ONEOK Partners Reports Higher Second-quarter 2008 Results; Raises 2008 Earnings Guidance

August 05, 2008

TULSA, Okla., Aug 05, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- ONEOK Partners, L.P. (NYSE: OKS) today announced that its second-quarter 2008 net income rose 63 percent to $154.5 million, or $1.46 per unit, compared with net income of $94.6 million, or 97 cents per unit, for the second quarter 2007.

Year-to-date 2008 net income increased 57 percent to $299.5 million, or $2.94 per unit, compared with $190.4 million, or $1.97 per unit, in the same period last year.

"The partnership had another exceptional quarter, with earnings gains in all four of its business segments," said John W. Gibson, chairman and chief executive officer of ONEOK Partners. "Second-quarter earnings increased primarily as a result of higher realized commodity prices in our natural gas gathering and processing segment and increased throughput in our natural gas liquids gathering and fractionation segment. We also continue to benefit from the natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products pipeline system we acquired last fall," Gibson added.

"We are beginning to see the partnership's current internal growth projects come on line and have identified $300 million to $500 million per year in additional growth projects between 2010 and 2015," Gibson added. "Two of our largest projects, Overland Pass Pipeline and the Guardian extension, are expected to become operational during the second half of this year."

ONEOK Partners raised its 2008 net income guidance to the range of $5.20 to $5.60 per unit from the range of $4.10 to $4.60 per unit. The partnership's distributable cash flow is now expected to be in the range of $585 million to $625 million. Strong results in the first half of 2008, combined with the current commodity price environment and hedges in place, have resulted in increased 2008 income and cash flow guidance in the natural gas gathering and processing segment and natural gas liquids gathering and fractionation segment. The natural gas liquids pipelines segment's 2008 income has been adjusted to reflect the previously announced delay of the Overland Pass Pipeline, which is expected to become operational in the third quarter 2008. Additional information is available in exhibits A and B.

The 2008 average unhedged prices used in the updated guidance are approximately $120 per barrel for crude oil, $1.65 per gallon for composite natural gas liquids and $9.20 per MMBtu for natural gas.

In the second quarter 2008, cash flow, as measured by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), rose 35 percent to $212.0 million, compared with $156.5 million in the second quarter 2007. Distributable cash flow (DCF) for the second quarter 2008 increased to $176.9 million, or $1.72 per unit, compared with $122.0 million, or $1.30 per unit, in the second quarter 2007.

Year-to-date 2008 EBITDA rose 34 percent to $420.2 million, compared with $313.7 million in the same period last year. DCF for the six months ended June 30, 2008, increased to $335.8 million, or $3.37 per unit, compared with $238.9 million, or $2.55 per unit, in the same period last year.

Second-quarter 2008 operating income increased to $163.7 million, compared with $107.6 million in the same period a year earlier. For the six months 2008, operating income increased 48 percent to $314.3 million.

The partnership's operating income in both the three- and six-month 2008 periods reflect higher realized commodity prices in the natural gas gathering and processing segment and increased volumes and wider regional NGL product price differentials in the natural gas liquids gathering and fractionation segment. In addition, the natural gas liquids pipelines segment had strong results from the North System, an interstate natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products pipeline system that was acquired in October 2007.

Operating costs were $87.2 million in the second quarter 2008, compared with $81.6 million in the same period last year. Operating costs for the six months ended June 30, 2008, were $175.2 million, compared with $157.3 million in the same period last year. Operating cost increases for the three- and six-month 2008 periods are primarily due to incremental expenses associated with the acquisition of the North System, as well as increases in general operating and employee-related costs.

    SECOND-QUARTER 2008 SUMMARY INCLUDES:

    --  Operating income of $163.7 million, compared with $107.6 million in
        the second quarter 2007;
    --  Natural gas gathering and processing segment operating income of $76.2
        million, compared with $46.3 million in the second quarter 2007;
    --  Natural gas pipelines segment operating income of $37.7 million,
        compared with $25.1 million in the second quarter 2007;
    --  Natural gas liquids gathering and fractionation segment operating
        income of $41.7 million, compared with $31.8 million in the second
        quarter 2007;
    --  Natural gas liquids pipelines segment operating income of $9.9
        million, compared with $8.4 million in the second quarter 2007;
    --  Equity earnings from investments of $17.6 million, compared with $18.8
        million in the second quarter 2007;
    --  Capital expenditures of $257.5 million, compared with $131.8 million
        in the second quarter 2007, primarily due to internally generated
        growth projects;
    --  Completing the expansion of Fort Union Gas Gathering in July, which
        doubles the capacity of the system located in the Powder River Basin
        that gathers coal bed methane natural gas;
    --  Increasing the quarterly distribution to $1.06 per unit, marking the
        10th consecutive quarter to raise the distribution;
    --  Appointing James C. Kneale president and chief operating officer of
        ONEOK Partners, in addition to his duties as president and chief
        operating officer of ONEOK, Inc.; and
    --  Receiving an award for achieving three years of excellence in employee
        health and safety at the partnership's Mont Belvieu fractionator from
        the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.


