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Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) Stock, Chaîne d'Options

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.

Williams Companies, Inc. (The) Common Stock

Williams Companies Inc

Sichuan Wanma Benteng Technology Co Ltd

WILLIAMS ORD

Truist Securities analyst Neal Dingmann maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $42 to $52.

News

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $52

Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) is preparing to release its quarterly earnings on Wednesday, 2024-11-06. Here's a brief overview of what investors should keep in mind before the announcement.
Analysts expect Williams Companies to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.42.
Investors in Williams Companies are eagerly awaiting the company's announcement, hoping for news of surpassing estimates and positive guidance for the next quarter.
It's worth noting for new investors that stock prices can be heavily influenced by future projections rather than just past performance.
<h3>Historical Earnings Performance</h3>
During the last quarter, the company reported an EPS beat by $0.05, leading to a 3.86% increase in the share price on the subsequent day.
Here's a look at Williams Companies's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
<th>Q4 2023</th>
<th>Q3 2023</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.38</td>
<td>0.48</td>
<td>0.46</td>
<td>0.41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.43</td>
<td>0.59</td>
<td>0.48</td>
<td>0.45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>4.0%</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
<td>3.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730818966_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Market Performance of Williams Companies's Stock</h3>
Shares of Williams Companies were trading at $52.14 as of November 04. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 49.97%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<h3>Analyst Opinions on Williams Companies</h3>
Understanding market sentiments and expectations within the industry is crucial for investors. This analysis delves into the latest insights on Williams Companies.
Williams Companies has received a total of 11 ratings from analysts, with the consensus rating as Neutral. With an average one-year price target of $51.73, the consensus suggests a potential 0.33% upside.
<h3>Analyzing Analyst Ratings Among Peers</h3>
In this analysis, we delve into the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Energy Transfer, ONEOK and Kinder Morgan, three key industry players, offering insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
<ul>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Buy trajectory for Energy Transfer, with an average 1-year price target of $21.0, suggesting a potential 59.27% downside.</li>
<li>ONEOK received a Neutral consensus from analysts, with an average 1-year price target of $100.0, implying a potential 93.95% upside.</li>
<li>Kinder Morgan received a Neutral consensus from analysts, with an average 1-year price target of $25.33, implying a potential 50.87% downside.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Peer Analysis Summary</h3>
The peer analysis summary offers a detailed examination of key metrics for Energy Transfer, ONEOK and Kinder Morgan, providing valuable insights into their respective standings within the industry and their market positions and comparative performance.

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Williams Companies</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-5.92%</td>
<td>$1.35B</td>
<td>3.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Energy Transfer</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>13.15%</td>
<td>$3.91B</td>
<td>3.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ONEOK</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>19.91%</td>
<td>$1.72B</td>
<td>4.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kinder Morgan</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-5.32%</td>
<td>$2.09B</td>
<td>2.04%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Key Takeaway:
Williams Companies is positioned at the bottom for Revenue Growth and Gross Profit among its peers. It is in the middle for Return on Equity.
<h3>All You Need to Know 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.
<h3>Williams Companies's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Revenue Challenges: Williams Companies's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -5.92%. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Energy sector.
Net Margin: Williams Companies's net margin is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of 17.17%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Williams Companies's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 3.25%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Williams Companies's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.76%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 2.14, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Williams Companies visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Earnings

A Look Ahead: Williams Companies's Earnings Forecast

In the last three months, 11 analysts have published ratings on Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-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 $51.73, a high estimate of $58.00, and a low estimate of $42.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 13.19% increase from the previous average price target of $45.70.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1730732845_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Williams Companies is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of 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>Gabriel Moreen</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Catellier</td>
<td>CIBC</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jean Ann Salisbury</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elvira Scotto</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Kad</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spiro Dounis</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shneur Gershuni</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elvira Scotto</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tristan Richardson</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Williams Companies. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive 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>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Williams Companies's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Williams Companies analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Williams Companies's Background</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>Financial Milestones: Williams Companies's Journey</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Williams Companies faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -5.92% in revenue growth as of 30 June, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Energy sector.
Net Margin: Williams Companies's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 17.17%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Williams Companies's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 3.25%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Williams Companies's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of 0.76%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Debt Management: Williams Companies's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 2.14, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</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.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

In-Depth Examination Of 11 Analyst Recommendations For Williams Companies

Mizuho analyst Gabriel Moreen 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 $47 to $56.

