Lost in the shuffle of the now almost two-year energy debacle is that many investors for years have counted on bond proxy investments like energy master limited partnerships (MLPs) for income. While the price of oil has changed, the need for solid income flow, especially with interest rates at historic lows, has not changed.

A recent Stifel research report points out that the Alerian MLP index declined last week by 1%, and on a total return basis, year-to-date performance is still down. What this means for investors is there is still time to buy top MLPs that provide solid income streams. We chose three from the Stifel income list that make good sense for investors now.

Buckeye Partners

This top MLP is still trading way below levels printed in May of last year. Buckeye Partners L.P. (NYSE: BPL) owns and operates a diversified network of integrated assets providing midstream logistic solutions, primarily consisting of the transportation, storage and marketing of liquid petroleum products.

Buckeye is one of the largest independent liquid petroleum products pipeline operators in the United States in terms of volumes delivered, with approximately 6,000 miles of pipeline and more than 120 liquid petroleum products terminals with aggregate storage capacity of over 110 million barrels across its portfolio of pipelines, inland terminals and an integrated network of marine terminals.

Buckeye currently trades at an approximate 12.8 times 2016 enterprise value/EBITDA multiple. This is a slight premium, but some analysts see Buckeye as having a lower business risk cash flow profile and a manageable balance sheet that culminate to meet steady demand for its refined products pipelines and terminals. The MLP is said to have over $900 million liquidity under its credit facility, and that will fund its full 2016 capital program without a forced capital raise.

Buckeye Partners investors a paid an outstanding 7.07% distribution. The Thomson/First Call consensus price target is posted at $71.50. Shares closed Friday at $67.18.

Dynagas LNG Partners

The company has continued to pay an outstanding distribution to unitholders. Dynagas LNG Partners L.P. (NYSE: DLNG) is a growth-oriented partnership formed by Dynagas Holding to own and operate liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers employed on multiyear charters. The partnership’s current fleet consists of six LNG carriers, with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 913,980 cubic meters.

The company reported fourth-quarter results in line with expectations, and corporate management reaffirmed its intent to recommend a quarterly increase in distribution to the board of directors of 4% to 6%, starting in the first quarter. With U.S. LNG exports expected to jump dramatically, this could be a solid play for aggressive income investors.

Dynagas investors receive a stunning 17.33% distribution. The consensus price target for the stock is $12.57. Shares closed Friday at $9.75.

TransMontaigne Partners

This is another quality MLP for more conservative accounts to consider. TransMontaigne Partners L.P. (NYSE: TLP) is a terminaling and transportation company that provides integrated terminaling, storage, transportation and related services for customers engaged in the distribution and marketing of light refined petroleum products, heavy refined petroleum products, crude oil, chemicals, fertilizers and other liquid products. Light refined products include gasoline, diesel fuels, heating oil and jet fuels, while heavy refined products include residual fuel oils and asphalt. The company does not purchase or market products that they handle or transport.

The company posted solid earnings results and the shares have rallied nicely off the lows that were printed back in December. NGL Partners announced in January that it entered an agreement with Arclight Capital Partners to sell TransMontaigne G.P. for $350 million. TransMontaigne G.P. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NGL. TransMontaigne G.P. holds the general partner and Incentive distribution rights to TransMontaigne Partners. NGL Energy Partners would continue to hold the company’s marketing business and 3.2 million common units.

Shareholders are paid a 7.6% distribution. The consensus price target is posted at $40. The shares ended last week at $35.28.

We like to remind readers that distributions from MLPs can contain return of capital. All the Stifel income picks make good sense now for investors looking to add consistent income streams.

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