Energy Stocks Surge as Pipeline Investments Gain Favor
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 13 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ET?
Source: Fool
- Investor Shift to Energy Stocks: As oil prices rise, investors are significantly returning to energy stocks, particularly pipeline stocks, which exhibit lower revenue and earnings volatility compared to exploration and production companies, making them suitable for long-term investments.
- Growth Potential of Energy Transfer: Energy Transfer owns over 140,000 square miles of midstream energy infrastructure, and its 442-mile Hugh Brinson Pipeline is expected to supply natural gas to both electric utilities and AI data centers, driving future distribution growth targets of 3% to 5%.
- Stable Returns from Hess Midstream: Hess Midstream has never cut its distribution since going public, currently offering a forward distribution yield of approximately 7.9%, and has consistently increased payouts over the past nine years, targeting 5% annual distribution growth through 2028.
- Strong Distribution Growth of MPLX: MPLX boasts a 10-year track record of distribution growth, with a current forward distribution yield of 7.4%, and a 12.5% growth rate over the past year, with projections indicating continued increases of 12.5% over the next two years.
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Analyst Views on ET
Wall Street analysts forecast ET stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 19.340
Low
17.00
Averages
20.65
High
23.00
Current: 19.340
Low
17.00
Averages
20.65
High
23.00
About ET
Energy Transfer LP owns and operates a diversified portfolios of energy assets in the United States, with more than 140,000 miles of pipeline and associated energy infrastructure. The Company’s strategic network spans 44 states with assets in all of the major United States production basins. Its core operations include complementary natural gas midstream, intrastate and interstate transportation and storage assets; crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL) and refined product transportation and terminalling assets; and NGL fractionation. The Company’s segments include intrastate transportation and storage, interstate transportation and storage, midstream, NGL and refined products transportation and services, crude oil transportation and services, investment in Sunoco LP, investment in USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC), and all other. It also owns Lake Charles LNG Company, LLC, its wholly owned subsidiary, which owns an LNG import terminal and regasification facility.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Energy Transfer Offers 6.8% Distribution Yield Amid Market Volatility
- High Distribution Yield: Energy Transfer currently offers a distribution yield of approximately 6.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of just over 1%, making it particularly appealing to income-seeking investors during market volatility.
- Stable Distribution Growth: The company expects to grow its distribution by 3% to 5% annually while maintaining a stable leverage ratio, which not only boosts investor confidence in its financial health but also ensures the sustainability of its payouts.
- Market Environment Impact: The ongoing tensions in the Middle East enhance Energy Transfer's attractiveness in the global energy market, with approximately 90% of its estimated 2026 adjusted EBITDA being fee-based, thus reducing reliance on commodity price fluctuations.
- Investment Return Potential: An investment of around $14,730 in Energy Transfer is projected to generate at least $1,000 in passive income over the next 12 months, demonstrating the company's investment value in the current economic climate.
See More
Investment Analysis: Occidental Petroleum vs. Energy Transfer
- Oil Price Impact: Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) has seen its stock rise 34% this year due to WTI crude oil prices surging over 90% to about $110 per barrel, while Energy Transfer (ET) only increased by 17%, highlighting the superior profitability of upstream companies during oil price hikes.
- Business Model Differences: Oxy focuses primarily on upstream operations, generating massive profits as long as oil prices remain above its breakeven point of approximately $60 per barrel; in contrast, ET, as a midstream company, benefits from higher oil prices but sees limited revenue growth primarily from transportation fees.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts forecast that by 2026, Oxy's revenue and EPS will increase by 19% and 283%, respectively, indicating a recovery from three years of declining revenues and earnings, while ET's revenue and earnings per unit are expected to rise by 27% and 22%, but at a slower pace than Oxy.
- Investment Value Assessment: Oxy's current stock price of $55 reflects a valuation of 14 times earnings, suggesting it is undervalued; meanwhile, ET's stock at $19 trades at 13 times earnings, with a higher dividend yield of 6.9%, yet Oxy presents a more attractive growth potential.
See More
Energy Transfer: High-Yield Investment Opportunity Amid Market Volatility
- High-Yield Distribution: Energy Transfer's forward distribution yield stands at approximately 6.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1%, making it an attractive option for investors amid rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Financial Stability: Despite past distribution cuts, Energy Transfer now boasts its strongest financial position in history, generating ample cash flow to cover distribution payouts, with management projecting annual distribution growth of 3% to 5%, which reassures investors.
- Increased Market Demand: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East enhances the attractiveness of U.S. oil and gas, and with over 144,000 miles of pipeline, Energy Transfer is well-positioned to transport these fuels, likely benefiting from increased demand.
