Better Buy: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP vs. Kinder Morgan

Energy giant Kinder Morgan Inc (NYSE: KMI) and global diversified infrastructure partnership Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE: BIP) have seen their stock prices move in opposite directions over the past few years. Since mid-2015, Kinder Morgan's stock price has lost more than half its value, while Brookfield Infrastructure investors have enjoyed 65% gains. When dividends are added in, Brookfield Infrastructure shareholders have a total return above 90%, more than double the very strong 42% gain by the S&P 500 over the same period.

But what about looking forward? Kinder Morgan is in much better shape than it was three years ago, and management has a plan in place that's already starting to deliver growth. And after having to cut it by 75% a couple of years ago, the company is about to pump up its dividend substantially.

On the other hand, can Brookfield Infrastructure continue its run of success that has seen investors paid so handsomely? In short, I think it can, but that's no guarantee that it's set to outperform Kinder Morgan. Let's take a closer look at both companies and figure out which one is the better buy.

Source: Fool.com