ConocoPhillips (COP), Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD), Linn Energy LLC (LINE): Are These the Three Best Investments in Energy?

Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE)
In my opinion, Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE) offers investors the best the characteristics of both Conoco and Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD). Like Conoco it’s benefiting from the tremendous growth in onshore U.S. oil and gas production. Yet like Enterprise it’s structured in a more tax-efficient manner, as it’s structured in a way similar to an MLP. Taken together, Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE) or its affiliate LinnCo LLC (NASDAQ:LNCO) make my list as one of the best long-term energy stocks for you to invest in if you’re seeking a high yield.

LINN’s business is to buy up mature oil and gas properties and operate them for maximum cash flow. It hedges 100% of its production out for four to six years, which provides both safety and visibility for its distribution. Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE), which yields 8.25%, and LinnCo, which currently yields 7.5%, will see those payouts moving higher later this summer, as the companies already announced a payout increase. Further, both will be moving to monthly payments. It’s hard to complain about getting paid more, and more often. Those payouts are showing no signs of drying up, as so far this year Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE) has announced more than $5 billion in acquisitions and growth projects. When combined with its very solid balance sheet, Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE) has plenty of firepower to keep that income growth flowing.

Foolish bottom line
You really can’t go wrong with any of these names, and my money is where my mouth is, as I’m invested in all of the companies mentioned. With solid balance sheets, visible long-term growth opportunities and best-in-class income growth opportunities, all offer exceptional investment characteristics. That’s why I believe these are the three best energy stocks to invest in today.

The article Are These the 3 Best Investments in Energy? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Matt DiLallo.

Fool contributor Matt DiLallo owns shares of Enterprise Products Partners, ConocoPhillips, LINN Energy, and LinnCo. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products Partners.

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