- Reliable Income Source: An investment of approximately $14,730 in Energy Transfer is expected to generate at least $1,000 in passive income over the next 12 months, and while investing in MLPs involves tax complexities, the stable cash flow and growth potential make it an ideal choice for income investors.
See More
Energy Transfer's Dividend Outlook Appears Promising
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Energy Transfer's current dividend yield stands at 6.7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.1%, making it a standout choice for investors seeking reliable income streams in a competitive market.
- Strong Cash Flow: The company reported $2.7 billion in adjusted distributable cash flow for Q1, reflecting a 16.9% year-over-year increase, which not only comfortably covers the $1.2 billion in dividend payments but also provides capital for future pipeline investments, showcasing robust performance amid current market conditions.
- Improved Debt Levels: As of March 31, Energy Transfer's long-term debt was $69.3 billion, with a debt-to-total capital ratio reduced to 67%, down from 74% at the end of 2020, thereby enhancing investor confidence in the company's ability to sustain dividend payments despite previous cuts due to high debt.
- Future Dividend Growth Potential: Given the favorable market conditions and strong cash flow, Energy Transfer is well-positioned to continue raising dividends in the near term, although its past history of dividend cuts due to high debt warrants close monitoring of its dividend policy changes.
See More
Energy Transfer Continues to Raise Dividends
- Dividend Growth Trend: Energy Transfer has raised its dividend quarterly since 2021, with the latest increase from $0.335 to $0.3375 per share, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns amid strong cash flow.
- Strong Cash Flow Performance: The company reported $2.7 billion in adjusted distributable cash flow for Q1, a 16.9% year-over-year increase, which not only covers the $1.2 billion in dividend payments but also provides funding for future pipeline investments, indicating robust financial health in the current market.
- Improved Debt Management: As of March 31, Energy Transfer's long-term debt stood at $69.3 billion, with a debt-to-total capital ratio reduced to 67%, down from 74% at the end of 2020, enhancing investor confidence in the company's financial stability.
- Favorable Market Conditions: With an 8% year-over-year increase in crude oil transportation volume due to disruptions from the Iran war, Energy Transfer's performance in energy transportation and storage is expected to benefit from growing market demand, supporting future dividend increases.
See More
Investment Opportunities in Energy Stocks Amid Price Volatility
- Energy Transition Potential: Energy Transfer, with over 140,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure, is actively signing natural gas supply agreements with major clients like Oracle and Meta Platforms, positioning itself to benefit from rising demand for natural gas from data centers, thereby supporting its substantial 6.6% dividend yield.
- Stable Dividend Growth: Enbridge, as Canada’s largest natural gas distribution company serving over 1 million customers, has not yet achieved “Dividend King” status but boasts 31 consecutive years of dividend increases, reflecting its reliability with a current yield of 5.1%.
- Diversified Energy Portfolio: Duke Energy's broad energy portfolio, including nuclear and renewable resources, mitigates risks from oil price volatility, with the global nuclear market projected to grow from $41.6 billion to $52.6 billion, while maintaining a dividend yield of 3.3%.
- Renewable Energy Investments: NextEra Energy, through its subsidiary Florida Power & Light, provides stable cash flow, with projected net income of $5 billion in 2025, and although its dividend yield is 2.5%, its stock has shown significant appreciation over the past 12 months, enhancing total returns.
See More
Energy Transfer Offers 6.8% Distribution Yield Amid Market Volatility
- High Distribution Yield: Energy Transfer currently offers a distribution yield of approximately 6.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of just over 1%, making it particularly appealing to income-seeking investors during market volatility.
- Stable Distribution Growth: The company expects to grow its distribution by 3% to 5% annually while maintaining a stable leverage ratio, which not only boosts investor confidence in its financial health but also ensures the sustainability of its payouts.
- Market Environment Impact: The ongoing tensions in the Middle East enhance Energy Transfer's attractiveness in the global energy market, with approximately 90% of its estimated 2026 adjusted EBITDA being fee-based, thus reducing reliance on commodity price fluctuations.
- Investment Return Potential: An investment of around $14,730 in Energy Transfer is projected to generate at least $1,000 in passive income over the next 12 months, demonstrating the company's investment value in the current economic climate.
See More
Investment Analysis: Occidental Petroleum vs. Energy Transfer
- Oil Price Impact: Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) has seen its stock rise 34% this year due to WTI crude oil prices surging over 90% to about $110 per barrel, while Energy Transfer (ET) only increased by 17%, highlighting the superior profitability of upstream companies during oil price hikes.