Mizuho Maintains Outperform on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $56

The U.S. cruise industry is riding high as shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>), and Carnival Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>) rank among the S&amp;P 500&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cruise-lines">top 15 performers in October.</a>
As Royal Caribbean and Norwegian prepare to report earnings this week, investors are watching closely to see if strong booking trends and earnings beats can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/earnings/24/10/41577932/earnings-outlook-for-royal-caribbean-gr">sustain the sector's momentum.</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strong October Performance For Cruise Stocks</h3>
Cruise line stocks have surged this month, benefitting from upward earnings revisions and renewed optimism around travel demand. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian shares have risen 14.5% and 16.3% month-to-date, respectively, while Carnival is up 18.6%. 
Royal Caribbean is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings on Oct. 29 before the market opens, while Norwegian will release its results on Oct. 31, also ahead of the market open.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Price Chg. % (MTD)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>)</td>
<td>34.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RJF#NYSE">RJF</a>)</td>
<td>21.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</td>
<td>20.95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>)</td>
<td>20.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carnival Corporation &amp; plc</td>
<td>18.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Motors Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>)</td>
<td>17.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)</td>
<td>16.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd</td>
<td>16.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wells Fargo &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>)</td>
<td>15.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNA#NYSE">SNA</a>)</td>
<td>15.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>)</td>
<td>14.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.</td>
<td>14.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>)</td>
<td>14.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>)</td>
<td>13.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>)</td>
<td>13.75%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41583892/why-carnival-stock-hit-a-new-52-week-high-today">Why Carnival Stock Hit A New 52-Week High Today</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wall Street Expectations: Solid Growth Forecasted</h3>
Wall Street Analysts are forecasting substantial growth for both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line during the third quarter of 2024. 
Royal Caribbean is expected to report adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $5.03 on revenue of $4.11 billion. If met, this would represent a 31% increase in EPS and 18% revenue growth from the same quarter of 2023, as per <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent102824&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Norwegian Cruise Line is projected to report adjusted EPS of 94 cents and revenue of $2.77 billion. Meeting these estimates would imply a 24% EPS growth and 9% revenue increase year-over-year.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Earnings date</td>
<td>Adj. EPS</td>
<td>GAAP Revenue</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.</td>
<td>Oct. 29, BMO</td>
<td>5.03</td>
<td>$4.11 billion </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. </td>
<td>Oct. 31, BMO</td>
<td>0.94</td>
<td>$2.77 billion</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data: Benzinga Pro</figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bank Of America Expects A Double Beat, But Caution Is Needed</h3>
&#8220;Carnival was very constructive on booking trends when the company reported in September, and we expect Royal Caribbean and Norwegian to echo this commentary into 2025,&#8221; Bank of America analyst Andrew Didora wrote in a note published Monday.
Didora raised his 12-month price target for Royal Caribbean from $172 to $205 and for Norwegian from $23 to $25, citing "continued healthy yield trends and steady macro trends." 
However, he maintains a &#8220;Neutral&#8221; rating on both stocks, suggesting that while there's momentum, valuations are reaching stretched levels.
Royal Caribbean is currently trading at nearly 12x its projected 2025 EBITDA, a level last seen in 2017. Norwegian trades at around 9.5x its 2025 EBITDA, in line with its historical average.
The expert also explained that while the cruise sector has had strong tailwinds in 2024, some minor headwinds could impact near-term guidance. 
Hurricane Milton, which caused Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas sailing to be canceled, may slightly affect fourth-quarter revenues.
Norwegian, which only has about 8% of its Q4 capacity deployed in the Caribbean, is also expected to experience minimal disruption from the hurricane.
According to analysts, the effects of Hurricane Milton are unlikely to significantly alter the positive outlook for either company.
Speculation around potential share buybacks has added another layer of interest among investors. Royal Caribbean, in particular, may be considering a buyback as part of its capital allocation strategy. 
Bank of America has raised Royal Caribbean&#8217;s 2024 EPS estimate slightly from $11.52 to $11.58, stating that this &#8220;could pave the way for a buyback on this earnings call.&#8221;
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Image via Unsplash

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Previews

Travel

NCLH

NVDA

PLTR

SMCI

Cruise Lines Among S&P 500's Top October Performers: Can Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Earnings Sustain The Momentum?

