Energy Transfer's 418th Market Rank Contrasts with High-Yield Appeal and 2026 Growth Pipeline

On August 20, 2025, Energy Transfer (ET) closed at $17.3250, down 0.12% with a trading volume of $0.24 billion, ranking 418th in market activity. The stock has underperformed broader energy indices this year amid slower growth and market volatility.

Energy Transfer reported $15.5 billion in adjusted EBITDA in 2024, a 13% increase, but growth has slowed in 2025 to 4% adjusted EBITDA and near-zero distributable cash flow growth. The slowdown stems from reduced capital projects and weaker acquisition synergies, though the company remains on track for $16.1–$16.5 billion in annual EBITDA. A $5 billion growth pipeline, including new gas processing plants and pipeline expansions, is expected to drive earnings and cash flow growth starting in 2026.

Recent projects like the Nederland Flexport NGL expansion and the $5.3 billion Transwestern Pipeline upgrade are nearing completion, while the Lake Charles LNG export project could further boost long-term visibility. Strong financial health, with $8.4 billion in distributable cash flow, positions Energy Transfer to pursue strategic acquisitions. Sunoco LP’s pending $9.1 billion Parkland acquisition also indirectly benefits Energy Transfer’s financials.

Despite a 7.6% yield, concerns linger over dividend sustainability due to a 102% payout ratio. However, analysts highlight the stock’s potential as a high-yield energy play with visible growth through 2030. The recent dip may offer a buying opportunity for investors comfortable with MLP tax complexities.

A strategy of buying top 500 stocks by daily trading volume and holding for one day from 2022 to 2025 yielded a 31.52% total return over 365 days, averaging 0.98% per day. The approach showed a 7.02% gain in June 2023 but a -4.20% loss in September 2022, reflecting market volatility.