- Business Model Differences: Oxy focuses primarily on upstream operations, generating massive profits as long as oil prices remain above its breakeven point of approximately $60 per barrel; in contrast, ET, as a midstream company, benefits from higher oil prices but sees limited revenue growth primarily from transportation fees.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts forecast that by 2026, Oxy's revenue and EPS will increase by 19% and 283%, respectively, indicating a recovery from three years of declining revenues and earnings, while ET's revenue and earnings per unit are expected to rise by 27% and 22%, but at a slower pace than Oxy.
- Investment Value Assessment: Oxy's current stock price of $55 reflects a valuation of 14 times earnings, suggesting it is undervalued; meanwhile, ET's stock at $19 trades at 13 times earnings, with a higher dividend yield of 6.9%, yet Oxy presents a more attractive growth potential.
See More
Energy Transfer: High-Yield Investment Opportunity Amid Market Volatility
- High-Yield Distribution: Energy Transfer's forward distribution yield stands at approximately 6.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1%, making it an attractive option for investors amid rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Financial Stability: Despite past distribution cuts, Energy Transfer now boasts its strongest financial position in history, generating ample cash flow to cover distribution payouts, with management projecting annual distribution growth of 3% to 5%, which reassures investors.
- Increased Market Demand: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East enhances the attractiveness of U.S. oil and gas, and with over 144,000 miles of pipeline, Energy Transfer is well-positioned to transport these fuels, likely benefiting from increased demand.
- Reliable Income Source: An investment of approximately $14,730 in Energy Transfer is expected to generate at least $1,000 in passive income over the next 12 months, and while investing in MLPs involves tax complexities, the stable cash flow and growth potential make it an ideal choice for income investors.
See More
Energy Transfer's Dividend Outlook Appears Promising
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Energy Transfer's current dividend yield stands at 6.7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.1%, making it a standout choice for investors seeking reliable income streams in a competitive market.
- Strong Cash Flow: The company reported $2.7 billion in adjusted distributable cash flow for Q1, reflecting a 16.9% year-over-year increase, which not only comfortably covers the $1.2 billion in dividend payments but also provides capital for future pipeline investments, showcasing robust performance amid current market conditions.
- Improved Debt Levels: As of March 31, Energy Transfer's long-term debt was $69.3 billion, with a debt-to-total capital ratio reduced to 67%, down from 74% at the end of 2020, thereby enhancing investor confidence in the company's ability to sustain dividend payments despite previous cuts due to high debt.
- Future Dividend Growth Potential: Given the favorable market conditions and strong cash flow, Energy Transfer is well-positioned to continue raising dividends in the near term, although its past history of dividend cuts due to high debt warrants close monitoring of its dividend policy changes.
See More
Energy Transfer Continues to Raise Dividends
- Dividend Growth Trend: Energy Transfer has raised its dividend quarterly since 2021, with the latest increase from $0.335 to $0.3375 per share, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns amid strong cash flow.
- Strong Cash Flow Performance: The company reported $2.7 billion in adjusted distributable cash flow for Q1, a 16.9% year-over-year increase, which not only covers the $1.2 billion in dividend payments but also provides funding for future pipeline investments, indicating robust financial health in the current market.
- Improved Debt Management: As of March 31, Energy Transfer's long-term debt stood at $69.3 billion, with a debt-to-total capital ratio reduced to 67%, down from 74% at the end of 2020, enhancing investor confidence in the company's financial stability.
- Favorable Market Conditions: With an 8% year-over-year increase in crude oil transportation volume due to disruptions from the Iran war, Energy Transfer's performance in energy transportation and storage is expected to benefit from growing market demand, supporting future dividend increases.
See More
Investment Opportunities in Energy Stocks Amid Price Volatility
- Energy Transition Potential: Energy Transfer, with over 140,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure, is actively signing natural gas supply agreements with major clients like Oracle and Meta Platforms, positioning itself to benefit from rising demand for natural gas from data centers, thereby supporting its substantial 6.6% dividend yield.
- Stable Dividend Growth: Enbridge, as Canada’s largest natural gas distribution company serving over 1 million customers, has not yet achieved “Dividend King” status but boasts 31 consecutive years of dividend increases, reflecting its reliability with a current yield of 5.1%.
- Diversified Energy Portfolio: Duke Energy's broad energy portfolio, including nuclear and renewable resources, mitigates risks from oil price volatility, with the global nuclear market projected to grow from $41.6 billion to $52.6 billion, while maintaining a dividend yield of 3.3%.
- Renewable Energy Investments: NextEra Energy, through its subsidiary Florida Power & Light, provides stable cash flow, with projected net income of $5 billion in 2025, and although its dividend yield is 2.5%, its stock has shown significant appreciation over the past 12 months, enhancing total returns.
See More