The price of natural gas is expected to remain low for the foreseeable future because of the ramping production. A lot of it is available, and the infrastructure is improving rapidly. Natural gas production is driven by the need to decarbonize and a need to power AI, which also drives demand. <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/sectors/energy/">Demand for natural gas</a> is the salient point because it has to be gathered, processed, stored, and transported, which is where the profits are. Mid-stream operators are insulated from natural gas price swings. They make their money from demand and volume, with <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/natural-gas-will-boom-in-2025-and-kinder-morgan-is-the-play/">demand growing steadily</a>&mdash;good news for their revenue, cash flow, and capital returns.&nbsp;
The latest estimates show that natural gas demand growth will run at a 3.5% CAGR over the next 10 years, producing a 35% net increase before the end of this decade and driving business for midstream companies like Kinder Morgan (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kmi#NYSE">KMI</a>), Williams Companies (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wmb#NYSE">WMB</a>), and others. The critical detail is that these companies produce robust cash flow and pay it to their investors. The takeaway is that their high yields are safe and reliable, distribution growth supports the price action, and the market for their stock is on fire.&nbsp;
<h3>Kinder Morgan Reports Tepid Q3: Stock Price Breaks Out to Multi-Year High</h3>
Kinder Morgan reported a tepid Q3, with revenue and profits missing the consensus estimates, but the outlook overshadowed the bad news. The company&#39;s comments echo those of others in the industry, citing robust demand from the data center industry that is expected to drive significant and sustained volume growth over the next few years. About 300 data centers are under construction in the U.S., all located within easy reach of natural gas infrastructure and all in need of reliable power with the lowest carbon impact.
Kinder Morgan&#39;s stock price surged following the Q3 release, breaking out to a multi-year high that puts it on track to rise by at least another 20% over the next 12 to 24 months. The move is aided by analysts raising their price targets, lifting the consensus by 10% since summer. Consensus implies fair value near $24.50, but revisions suggest a move to the high-end range is likely, which is another 10% higher.&nbsp;
Analysts will likely continue raising targets because of pipeline asset growth, cash flow growth, free cash flow, and capital return growth, including share repurchases. Kinder Morgan share repurchases benefit shareholders, reducing the average count by 1.7% in the year&#39;s first nine months. <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/KMI/">Regarding the dividend</a>, it yields more than 4.5%.&nbsp;
<img alt="Kinder Morgan KMI stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20241021103943_chart-kmi-10212024.png" style="height:305px; width:624px" />
<h3>The Williams Companies Says Demand Grows at Unprecedented Pace</h3>
Williams Companies operates a diverse pipeline and gathering and processing portfolio. The highlights from its F2 report include better-than-expected profitability, accelerated debt reduction, and a 6% increase in the dividend. The <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/WMB/dividend/">dividend is worth</a> about 3.6%, with the stock trading near a 10-year high and expected to continue growing along with the business. Business growth is supported by demand <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/top-3-stocks-to-buy-now-as-energy-sector-hits-buy-zone/">growth and company expansion</a>.
Williams Companies, like Kinder Morgan, is expanding via acquisitions and new projects, many of which are already under construction. Analysts rate this stock as a Moderate Buy and are raising their price targets, lifting the consensus by more than 1300 basis points since the FQ2 release.&nbsp;
<img alt="Williams Companies WMB stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20241021103951_chart-wmb-10212024.png" style="height:305px; width:624px" />
<h3>TC Energy Corporation Is a High-Yield Value</h3>
TC Energy Corporation&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/trp#NYSE">TRP</a>) pipeline assets span North America from Mexico and the Gulf region throughout the U.S. and Canada. Highlights from its FQ2 report include sustained growth, outperformance on top and bottom lines, and robust cash flow.
The story in 2025 will be about organic growth due to expected divestitures. The company is selling off its non-LNG assets to reposition for the future. Regarding the dividend, TRP is the highest-yielding stock on the list, with a payout of nearly 5.8% and shares trading at a 2-year high.&nbsp;
The recent price action is suggestive. The market for TRP stock is in rally mode, advancing by 35% since spring 2024. The move is driven by results and <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NYSE/TRP/earnings/">analysts raising their price targets</a>. Activity since summer includes several upgrades to Buy or higher equivalents with price targets indicating a new all-time high is likely.&nbsp;
<img alt="TC Energy TRP stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20241021104001_chart-trp-10212024.png" style="height:305px; width:624px" />
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/bet-on-these-3-high-yield-stocks-as-natural-gas-demand-grows/">Bet on These 3 High-Yield Stocks as Natural Gas Demand Grows</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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Bet On These 3 High-Yield Stocks As Natural Gas Demand Grows

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 $45 to $54.

