ET Stock Trading at a Discount to its Industry: How to play?

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer LP (ET) units are currently undervalued compared to the Zacks Oil and Gas Production Pipeline – MLB industry, with an EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.25X, below the industry average of 11.67X, indicating a discount relative to peers [1][2]. Company Overview - Energy Transfer operates an extensive pipeline network exceeding 130,000 miles across 44 states in the U.S. and is actively pursuing growth opportunities to meet increasing power demands [8]. - The company has consistently executed one major accretive acquisition annually since 2021, enhancing its infrastructure, particularly in the Permian Basin [8]. Revenue Generation - Nearly 90% of Energy Transfer's revenues come from fee-based contracts related to transportation and storage services, ensuring stable cash flows and reducing exposure to commodity price fluctuations [9]. - The company has significant export capabilities, with natural gas liquids (NGL) and crude oil export capacities exceeding 1.1 million and 1.9 million barrels per day, respectively [10]. Financial Performance - Energy Transfer's current quarterly cash distribution rate is 32.75 cents per common unit, with management raising distribution rates 14 times in the past five years, resulting in a payout ratio of 101% [12]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings growth of 9.38% for 2025 and 0.39% for 2026 [15]. Management and Insider Ownership - Management and insiders own nearly 10% of Energy Transfer units, with significant purchases totaling over 44 million units worth $468 million from January 2021 to February 2025, indicating confidence in the company's future [13][14]. Market Position - Energy Transfer's asset base is strategically distributed across key U.S. production basins, providing strong earnings support through a diversified portfolio of oil and gas pipelines, gathering and processing facilities, and storage assets [11]. - The company is well-positioned to benefit from the rising production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the U.S. [18].