PAA
Price
$23.46
Change
+$0.22 (+0.95%)
Updated
Aug 13, 04:59 PM (EDT)
Capitalization
16.39B
77 days until earnings call
Intraday BUY SELL Signals
TRGP
Price
$266.90
Change
-$1.77 (-0.66%)
Updated
Aug 13, 04:59 PM (EDT)
Capitalization
57.61B
77 days until earnings call
Intraday BUY SELL Signals
WES
Price
$48.23
Change
+$0.07 (+0.15%)
Updated
Aug 13, 04:59 PM (EDT)
Capitalization
20.34B
89 days until earnings call
Intraday BUY SELL Signals
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PAA or TRGP or WES

PAA vs TRGP vs WES Comparison Chart in %
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A.I.Advisor
Aug 03, 2026

Which Stock Would AI Choose? Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) vs. Targa Resources (TRGP) vs. Western Midstream Partners (WES) Stock Comparison

Key Takeaways

  • All three companies operate in the midstream energy sector, providing infrastructure for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids transportation, processing, and storage.
  • Recent market activity shows WES delivering strong year-to-date total returns exceeding 25%, supported by a quarterly distribution of $0.93 per unit announced in July 2026.
  • TRGP reported record first-quarter 2026 adjusted EBITDA growth of 19% year-over-year and declared a $1.25 quarterly dividend in mid-July 2026 ahead of second-quarter earnings.
  • PAA maintains a stable midstream footprint with consistent distribution history amid sector-wide focus on volume growth and operational efficiency.
  • Relative performance reflects varying sensitivities to natural gas and crude price movements, with each ticker exhibiting distinct dividend yields and capital allocation strategies.
  • Market sentiment across the group remains tied to broader energy demand trends and infrastructure expansion plans rather than short-term commodity volatility.

Introduction

Plains All American Pipeline (PAA), Targa Resources (TRGP), and Western Midstream Partners (WES) represent leading players in the U.S. midstream energy space. These stocks attract investors and traders seeking exposure to fee-based infrastructure assets that support crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGL) value chains. The comparison appeals to those evaluating relative performance, dividend sustainability, and positioning within the energy transition, particularly amid fluctuating commodity prices and evolving infrastructure needs. Market participants can use this overview to assess business model differences, recent momentum, and risk profiles without relying on forward-looking forecasts.

PAA Overview and Recent Performance

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (PAA) owns and operates a network of pipelines, storage terminals, and related assets primarily serving crude oil and NGL markets across North America. In recent weeks, the stock has reflected steady sector demand for reliable midstream capacity, with performance influenced by volume throughput and fee stability rather than spot price swings. Broader market activity has highlighted PAA’s role in connecting production basins to refining and export hubs, supporting relatively consistent distribution coverage. Sentiment remains anchored in operational reliability and ongoing system maintenance programs that underpin long-term contract visibility.

TRGP Overview and Recent Performance

Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP) focuses on natural gas gathering, processing, and NGL fractionation and transportation, with significant operations in key shale plays. Recent market activity includes the company’s July 2026 announcement of a $1.25 quarterly common dividend and the scheduling of second-quarter earnings. First-quarter 2026 results featured record adjusted EBITDA of $1.403 billion, up 19% from the prior year, reflecting higher volumes and operational leverage. Performance in recent weeks has tracked strength in natural gas and NGL fundamentals, with sentiment supported by expansion capital plans and dividend growth history.

WES Overview and Recent Performance

Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES) provides gathering, processing, and transportation services for natural gas, crude oil, and produced water, primarily in the Rocky Mountain and Permian regions. In recent market activity, the partnership declared a $0.93 per-unit quarterly distribution in July 2026 alongside its second-quarter earnings conference call. Year-to-date total returns through July 31, 2026, reached approximately 25.64%, outpacing broader equity benchmarks amid favorable volume trends. Sentiment has been shaped by distribution sustainability discussions and ongoing infrastructure investments that align with producer activity levels.

