Pipeline operator Williams Companies offers a way for investors to play rising natural gas prices as demand grows due to the transition away from coal, according to the research firm Argus. "Our upgrade largely reflects our more bullish stance on natural gas prices," analyst Bill Selesky told clients in a research note Thursday. Demand for natural gas should rise due to hot weather conditions and the transition from coal to gas, while supply is constrained and inventories are low, the analyst said. The pipeline operator has rallied as natural gas prices have bounced back 70% over the past two months. "The power-hungry world we live in is rapidly turning to natural gas to generate this power," Armstrong said.

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Persons: Williams, Bill Selesky, Selesky, Jenny Harrington, CNBC's, Harrington, Wells, Alan Armstrong, Armstrong Organizations: Williams Companies, Argus, U.S, Energy Information Administration, Williams, Asset Management, Street Locations: U.S, midstream, Tuesday's, Wells