Enbridge Rips Through Q1: A Pipeline to Profit?

Wesley ParkFriday, May 9, 2025 7:43 am ET
2min read

The energy infrastructure giant

(ENB) just delivered a Q1 earnings report that’s screaming “BUY!” with record performance and a reaffirmed outlook that could make this stock a winner for years. Let’s break it down—this isn’t just a good quarter; it’s a blueprint for future growth.

The Numbers Are Cooking

Enbridge’s Q1 2025 adjusted EBITDA surged 18% to $5.8 billion, blowing past estimates and last year’s $5.0 billion. Distributable Cash Flow (DCF) jumped 9% to $3.8 billion, giving the company the fuel to keep paying its juicy dividend—and then some. CEO Greg Ebel isn’t just talking about growth; he’s showing it.

Enbridge's stock price performance over the past 12 months

Why This Quarter Matters: The Pipeline Play

The real magic here isn’t just in the earnings—it’s in what Enbridge is building. The company’s Mainline pipeline hit a record 3.2 million barrels per day (bpd) throughput, a key driver of its Liquids Pipelines segment, which saw $161 million in EBITDA growth. With North America’s oil production set to grow by 1 million bpd by 2035, Enbridge is positioned to carry that crude—and charge for it.

But wait—there’s more. The company just launched a $2 billion project to upgrade the Mainline’s reliability through 2028. That’s not just maintenance; it’s a strategic bet on the region’s energy future.

Gas & Renewables: Diversification Done Right

Enbridge isn’t just about oil. Its Gas Transmission segment saw a $165 million EBITDA boost, thanks to projects like the Matterhorn Express Pipeline (MXP) and Traverse Pipeline. The MXP, a $300 million stake, will move 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of gas from the Permian Basin to Texas. Traverse? It’s a 1.75 bcfd line connecting Agua Dulce to Katy, Texas—a move that’s locking in growth as shale production surges.

Even in renewables, Enbridge’s Gas Distribution segment delivered a staggering $835 million EBITDA jump, fueled by colder weather and rate hikes. Sure, wind resources hurt Renewable Power by $38 million, but that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the gas and liquids bonanza.

Aerial view of Enbridge's extensive pipeline network spanning North America, symbolizing its critical role in energy transport

The Balance Sheet: Strong, Steady, and Strategic

Debt-to-EBITDA is at 4.9x, but Enbridge aims to bring it down to 4.5–5.0x by year-end. With $2.8 billion in new senior notes refinancing debt and funding projects, the company’s keeping its financial house in order.

The real kicker? Its $28 billion growth backlog—up $3 billion from last quarter—includes projects like the Birch Grove expansion (a $400 million boost to the T-North Pipeline) and the T15 gas line in North Carolina. These aren’t just numbers; they’re cash machines with long-term contracts.

The Bottom Line: A Dividend Machine with Legs

Enbridge’s dividend? Safe as a vault. The Q1 results supported the $0.94250 per share payout, and with DCF per share guidance reaffirmed at $5.50–5.90, there’s no reason to doubt its ability to keep raising that dividend.

Enbridge's dividend yield vs. S&P 500 Energy Sector average over the past 5 years

Conclusion: Buy, Hold, and Watch It Grow

Enbridge isn’t just a pipeline company—it’s the infrastructure backbone of North America’s energy economy. With 18% EBITDA growth, a $28 billion backlog, and a management team that’s laser-focused on low-risk, accretive projects, this stock isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.

The numbers don’t lie: Enbridge’s Q1 was a masterclass in execution. If you’re looking for a steady dividend plus growth, this is your play. This isn’t a sip; it’s a chug.

Action Alert: Enbridge is a BUY for long-term energy investors. The infrastructure boom isn’t slowing down—and neither is ENB.