Williams Partners Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings

Williams Partners WPZ announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Wall Street expects a EPS of 85 cents per share and revenues of $1.69 billion. Wall Street will be looking to see how this quarter's numbers compare to the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 66 cents per share on revenues of $1.37 billion. We'll know on Wednesday whether Williams Partners L.P has managed the estimated 28.8% increase in EPS and 23.4% rise in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Stock Performance:

Shares of Williams Partners were trading at $55.69 as of July 28, 2011. Shares are up 22.8% year to date.

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Williams Partners is a Hold. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Looking for a sympathy stock to trade or interested in the performance of other companies in the same sector? Take a look at some of Williams Partners' peers.

• Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P APL: Hold with a $1.20 recent quarter EPS
• Copano Energy, L.L.C CPNO: Hold with a -$0.07 recent quarter EPS
• DCP Midstream Partners DPM: Hold with a $0.54 recent quarter EPS
• Crestwood Midstream Partners (CMLP): Moderate Buy with a $0.33 recent quarter EPS

The oil/gas production pipeline company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 5.6% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Williams Partners is engaged in the business of gathering, transporting, processing and treating natural gas and fractionating and storing natural gas liquids.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Williams Partners' upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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