← ONEOK overview

ONEOK vs Energy Transfer LP: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

ONEOK Inc (OKE)

Q3 2026
▲4

ONEOK's AI Gas Deal and $4.4B Permian Buy Reshape Growth

  • AI data-center gas supply deal ONEOK signed its first deal to supply natural gas to an AI data center, opening a new demand source as tech companies race to power energy-hungry computing.

    This is a new growth avenue that could boost future volumes and investor confidence.

  • $4.425B Permian acquisition ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream's Permian assets for $4.425 billion, more than doubling its Midland Basin processing capacity and expanding its footprint in a key oil region.

    This major acquisition is a core strategic move that increases scale and future earnings potential.

  • Apollo's $9B investment funds deal Apollo made a $9 billion minority equity investment to fund the Permian purchase, reducing debt without issuing common stock or hurting credit ratings.

    This financing structure supports the acquisition while preserving financial health, a key investor concern.

  • Record results, raised guidance, dividend hike ONEOK posted record Q2 results, raised 2026 guidance, and lifted its dividend 4% to $1.07 per share, signaling confidence in cash flow.

    Strong operational performance and shareholder returns directly support the stock price.

August 2026
▲4

ONEOK's AI Gas Deal and $4.4B Permian Buy Reshape Growth

  • AI data-center gas supply deal ONEOK signed its first deal to supply natural gas to an AI data center, opening a new demand source as tech companies race to power energy-hungry computing.

    This is a new growth avenue that could boost future volumes and investor confidence.

  • $4.425B Permian acquisition ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream's Permian assets for $4.425 billion, more than doubling its Midland Basin processing capacity and expanding its footprint in a key oil region.

    This major acquisition is a core strategic move that increases scale and future earnings potential.

  • Apollo's $9B investment funds deal Apollo made a $9 billion minority equity investment to fund the Permian purchase, reducing debt without issuing common stock or hurting credit ratings.

    This financing structure supports the acquisition while preserving financial health, a key investor concern.

  • Record results, raised guidance, dividend hike ONEOK posted record Q2 results, raised 2026 guidance, and lifted its dividend 4% to $1.07 per share, signaling confidence in cash flow.

    Strong operational performance and shareholder returns directly support the stock price.

Latest
▲4

ONEOK funds Brazos buy with $9B Apollo equity, keeps dividend growing

  • Apollo's $9B equity funds Brazos purchase without new debt Apollo closed a $9 billion minority investment in ONEOK Holdings, structured below ONEOK's debt and treated by rating agencies as credit-enhancing. That gives ONEOK money to buy Brazos Midstream's West Texas gas operations and pay down debt without borrowing more or risking its credit rating.

    This is the period's biggest new event and directly explains how ONEOK is paying for growth while protecting its balance sheet.

  • Dividend raised 4% to $1.07 as cash flows and guidance grow ONEOK lifted its quarterly dividend 4% to $1.07 per share and guides 2026 adjusted EBITDA to $7.9-$8.3 billion, with $475 million of acquisition synergies booked. A rising payout backed by fee-based pipeline volumes signals steady cash and supports the stock's value case.

    Rising dividends and EBITDA guidance are the core fundamental drivers behind the stock's appeal to income investors.

  • Raised 2026 guidance leaves shares looking cheap on earnings After management raised 2026 earnings guidance, ONEOK trades near 16 times earnings versus a fair estimate of about 21 and peers averaging 19.5. If expansion projects and Permian volume growth deliver, the discount can close; bears warn returns could slip and debt from deals limits flexibility.

    Valuation versus peers is the main reason analysts see upside, and it frames the bull-bear debate for readers.

  • Earnings report due with $1.39 per share expected ONEOK was scheduled to report quarterly results on August 3, with analysts expecting $1.39 per share. The report is the next hard check on whether fee-based volumes and acquisition savings are flowing through as promised.

    The upcoming earnings print is the near-term catalyst that will confirm or challenge the growth story.

▲4

ONEOK's AI Gas Deal and $4.4B Permian Buy Reshape Growth

  • First AI data-center gas supply deal ONEOK signed its first deal to supply natural gas to a 1-gigawatt power plant for AI data centers, a $100 million project with strong returns. It is in late talks on more such deals, opening a new demand source for its pipelines.