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Tickeron’s Trending AI Robots page curates a selection of high-performing AI trading bots from a larger pool of hundreds available across the platform. Currently, 30 bots are featured in the Trending section, drawn from 298 total AI trading bots that cover thousands of different tickers. These bots employ varied trading styles, strategies, and timeframes, with documented performance metrics such as returns reaching up to +241% and win rates in the 70–80% range for select strategies. All bots differ in their statistical profiles, risk parameters, and ticker focus, allowing users to review detailed forward-testing results, closed trades, and real-time signals. Review the curated list on the Trending AI Robots page to identify options suited to current market conditions.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Business models differ in emphasis: PAA centers on crude oil and NGL pipelines with extensive storage, TRGP integrates gas processing and NGL fractionation with downstream marketing, and WES balances gas, crude, and water services in specific basins. Growth drivers include volume recovery for all three, though TRGP has shown notable adjusted EBITDA expansion in recent reporting. Recent momentum favors WES on total return metrics while TRGP benefits from explicit dividend increases and earnings beats. Risk factors encompass regulatory approvals for new projects, exposure to producer drilling activity, and interest-rate sensitivity affecting distribution coverage ratios. Sector exposure remains uniform within midstream, yet valuation sensitivity varies with yield differentials and leverage metrics. Market sentiment reflects shared tailwinds from energy infrastructure demand but differentiates on individual capital-return policies and regional volume outlooks.

Tickeron AI Verdict

Based on observable factors including trend consistency in recent volume data, stability of distribution declarations, and relative positioning within earnings cycles, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign a probabilistic preference toward TRGP. This assessment rests on documented first-quarter adjusted EBITDA growth and the timing of dividend actions that align with broader sector resilience. The evaluation remains probabilistic and draws solely from verifiable performance indicators and positioning metrics rather than directional forecasts.

Disclaimer

The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.

Disclaimers and Limitations

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COMPARISON
Comparison
Aug 13, 2026
Stock price -- (PAA: $23.24TRGP: $268.67WES: $48.17)
Brand notoriety: PAA and TRGP are notable and WES is not notable
The three companies represent the Oil & Gas Pipelines industry
Current volume relative to the 65-day Moving Average: PAA: 43%, TRGP: 63%, WES: 71%
Market capitalization -- PAA: $16.39B, TRGP: $57.61B, WES: $20.34B
$PAA is valued at $16.39B, while TRGP has a market capitalization of $57.61B, and WES's market capitalization is $20.34B. The market cap for tickers in this @Oil & Gas Pipelines ranges from $112.44B to $0. The average market capitalization across the @Oil & Gas Pipelines industry is $16.95B.

Long-Term Analysis

It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).

PAA’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileTRGP’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s), and WES’s FA Score reflects 4 green FA rating(s).

  • PAA’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
  • TRGP’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
  • WES’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
According to our system of comparison, TRGP and WES are a better buy in the long-term than PAA.

Short-Term Analysis

It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.

If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.

PAA’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TRGP’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and WES’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).

  • PAA’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
  • TRGP’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
  • WES’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
According to our system of comparison, WES is a better buy in the short-term than PAA, which in turn is a better option than TRGP.

Price Growth

PAA (@Oil & Gas Pipelines) experienced а +0.30% price change this week, while TRGP (@Oil & Gas Pipelines) price change was +3.29% , and WES (@Oil & Gas Pipelines) price fluctuated +4.38% for the same time period.

The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oil & Gas Pipelines industry was +3.36%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.43%, and the average quarterly price growth was +16.26%.

Reported Earning Dates

PAA is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.

TRGP is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.

WES is expected to report earnings on Nov 10, 2026.

Industries' Descriptions

@Oil & Gas Pipelines (+3.36% weekly)

Oil & Gas Pipelines industry includes companies that transport natural gas and crude oil through pipelines. These companies also collect and market the fuels. The pipeline segment could be considered as a midstream operation – functioning as a link between the upstream and downstream operations in the oil and gas industry. Some of the largest U.S. pipeline players include Enterprise Products Partners L.P, TC Energy Corporation and Energy Transfer, L.P.

SUMMARIES
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FUNDAMENTALS
Fundamentals
TRGP($57.6B) has a higher market cap than WES($20.3B) and PAA($16.4B). TRGP has higher P/E ratio than PAA and WES: TRGP (25.69) vs PAA (19.85) and WES (15.24). TRGP YTD gains are higher at: 47.770 vs. PAA (36.947) and WES (29.955). TRGP has higher annual earnings (EBITDA): 5.22B vs. PAA (2.91B) and WES (2.41B). WES has less debt than PAA and TRGP: WES (8.71B) vs PAA (11.6B) and TRGP (19.1B). PAA has higher revenues than TRGP and WES: PAA (45.3B) vs TRGP (16.6B) and WES (4.05B).
PAATRGPWES
Capitalization16.4B57.6B20.3B
EBITDA2.91B5.22B2.41B
Gain YTD36.94747.77029.955
P/E Ratio19.8525.6915.24
Revenue45.3B16.6B4.05B
Total CashN/A100MN/A
Total Debt11.6B19.1B8.71B
FUNDAMENTALS RATINGS
PAA vs TRGP vs WES: Fundamental Ratings
PAA
TRGP
WES
OUTLOOK RATING
1..100
767480
VALUATION
overvalued / fair valued / undervalued
1..100
5
Undervalued
31
Undervalued
4
Undervalued
PROFIT vs RISK RATING
1..100
472
SMR RATING
1..100
741628
PRICE GROWTH RATING
1..100
454543
P/E GROWTH RATING
1..100
814324
SEASONALITY SCORE
1..100
502275

Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.