    SECOND-QUARTER 2008 BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing Segment

The natural gas gathering and processing segment reported increased operating income for the second quarter 2008 of $76.2 million, compared with $46.3 million for the second quarter 2007.

Second-quarter 2008 operating income increased $23.4 million from higher realized commodity prices, $5.2 million from higher volumes sold and processed, and $4.1 million from improved contract terms. Operating costs for the segment were $32.8 million, compared with $30.6 million in the second quarter 2007.

Operating income for the six months increased to $135.2 million, compared with $76.7 million in 2007. The increase was due to $47.9 million in higher realized commodity prices, $9.2 million from higher volumes sold and processed, and $6.2 million from improved contract terms. Operating costs for the segment were $65.9 million, compared with $64.6 million in the six-month period in 2007.

Equity earnings from investments increased for both the three- and six- months ended 2008, compared with 2007, primarily from higher gathering revenues in various investments in the Rocky Mountain region.

The following table contains margin information for the periods indicated. NGL shrink, plant fuel and condensate shrink refer to the Btus that are removed from natural gas through the gathering and processing operation.

                                     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                          June 30,               June 30,
                                       2008       2007       2008       2007
    Percent of proceeds
      Wellhead purchases (MMBtu/d)    69,389     86,281     69,960     91,325
      NGL sales (Bbl/d)                6,475      6,113      6,107      6,044
      Residue sales (MMBtu/d)         36,947     30,441     36,776     30,406
      Condensate sales (Bbl/d)         1,070        740      1,092        711
      Percentage of total net margin     64%        57%        62%        57%
    Fee-based
      Wellhead volumes (MMBtu/d)   1,184,654  1,188,139  1,188,169  1,178,325
      Average rate ($/MMBtu)           $0.26      $0.25      $0.26      $0.25
      Percentage of total net margin     21%        32%        22%        33%
    Keep-whole
      NGL shrink (MMBtu/d)            22,433     23,837     22,970     24,351
      Plant fuel (MMBtu/d)             2,313      2,788      2,400      2,924
      Condensate shrink (MMBtu/d)      2,242      2,223      2,127      2,546
      Condensate sales (Bbl/d)           454        450        430        515
      Percentage of total net margin     15%        11%        16%        10%



The natural gas gathering and processing segment is exposed to commodity price risk, primarily NGLs, as a result of receiving commodities in exchange for services. The following table sets forth the natural gas gathering and processing segment's hedging information for the remainder of 2008 and for 2009:

                                                   Six Months Ending
                                                   December 31, 2008

                                         Volumes                    Percentage
                                         Hedged     Average Price     Hedged

    Natural gas liquids (Bbl/d) (a)       8,560     $1.31 / gallon      74%
    Condensate (Bbl/d) (a)                  748     $2.16 / gallon      78%
    Total liquid sales (Bbl/d)            9,308     $1.38 / gallon      74%

    Natural gas (MMBtu/d) (a)             5,500     $9.35 / MMBtu       54%

    (a) - Hedged with fixed-price swaps.


                                                      Year Ending
                                                   December 31, 2009

                                         Volumes                    Percentage
                                         Hedged      Average Price    Hedged

    Natural gas liquids (Bbl/d) (a)       3,313     $2.01 / gallon      28%
    Condensate (Bbl/d) (a)                  666     $3.23 / gallon      47%
    Total liquid sales (Bbl/d)            3,979     $2.22 / gallon      30%

    (a) - Hedged with fixed-price swaps.



The partnership currently estimates that a 1 cent per gallon increase in the composite price of natural gas liquids would increase annual net margin by approximately $1.6 million. A $1.00 per barrel increase in the price of crude oil would increase annual net margin by approximately $0.7 million. Also, a 10 cent per MMBtu increase in the price of natural gas would increase annual net margin by approximately $0.2 million. All these sensitivities exclude the effects of hedging and assume normal operating conditions.

Natural Gas Pipelines Segment

The natural gas pipelines segment reported increased operating income for the second quarter 2008 of $37.7 million, compared with $25.1 million for the second quarter 2007.

Increased operating income during the quarter reflects $5.5 million of increased transportation margins, as a result of the higher natural gas price impact on retained fuel, and higher throughput; and $2.2 million of increased storage margins, as a result of higher storage fees. Operating costs decreased $4.3 million to $20.5 million due to lower general taxes and lower general operating costs.

Operating income for the six months increased to $69.4 million, compared with $57.4 million in the same period in 2007.

Six-month 2008 results reflect a $5.2 million increase in transportation margins as a result of the higher natural gas price impact on retained fuel, and a $4.1 million increase in storage margins as a result of higher storage fees and the higher natural gas price impact on retained fuel. Operating costs for the segment were $44.0 million in the six-month 2008 period, compared with $45.8 million in the same period last year, down primarily due to decreased general taxes.

Second-quarter 2008 equity earnings from investments were $9.2 million, compared with $10.6 million in the second quarter 2007. The decrease was primarily due to lower throughput on Northern Border Pipeline, in which the partnership has a 50 percent interest. Six-month 2008 equity earnings from investments were $29.2 million, compared with $28.8 million in the six months ended 2007.

Natural Gas Liquids Gathering and Fractionation Segment

The natural gas liquids gathering and fractionation segment reported operating income for the second quarter 2008 of $41.7 million, compared with $31.8 million for the second quarter 2007.