    New demand channel that can lift long-term volumes and earnings.

  • $4.425B Brazos Permian acquisition ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream's Permian assets for $4.425 billion, more than doubling its Midland Basin processing capacity to about 2.3 Bcf/d. The deal is immediately accretive and speeds deleveraging without issuing common stock.

    Major growth deal that expands core Permian footprint and earnings.

  • Apollo-backed $5B debt overhaul Apollo is investing $9 billion in minority equity, with $5 billion used to cut debt. ONEOK launched a $5 billion debt repayment plan and tender offer, aiming to lower leverage to 3.25x and improve free cash flow without diluting common shareholders.

    Strengthens balance sheet and funds acquisition, reducing financial risk.

  • Record Q2 results and raised guidance ONEOK beat Q2 estimates with $1.53 EPS on record NGL volumes and $12.05 billion revenue, then raised 2026 net income guidance to $3.41–$3.79 billion. Shares have gained 9.2% since the report, reflecting stronger cash flow and confidence.

    Confirms operational strength and upward earnings trajectory.

Energy Transfer LP (ET)

Q3 2026
▲2▼1

ET raises guidance, expands data-center gas, but regulatory delays bite

  • Guidance hike and 19th straight distribution increase Energy Transfer raised its 2026 earnings guidance to $18.8–19.1 billion and increased distributions for the 19th quarter in a row, signaling steady cash flow and confidence to investors.

    This is a new, concrete financial update that directly supports the unit price.

  • New AI data-center gas deals and $2.6B Vaquero acquisition ET expanded gas supply to Oracle data centers (~900,000 Mcf/d) and signed a 20-year Entergy contract, while agreeing to buy Vaquero Midstream for $2.6 billion to add Permian pipelines.

    These are new growth moves that increase future volumes and fee income.

  • New Mexico regulatory delays on data-center pipelines New Mexico rejected or delayed multiple data-center pipeline projects (Oracle's Project Jupiter and Green Chile), postponing revenue and forcing Oracle to truck gas, which clouds near-term growth.

    This is a new regulatory setback that could weigh on the unit price.

  • Texas Stock Exchange listing and heavy growth spending ET's move to list on the Texas Stock Exchange is symbolic but may reduce near-term liquidity, while heavy spending on growth projects could pressure the unit price until startups in late 2027–2028.

    This new development has both potential benefits and near-term risks for the unit price.

September 2026
▲2▼1

ET expands Texas footprint and wins analyst backing, but data-center pipeline delays linger

  • Stifel Buy rating and $25 target Stifel resumed coverage with a Buy rating and $25 price target, saying Energy Transfer is undervalued. It pointed to record NGL export and transport volumes and rising natural gas demand from power plants. A fresh analyst endorsement can draw new investors and support the unit price.

    A new analyst rating directly affects how investors value ET and is a fresh catalyst.

  • Acquiring Vaquero Midstream for $2.6B Energy Transfer agreed to buy Vaquero Midstream for about $2.6 billion, adding roughly 300 miles of Texas pipeline and a processing plant. This grows its Permian footprint and future cash flow, a positive for the stock, though it uses cash and new units.

    A major acquisition changes ET's asset base and growth outlook, a key driver of its value.

  • New Mexico pipeline delayed by regulators Energy Transfer had to reroute a gas pipeline to Oracle's New Mexico data center after regulators rejected its route, pushing service to next year. Oracle is now trucking gas as a stopgap. The delay postpones revenue and shows regulatory risk for ET's data-center growth plans.

    This is a concrete setback to a key growth project and highlights regulatory hurdles.

  • Moving primary listing to Texas Stock Exchange Energy Transfer is switching its main stock listing from the NYSE to the new Texas Stock Exchange in early October. The move is symbolic and may appeal to Texas-focused investors, but it is unclear if it helps or hurts the unit price. Trading may be less liquid at first.

    A listing change is a notable corporate event with uncertain impact on ET's price.

