Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is highlighted as a top investment choice due to its high yield, strong cash flow, and growth potential [1][6]. Financial Performance - Energy Transfer currently yields over 8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.2% yield, making it attractive for passive income generation [2]. - The company generated nearly $6.2 billion in cash flow in the first nine months of the year, covering its $3.4 billion payout to investors, allowing for retained earnings to fund growth [3]. Growth Prospects - The company is investing $4.6 billion in growth capital projects this year and plans to spend an additional $5 billion in 2026, with significant projects like the $5.3 billion Desert Southwest Expansion expected to be completed by 2029 [4]. - Energy Transfer aims to increase its distribution by 3% to 5% annually as these projects come online, enhancing cash flow [4]. Valuation - Energy Transfer is currently valued at about nine times earnings, which is lower than the peer group average of around 12 times, indicating a potential undervaluation given its strong financial health and growth pipeline [5].

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is positioned for growth despite a recent decline in earnings, with several expansion projects and new gas supply agreements expected to drive future cash flow and total returns for investors [1][2][13]. Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Energy Transfer generated $3.8 billion in adjusted EBITDA, down from $4 billion year-over-year, and produced $1.9 billion in distributable cash flow, below last year's $2 billion [3][4]. - The company has generated nearly $6.2 billion in cash this year, covering $3.4 billion in distributions to investors [4][6]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be slightly below the lower end of the guidance range of $16.1 billion to $16.5 billion, indicating nearly 4% growth from the previous year [7]. Growth Initiatives - Energy Transfer is investing $4.6 billion in growth capital projects this year and plans to allocate another $5 billion in 2026, which will support several expansion projects [8]. - Recent completions include the Nederland Flexport NGL expansion and the relocation of the Badger gas processing plant, with additional projects like the Mustang Draw gas processing plant expected to be completed next year [9]. New Contracts and Supply Agreements - The company has signed long-term gas supply agreements with Oracle for three U.S. data centers, with initial flows expected by the end of this year [10]. - Additional agreements include gas supply deals with CloudBurst, Fermi, and Entergy, which will contribute to cash flow starting in 2028 [11]. Long-term Expansion Projects - Energy Transfer is developing several long-term projects expected to come online between 2027 and 2029, including the Hugh Brinson Phase II and the Desert Southwest Expansion project [12]. - The company has potential projects in the pipeline, such as the proposed Lake Charles LNG export terminal and Dakota Access oil pipeline expansion, which will enhance its long-term growth outlook [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the journey of an investor who has been actively investing for over eight years, focusing on dividend growth investing as a means to achieve financial independence [2]. Group 1 - The investor began their investment journey at the age of 20 in September 2017 and has been interested in dividend investing since 2009 [2]. - The investor runs a blog called "Kody's Dividends," which documents their path towards financial independence through dividend growth investing [2]. - The investor expresses gratitude for the blog, which has connected them to the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [2].

Acquisitions and Investments - Sunoco LP completed the acquisition of Parkland, with shareholders receiving 0.295 SunocoCorp units and C$19.80 for each Parkland share[200]. - Sunoco LP agreed to acquire TanQuid for approximately €500 million (approximately $587 million), including €300 million of assumed debt, expected to close in Q4 2025[201]. - In Q1 2025, Sunoco LP acquired fuel equipment and supply agreements for approximately $17 million, including $12 million in cash and newly issued common units valued at approximately $5 million[202]. - In Q2 2025, Sunoco LP acquired 151 fuel distribution consignment sites for approximately $105 million, including $92 million in cash and newly issued common units valued at approximately $13 million[203]. - In Q3 2025, Sunoco LP acquired approximately 70 fuel distribution consignment sites and 100 supply agreements for approximately $85 million in cash[204]. Financial Performance - For the three months ended September 30, 2025, Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $121 million, or 3%, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to lower segment margin and higher operating expenses in multiple reportable segments[225]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income decreased by $648 million, or 13%, primarily due to a $598 million gain recognized by Sunoco LP on its sale of West Texas assets in the prior period[224]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA increased by $203 million, or 2%, primarily due to higher segment margin in the midstream segment and the investment in Sunoco LP segment[226]. - The consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $3,838 million, compared to $3,959 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting a decrease of $121 million[222]. - The Partnership's net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $1,292 million, a decrease of $142 million, or 10%, compared to the same period in 2024[223]. Revenue and Expenses - Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $869 