WES's Valuation (4) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as PAA (5) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry, and is in the same range as TRGP (31) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry. This means that WES's stock grew similarly to PAA’s and similarly to TRGP’s over the last 12 months.

WES's Profit vs Risk Rating (2) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as PAA (4) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry, and is in the same range as TRGP (7) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry. This means that WES's stock grew similarly to PAA’s and similarly to TRGP’s over the last 12 months.

TRGP's SMR Rating (16) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as WES (28) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for PAA (74) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry. This means that TRGP's stock grew similarly to WES’s and somewhat faster than PAA’s over the last 12 months.

WES's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as TRGP (45) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry, and is in the same range as PAA (45) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry. This means that WES's stock grew similarly to TRGP’s and similarly to PAA’s over the last 12 months.

WES's P/E Growth Rating (24) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry is in the same range as TRGP (43) in the Oil Refining Or Marketing industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for PAA (81) in the Oil And Gas Pipelines industry. This means that WES's stock grew similarly to TRGP’s and somewhat faster than PAA’s over the last 12 months.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Technical Analysis
PAATRGPWES
RSI
ODDS (%)
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
55%
N/A
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
70%
Stochastic
ODDS (%)
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
64%
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
55%
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
47%
Momentum
ODDS (%)
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
58%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
74%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
77%
MACD
ODDS (%)
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
60%
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
65%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
72%
TrendWeek
ODDS (%)
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
66%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
74%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
66%
TrendMonth
ODDS (%)
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
64%
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
50%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
64%
Advances
ODDS (%)
Bullish Trend 16 days ago
67%
Bullish Trend 14 days ago
76%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
65%
Declines
ODDS (%)
Bearish Trend 9 days ago
49%
Bearish Trend 9 days ago
51%
Bearish Trend 9 days ago
42%
BollingerBands
ODDS (%)
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
81%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
90%
Bearish Trend 2 days ago
58%
Aroon
ODDS (%)
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
66%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
78%
Bullish Trend 2 days ago
60%
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PAA
Daily Signal:
Gain/Loss:
TRGP
Daily Signal:
Gain/Loss:
WES
Daily Signal:
Gain/Loss:
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PAA and

Correlation & Price change

A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PAA has been closely correlated with PAGP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 97% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PAA jumps, then PAGP could also see price increases.

1D
1W
1M
1Q
6M
1Y
5Y
Ticker /
NAME
Correlation
To PAA
1D Price
Change %
PAA100%
+0.39%
PAGP - PAA
97%
Closely correlated
+0.16%
AM - PAA
77%
Closely correlated
+0.63%
WES - PAA
54%
Loosely correlated
+0.10%
TRGP - PAA
54%
Loosely correlated
+1.21%
ET - PAA
51%
Loosely correlated
+0.82%
More

TRGP and

Correlation & Price change

A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, TRGP has been closely correlated with OKE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if TRGP jumps, then OKE could also see price increases.

1D
1W
1M
1Q
6M
1Y
5Y
Ticker /
NAME
Correlation
To TRGP
1D Price
Change %
TRGP100%
+1.21%
OKE - TRGP
73%
Closely correlated
+1.04%
KMI - TRGP
61%
Loosely correlated
+0.79%
AM - TRGP
59%
Loosely correlated
+0.63%
WMB - TRGP
58%
Loosely correlated
+1.92%
DTM - TRGP
57%
Loosely correlated
+0.99%
More

WES and

Correlation & Price change

A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WES has been loosely correlated with PAGP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 56% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WES jumps, then PAGP could also see price increases.

1D
1W
1M
1Q
6M
1Y
5Y
Ticker /
NAME
Correlation
To WES
1D Price
Change %
WES100%
+0.10%
PAGP - WES
56%
Loosely correlated
+0.16%
PAA - WES
56%
Loosely correlated
+0.39%
OKE - WES
55%
Loosely correlated
+1.04%
ET - WES
55%
Loosely correlated
+0.82%
TRGP - WES
53%
Loosely correlated
+1.21%
More