Latest
▲2▼1

ET expands Texas footprint and wins analyst backing, but data-center pipeline delays linger

  • Stifel Buy rating and $25 target Stifel resumed coverage with a Buy rating and $25 price target, saying Energy Transfer is undervalued. It pointed to record NGL export and transport volumes and rising natural gas demand from power plants. A fresh analyst endorsement can draw new investors and support the unit price.

    A new analyst rating directly affects how investors value ET and is a fresh catalyst.

  • Acquiring Vaquero Midstream for $2.6B Energy Transfer agreed to buy Vaquero Midstream for about $2.6 billion, adding roughly 300 miles of Texas pipeline and a processing plant. This grows its Permian footprint and future cash flow, a positive for the stock, though it uses cash and new units.

    A major acquisition changes ET's asset base and growth outlook, a key driver of its value.

  • New Mexico pipeline delayed by regulators Energy Transfer had to reroute a gas pipeline to Oracle's New Mexico data center after regulators rejected its route, pushing service to next year. Oracle is now trucking gas as a stopgap. The delay postpones revenue and shows regulatory risk for ET's data-center growth plans.

    This is a concrete setback to a key growth project and highlights regulatory hurdles.

  • Moving primary listing to Texas Stock Exchange Energy Transfer is switching its main stock listing from the NYSE to the new Texas Stock Exchange in early October. The move is symbolic and may appeal to Texas-focused investors, but it is unclear if it helps or hurts the unit price. Trading may be less liquid at first.

    A listing change is a notable corporate event with uncertain impact on ET's price.

August 2026
▲2▼1

ET's AI data-center gas deals and raised guidance drive growth outlook

  • Q2 beat and 19th straight distribution hike Energy Transfer reported strong Q2 2026 results, raised its quarterly cash distribution to $0.34 per unit, and lifted full-year EBITDA guidance to $18.8–$19.1 billion. Higher cash flow and a bigger payout make the stock more attractive to income investors, supporting the price.

    This is the core earnings and capital-return news that directly lifts investor confidence and the stock's income appeal.

  • AI data-center gas supply deals expand ET has signed multiple long-term natural gas supply agreements with AI data centers and utilities, including about 900,000 Mcf/d for three Oracle sites and a 20-year Entergy deal. These contracts add durable demand and support multi-year growth in volumes and earnings.

    This is the main new growth driver showing how AI power demand translates into real, long-term contracts for ET.

  • Green Chile pipeline delayed six months Transwestern, an ET subsidiary, pushed the in-service date for the Green Chile gas project in New Mexico to February 2027 from August 2026 after repeated state denials over routing. The delay postpones revenue from a key data-center supply project and highlights permitting risk.

    This is the main counterweight: a concrete project delay that could slow near-term growth and shows regulatory hurdles.

▲2▼1

ET's AI data-center gas deals and raised guidance drive growth outlook

  • Q2 beat and 19th straight distribution hike Energy Transfer reported strong Q2 2026 results, raised its quarterly cash distribution to $0.34 per unit, and lifted full-year EBITDA guidance to $18.8–$19.1 billion. Higher cash flow and a bigger payout make the stock more attractive to income investors, supporting the price.

    This is the core earnings and capital-return news that directly lifts investor confidence and the stock's income appeal.

  • AI data-center gas supply deals expand ET has signed multiple long-term natural gas supply agreements with AI data centers and utilities, including about 900,000 Mcf/d for three Oracle sites and a 20-year Entergy deal. These contracts add durable demand and support multi-year growth in volumes and earnings.

    This is the main new growth driver showing how AI power demand translates into real, long-term contracts for ET.

  • Green Chile pipeline delayed six months Transwestern, an ET subsidiary, pushed the in-service date for the Green Chile gas project in New Mexico to February 2027 from August 2026 after repeated state denials over routing. The delay postpones revenue from a key data-center supply project and highlights permitting risk.

    This is the main counterweight: a concrete project delay that could slow near-term growth and shows regulatory hurdles.

July 2026
▲3▼1

ET boosts growth spending and guidance, but a New Mexico pipeline setback stings

  • Higher growth spending backed by long-term contracts Energy Transfer raised its 2026 growth spending plan to as much as $5.9 billion, up from $5.5 billion. The money goes into gas pipelines for AI data centers and exports, with long-term fee contracts targeting mid-teens returns. This signals more future cash flow, though heavy spending can keep the unit price multiple compressed until projects start up in late 2027-2028.