During the second quarter 2008, operating income increased $11.7 million from increased throughput due to new supply connections and increased fractionation volumes; $3.2 million from wider regional NGL product price differentials between the NGL market centers in Conway, Kan., and Mont Belvieu, Texas; and $1.4 million from higher storage margins. These increases were partially offset by $3.4 million in lower isomerization volumes as a result of narrower product price differentials between isobutane and normal butane.

Operating costs were $20.0 million in the second quarter 2008, compared with $16.9 million in the second quarter 2007, primarily due to increased costs incurred to comply with regulations at storage facilities, higher employee-related costs and higher maintenance costs at the partnership's Mont Belvieu fractionator.

Operating income for the six months increased to $87.0 million, compared with $63.8 million in 2007.

Six-month 2008 results reflect a $16.8 million increase from higher throughput due to new supply connections and increased fractionation volumes; $16.0 million from wider regional NGL product price differentials between the NGL market centers in Conway and Mont Belvieu; and $1.9 million from higher storage margins. These increases were partially offset by a $4.4 million decrease from lower isomerization volumes as a result of narrower product price differentials between isobutane and normal butane.

Six-month 2008 operating costs for the segment were $38.6 million, compared with $31.6 million in the same period last year. The increase results from higher costs incurred to comply with regulations at storage facilities, higher employee-related costs and higher maintenance costs at the Mont Belvieu fractionator.

The second-quarter 2008 Conway-to-Mont Belvieu Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) average price differential for ethane/propane mix was 13 cents per gallon, compared with 5 cents per gallon in the same period last year.

Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines Segment

The natural gas liquids pipelines segment reported increased operating income of $9.9 million, compared with $8.4 million for the second quarter 2007.

Second-quarter 2008 operating income improved as a result of $9.4 million from increased margins on the recently acquired North System, as well as $1.1 million from increased throughput due to new supply connections. Operating costs for the segment increased $8.2 million in the second quarter 2008, compared with the second quarter 2007, primarily due to incremental expenses associated with operating the North System, as well as higher employee-related costs.

Operating income for the six months 2008 increased to $23.7 million, compared with $17.0 million in 2007.

Six-month 2008 results benefited from $22.0 million of increased margins from the North System and $2.7 million from increased throughput due to new NGL supply connections and increased production from existing supply connections. Operating costs for the segment were $27.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared with $10.9 million in the same period last year. The increase was due primarily to incremental expenses associated with operating the North System, as well as higher employee-related costs.

GROWTH ACTIVITIES

In the second quarter 2008, the partnership continued executing approximately $2 billion of internally generated growth projects that are expected to be completed in 2008 and 2009.

Natural Gas Liquids Projects

The natural gas liquids projects account for approximately $1.4 billion of the current growth projects.

In June, construction was completed on much of the $230 million to $240 million of projects that increase existing NGL fractionation and distribution pipeline capacity. The project costs have increased from $216 million, primarily as a result of increasing the Bushton, Kan., fractionator capacity by an additional 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) from initial design specifications of 120,000 bpd, as well as higher construction labor costs and weather delays. The projects include expanding the Bushton fractionator from 80,000 bpd to 150,000 bpd; upgrading the NGL storage at Bushton; constructing a 135-mile pipeline from Bushton to Medford, Okla.; and expanding distribution pipeline capacity by 60,000 bpd from Medford to Mont Belvieu.

The partnership is nearing completion of a $30 million to $35 million, 78-mile NGL pipeline extension of the Oklahoma gathering system in the Woodford Shale in southeast Oklahoma. The pipeline connects two natural gas processing plants that have the ability to produce approximately 25,000 bpd of natural gas liquids. The partnership has experienced increases in construction costs from the original estimate of $25 million due to an unanticipated pipeline reroute, numerous weather delays and rock-filled terrain encountered during construction.

Other NGL growth projects include a joint venture to build Overland Pass Pipeline, a 760-mile natural gas liquids pipeline extending from Opal, Wyo., to Conway, Kan., currently estimated to cost $575 million to $590 million. Overland Pass is designed to transport approximately 110,000 bpd of NGLs, and capacity can be increased to 255,000 bpd with additional pump facilities. Construction on the pipeline began in the fall of 2007 and is currently expected to begin operating during the third quarter of 2008, with final completion expected in the fourth quarter. Severe winter weather conditions in southern Wyoming and construction interruptions this spring and summer, due to restrictions in state and federally regulated wildlife areas, have increased estimated costs from $535 million and have affected the construction schedule.

The Overland Pass Pipeline project economics remain favorable as the volume forecast continues to increase, driven by new drilling and processing plant development. As part of a long-term agreement, The Williams Companies, Inc. dedicated its NGL production of approximately 60,000 bpd from two of its natural gas processing plants in Wyoming to the Overland Pass Pipeline. In addition, agreements have been reached for supply commitments of up to an additional 80,000 bpd, and additional agreements are being negotiated with other producers for supply commitments that could add another 60,000 bpd of NGL supply to this pipeline within the next three to five years.