CIBC Maintains Neutral on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $54

B of A Securities analyst Jean Ann Salisbury reinstates Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Buy and announces $55 price target.

Initiation

B of A Securities Reinstates Buy on Williams Companies, Announces $55 Price Target

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 $47 to $56.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $56

In a new SEC filing on October 15, it was revealed that Larsen, Senior Vice President at Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>), executed a significant exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: Larsen, Senior Vice President at Williams Companies, made a strategic move by exercising stock options for 1,458 shares of WMB as detailed in a Form 4 filing on Tuesday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000107263/000010726324000086//Archives/edgar/data/107263/000010726324000086/0000107263-24-000086-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The transaction value amounted to $2,551.
Williams Companies shares are trading, exhibiting down of 0.0% and priced at $50.9 during Wednesday's morning. This values Larsen's 1,458 shares at $2,551.
<h3>All You Need to Know 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.
<h3>Williams Companies: Delving into Financials</h3>
Revenue Growth: Williams Companies's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -5.92%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Energy sector.
Profitability Metrics: Unlocking Value
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company maintains a high gross margin of 58.01%, indicating strong cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Williams Companies's EPS is below the industry average. The company faced challenges with a current EPS of 0.33. This suggests a potential decline in earnings.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 2.14.
Navigating Market Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Williams Companies's stock is currently priced at a premium level, as reflected in the higher-than-average P/E ratio of 21.94.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 5.95 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): At 12.13, the company's EV/EBITDA ratio outperforms industry norms, reflecting positive market perception. This positioning indicates optimistic expectations for the company's future performance.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
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<h3>Why Insider Transactions Are Key in Investment Decisions</h3>
Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, considering insider transactions is valuable, but it's crucial to evaluate them in conjunction with other investment factors.
When discussing legal matters, the term "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. Such insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be completed within two business days of the transaction.
A new purchase by a company insider is a indication that they anticipate the stock will rise.
On the other hand, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Transaction Codes Worth Your Attention</h3>
In the domain of transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> frequently turn their focus to those taking place in the open market, as meticulously outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000107263">Check Out The Full List Of Williams Companies's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Larry Larsen At Williams Companies Exercises Options

BofA Securities has upgraded Kinder Morgan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMI#NYSE">KMI</a>), an energy infrastructure&nbsp;company that owns and controls oil and gas pipelines and terminals. The analyst notes stabilized base business.
The company is scheduled to report third-quarter 2024 earnings on 16 October, with analysts estimating $0.27 for adjusted EPS and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">$3.95 billion for revenues</a>.
Amid uncertainty in the energy sector, the analyst recognizes the potential in companies with contracted natural gas pipelines.
With increasing demand driven by Gulf Coast LNG projects and the electrification of utilities through AI, Kinder Morgan is positioned for long-term growth through its contracted business model.
The strength of its natural gas pipeline business, which commands a higher valuation, balances out the declines seen in lower-valued CO and product pipelines.
The analyst has upgraded from Neutral to Buy rating with a price target of $27, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KMI/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">up from $23</a>.
Kinder Morgan has demonstrated its ability to supply gas to utilities, similar to Williams Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>), exemplified by the recent sanctioning of a $3 billion, 1.2 Bcf/d SNG pipeline expansion last quarter.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41239644/hurricane-milton-evacuations-a-matter-of-life-and-death-biden-says-feds-bostic-says-storm-could-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hurricane Milton Evacuations &#8216;A Matter Of Life And Death,&#8217; Biden Says: Fed&#8217;s Bostic Says Storm Could Have Significant Economic Impact Over Next 6 Months</a>.
BofA writes that the core business is now robust. Concerns that previously caused hesitation have been resolved, including the Supreme Court halted the Good Neighbor plan, which could have cost Kinder Morgan billions, the Double H pipeline, which represents the only significant contract roll of approximately $30 million in 2024, is transitioning to NGL service, effectively compensating for the prior contract, and recent acreage exchanges are revitalizing oil declines.
Kinder Morgan currently accounts for 45% of LNG deliveries, and the analyst anticipates it will retain this market share.
More importantly, the rise in power demand driven by electrification and AI is expected to contribute an additional conservative estimate of 4-5 Bcf/d of gas demand by 2030, particularly in regions served by Kinder Morgan pipelines.
Price Action: KMI stock is up 3.56% at $24.56 at last check Friday.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41294719/cancer-focused-perspective-therapeutics-stock-trades-lower-after-drug-study-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer-Focused Perspective Therapeutics Stock Trades Lower After Drug Study Report</a></li>
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Image via Shutterstock

