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Are Systematic Acquisitions Fueling Energy Transfer's Expansion?

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Key Takeaways

  • Energy Transfer is expanding via strategic acquisitions like Crestwood, Lotus and WTG Midstream.
  • These deals boost ET's scale, asset synergies and presence in key basins like Permian and Haynesville.
  • ET's acquisitions support volume growth, margin gains and steady fee-based cash flow expansion.

Energy Transfer LP (ET - Free Report) is one of the most diversified midstream energy companies in the United States. Its vast network of pipelines, terminals and storage assets positions the firm as a key player in the transportation and distribution of natural gas, crude oil, NGLs and refined products. Energy Transfer continues to expand its operations through a disciplined and systematic approach to acquisitions. 

By acquiring complementary assets with strategic synergies, the company has enhanced its scale, diversified portfolio and created cost efficiencies. Notable transactions include the purchases of WTG Midstream, Lotus Midstream and Crestwood Equity Partners. These acquisitions have expanded ET’s footprint in high-growth basins like the Permian, Williston and Haynesville, while bolstering its natural gas and NGL infrastructure.

These acquisitions not only drive volume growth but also unlock significant operational and commercial synergies, including optimized routing, reduced operating costs and increased connectivity across ET’s network. The resulting efficiencies translate to stronger margins, higher utilization rates and improved customer offerings.

Energy Transfer’s focus on long-term value creation through strategic acquisitions, combined with the scale and integrated platform, makes it a compelling investment for income-seeking and infrastructure-focused investors aiming to benefit from North America’s expanding energy demand.

The firm’s expanding asset base through organic and inorganic initiatives provides stable fee-based cash flows and expands its geographic reach across major producing basins and end markets, supporting consistent earnings and distribution payouts.

How Acquisition Boosts Midstream Companies’ Growth?

Acquisitions enhance oil and gas pipeline operations by expanding network reach, boosting throughput volumes and optimizing asset integration. They provide access to new basins, improve cost efficiencies and create synergies, ultimately strengthening infrastructure scalability and long-term cash flow stability.

Other midstream operators like, Kinder Morgan (KMI - Free Report) and Plains All American Pipeline (PAA - Free Report) benefit significantly from strategic acquisitions. Kinder Morgan enhances its natural gas network and storage capabilities, while Plains All American Pipeline strengthens crude oil logistics and basin connectivity. Acquisitions improve asset integration, expand market access and increase cash flows, supporting both companies' long-term growth and resilience amid fluctuating commodity markets.

ET’s Price Performance

Units of Energy Transfer have risen 3.7% in the past three months compared with the Zacks Oil and Gas - Production Pipeline - MLB industry’s growth of 3.6%.

Zacks Investment Research
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ET’s Earnings Estimates Moving North

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Energy Transfer’s 2025 and 2026 earnings per unit indicates a year-over-year increase of 16.41% and 6.34%, respectively.

 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ET Stock Returns Lower Than Its Industry

Energy Transfer’s trailing 12-month return on invested capital (“ROIC”) is 3.26%, down from the industry average of 3.52%. ROIC is a ratio, which indicates how efficiently a company is using its capital to generate profits.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ET’s Zacks Rank

Energy Transfer currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

 


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