The $110 million to $140 million, 150-mile lateral pipeline connecting the Piceance Basin with Overland Pass Pipeline is currently expected to be in service during the second quarter of 2009.

The $340 million to $360 million, 440-mile Arbuckle Pipeline extending from southern Oklahoma through the Barnett Shale of North Texas and on to the partnership's fractionation and storage facilities at Mont Belvieu on the Texas Gulf Coast, is currently under construction and is expected to go into service in early 2009. The pipeline will have the capacity to transport 160,000 bpd of unfractionated natural gas liquids, expandable to 210,000 bpd with additional pump facilities. Cost increases from the original estimate of $260 million on the Arbuckle Pipeline are a result of higher right-of-way, labor and material costs, primarily valves and fittings. Project economics remain favorable as the volume forecast continues to increase, driven by new drilling and processing plant development. Supply commitments from producers are in place for 65,000 bpd, and there are indications of interest with other producers that could add an additional 145,000 bpd of supply within the next three to five years. These additional supply commitments are in various stages of negotiation.

Natural Gas Projects

In July 2008, construction on the Fort Union Gas Gathering expansion project was completed. The project doubles the gathering pipeline capacity of Fort Union Gas Gathering by adding approximately 150 miles of new gathering lines and approximately 650 million cubic feet per day of additional capacity. ONEOK Partners owns approximately 37 percent of Fort Union Gas Gathering, L.L.C.

Construction is under way on the $277 million to $305 million, 119-mile Guardian expansion and extension project, which is currently targeted to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2008. The current cost projection is unchanged, but various factors including weather, the amount of rock-filled terrain encountered and increasing right-of-way costs could impact the estimated project costs.

The expansion of the partnership's Grasslands natural gas processing facility in the highly active Williston Basin will increase the plant's processing capacity by nearly 60 percent and its fractionation capacity by 50 percent. The expansion project is becoming operational in phases, with the final phase currently expected to come on line in the second half of 2008. The project is currently estimated to cost $40 million to $45 million, increasing from the original estimate of $30 million, as a result of increased construction labor and equipment costs.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

ONEOK Partners and ONEOK management will conduct a joint conference call on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (10 a.m. Central Daylight Time). The call will also be carried live on ONEOK Partners' and ONEOK's Web sites.

To participate in the telephone conference call, dial 866-847-7861, pass code 1250710, or log on to www.oneokpartners.com or www.oneok.com.

If you are unable to participate in the conference call or the webcast, the replay will be available on ONEOK Partners' Web site, www.oneokpartners.com, and ONEOK's Web site, www.oneok.com, for 30 days. A recording will be available by phone for seven days. The playback call may be accessed at 866-837-8032, pass code 1250710.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The partnership has disclosed in this news release EBITDA and DCF amounts that are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes EBITDA and DCF provide useful information to investors as a measure of comparison with peer companies. However, these calculations may vary from company to company, so the partnership's computations may not be comparable with those of other companies. DCF is not necessarily the same as available cash as defined in the Partnership Agreement. Management further uses EBITDA to compare the financial performance of its segments and to internally manage those business segments. Reconciliations of EBITDA to net income and operating income and computations of DCF are included in the financial tables attached to this release.

ONEOK Partners, L.P. (NYSE: OKS) is one of the largest publicly traded limited partnerships, and is a leader in the gathering, processing, storage and transportation of natural gas in the U.S. and owns one of the nation's premier natural gas liquids (NGL) systems, connecting much of the natural gas and NGL supply in the Mid-Continent with key market centers. Our general partner is a wholly owned subsidiary of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE), a diversified energy company, which owns 47.7 percent of the overall partnership interest. ONEOK is one of the largest natural gas distributors in the United States, and its energy services operation focuses primarily on marketing natural gas and related services throughout the U.S.

For more information, visit the Web sites at www.oneokpartners.com or www.oneok.com.

Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements relate to our anticipated financial performance, management's plans and objectives for our future operations, our business prospects, the outcome of regulatory and legal proceedings, market conditions and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following discussion is intended to identify important factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated in this news release identified by words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "should," "goal," "forecast," "could," "may," "continue," "might," "potential," "scheduled" and other words and terms of similar meaning.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Those factors may affect our operations, markets, products, services and prices. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with the forward-looking statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:

