Energy Transfer: Is This High-Yield Stock a Buy as Growth Projects Pile Up?

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is entering a new growth phase with a significant backlog of attractive projects, which is expected to drive solid growth in the coming years [2][10]. Growth Projects - The company announced a new $5.3 billion natural gas pipeline project, the Desert Southwest pipeline, which will transport 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) from the Permian to Arizona and New Mexico, expected to be completed by the end of 2029 [3]. - Phase 1 of the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, also with a capacity of 1.5 Bcf/d, is anticipated to come online by the end of 2026, with Phase 2 allowing for 2.2 Bcf/d transport from west to east and 1 Bcf/d from east to west [4]. - The company is making progress on the Lake Charles LNG project, having found a partner in MidOcean Energy and signed several offtake agreements, with plans to own about 25% of the project [4]. Financial Performance - In Q2, Energy Transfer's adjusted EBITDA grew by 3% year over year to $3.87 billion, while distributable cash flow (DCF) to partners fell by 1% to $1.96 billion [6]. - The company experienced volume increases across its systems, including an 11% rise in interstate natural gas volumes and a 10% increase in midstream gathered volumes [7]. Future Outlook - The company expects its full-year EBITDA to be at or slightly below the low end of its guidance range of $16.1 billion to $16.5 billion [8]. - Energy Transfer anticipates a mid-teens return on its growth projects, which are expected to provide a strong runway for growth in the coming years [10]. Distribution and Valuation - The company has a robust coverage ratio of 1.7 times for its Q2 distribution, with plans to grow its distribution by 3% to 5% annually [11]. - Approximately 90% of its 2025 EBITDA is expected to come from fee-based operations, contributing to a stable business model [12]. - The stock trades at a forward enterprise value (EV)-to-EBITDA multiple of 8.1 times, which is low compared to its MLP peers and historical averages [12].