Upgrades

Movers

Kinder Morgan's 'Core Business Is Robust Now,' BofA Upgrades Stock

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 2.03% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 16.17%. Currently, Williams Companies has a market capitalization of $60.17 billion. 
Buying $1000 In WMB: If an investor had bought $1000 of WMB stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,118.99 today based on a price of $49.36 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/2024/1728417618_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 This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth $2,100 Today

Shares of U.S. energy giants surged this week, marking the strongest performance in two years, as fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East between Iran and Israel drove oil prices <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41172781/oil-prices-rally-biden-confirms-us-discussions-with-israel-about-striking-iran-facilities">to $75 per barrel. </a>
The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>), which tracks 31 major U.S. energy companies, including giants like Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), recorded a remarkable 6.4% gain this week.
Investors poured nearly $300 million into the XLE ETF this week, the highest inflow since late July, according to Tradingview data.
Exxon Mobil, the largest U.S. oil company, reached a record high of $125 per share on Friday. The stock posted its sixth consecutive day of gains, ending the week up over 7%, marking its best performance since October 2022.
Oil prices continued their rally, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude recording its fourth straight day of gains, hitting levels last seen in late August. The geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran have sparked concerns over global oil supply disruptions.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rising Middle East Tensions, Biden Calls For Measured Israeli Response</h3>
Israel promised a strong retaliation after Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles on Tuesday. While Israel&#8217;s air defense systems successfully intercepted most of the missiles, the attack further intensified the already heightened regional instability.
On Friday, President Joe Biden addressed the escalating crisis during a rare appearance at the White House daily press briefing. He mentioned Israel&#8217;s right to defend itself but said the country had not yet decided how it would respond to Iran&#8217;s ballistic missile strike.
Biden said he advised Israel against further escalating the conflict, suggesting that Israel might consider alternatives to targeting oil fields in its retaliation.
In his first public appearance since the attack, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended the strike as &#8220;legitimate punishment&#8221; for what he called Israeli crimes and urged greater resistance against Israel in the region, Reuters reported.
Iran's deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also issued a stark warning, stating that Iran could target Israeli oil refineries and gas fields if Israel chooses to strike Iranian territory.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">This Week&#8217;s Top 10 Performing US Energy Stocks</h3>
U.S. energy stocks posted sharp gains, with the top performers this week including:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Price Chg. % (5D)</td>
<td>Market Cap</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NYSE">FANG</a>)</td>
<td>13.62%</td>
<td>$57.14B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NYSE">APA</a>)</td>
<td>9.36%</td>
<td>$9.92B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>)</td>
<td>9.04%</td>
<td>$60.02B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRO#NYSE">MRO</a>)</td>
<td>8.44%</td>
<td>$16.06B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>)</td>
<td>8.35%</td>
<td>$51.71B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Halliburton Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>)</td>
<td>8.25%</td>
<td>$27.38B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>)</td>
<td>8.19%</td>
<td>$131.57B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EOG#NYSE">EOG</a>)</td>
<td>8.05%</td>
<td>$75.23B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)</td>
<td>7.94%</td>
<td>$26.33B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMI#NYSE">KMI</a>)</td>
<td>7.82%</td>
<td>$52.15B</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/10/41187740/blowout-september-jobs-report-spurs-reactions-6-economists-say-aggressive-fed-rat">&#8216;Blowout&#8217; September Jobs Report Spurs Reactions: 6 Economists Say Aggressive Fed Rate Cuts May Face Obstacles</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Macro Economic Events

Sector ETFs

Politics

Econ #s

Economics

ETFs

FANG

US Energy Stocks Notch Biggest Weekly Gains In 2 Years, Exxon Hits Record Highs As Crude Surges To $75 On Israel-Iran Jitters