million, an increase of $191 million compared to the same period last year[240]. - Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $99 million to $230 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year[240]. - Operating expenses for the NGL and refined products segment increased by $241 million, primarily due to recently acquired assets and adjustments in estimates recorded in the prior period[254]. - The depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses increased by $400 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year, primarily due to additional depreciation from recently placed assets[226]. Tax and Regulatory Changes - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reinstates 100% bonus depreciation on qualified property, expected to defer a significant portion of corporate subsidiaries' U.S. federal income taxes[206]. - The FERC's revised policy on income tax allowances may impact the rates charged for FERC-regulated transportation services, with potential revenue reductions[208]. - The FERC initiated a review of its policies on certification of natural gas pipelines, with new policy statements issued in 2022[212]. Debt and Financing - As of September 30, 2025, total consolidated indebtedness was $63.10 billion, up from $59.76 billion at the end of 2024[288]. - The company issued $1.25 billion of 5.70% senior notes due April 2035 in March 2025 to refinance existing indebtedness[289]. - Sunoco LP issued $1.00 billion of 6.25% senior notes due 2033 in March 2025, using proceeds to repay existing senior notes[293]. - Cash used in financing activities during 2025 was $562 million, significantly lower than $4.34 billion in 2024, with a net increase in debt of $3.41 billion compared to $4.24 billion in 2024[284]. Operational Metrics - Natural gas transported increased to 13,861 BBtu/d for the three months ended September 30, 2025, up by 647 BBtu/d from the previous year[240]. - Gathered volumes in the midstream segment increased by 554 BBtu/d to 21,581 BBtu/d for the three months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to newly acquired assets[250]. - NGL transportation volumes increased to 2,487 MBbls/d for Q3 2025, up 11.2% from 2,237 MBbls/d in Q3 2024[252]. - Crude oil transportation volumes were 7,023 MBbls/d in Q3 2025, slightly down from 7,025 MBbls/d in Q3 2024, while nine-month volumes increased to 6,932 MBbls/d, up 6.0% from 6,540 MBbls/d[258]. Capital Expenditures - Total capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be approximately $4,600 million for growth and $1,100 million for maintenance[269]. - Sunoco LP plans to invest approximately $150 million in maintenance capital expenditures and at least $400 million in growth capital for the full year 2025[270]. - USAC plans to invest between $38 million and $42 million in maintenance capital expenditures and between $115 million and $125 million in expansion capital expenditures for the full year 2025[272].

Core Insights - Energy Transfer (ET) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of 28 cents per unit, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents by 15.2% and decreasing 12.5% from the previous year's figure of 32 cents [1][9] - Total revenues for ET were $19.95 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $22.91 billion by 12.9% and down 3.9% from the year-ago figure of $20.77 billion [2][9] Financial Performance - Total costs and expenses were $17.80 billion, a decrease of 4.2% year over year, attributed to lower product costs and reduced selling, general, and administrative expenses [3] - Operating income totaled $2.15 billion, down 1.4% year over year [3] - Interest expenses, net of interest capitalized, amounted to $890 million, which is 7.5% higher than the prior-year level [3] Development Projects - Energy Transfer is commissioning the third of eight 10-megawatt natural-gas-fired electric generation units in West Texas [4] - In August 2025, ET announced plans to construct a new natural gas storage cavern at its Bethel storage facility, expected to double the site's working gas storage capacity to over 12 billion cubic feet (BCF) by late 2028 [4] - In September 2025, ET signed agreements to expand its Price River Terminal in Utah, which will double the terminal's export capacity for American Premium Uinta oil [5] - In November 2025, ET announced plans to build Mustang Draw II, a new natural gas processing plant in the Midland Basin with a capacity of 250 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMcf/d), expected to enter service in Q4 2026 [6] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, ET had current assets of $17.44 billion, up from $14.20 billion as of December 31, 2024 [7] - Long-term debt, less current maturities, was $63.1 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $59.75 billion as of December 31, 2024 [7] - ET's revolving credit facility had an aggregate $3.44 billion of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2025 [7] Capital Expenditures - Growth capital expenditures in Q3 2025 totaled $1.14 billion, while maintenance capital expenditures amounted to $293 million [8] - For 2025, ET anticipates growth capital expenditures to be nearly $4.6 billion and expects to invest nearly $5 billion in growth capital in 2026 [10]

Energy Transfer will only make the final investment decision on the Lake Charles LNG project after it finds buyers for 80% of its equity, the company said in its third-quarter earnings call. The Lake Charles LNG facility is a conversion of an import and regasification terminal into an export terminal. Earlier in the year, Energy Transfer said it aimed to make the final investment decision for the project by the end of 2025. Now, things look different. “We are in advanced discussions with MidOcean Energy ...

