Energy Transfer's valuation has fallen this year.Units of Energy Transfer (ET -0.71%) have declined by more than 10% this year. That has the master limited partnership (MLP) trading at an even cheaper level. However, a low valuation alone does not make a stock a good buy. To determine whether Energy Transfer is a genuine value stock or a potential value trap, it's essential to consider whether its low valuation is justified by underlying challenges or if the market is overlooking something that could fuel a ...

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is currently experiencing a dip in unit price, presenting a potential buying opportunity as the company is expected to recover and grow in the long term [1][2]. Financial Performance - Energy Transfer initially projected adjusted EBITDA between $16.1 billion and $16.5 billion for the year, indicating a growth rate of 3.9% to 6.5% compared to the previous year, which is below its historical double-digit growth rate since 2020 [4]. - The company's growth outlook has worsened due to weaker commodity prices, leading to expectations of adjusted EBITDA at or slightly below the low end of its guidance range [5]. Growth Catalysts - The company plans to invest $5 billion in growth capital projects this year, including significant projects like the Nederland Flexport NGL expansion and the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, which are expected to generate income starting in 2026 [6]. - Energy Transfer has a stake in Sunoco, which is set to acquire Parkland for $9.3 billion, providing a boost to Energy Transfer's earnings once the deal closes [8]. Future Projects - Energy Transfer has approved several new growth capital projects, including the Desert Southwest Expansion project, a $5.3 billion natural gas pipeline expected to enter service by the end of 2029 [9]. - The company is also working on the long-delayed Lake Charles LNG export terminal, which may receive approval this year, along with other natural gas pipeline expansions to meet rising demand [10]. Financial Position - Energy Transfer is in its strongest financial position in history, allowing for continued organic expansion and potential acquisitions as opportunities arise [11]. Investment Opportunity - The current dip in unit price has resulted in a lower valuation and a higher distribution yield of 7.6%, making it an attractive investment for those anticipating a growth reacceleration [12].

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer's growth has significantly slowed in 2025, with a decline in unit prices and underperformance compared to the S&P 500, despite a strong previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Energy Transfer achieved a record $15.5 billion in adjusted EBITDA, a 13% increase from 2023 [4]. - The company generated $8.4 billion in distributable cash flow in 2024, marking a 10% year-over-year increase [5]. - For the first half of 2025, adjusted EBITDA was nearly $8 billion, reflecting a 4% increase, while distributable cash flow was $5.5 billion, showing less than 1% growth [6]. Growth Outlook - Energy Transfer expects adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be at or slightly below the lower end of its guidance range of $16.1 billion to $16.5 billion, indicating less than 4% growth compared to 2024 [7]. - The company is investing $5 billion in growth capital projects in 2025, with many projects expected to come online by the end of 2026 [8]. - Recent completions include two new gas processing plants, with another scheduled for completion in the second quarter of next year [9]. Expansion Projects - Energy Transfer is finalizing the Nederland Flexport NGL expansion and the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, which are expected to significantly boost earnings and cash flow in 2026 and 2027 [10]. - The Desert Southwest expansion of the Transwestern Pipeline, a $5.3 billion project, is anticipated to be operational by the end of the decade [11]. - The company is also advancing the long-delayed Lake Charles LNG export project and exploring additional projects to supply gas to new power plants and data centers [12]. Financial Position - Energy Transfer is in its strongest financial position to date, allowing for potential acquisitions as opportunities arise [13]. - Although no deals have been made this year, its affiliate Sunoco LP has agreed to acquire Parkland for $9.1 billion, expected to enhance earnings by over 10% in the first year [14]. Investment Opportunity - Despite the slowdown in growth, the recent dip in unit prices may present a buying opportunity, especially for investors willing to accept the Schedule K-1 tax form [15]. - Investors can benefit from a distribution yield of over 7.5%, which is expected to grow as income rises, positioning them for a high total return [16].