Sunoco LP (NYSE:SUN) and its majority owner, Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET), unveiled their financial outlooks for the fiscal year 2026 on Tuesday, underscoring a coordinated and growth-focused corporate strategy.
Sunoco LP’s Projections and Strategic Initiatives
Sunoco has set its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion. This forecast incorporates an estimated $125 million in synergies related to Parkland, a planned 50-day maintenance turnaround at the Burnaby Refinery scheduled to commence in late January, as well as the anticipated completion of the TanQuid acquisition during the first quarter.
Looking at capital allocation, Sunoco intends to commit a minimum of $600 million to growth-related capital expenditures in 2026. This is aligned with its multi-year strategy of pursuing bolt-on acquisitions, targeting an annual average spending of at least $500 million in this area. Additionally, maintenance capital expenditures are expected in the range of $400 million to $450 million.
The company has articulated a financial discipline target by aiming to reach a long-term leverage ratio near 4x EBITDA during 2026. Concurrently, Sunoco plans to increase its distribution by a minimum of 5%, with incremental distribution adjustments being evaluated and potentially announced on a quarterly basis.
Sunoco projects an increase in Distributable Cash Flow per common unit, marking what would be the ninth consecutive year of growth in this financial metric, underscoring its commitment to shareholder returns.
Energy Transfer’s Financial Expectations and Growth Focus
Energy Transfer anticipates further expansion in 2026, with adjusted EBITDA expected to fall between $17.3 billion and $17.7 billion. This outlook factors in contributions from its subsidiaries Sunoco LP (SUN) and USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC).
For capital investments, Energy Transfer plans to allocate between $5.0 billion and $5.5 billion toward growth capital expenditures. These investments primarily focus on extending its natural gas infrastructure, aiming to capitalize on mid-teens percentage returns underpinned by long-term contracts. The company targets maintaining sub-6.0x EBITDA build multiples to ensure disciplined financial metrics.
It is important to note that these projected growth investments exclude expenditures by its affiliates, Sunoco LP and USA Compression Partners. The company specifically identified several key projects scheduled for ramp-up or commissioning in 2026, including the Nederland Flexport NGL expansion and processing facilities Mustang Draw I and II in the Permian Basin. Additional projects cited comprise the first phase of the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, natural gas liquids (NGL) capacity expansions on the Lone Star Express and Gateway Pipelines, and natural gas pipelines servicing data center facilities in Texas.
Market Response and Stock Performance
Following the disclosures, Sunoco shares experienced a marginal decline, falling 0.17% to $53.35. In contrast, Energy Transfer's stock price inched upward by 0.30% to $16.48 during Tuesday’s trading session.
Comprehensive Growth Strategy and Financial Discipline
The synergy between Sunoco and Energy Transfer’s forecasts reflects their integrated approach—leveraging operational efficiencies, disciplined capital deployment, and focused acquisition strategies to sustain and drive growth. Both companies emphasize maintaining leverage ratios within targeted ranges to support their distribution growth objectives while investing in key infrastructure projects that align with their long-term portfolio expansion.
With several major pipeline expansions and processing plants slated for completion or ramp-up in 2026, both firms are positioning themselves to capitalize on demand for natural gas and related products, particularly in regions critical to energy infrastructure such as the Permian Basin and Texas.
Overall, the financial guidance and capital plans published by Sunoco LP and Energy Transfer LP illustrate a concerted effort to balance growth opportunities with prudent financial management, aiming to deliver value to investors through sustained cash flow growth and strategic investments in energy infrastructure.