Cambiar Investors LLC has reduced its stake in **Williams Companies, Inc.** (NYSE: WMB) by **16.9%** during the second quarter of 2023, according to a recent filing with the **Securities and Exchange Commission**. The investment firm now holds **9,503 shares** of the pipeline company’s stock after selling **1,927 shares** this quarter, with its holdings valued at approximately **$597,000**.
Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in Williams Companies. **Welch & Forbes LLC** increased its stake by **4.2%**, now owning **7,509 shares** worth **$472,000** following a purchase of **300 shares**. **Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.** raised its holdings by **4.1%**, bringing its total to **71,020 shares** valued at **$4,461,000** after acquiring **2,793 shares**. Meanwhile, **Great Lakes Retirement Inc.** boosted its position by **0.8%**, owning **147,221 shares** valued at **$9,247,000**. **AlphaStar Capital Management LLC** also entered the market with a new position worth approximately **$273,000**.
Hedge funds and institutional investors now collectively own **86.44%** of the company’s stock, indicating strong institutional interest.
Insider Trading Activity
In addition to institutional moves, insider trading has been notable. On **August 11, 2023**, **Larry C. Larsen**, Chief Operating Officer of Williams Companies, sold **4,500 shares** at an average price of **$58.47**, totaling **$263,115**. Following this transaction, he retains **77,612 shares** valued at **$4,537,973.64**, reflecting a **5.48%** decrease in his position.
On **September 4, 2023**, **Terrance Lane Wilson**, Senior Vice President, also sold **2,000 shares** at an average price of **$57.62**, resulting in a total transaction of **$115,240**. Post-sale, he holds **311,645 shares**, equivalent to approximately **$17,956,984.90**, which is a **0.64%** decrease in his holdings.
Currently, insiders possess **0.44%** of the company’s stock, underscoring a trend of insider selling.
Financial Performance and Future Projections
Williams Companies released its quarterly earnings report on **August 4, 2023**, revealing earnings per share (EPS) of **$0.46**, falling short of analysts’ consensus estimates of **$0.49** by **$0.03**. The company achieved a net margin of **21.63%** and a return on equity of **16.23%**, with quarterly revenue reported at **$2.78 billion**, which was below the expected **$2.90 billion**. This revenue represents a **19.0%** increase compared to the same quarter last year, where the company posted an EPS of **$0.43**.
For the fiscal year 2025, Williams Companies has set a guidance range of **$2.010 to $2.190** EPS. Analysts anticipate an average EPS of **$2.08** for the current fiscal year.
Dividend Announcement and Analyst Ratings
Looking ahead, Williams Companies announced a quarterly dividend to be paid on **December 29, 2023**. Shareholders of record on **December 12, 2023**, will receive a dividend of **$0.50**, marking an annualized dividend of **$2.00** with a yield of **3.4%**. The current dividend payout ratio stands at **100.50%**.
Analysts have varied opinions on the stock’s potential. On **September 19, 2023**, **BMO Capital Markets** initiated coverage, assigning an “outperform” rating with a price target of **$66.00**. **Jefferies Financial Group** and **UBS Group** followed suit with “buy” ratings and targets of **$72.00** and **$78.00**, respectively. The consensus rating among analysts is classified as “Moderate Buy,” with a target price averaging **$66.73**.
Overall, the adjustments in investment stakes and the company’s financial performance reflect a dynamic environment for Williams Companies, with both institutional interest and insider activity indicating ongoing engagement in its operations and future prospects.