    --  the effects of weather and other natural phenomena on our operations,
        demand for our services and energy prices;
    --  competition from other United States and Canadian energy suppliers and
        transporters as well as alternative forms of energy;
    --  the capital intensive nature of our businesses;
    --  the profitability of assets or businesses acquired by us;
    --  risks of marketing, trading and hedging activities, including the
        risks of changes in energy prices or the financial condition of our
        counterparties;
    --  the uncertainty of estimates, including accruals and costs of
        environmental remediation;
    --  the timing and extent of changes in energy commodity prices;
    --  the effects of changes in governmental policies and regulatory
        actions, including changes with respect to income and other taxes,
        environmental compliance, authorized rates or recovery of gas and gas
        transportation costs;
    --  impact on drilling and production by factors beyond our control,
        including the demand for natural gas and refinery-grade crude oil;
        producers' desire and ability to obtain necessary permits; reserve
        performance; and capacity constraints on the pipelines that transport
        crude oil, natural gas and NGLs from producing areas and our
        facilities;
    --  changes in demand for the use of natural gas because of market
        conditions caused by concerns about global warming or changes in
        governmental policies and regulations due to climate change
        initiatives;
    --  the impact of unforeseen changes in interest rates, equity markets,
        inflation rates, economic recession and other external factors over
        which we have no control, including the effect on pension expense and
        funding resulting from changes in stock and bond market returns;
    --  actions by rating agencies concerning the credit ratings of us or our
        general partner;
    --  the results of administrative proceedings and litigation, regulatory
        actions and receipt of expected clearances involving the OCC, KCC,
        Texas regulatory authorities or any other local, state or federal
        regulatory body, including the FERC;
    --  our ability to access capital at competitive rates or on terms
        acceptable to us;
    --  risks associated with adequate supply to our gathering, processing,
        fractionation and pipeline facilities, including production declines
        which outpace new drilling;
    --  the risk that material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our
        internal control over financial reporting could emerge or that minor
        problems could become significant;
    --  the impact and outcome of pending and future litigation;
    --  the ability to market pipeline capacity on favorable terms, including
        the effects of:
        -  future demand for and prices of natural gas and NGLs;
        -  competitive conditions in the overall energy market;
        -  availability of supplies of Canadian and United States natural gas;
        -  availability of additional storage capacity;
        -  weather conditions; and
        -  competitive developments by Canadian and U.S. natural gas
           transmission peers;
    --  performance of contractual obligations by our customers, service
        providers, contractors and shippers;
    --  the timely receipt of approval by applicable governmental entities for
        construction and operation of our pipeline and other projects and
        required regulatory clearances;
    --  our ability to acquire all necessary rights-of-way permits and
        consents in a timely manner, to promptly obtain all necessary
        materials and supplies required for construction, and to construct
        pipelines without labor or contractor problems;
    --  the mechanical integrity of facilities operated;
    --  demand for our services in the proximity of our facilities;
    --  our ability to control operating costs;
    --  acts of nature, sabotage, terrorism or other similar acts that cause
        damage to our facilities or our suppliers' or shippers' facilities;
    --  economic climate and growth in the geographic areas in which we do
        business;
    --  the risk of a significant slowdown in growth or decline in the U.S.
        economy or the risk of delay in growth recovery in the U.S. economy;
    --  the impact of recently issued and future accounting pronouncements and
        other changes in accounting policies;
    --  the possibility of future terrorist attacks or the possibility or
        occurrence of an outbreak of, or changes in, hostilities or changes in
        the political conditions in the Middle East and elsewhere;
    --  the risk of increased costs for insurance premiums, security or other
        items as a consequence of terrorist attacks;
    --  risks associated with pending or possible acquisitions and
        dispositions, including our ability to finance or integrate any such
        acquisitions and any regulatory delay or conditions imposed by
        regulatory bodies in connection with any such acquisitions and
        dispositions;
    --  the impact of unsold pipeline capacity being greater or less than
        expected;
    --  the ability to recover operating costs and amounts equivalent to
        income taxes, costs of property, plant and equipment and regulatory
        assets in our state and FERC-regulated rates;
    --  our ability to promptly obtain all necessary materials and supplies
        required for construction of gathering, processing, storage,
        fractionation and transportation facilities;
    --  the composition and quality of the natural gas and NGLs we gather and
        process in our plants and transport on our pipelines;
    --  the efficiency of our plants in processing natural gas and extracting
        and fractionating NGLs;
    --  the impact of potential impairment charges;
    --  the risk inherent in the use of information systems in our respective
        businesses, implementation of new software and hardware, and the
        impact on the timeliness of information for financial reporting;
    --  our ability to control construction costs and completion schedules of
        our pipelines and other projects; and
    --  the risk factors listed in the reports we have filed and may file with
        the SEC, which are incorporated by reference.


These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise. OKS-FE

    Analyst Contact:  Christy Williamson
                      918-588-7163

    Media Contact:    Tom Droege
                      918-588-7561



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                                 Three Months Ended       Six Months Ended
                                      June 30,                June 30,
    (Unaudited)                   2008        2007        2008        2007
                               (Thousands of dollars, except per unit amounts)

    Revenues                   $2,143,892  $1,375,314  $4,202,927  $2,543,988
    Cost of sales and fuel      1,862,959   1,157,744   3,653,469   2,121,048
    Net Margin                    280,933     217,570     549,458     422,940
    Operating Expenses
      Operations and maintenance   80,532      74,371     157,473     141,047
      Depreciation and
       amortization                30,033      28,013      59,975      55,526
      General taxes                 6,626       7,249      17,767      16,257
    Total Operating Expenses      117,191     109,633     235,215     212,830
    Gain (Loss) on Sale of
     Assets                            (3)       (379)         28       1,824
    Operating Income              163,739     107,558     314,271     211,934
    Equity earnings from
     investments                   17,610      18,758      45,393      42,813
    Allowance for equity funds
     used during construction      11,676       1,658      20,172       2,995
    Other income                      676       2,502       2,734       3,965
    Other expense                     (36)       (298)     (2,167)       (511)
    Interest expense              (34,705)    (33,503)    (73,234)    (65,803)
    Income before Minority
     Interests and Income
     Taxes                        158,960      96,675     307,169     195,393
    Minority interests in
     income of consolidated
     subsidiaries                    (134)        (92)       (257)       (177)
    Income taxes                   (4,305)     (1,964)     (7,373)     (4,841)
    Net Income                   $154,521     $94,619    $299,539    $190,375