    This is the period's biggest new capital decision and directly shapes future earnings and valuation.

  • New Mexico rejects Oracle data-center pipeline State regulators rejected Energy Transfer's proposed 17-mile gas pipeline that would feed Oracle's Project Jupiter data center, citing water use, emissions, and low state revenue. The August 15 start date is now unlikely and construction may slip to next year. This removes a near-term project and shows regulatory risk for data-center gas deals.

    It is the only clearly negative new event and a real counterweight to the growth story.

  • Raised 2026 EBITDA guidance and preferred distribution Energy Transfer lifted its 2026 EBITDA guidance and declared a quarterly preferred distribution of $0.2111 per Series I unit. The higher guidance reflects strong fee-based cash flows from natural gas, NGLs, and crude. This supports income appeal for both common and preferred units, helping underpin the unit price.

    It is a fresh, company-specific financial update that directly affects investor income expectations.

  • AI data-center gas demand keeps building Analysts and investors continue to highlight Energy Transfer as a quiet winner of the AI boom, building gas pipelines and laterals for data centers and power plants. Multiple additional projects are expected to be approved. This reinforces the long-term demand story that supports higher volumes and fee income.

    It shows the demand driver is broadening beyond earlier Oracle and Matador deals, adding to the growth narrative.

▲3▼1

ET boosts growth spending and guidance, but a New Mexico pipeline setback stings

  • Higher growth spending backed by long-term contracts Energy Transfer raised its 2026 growth spending plan to as much as $5.9 billion, up from $5.5 billion. The money goes into gas pipelines for AI data centers and exports, with long-term fee contracts targeting mid-teens returns. This signals more future cash flow, though heavy spending can keep the unit price multiple compressed until projects start up in late 2027-2028.

    This is the period's biggest new capital decision and directly shapes future earnings and valuation.

  • New Mexico rejects Oracle data-center pipeline State regulators rejected Energy Transfer's proposed 17-mile gas pipeline that would feed Oracle's Project Jupiter data center, citing water use, emissions, and low state revenue. The August 15 start date is now unlikely and construction may slip to next year. This removes a near-term project and shows regulatory risk for data-center gas deals.

    It is the only clearly negative new event and a real counterweight to the growth story.

  • Raised 2026 EBITDA guidance and preferred distribution Energy Transfer lifted its 2026 EBITDA guidance and declared a quarterly preferred distribution of $0.2111 per Series I unit. The higher guidance reflects strong fee-based cash flows from natural gas, NGLs, and crude. This supports income appeal for both common and preferred units, helping underpin the unit price.

    It is a fresh, company-specific financial update that directly affects investor income expectations.

  • AI data-center gas demand keeps building Analysts and investors continue to highlight Energy Transfer as a quiet winner of the AI boom, building gas pipelines and laterals for data centers and power plants. Multiple additional projects are expected to be approved. This reinforces the long-term demand story that supports higher volumes and fee income.

    It shows the demand driver is broadening beyond earlier Oracle and Matador deals, adding to the growth narrative.

Q2 2026
▲4

Energy Transfer expands exports, wins legal payout, rides data-center gas demand

  • Nederland NGL export expansion fully booked Energy Transfer will add 240,000 barrels per day of ethane and 55,000 barrels per day of LPG export capacity at its Nederland terminal, with all new ethane capacity locked into long-term contracts through the 2040s. This locks in steady fee income for years, boosting future profits and supporting a higher unit price.

    This is a major new growth project that directly increases long-term cash flow and is the biggest new event this period.

  • New gas supply deals with Matador and data centers Energy Transfer signed gas supply agreements with Matador Resources and is already flowing gas to Oracle's data center campus near Abilene, with total new demand-pool volumes exceeding 6 billion cubic feet per day. These long-term contracts tie ET to the fast-growing AI power market, raising expectations for steady volume growth.

    These deals show concrete new demand sources that underpin future revenue and justify higher earnings forecasts.

