MPLX: 7.6% Yield, 12% Distribution Growth, But I'm Not Buying (Downgrade)

MPLX LP offers a near 8% yield with a multi-year plan for 12.5% distribution growth, but units now trade just above fair value. I downgrade MPLX to a "Hold," as major growth projects are on schedule but back-weighted to late 2026, with leverage expected to normalize to 3.5x by 2027. Distribution coverage remains robust at 1.3x, with management reiterating double-digit distribution growth through 2027 and a stable investment-grade balance sheet.