    Limited partners' interest
     in net income:
    Net income                   $154,521     $94,619    $299,539    $190,375
    General partners' interest
     in net income                (21,688)    (14,052)    (41,393)    (27,330)
      Limited Partners' Interest
       in Net Income             $132,833     $80,567    $258,146    $163,045

    Limited partners' per unit
     net income:
      Net income per unit           $1.46       $0.97       $2.94       $1.97
    Number of Units Used in
     Computation  (Thousands)      90,906      82,891      87,680      82,891

    Supplemental Information(1):
    EBITDA                       $212,022    $156,533    $420,206    $313,727
    Distributable cash flow      $176,902    $121,951    $335,783    $238,934
    Distributable cash flow
     per unit                       $1.72       $1.30       $3.37       $2.55

    (1) Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are included in the
        financial tables attached to this release.



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                  June 30,        December 31,
    (Unaudited)                                     2008              2007
    Assets                                          (Thousands of dollars)

    Current Assets
      Cash and cash equivalents                    $76,410            $3,213
      Accounts receivable, net                     538,185           577,989
      Affiliate receivables                         67,294            52,479
      Gas and natural gas liquids in storage       331,460           251,219
      Commodity exchanges and imbalances           154,359            82,037
      Other current assets                          24,934            19,961
        Total Current Assets                     1,192,642           986,898

    Property, Plant and Equipment
      Property, plant and equipment              5,040,688         4,436,371
      Accumulated depreciation and
       amortization                                826,762           776,185
        Net Property, Plant and Equipment        4,213,926         3,660,186

    Investments and Other Assets
      Investment in unconsolidated affiliates      752,952           756,260
      Goodwill and intangible assets               680,369           682,084
      Other assets                                  29,651            26,637
        Total Investments and Other Assets       1,462,972         1,464,981
        Total Assets                            $6,869,540        $6,112,065

    Liabilities and Partners' Equity

    Current Liabilities
      Current maturities of long-term debt         $11,931           $11,930
      Notes payable                                120,000           100,000
      Accounts payable                             814,638           742,903
      Affiliate payables                            52,856            18,298
      Commodity exchanges and imbalances           379,619           252,095
      Other current liabilities                    136,121           136,664
        Total Current Liabilities                1,515,165         1,261,890

    Long-term Debt, excluding current maturities 2,597,453         2,605,396

    Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities          47,682            43,799

    Commitments and Contingencies

    Minority Interests in Consolidated
     Subsidiaries                                    5,911             5,802

    Partners' Equity
      General partner                               74,043            58,415
      Common units: 54,426,087 units and
       46,397,214 units issued and
       outstanding at June 30, 2008, and
       December 31, 2007, respectively           1,310,567           814,266
      Class B units: 36,494,126 units
       issued and outstanding at June
       30, 2008, and December 31, 2007           1,373,160         1,340,638
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss         (54,441)          (18,141)
        Total Partners' Equity                   2,703,329         2,195,178
        Total Liabilities and Partners'
         Equity                                 $6,869,540        $6,112,065



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                                       Six Months Ended
                                                           June 30,
    (Unaudited)                                     2008              2007
                                                    (Thousands of dollars)
    Operating Activities
    Net income                                    $299,539          $190,375
    Depreciation and amortization                   59,975            55,526
    Allowance for equity funds used
     during construction                           (20,172)           (2,995)
    Gain on sale of assets                             (28)           (1,824)
    Minority interests in income of
     consolidated subsidiaries                         257               177
    Equity earnings from investments               (45,393)          (42,813)
    Distributions received from
     unconsolidated affiliates                      39,904            57,066
    Changes in assets and liabilities
     (net of acquisition and disposition
     effects):
      Accounts receivable                           35,134           (69,680)
      Affiliate receivables                        (14,815)           21,468
      Gas and natural gas liquids in storage      (104,557)            8,637
      Accounts payable                              39,225           140,858
      Affiliate payables                            34,558           (10,130)
      Commodity exchanges and imbalances, net       55,202            14,888
      Other assets and liabilities                 (48,886)            3,407
      Cash Provided by Operating Activities        329,943           364,960

    Investing Activities
    Changes in investments in unconsolidated
     affiliates                                      6,480            (7,653)
    Capital expenditures (less allowance for
     equity funds used during construction)       (524,587)         (206,391)
    Proceeds from sale of assets                       111             3,753
    Changes in short-term investments                    -           (26,038)
    Other                                            2,450                 -
      Cash Used in Investing Activities           (515,546)         (236,329)

    Financing Activities
    Cash distributions to:
      General and limited partners                (214,794)         (189,008)
      Minority interests                              (148)              (73)
    Borrowing (repayment) of notes payable, net     20,000            99,000
    Issuance of common units, net of discounts     450,198                 -
    Contributions from general partner               9,508                 -
    Payment of long-term debt                       (5,964)           (2,983)
    Other                                                -               (30)
      Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing
       Activities                                  258,800           (93,094)
      Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents           73,197            35,537
      Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning
       of Period                                     3,213            21,102
      Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period   $76,410           $56,639



