11 Best Pipeline and MLP Stocks to Buy in 2026

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2. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET)

Upside Potential: 20.32%

Number of Hedge Funds: 35

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) is one of the 11 best Pipeline and MLP Stocks to buy in 2026.

On January 28, 2026, RBC Capital lowered its price target on Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) from $22 to $21 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The update was part of RBC’s broader research note previewing the fourth quarter for the U.S. Midstream industry. RBC Capital noted underperformance in stocks focused on natural gas compared to those riding the AI wave. However, the analyst also expressed confidence in the consistent growth of natural gas sector stocks. At the same time, Morgan Stanley released a report reiterating its Hold rating on Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) on January 28, 2026. The firm maintains a $19 price target on the stock.

Separately, before these rating updates, Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) announced an increase in its quarterly cash distribution on January 27, 2026. For the fourth quarter ended December 2025, the company announced a cash distribution of 33.5c per share, a 3% increase from Q4 2024. Unitholders as of February 6, 2026, will receive the payment on February 19, 2026.

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET), founded in 1996, manages one of the largest energy portfolios in North America. With headquarters in Texas, the company operates more than 130,000 miles of pipelines for the transportation and storage of natural gas, crude oil, and NGLs.

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