate and a 14.1% compound annual total return [4] - The REIT owns 15,500 properties across retail, industrial, and gaming sectors, with net leases providing stable and rising rental income [6] - Realty Income pays out 75% of its adjusted FFO in dividends, retaining cash for new investments, and estimates internal growth drivers will add 2% to FFO per share annually [7] - The company has a strong balance sheet and a new private fund management platform, supporting mid-single-digit FFO growth and a steadily rising dividend [8] - With a 6% dividend yield and mid-single-digit earnings growth, Realty Income could deliver double-digit total annual returns [9] Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC/BIP) - Brookfield Infrastructure has grown its dividend at a 9% compound annual rate since 2009, contributing to 13.3% total annual returns [10] - The company generates stable cash flow, with 85% of FFO from long-term contracts or regulated rate structures, and inflation escalators adding 3%-4% to FFO per share annually [11] - Brookfield Infrastructure has a conservative dividend payout ratio (60%-70% of FFO) and a strong balance sheet, enabling investments in $8 billion of capital projects over the next 2-3 years [12][13] - The company has over $4 billion in additional expansion projects and a pipeline of acquisition opportunities, targeting over 10% annual FFO growth [14] - With a 4% dividend yield and over 10% annual earnings growth, Brookfield Infrastructure could achieve mid-teens total annualized returns [15] Long-Term Dividend Growth Stocks - Dividend growth stocks like Realty Income and Brookfield Infrastructure have historically delivered strong returns due to steadily rising dividends and are well-positioned for future growth [16]

Group 1: 3M Company - 3M's new management is focused on positioning the company for growth despite a challenging global growth environment and interest rate pressures [3][4] - The restructuring plan led by CEO Bill Brown aims to improve margins and earnings through innovative product development and operational efficiencies [5][6] - Previous management's focus on healthcare and litigation issues has hindered performance, but with clarity on legal matters, there is significant upside potential for 3M's stock [7][8] Group 2: Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure's stock has underperformed, gaining only 1% in 2024 and dipping about 2% in 2025, currently valued at 2.9 times operating cash flow [9][10] - The company has a diversified portfolio with transportation assets contributing 42% to funds from operations (FFO), and it has achieved a 15% compound annual growth rate in FFO from 2009 to 2023 [10][11] - Management targets annual distribution growth of 5% to 9%, supported by an investment-grade balance sheet, making it appealing for income investors [12][13]