UPDATE: Stifel Nicolaus Downgrades Williams Partners to Hold Awaiting Further Clarity

In a report published Friday, Stifel Nicolaus analyst Selman Akyol downgraded the rating on Williams Partners WPZ from Buy to Hold, and removed the $60.00 price target.

In the report, Stifel Nicolaus noted, “We remain confident investors stand to benefit over the long term from the growing fee-based business model and its dominant footprint within the Marcellus shale. That being said, we are moving to the sidelines as we await further clarity on the financial impact from the explosion at its Geismar olefins plant.”

Williams Partners closed on Thursday at $48.43.