  • $392 million legal judgment won Energy Transfer won a $392 million court judgment against CPS Energy over unpaid Winter Storm Uri gas bills, including $263.6 million in disputed payments and $119 million in interest. This is a one-time cash boost that strengthens the balance sheet and can fund growth or distributions, lifting investor confidence.

    A large, unexpected cash inflow directly improves ET's financial position and is a new event this period.

  • Raised 2026 earnings guidance and strong sector outlook Energy Transfer raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA growth forecast to 14%-16% from 9%-12%, and analysts highlight record crude and NGL volumes plus a 7% dividend yield. With global LNG demand projected to surge 65% by 2050, ET's export and pipeline network is seen as a key beneficiary, supporting a higher valuation.

    Guidance increase and favorable long-term demand trends are fresh catalysts that revalue the stock upward.

June 2026
▲4

Energy Transfer expands exports, wins legal payout, rides data-center gas demand

  • Nederland NGL export expansion fully booked Energy Transfer will add 240,000 barrels per day of ethane and 55,000 barrels per day of LPG export capacity at its Nederland terminal, with all new ethane capacity locked into long-term contracts through the 2040s. This locks in steady fee income for years, boosting future profits and supporting a higher unit price.

    This is a major new growth project that directly increases long-term cash flow and is the biggest new event this period.

  • New gas supply deals with Matador and data centers Energy Transfer signed gas supply agreements with Matador Resources and is already flowing gas to Oracle's data center campus near Abilene, with total new demand-pool volumes exceeding 6 billion cubic feet per day. These long-term contracts tie ET to the fast-growing AI power market, raising expectations for steady volume growth.

    These deals show concrete new demand sources that underpin future revenue and justify higher earnings forecasts.

  • $392 million legal judgment won Energy Transfer won a $392 million court judgment against CPS Energy over unpaid Winter Storm Uri gas bills, including $263.6 million in disputed payments and $119 million in interest. This is a one-time cash boost that strengthens the balance sheet and can fund growth or distributions, lifting investor confidence.

    A large, unexpected cash inflow directly improves ET's financial position and is a new event this period.

  • Raised 2026 earnings guidance and strong sector outlook Energy Transfer raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA growth forecast to 14%-16% from 9%-12%, and analysts highlight record crude and NGL volumes plus a 7% dividend yield. With global LNG demand projected to surge 65% by 2050, ET's export and pipeline network is seen as a key beneficiary, supporting a higher valuation.

    Guidance increase and favorable long-term demand trends are fresh catalysts that revalue the stock upward.

▲4

Energy Transfer expands exports, wins legal payout, rides data-center gas demand

  • Nederland NGL export expansion fully booked Energy Transfer will add 240,000 barrels per day of ethane and 55,000 barrels per day of LPG export capacity at its Nederland terminal, with all new ethane capacity locked into long-term contracts through the 2040s. This locks in steady fee income for years, boosting future profits and supporting a higher unit price.

    This is a major new growth project that directly increases long-term cash flow and is the biggest new event this period.

  • New gas supply deals with Matador and data centers Energy Transfer signed gas supply agreements with Matador Resources and is already flowing gas to Oracle's data center campus near Abilene, with total new demand-pool volumes exceeding 6 billion cubic feet per day. These long-term contracts tie ET to the fast-growing AI power market, raising expectations for steady volume growth.

    These deals show concrete new demand sources that underpin future revenue and justify higher earnings forecasts.

  • $392 million legal judgment won Energy Transfer won a $392 million court judgment against CPS Energy over unpaid Winter Storm Uri gas bills, including $263.6 million in disputed payments and $119 million in interest. This is a one-time cash boost that strengthens the balance sheet and can fund growth or distributions, lifting investor confidence.

    A large, unexpected cash inflow directly improves ET's financial position and is a new event this period.

  • Raised 2026 earnings guidance and strong sector outlook Energy Transfer raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA growth forecast to 14%-16% from 9%-12%, and analysts highlight record crude and NGL volumes plus a 7% dividend yield. With global LNG demand projected to surge 65% by 2050, ET's export and pipeline network is seen as a key beneficiary, supporting a higher valuation.

    Guidance increase and favorable long-term demand trends are fresh catalysts that revalue the stock upward.