Citi has updated its outlook on Williams Companies (NYSE: NYSE:WMB), a leading energy infrastructure company.
The firm increased the price target on the company's stock to $52.00 from the previous $45.00, while maintaining a Buy rating.
The adjustment reflects an anticipation of a modest increase in the company's third-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).
Citi projects that the EBITDA for Williams Companies in the third quarter of 2024 will be approximately $1.71 billion, slightly above the Street's average estimate of $1.70 billion. This expected rise is attributed to contributions from a partial quarter of earnings from the Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), REA, and other projects that have recently come into service.
Despite temporary setbacks due to hurricane-related outages and the sale of Aux Sable, Citi believes that these headwinds were accounted for in the company's budget. As a result, the firm anticipates that Williams Companies will likely aim for the higher end of its EBITDA guidance and may possibly narrow the range with the upcoming earnings report.
Citi also notes that the second quarter of 2024 likely marked the low point for producer curtailment and expects a slight recovery in the third quarter. The firm points out that while demand from data centers will be a topic of interest during the company's earnings call, it is probably too early for Williams Companies to announce any new project approvals.
In other recent news, Williams Companies has shown remarkable resilience despite challenging market conditions. The firm reported record second-quarter earnings, particularly in its Transmission and Storage segment.
According to RBC Capital Markets, the company's performance is expected to benefit from increased dry gas production and positive results from its marketing segment, potentially leading to financial results that exceed current expectations.
Williams Companies also successfully raised $1.5 billion through a multi-tranche notes offering, strengthening its financial structure for long-term capital operations. Despite a legal challenge over its $1 billion Regional Energy Access project, the company continues to expand operations in Louisiana and the Marcellus shale region, maintaining its financial guidance through 2025 and projecting a 6.5% growth in EBITDA.
Furthermore, RBC Capital Markets has increased the stock's price target to $47.00, reiterating an Outperform rating, while CFRA, a market research firm, has raised its price target for Williams Companies to $42.00, maintaining a Hold rating.
InvestingPro Insights
To complement Citi's positive outlook on Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB), recent data from InvestingPro provides additional context for investors. The company's stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.36, reflecting market confidence in line with Citi's bullish stance.
WMB's dividend profile is particularly noteworthy. An InvestingPro Tip highlights that the company has maintained dividend payments for 51 consecutive years, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholder returns. This is further supported by a current dividend yield of 4.1% and a dividend growth rate of 6.15% over the last twelve months.
The company's financial performance aligns with Citi's projections of steady growth. WMB reported a revenue of $10.25 billion in the last twelve months, with a robust gross profit margin of 60.91%. The operating income margin stands at an impressive 36.05%, indicating efficient operations.
For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 11 additional tips for Williams Companies, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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