Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) Azioni

WILLIAMS COS INC

Williams Companies

Williams Companies is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.

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Scopri 2 azioni del settore energetico che potrebbero crollare a gennaio

Williams Companies, Inc. (The) Common Stock

Williams Companies Inc

I admit it.
I hate K-1s.
For the uninitiated, K-1s are a tax form generated by a partnership to report income.
If you own Master Limited Partnerships, you get a K-1 instead of a 1099.
They can be a nightmare if you do your own taxes.
Pro Tip: If you own MLPs, do not do your own taxes.
Again, for those of you who have never owned them, Master Limited Partnerships are fantastic little dividend machines that allow you to own businesses that are formed as partnerships specifically for tax purposes.
I have owned many of them over the years, starting with cable TV partnerships in the 80s and 90s.
It seems like every time I stick a tax return in the mail or hit send to file, I would almost immediately get a corrected K-1, causing me to have to amend my return.
My accountants love K-1s.
I hate them.
However, I hate taxes even more, and owning oil and gas midstream MLPs allows me to earn fat yields and delay taxes.
MLPs are pass-through entities, which means they don&#8217;t pay corporate income tax. Instead, they &#8220;pass through&#8221; income, deductions, depreciation, and other tax goodies directly to you via a K-1. And while that sounds like a great deal—and it is—it comes with paperwork that could make your head spin like a slot machine.
The good news?
Most of what you get from an MLP isn&#8217;t actually taxable income. It&#8217;s classified as return of capital, thanks to heavy depreciation and amortization. That means you&#8217;re deferring taxes until you sell, when the IRS gets its cut as capital gains (and sometimes ordinary income via recapture).
You get paid now, and the tax man waits.
That&#8217;s the kind of relationship I can live with.
I know some people will avoid MLPs because they hate K-1s.
That&#8217;s unintelligent.
I love huge total returns a lot more than I hate K-1s.
Midstream MLPs (Energy Transfer, Plains All American) are the toll roads of the energy world. They transport oil and gas, and they make money whether oil is at $40 or $140.
Big, boring, and tax-efficient.
Most of the distribution is return of capital.
You are deferring taxes while collecting checks. If you&#8217;re a long-term, income-focused investor who doesn&#8217;t panic over paperwork (or has a good accountant), that&#8217;s a beautiful thing.
One of my favorite MLPs is Energy Transfer (Ticker: ET).
Energy Transfer is a large midstream MLP with a footprint across pipelines, terminals, natural gas liquids, and export facilities. This one is a cash cow.
It&#8217;s run by co-founder Kelcy Warren, a cowboy capitalist who may not win awards for governance but knows how to generate distributable cash flow like nobody&#8217;s business.
ET yields over 7%, covers the distribution by a mile, and has been deleveraging after some rocky years of debt-fueled expansion.
At today&#8217;s prices, you&#8217;re getting paid handsomely to wait while they keep buying back units and growing through bolt-on deals. It&#8217;s the kind of MLP you buy, hold, and use to fund your cigar and bourbon habit.
Just don&#8217;t hold these in an IRA unless you really know what you&#8217;re doing because UBTI (unrelated business taxable income) can turn your tax-sheltered account into a tax headache.
If you want to own high-yielding midstream assets in an IRA or other tax-deferred vehicle, consider owning closed-end funds that invest in MLPs.
If you love the income and tax deferral that MLPs offer but hate the K-1 paperwork more than a trip to the DMV, CEFs might be your ticket to the promised land.
When a closed-end fund buys MLPs, it does the dirty work for you. The fund itself files the K-1s with the IRS, handles all the accounting, and you, the shareholder, just get a 1099 at the end of the year. It&#8217;s like going from doing your own taxes in pen to using a concierge accountant—smooth, clean, and hassle-free.
The best choice for a closed-end fund right now is The Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure (Ticker: KYN) This closed-end fund primarily holds North American pipeline and storage companies. Top holdings include midstream favorites like Enterprise Products Partners (Ticker: EPD), Energy Transfer (Ticker: ET), and Williams Companies (Ticker: WMB). These are businesses that generate consistent cash flow through long-term contracts, largely insulated from commodity price swings. As of March 31, 2025, the fund reported net assets of $2.5 billion and a net asset value (NAV) per share of $14.64, reflecting a portfolio built around real, tangible assets.
What makes KYN particularly compelling today is the discount it trades at relative to its NAV, currently about 12%. That kind of pricing gives investors the chance to buy into high-quality infrastructure assets at a meaningful markdown.
In a market where many income plays have been bid up, this discount provides both a margin of safety and potential upside should the discount narrow over time. For those focused on long-term total return and patient capital, this is the kind of setup that quietly compounds in your favor.
KYN also continues to deliver reliable income. The fund recently declared a monthly distribution of $0.08 per share, which works out to an annual yield of just over 7% based on current market prices. Notably, approximately 60% of that payout is expected to be classified as return of capital, offering a tax-deferred stream of income that can enhance after-tax returns.