Core Insights - Energy Transfer LP (ET) reported a revenue of $19.95 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a decrease of 3.9% year-over-year and a significant miss of 12.9% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $22.91 billion [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.28, down from $0.32 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of -15.15% against the consensus estimate of $0.33 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Gathered volumes in the midstream segment were reported at 21,581.00 BBtu/D, exceeding the two-analyst average estimate of 21,480.99 BBtu/D [4] - NGLs produced were 1,149 million barrels, slightly below the average estimate of 1,152.73 million barrels [4] - Equity NGLs stood at 67 million barrels, surpassing the average estimate of 64.62 million barrels [4] - NGL and refined products terminal volumes reached 1,660 million barrels, exceeding the average estimate of 1,543.19 million barrels [4] - NGL fractionation volumes were reported at 1,123 million barrels, below the average estimate of 1,158.2 million barrels [4] - Refined products transportation volumes were 601 million barrels, slightly above the average estimate of 589.13 million barrels [4] - NGL transportation volumes were 2,487 million barrels, exceeding the average estimate of 2,307.15 million barrels [4] Adjusted EBITDA Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for intrastate transportation and storage was $230 million, below the average estimate of $259.92 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for interstate transportation and storage was $431 million, compared to the average estimate of $479.4 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for crude oil transportation and services was $746 million, slightly below the average estimate of $755.57 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for NGL and refined products transportation and services was $1.05 billion, close to the average estimate of $1.06 billion [4] - Overall adjusted EBITDA for the midstream segment was $751 million, below the average estimate of $836.62 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Energy Transfer LP have returned -0.7% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer will delay the financial approval for its Lake Charles liquefied natural gas export facility until 80% of the project has been sold to equity partners [1] Company Summary - Energy Transfer is a U.S. pipeline operator focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects [1] - The Lake Charles facility is located in Louisiana and is part of the company's broader strategy in the LNG market [1] Industry Summary - The LNG export market is highly dependent on securing equity partners to mitigate financial risks associated with large-scale projects [1] - The requirement of selling 80% of the project to equity partners reflects the industry's cautious approach to investment in LNG infrastructure [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $3.84 billion, a decrease from $3.96 billion in Q3 2024, but flat year over year when excluding non-recurring items [3][4] - Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA reached $11.8 billion, compared to $11.6 billion for the same period in 2024 [4] - Distributable cash flow (DCF) attributable to partners was approximately $1.9 billion for the first nine months of 2025 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - NGL and refined products segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.1 billion from $1 billion in Q3 2024, driven by higher throughput [4] - Midstream segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $751 million from $816 million in Q3 2024, impacted by a one-time business interruption claim in the previous year [5] - Crude oil segment adjusted EBITDA was $746 million, down from $768 million in Q3 2024, affected by lower transportation revenues [5] - Interstate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA was $431 million, down from $460 million in Q3 2024, but included a $43 million increase from a prior tax obligation resolution [6] - Intrastate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $230 million from $329 million in Q3 2024, despite increased volumes [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong volumes in natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, with significant demand growth expected in gas-fired power plants and data centers [8][10] - The Desert Southwest Pipeline project is fully contracted under long-term commitments, indicating strong market demand [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to spend approximately $4.6 billion on organic growth capital projects in 2025, down from a previous estimate of $5 billion [7] - Future growth capital is expected to be around $5 billion in 2026, primarily focused on natural gas segments [7] - The company is expanding its NGL business to meet international demand and enhancing its crude oil pipeline network [25][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to meet future energy demand growth, leveraging strong relationships and a backlog of growth projects [24][25] - The company is focused on capital discipline and ensuring projects meet risk-return criteria before proceeding [23][26] Other Important Information - The company is exploring the conversion of one of its NGL pipelines to natural gas service due to competitive pressures and potential revenue increases [14][46] - The Bethel natural gas storage facility expansion is expected