Mizuho Raises Western Midstream Partners to 'Buy' with $48 Target

Mizuho analyst Gabriel Moreen has raised his rating on Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: WES) to 'buy' with a price target of $48. The announcement came on June 17, 2026, as the stock traded at $43.75.

Other Institutional Activity in Western Midstream Partners

ALPS Advisors Inc increased its holdings by 3,562,997 shares, ending with 38,637,354 shares valued at about $1.59 billion. Invesco Ltd. added 343,986 shares, bringing its total to 24,047,585 shares worth approximately $990.04 million. Mirae Asset Global ETFs Holdings Ltd. grew its holdings by 589,766 shares, resulting in 8,869,816 shares valued at $365.17 million. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs Group Inc reduced its stake by 803,701 shares, leaving it with 8,758,512 shares valued at $360.59 million.

Western Midstream Partners, LP Stock Down 1.6%

Shares of Western Midstream Partners are trading at $43.75. The company has a market cap of about $18.08 billion and a P/E ratio of 14.39. Its forward P/E is 11.57, and it has a beta of 0.65. The stock's 52-week range is between $36.90 and $48.01, with a 50-day moving average of $43.19 and a 200-day moving average of $40.67. The company has a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.06, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 248.29.

Recent Earnings

Western Midstream Partners reported revenue of approximately $4.05 billion, with a revenue growth rate of 22.5%. The company posted an EPS of $3.04, achieving a net margin of 29.51% and a return on equity of 36.69%. The next earnings report is expected on August 5, 2026.

Dividend

Western Midstream Partners offers an annual dividend rate of $3.72, yielding 8.5%. The dividend payout ratio is 119.74%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Western Midstream Partners, LP

Robert Phillips purchased 1,250 shares at $40.19 on March 11, 2026. On February 12, 2026, Christopher Dial, SVP, GC, and Secretary, sold 5,879 shares at $42.35, while President & CEO Oscar Brown sold 10,510 shares at the same price. Catherine Green, SVP & Chief Accounting Officer, bought 63,315 shares on February 12, 2026.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

On June 17, 2026, Mizuho reinstated Western Midstream Partners with a 'buy' rating and a $48 price target. Previously, Morgan Stanley maintained a 'sell' rating with a $51 target on May 27, 2026. UBS kept a 'hold' rating at $45 on May 21, 2026, while Wells Fargo maintained a 'hold' at $43 on May 13, 2026. The consensus rating is a 'buy', with a mean price target of $45 based on 12 analyst opinions.

About Western Midstream Partners

Western Midstream Partners, LP operates as a midstream energy company in the U.S., focusing on gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and transporting natural gas and other resources. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, the company is led by CEO Oscar K. Brown and employs around 1,704 people. It operates primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains.

Bottom Line

Mizuho's upgraded rating to 'buy' reflects confidence in Western Midstream Partners' performance. The company's financial health, with solid earnings and a high dividend yield, makes it a notable player in the energy sector. Investors should remember that analyst ratings are one of many factors to consider in investment decisions.