Williams Companies Challenges Multi-Year Highs on Guidance (WMB)

Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) has just increased its earnings guidance for 2008 and 2009. 

Its 2008 consolidated recurring segment profit guidance to a range of $3.1 to $3.65 Billion and $2.30 to $2.80 EPS, up from its previous ranges of $2.5 to $3.0 Billion and $1.70 to $2.10.  First Call has 2008 estimates of $2.21 EPS.

For 2009, Williams its range to $2.9 to $3.8 Billion and earnings per share to a range of $2.05 to $2.90 EPS, up from its Prior ranges of $2.6 to $3.2 Billion and $1.80 to $2.30 EPS.  First Call has 2009 estimates at $2.48 EPS.

This data is being shown ahead of Williams’ analyst day, and the company has also updated its hedging programs as well as its investment opportunities and future project opportunities.

Trading volume is still thin since we have almost 2 hours to the open, but shares are indicated north of $40.60 in early-bird trading after a $39.13 close yesterday.  The 52-week trading range has been $26.82 to $40.58.

Jon C. Ogg
June 25, 2008