Can WMB's 2025 Q1 EPS forecast be trusted?

**Williams Companies' (WMB) 2025 Q1 EPS forecast appears to be reasonable based on the company's recent performance and outlook.** Here's why:

1. **Consistent Performance**: WMB has a track record of surpassing EPS estimates in recent quarters. For instance, in Q3 2024, the company reported an EPS of $0.58, which matched the consensus estimate.
2. **Positive Outlook**: The company's outlook for 2025 is optimistic, with expectations of continued growth driven by increased natural gas demand and ongoing project executions. This positive trend is supported by WMB's record adjusted EBITDA for the 12th consecutive year.
3. **Raised Guidance**: WMB has raised its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance, indicating confidence in its operational performance and future earnings potential. The midpoint of the guidance has been increased to $7.65 billion, reflecting an 8% growth over 2024.
4. **Dividend Growth**: The company's commitment to dividend growth, with a 5% five-year CAGR, suggests a stable earnings base and confidence in future cash flows. This conservative approach to dividends often implies a strong underlying business performance.
5. **Institutional Confidence**: Institutional investors have shown varying levels of confidence in WMB, with some increasing their holdings and others reducing their stakes. However, the overall market capitalization of $66.84 billion and the company's strong financial performance suggest that its EPS forecast is credible.

In conclusion, while there are always uncertainties in forecasting future earnings, WMB's consistent performance, positive outlook, raised guidance, dividend growth, and institutional confidence in the company's prospects support the trustworthiness of its 2025 Q1 EPS forecast.