5 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Mason Hawkins’ Southeastern Asset Management

2. The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB)

Hawkins’ Stake Value: $195,703,000
Percentage of Mason Hawkins’ 13F Portfolio: 4.18%
Dividend Yield: 6.14%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34

The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) is an American energy infrastructure company. The company was incorporated in 1908 and is ranked second on the list of 10 best dividend stocks to buy according to Mason Hawkins’ Southeastern Asset Management. The Williams Companies Capital currently has a $32.52 billion market capitalization and was able to deliver a 44.68% returns in the past 12 months.

The Williams Companies has also paid consistent dividends since 1989. On April 27, the company declared its quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share. On May 3, The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) announced its earnings per share for the first quarter of 2021. It reported earnings per share of $0.35, beating market predictions by $0.06. The revenue for the first three months of 2021 was $2.61 billion, up 36.6% YoY, beating the estimates by $640 million. On June 16, Williams announced an export agreement with Beacon Offshore Energy Development LLC. Under the agreement The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) will provide overseas natural gas collection and onshore natural gas developing services to Shenandoah.

The hedge fund chaired by Mason Hawkins holds 8.26 million shares in the company worth over $195.70 million. Southeastern Asset Management is the biggest stakeholder in The Williams Companies.

ClearBridge Investments, in its first quarter 2021 investor letter, mentioned The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB). Here is what the Fund has to say about The Williams in its letter:

“U.S. energy infrastructure company Williams Companies also performed well. Williams owns and operates natural gas pipelines and associated midstream assets in the U.S. Shares continued to rebound driven by the strong cyclical recovery, which has benefited energy stocks. Williams also delivered resilient fourth-quarter earnings despite energy demand pressure from COVID-19.”