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>HSBC analyst Saul Martinez upgraded Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) from Hold to Buy and announced a price target of $118. Morgan Stanley shares gained 0.1% to close at $104.57 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wolfe Research analyst Bill Carcache upgraded the rating for M&amp;T Bank Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTB#NYSE">MTB</a>) from Peer Perform to Outperform and announced a $210 price target. M&amp;T Bank shares fell 0.5% to close at $172.34 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MTB/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>TD Cowen analyst Charles Ryhee upgraded CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) from Hold to Buy and boosted the price target from $59 to $85. CVS Health shares rose 1.1% to close at $62.92 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad upgraded The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target from $52 to $58. Williams shares gained 1.2% to close at $48.21 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BMO Capital analyst Phillip Jungwirth upgraded the rating for Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NASDAQ">FANG</a>) from Market Perform to Outperform and raised the price target from $205 to $215. Diamondback Energy shares gained 3.9% to close at $188.30 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FANG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>. </li>
</ul>
Considering buying MS stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="517" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04085737/image-2-10-1024x517.png" alt="" class="wp-image-580686" style="width:572px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04085737/image-2-10-1024x517.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04085737/image-2-10-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04085737/image-2-10-768x388.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/04085737/image-2-10.png 1337w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41180069/dow-tumbles-nearly-200-points-amid-growing-middle-east-concerns-investor-optimism-declines-fear-ind">Dow Tumbles Nearly 200 Points Amid Growing Middle East Concerns: Investor Optimism Declines, Fear Index Remains In &#8216;Greed&#8217; Zone</a></li>
</ul>

Pre-Market Outlook

This Morgan Stanley Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Friday

In the latest quarter, 9 analysts provided ratings for Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>), showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $48.0, a high estimate of $58.00, and a low estimate of $41.00. Marking an increase of 9.09%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $44.00. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728043218_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Williams Companies is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of 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>Robert Kad</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spiro Dounis</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$52.00</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$46.00</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shneur Gershuni</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elvira Scotto</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tristan Richardson</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tristan Richardson</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$41.00</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Williams Companies. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Williams Companies compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Williams Companies's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Williams Companies's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WMB/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Williams Companies analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Unveiling the Story Behind 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>Breaking Down Williams Companies's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
Revenue Growth: Williams Companies's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 June, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -5.92%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Energy sector.
Net Margin: Williams Companies's net margin is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of 17.17%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Williams Companies's ROE falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 3.25%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Williams Companies's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of 0.76%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 2.14.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Cracking The Code: Understanding Analyst Reviews For Williams Companies

Morgan Stanley analyst Robert Kad upgrades Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raises the price target from $52 to $58.

Morgan Stanley Upgrades Williams Companies to Overweight, Raises Price Target to $58

Citigroup analyst Spiro Dounis maintains Williams Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $45 to $52.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $52

Barclays analyst Theresa Chen 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 $42 to $46.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Williams Companies, Raises Price Target to $46

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 1.0% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 15.5%. Currently, Williams Companies has a market capitalization of $57.41 billion. 
Buying $1000 In WMB: If an investor had bought $1000 of WMB stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,005.96 today based on a price of $47.10 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/2024/1727890352_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.

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have $2,000 Today

In the current session, the stock is trading at $45.99, after a 0.76% increase. Over the past month, Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMB#NYSE">WMB</a>) stock increased by 0.98%, and in the past year, by 39.68%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727805669_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>How Does Williams Companies P/E Compare to Other Companies?</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
Williams Companies has a better P/E ratio of 19.68 than the aggregate P/E ratio of 15.88 of the Oil, Gas &amp; Consumable Fuels industry. Ideally, one might believe that Williams Companies Inc. might perform better in the future than it's industry group, but it's probable that the stock is overvalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727805669_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

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Press Releases

Williams to Report Second-Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Aug. 5; Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Scheduled for Aug. 6

Williams Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend

Williams Reports Progress on Environmental Performance Metrics

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Announces J. Kevin Vann as New Chief Financial Officer

Williams Delivers Strong Second-Quarter Results

Trace Midstream Enters the Northern Delaware Basin With the Acquisition of LM Energy's Natural Gas Gathering and Transportation Infrastructure

Williams Prices $1.5 Billion of Senior Notes

Williams CEO to Present at 2024 Barclays CEO Energy-Power Conference

Williams to Report Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results on Nov. 6; Earnings Conference Call and Webcast Scheduled for Nov. 7

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