to double its capacity, enhancing reliability and addressing demand growth [14][67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on guidance for the year - Management clarified that the guidance does not include Parkland's acquisition and expects to be slightly below the initial guidance without it [28] Question: Details on Lake Charles LNG project - Management indicated that they are close to securing necessary contracts for FID but emphasized the importance of financial discipline and securing equity partners [29][30][32] Question: Financial impact of recent data center deals - Management highlighted the significant potential revenue from data centers and the strategic importance of the Hugh Brinson pipeline in connecting to these facilities [34][36][38] Question: Growth backlog and CapEx outlook - Management confirmed a strong backlog of high-return projects and indicated that the CapEx for next year is projected at $5 billion [56][57] Question: Converting NGL pipes to natural gas service - Management discussed the potential conversion of NGL pipelines to natural gas service, citing competitive pressures and higher anticipated revenues [44][46][47] Question: Earnings growth from new projects - Management expressed optimism about maintaining earnings levels and potential growth from new projects, particularly in collaboration with Enbridge [48][50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $3.84 billion, a decrease from $3.96 billion in Q3 2024, but flat year-over-year when excluding non-recurring items [3][4] - Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA reached $11.8 billion, compared to $11.6 billion for the same period in 2024 [4] - Distributable Cash Flow (DCF) attributable to partners was approximately $1.9 billion for the first nine months of 2025 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - NGL and refined products segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.1 billion from $1 billion in Q3 2024, driven by higher throughput [4] - Midstream segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $751 million from $816 million in Q3 2024, impacted by a one-time business interruption claim in the previous year [5] - Crude oil segment adjusted EBITDA was $746 million, down from $768 million in Q3 2024, affected by lower transportation revenues [5] - Interstate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA decreased to $431 million from $460 million in Q3 2024, but included a $43 million increase from a prior tax obligation resolution [6] - Intrastate natural gas segment adjusted EBITDA fell to $230 million from $329 million in Q3 2024, despite increased volumes due to third-party growth [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong volumes in natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, with significant demand expected to support growth in gas-fired power plants and data centers [8][10] - The Desert Southwest pipeline project is fully contracted under long-term commitments, indicating strong market demand [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to spend approximately $4.6 billion on organic growth capital projects in 2025, down from a previous estimate of $5 billion [7] - Future growth capital is expected to be around $5 billion in 2026, primarily focused on natural gas segments [7] - The company is exploring converting NGL pipelines to natural gas service due to competitive pressures and potential for higher revenue [12][45] - Significant expansions in processing capacity in the Permian Basin are anticipated to support downstream pipeline networks [18][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning to meet growing energy demand and highlighted a strong backlog of growth projects [23][24] - The company is focused on capital discipline and ensuring projects meet risk-return criteria before proceeding [22][76] - Management noted that the LNG project at Lake Charles is contingent on securing sufficient equity partners and contracts before moving to a final investment decision (FID) [22][76] Other Important Information - The company has entered into multiple long-term agreements with data centers and power plants, reflecting a growing demand for natural gas supply [15][36] - The expansion of the Bethel natural gas storage facility is expected to double its capacity, enhancing reliability and addressing demand fluctuations [13][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on guidance for the year - Guidance for 2025 does not include the acquisition of Parkland, and the company expects to be slightly below the initial guidance range [27] Question: Details on Lake Charles LNG project - The company is focused on securing contracts and equity partners before proceeding to FID, with ongoing discussions to finalize agreements [28][30] Question: Financial impact of recent data center deals - The company is optimistic about the financial impact of data center agreements, which are expected to drive significant revenue growth [33][36] Question: Growth backlog and CapEx outlook - The company has a strong backlog of high-return projects, with a projected CapEx of $5 billion for the next year [54][55] Question: Converting NGL pipes to natural gas service - The company is considering converting underutilized NGL pipelines to natural gas service due to competitive pressures and potential for higher revenue [42][45] Question: Crude oil projects and earnings growth - The company expects new connections with Enbridge to maintain and potentially grow earnings across crude assets [46][50]