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
    INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
                                          Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended
                                               June 30,           June 30,
    (Unaudited)                             2008     2007     2008      2007
                                                (Millions of dollars)
    Natural Gas Gathering and Processing
    Net margin                              $121.1    $88.4   $225.0   $161.8
    Operating costs                          $32.8    $30.6    $65.9    $64.6
    Depreciation and amortization            $12.1    $11.1    $23.9    $22.3
    Operating income                         $76.2    $46.3   $135.2    $76.7
    Equity earnings from investments          $8.1     $7.7    $15.2    $13.3
    Natural gas gathered (BBtu/d)            1,185    1,188    1,188    1,178
    Natural gas processed (BBtu/d)             651      619      637      614
    Natural gas liquids sales (MBbl/d)          40       38       39       37
    Natural gas sales (BBtu/d)                 281      273      279      271
    Realized composite NGL sales price
     ($/gallon)                              $1.49    $0.99    $1.41    $0.91
    Realized condensate sales price
     ($/Bbl)                               $102.77   $59.79   $95.82   $58.06
    Realized natural gas sales price
     ($/MMBtu)                               $9.42    $6.83    $8.41    $6.71
    Realized gross processing spread
     ($/MMBtu)                               $6.69    $4.55    $7.06    $4.08
    Capital expenditures - growth            $31.4    $19.4    $54.8    $33.2
    Capital expenditures - maintenance        $4.9     $4.2     $8.0     $6.7

    Natural Gas Pipelines
    Net margin                               $66.7    $57.9   $130.4   $119.4
    Operating costs                          $20.5    $24.7    $44.0    $45.8
    Depreciation and amortization             $8.5     $8.1    $16.9    $16.2
    Operating income                         $37.7    $25.1    $69.4    $57.4
    Equity earnings from investments          $9.2    $10.6    $29.2    $28.8
    Natural gas transported (MMcf/d)         3,455    3,333    3,706    3,639
    Average natural gas price
      Mid-Continent region ($/MMBtu)         $9.20    $6.53    $8.19    $6.41
    Capital expenditures - growth            $27.6    $25.4    $48.5    $41.8
    Capital expenditures - maintenance        $2.2     $3.0     $3.5     $4.2

    Natural Gas Liquids Gathering and
     Fractionation
    Net margin                               $67.3    $54.4   $136.9   $106.5
    Operating costs                          $20.0    $16.9    $38.6    $31.6
    Depreciation and amortization             $5.7     $5.8    $11.3    $11.1
    Operating income                         $41.7    $31.8    $87.0    $63.8
    Natural gas liquids gathered (MBbl/d)      253      224      252      217
    Natural gas liquids sales (MBbl/d)         265      221      275      221
    Natural gas liquids fractionated (MBbl/d)  371      349      381      334
    Conway-to-Mont Belvieu OPIS average
     price differential
      Ethane/Propane mixture ($/gallon)      $0.13    $0.05    $0.11    $0.05
    Capital expenditures - growth            $50.8    $12.2    $77.5    $17.3
    Capital expenditures - maintenance        $4.2     $2.9     $7.1     $5.3

    Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines
    Net margin                               $27.4    $16.9    $58.7    $34.0
    Operating costs                          $13.8     $5.5    $27.2    $10.9
    Depreciation and amortization             $3.7     $3.0     $7.8     $6.0
    Operating income                          $9.9     $8.4    $23.7    $17.0
    Equity earnings from investments          $0.3     $0.4     $1.0     $0.7
    Natural gas liquids transported (MBbl/d)   308      227      305      216
    Natural gas liquids gathered (MBbl/d)       96       78       94       74
    Capital expenditures - growth           $135.2    $64.6   $323.3    $97.3
    Capital expenditures - maintenance        $1.2     $0.1     $1.8     $0.5



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

                                       Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
                                            June 30,            June 30,
    (Unaudited)                          2008      2007      2008      2007
                                               (Thousands of dollars)
    Reconciliation of Net Income to
     EBITDA
    Net income                         $154,521   $94,619  $299,539  $190,375
    Minority interests                      134        92       257       177
    Interest expense, net                34,705    33,503    73,234    65,803
    Depreciation and amortization        30,033    28,013    59,975    55,526
    Income taxes                          4,305     1,964     7,373     4,841
    Allowance for equity funds used
     during construction                (11,676)   (1,658)  (20,172)   (2,995)
      EBITDA                           $212,022  $156,533  $420,206  $313,727

    Natural Gas Gathering and
     Processing Reconciliation of
     Operating Income to EBITDA
    Operating income                    $76,183   $46,274  $135,236   $76,726
    Depreciation and amortization        12,141    11,145    23,898    22,267
    Equity earnings from investments      8,126     7,730    15,170    13,338
    Other income (expense)                 (105)      (40)     (937)      203
      EBITDA                            $96,345   $65,109  $173,367  $112,534