Opinion

Under the Radar: The Tax-Deferred Income Strategy Most Investors Overlook

WIIM

EQNR

SHEL

Shares of energy stocks are trading lower as crude oil falls to 2021 levels, following OPEC+'s decision to accelerate production hikes. The market is also grappling with fears of a recession, fueled by President Trump's recent tariff announcements and China's retaliatory measures, which have heightened concerns over global demand.

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Williams Companies.
Looking at options history for Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 50% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 40% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $434,943 and 2, calls, for a total amount of $269,576.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $40.0 to $60.0 for Williams Companies over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Williams Companies stands at 5967.5, with a total volume reaching 13,313.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Williams Companies, situated within the strike price corridor from $40.0 to $60.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Williams Companies Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743797735_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$1.15</td>
<td>$1.1</td>
<td>$1.1</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$238.6K</td>
<td>14.9K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
<td>$145.7K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$2.1</td>
<td>$2.1</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
<td>$57.3K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$2.2</td>
<td>$2.15</td>
<td>$2.15</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
<td>$53.7K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$2.2</td>
<td>$2.15</td>
<td>$2.15</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
<td>$43.0K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Williams Companies</h3>
Williams Companies is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Williams Companies, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Williams Companies</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 18,923,491, with WMB's price down by -7.22%, positioned at $54.77.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 31 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Williams Companies</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $60.33.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley persists with their Overweight rating on Williams Companies, maintaining a target price of $70. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Scotiabank continues to hold a Sector Perform rating for Williams Companies, targeting a price of $53. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Equal-Weight rating on Williams Companies with a target price of $58. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Williams Companies with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Looking At Williams Companies's Recent Unusual Options Activity

FANG

Shares of energy stocks are trading lower as oil prices fall after OPEC+ producers accelerated output hikes. Additionally, President Trump's recent tariff announcements and China's retaliatory tariffs on the US have driven further demand uncertainty.

In the current market session, Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) stock price is at $59.58, after a 0.30% drop. However, over the past month, the company's stock went up by 4.89%, and in the past year, by 51.41%. Shareholders might be interested in knowing whether the stock is overvalued, even if the company is not performing up to par in the current session. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743516020_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Williams Companies P/E Compared to Competitors</h3>
The P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used by long-term investors to analyze the company's current performance against it's past earnings, historical data and aggregate market data for the industry or the indices, such as S&amp;P 500. A higher P/E indicates that investors expect the company to perform better in the future, and the stock is probably overvalued, but not necessarily. It also could indicate that investors are willing to pay a higher share price currently, because they expect the company to perform better in the upcoming quarters. This leads investors to also remain optimistic about rising dividends in the future. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of 21.41 in the Oil, Gas &amp; Consumable Fuels industry, Williams Companies Inc. has a higher P/E ratio of 32.84. Shareholders might be inclined to think that Williams Companies Inc. might perform better than its industry group. It's also possible that the stock is overvalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743516020_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company's market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company's stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.

Intraday Update

P/E Ratio Insights for Williams Companies

Williams Companies's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) short percent of float has risen 14.19% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 19.31 million shares sold short, which is 1.77% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.34 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Williams Companies Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743017425_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Williams Companies has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Williams Companies's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Williams Companies's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.51%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Is Williams Companies Gaining or Losing Market Support?

Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $58 to $70.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Morgan Stanley Maintains Overweight on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $70

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Williams Companies.
Looking at options history for Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 20% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 60% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $202,100 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $286,938.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $50.0 to $65.0 for Williams Companies over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Williams Companies options trades today is 7570.86 with a total volume of 6,281.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Williams Companies's big money trades within a strike price range of $50.0 to $65.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Williams Companies Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742846443_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$0.7</td>
<td>$1.2</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$101.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">846</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$2.15</td>
<td>$2.05</td>
<td>$2.05</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$69.2K</td>
<td>16.5K</td>
<td align="right">416</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$63.4K</td>
<td>16.5K</td>
<td align="right">739</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$60.1K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td align="right">127</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WMB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td>14.6K</td>
<td align="right">268</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Williams Companies</h3>
Williams Companies is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Williams Companies, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Williams Companies</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,584,194, the price of WMB is up by 2.63%, reaching $61.17.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 42 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Williams Companies</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $59.2.
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&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Citigroup keeps a Buy rating on Williams Companies with a target price of $65. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from CIBC keeps a Neutral rating on Williams Companies with a target price of $57. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Equal-Weight rating on Williams Companies with a target price of $58. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Scotiabank keeps a Sector Perform rating on Williams Companies with a target price of $53. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Williams Companies, which currently sits at a price target of $63. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Williams Companies, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Williams Companies

Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) has been analyzed by 8 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $57.88, with a high estimate of $65.00 and a low estimate of $51.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $55.71, the current average has increased by 3.9%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742587269_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
The perception of Williams Companies by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Christine Cho</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Bingham</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Catellier</td>
<td>CIBC</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elvira Scotto</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
<td>$62.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spiro Dounis</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christine Cho</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Holly Stewart</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Williams Companies. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Williams Companies compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Williams Companies's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Williams Companies's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Williams Companies analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Williams Companies</h2>
Williams Companies is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
<h3>Key Indicators: Williams Companies's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Revenue Growth: Williams Companies displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 3.39%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Energy sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 17.68%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Williams Companies's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 3.91%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.9%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17, Williams Companies adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

8 Analysts Assess Williams Companies: What You Need To Know

Barclays analyst Christine Cho maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $56 to $58.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $58

CLMT

CSAN

GEVO

GPRE

MPLX

NCSM

NEHC

OPAL

TRGP

Shares of oil and gas companies are trading higher amid weakness in the dollar after the US launched strikes on Houthi targets. Additionally, strong Chinese economic data could be lifting the demand outlook.

Efforts are underway to identify a suitable successor, and Dunn will be engaged in that process.

Management

Williams EVP And COO Micheal Dunn To Retire, Effective May 2, 2025

CIVI

VIST

VIVK

Shares of oil and gas companies are trading higher after Canada's Energy Minister threatened to restrict crude oil exports to the US over tariffs. Also, oil is trading higher following a draw in US crude oil inventories.

Scotiabank analyst Brandon Bingham maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $51 to $53.

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $53

Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 13.08% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 27.98%. Currently, Williams Companies has a market capitalization of $68.20 billion. 
Buying $100 In WMB: If an investor had bought $100 of WMB stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $373.12 today based on a price of $55.93 for WMB at the time of writing.
<h3>Williams Companies's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741190413_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

CIBC analyst Robert Catellier maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $56 to $57.

CIBC Maintains Neutral on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $57

Throughout the last three months, 5 analysts have evaluated Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>), offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Williams Companies, presenting an average target of $59.0, a high estimate of $65.00, and a low estimate of $51.00. This current average has increased by 3.96% from the previous average price target of $56.75. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741114884_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
A clear picture of Williams Companies's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Elvira Scotto</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
<td>$62.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spiro Dounis</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$63.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christine Cho</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Holly Stewart</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Williams Companies. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of Williams Companies compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Williams Companies's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Williams Companies's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Williams Companies analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Williams Companies</h2>
Williams Companies is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
<h3>Williams Companies: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Williams Companies's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 31 December, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -1.47%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Energy sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Williams Companies's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 17.68% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Williams Companies's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 3.91%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): Williams Companies's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.9%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: Williams Companies's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 2.17, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Forecasting The Future: 5 Analyst Projections For Williams Companies

RBC Capital analyst Elvira Scotto maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $62 to $63.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $63

Financing

Williams Companies Enters Agreement For Onsite Natural Gas And Power Infrastructure; To Invest ~$1.6B To Provide Committed Power Generation And Associated Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 10.01% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 24.28%. Currently, Williams Companies has a market capitalization of $68.63 billion. 
Buying $1000 In WMB: If an investor had bought $1000 of WMB stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,871.43 today based on a price of $56.28 for WMB at the time of writing.
<h3>Williams Companies's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740753977_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In Williams Companies 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Press Releases

Williams Announces Transco's Southside Reliability Enhancement Now in Full Service as Demand Loads for Heating Season Ramp Up

Williams Prices $1.5 Billion of Senior Notes

Williams to Report Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results Feb. 12; Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Scheduled for Feb. 13

FERC Reinstates Certificate for Transco's Regional Energy Access Expansion

Williams Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend by 5.3%

Williams Continues to Lead in Key Sustainability Indices

Williams Achieves Another Year of Record Results and Raises 2025 Financial Guidance

Williams Executives to Speak at CERAWeek 2025

Williams Chief Operating Officer to Retire

Williams Places Two Transco Projects into Service to Meet Growing Energy Demand in the Southeast

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