    Natural Gas Pipelines
     Reconciliation of Operating
     Income to EBITDA
    Operating income                    $37,691   $25,077   $69,405   $57,438
    Depreciation and amortization         8,522     8,137    16,940    16,157
    Equity earnings from investments      9,153    10,614    29,214    28,782
    Other income (expense)                  (32)      (19)     (592)      228
      EBITDA                            $55,334   $43,809  $114,967  $102,605

    Natural Gas Liquids Gathering and
     Fractionation Reconciliation of
     Operating Income to EBITDA
    Operating income                    $41,687   $31,787   $86,974   $63,786
    Depreciation and amortization         5,668     5,754    11,287    11,086
    Equity earnings from investments          -         -         -         -
    Other income (expense)                 (340)     (158)   (1,070)     (267)
      EBITDA                            $47,015   $37,383   $97,191   $74,605

    Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines
     Reconciliation of Operating
     Income to EBITDA
    Operating income                     $9,890    $8,412   $23,703   $17,047
    Depreciation and amortization         3,697     2,991     7,839     6,003
    Equity earnings from investments        331       414     1,009       693
    Other income (expense)                  (26)      (42)     (450)      126
      EBITDA                            $13,892   $11,775   $32,101   $23,869



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
    RECONCILIATION OF DISTRIBUTABLE CASH FLOW NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

                                       Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
                                            June 30,            June 30,
    (Unaudited)                          2008      2007      2008      2007
                                      (Thousands of dollars, except per unit
                                                     amounts)

    Reconciliation of EBITDA to
     Distributable Cash Flow
    EBITDA                             $212,022  $156,533  $420,206  $313,727
    (Gain)/loss on sale of assets             3       379       (28)   (1,824)
    Interest expense                    (34,705)  (33,503)  (73,234)  (65,803)
    Maintenance capital                 (12,492)  (10,216)  (20,418)  (16,850)
    Distributions to minority
     interests                              (74)      (73)     (148)      (73)
    Equity earnings from investments    (17,610)  (18,758)  (45,393)  (42,813)
    Distributions received from
     unconsolidated affiliates           33,214    30,611    60,627    57,066
    Current income tax expense and
     other                               (3,456)   (3,022)   (5,829)   (4,496)
      Distributable Cash Flow          $176,902  $121,951  $335,783  $238,934


    Distributions to General Partner    (20,920)  (14,099)  (40,022)  (27,369)
    Distributable Cash Flow to Limited
     Partners                          $155,982  $107,852  $295,761  $211,565

    Distributable Cash Flow per
     Limited Partner Unit                 $1.72     $1.30     $3.37     $2.55

    Number of Units Used in
     Computation (Thousands)             90,906    82,891    87,680    82,891



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries                         Exhibit A
    EARNINGS GUIDANCE*

                                              Updated     Previous
                                               2008         2008
                                             Guidance     Guidance     Change
                                         (Millions of dollars, except per unit
                                                        amounts)
    Operating Income
      Natural Gas Gathering & Processing         $269        $217         $52
      Natural Gas Pipelines                       142         110          32
      Natural Gas Liquids Gathering &
       Fractionation                              153         105          48
      Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines                68          92         (24)
      Other                                        (8)         (3)         (5)
    Operating Income                              624         521         103
    Equity earnings from investments               81          90          (9)
    Other income (expense)                         42          35           7
    Interest expense                             (161)       (182)         21
    Income taxes and other                        (15)         (7)         (8)
    Net Income                                   $571        $457        $114


    Net Income Per Unit                         $5.40       $4.35       $1.05

    Number of Units Used in Computation
     (Millions)                                  89.3        86.5         2.8


    Capital Expenditures

      Natural Gas Gathering & Processing         $150        $105         $45
      Natural Gas Pipelines                       245         216          29
      Natural Gas Liquids Gathering &
       Fractionation                              172         128          44
      Natural Gas Liquids Pipelines               747         496         251
    Total Capital Expenditures                 $1,314        $945        $369

    Growth                                     $1,230        $854        $376
    Maintenance                                    84          91          (7)
    Total Capital Expenditures                 $1,314        $945        $369

    *Amounts shown are midpoints of ranges provided.



    ONEOK Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries                        Exhibit B
    EARNINGS GUIDANCE*

                                             Updated     Previous
                                               2008        2008
                                             Guidance    Guidance     Change
                                                  (Millions of dollars)

    Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA
    Net income                                  $571        $457        $114
    Interest expense                             161         182         (21)
    Depreciation and amortization                132         142         (10)
    Income taxes and other                        15           7           8
    Equity AFUDC                                 (41)        (33)         (8)
      EBITDA                                    $838        $755         $83

    Reconciliation of EBITDA to Distributable
     Cash Flow
    EBITDA                                      $838        $755         $83
    Interest expense                            (161)       (182)         21
    Maintenance capital                          (84)        (91)          7
    Equity earnings from investments             (81)        (90)          9
    Distributions received from investments      105         111          (6)
    Current income tax expense and other         (12)         (3)         (9)
      Distributable Cash Flow                   $605        $500        $105

    *Amounts shown are midpoints of ranges provided.

SOURCE ONEOK Partners, L.P.

http://www.oneokpartners.com

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