10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2013

WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2013

Filed May 8, 2013For Securities:WMB

Summary

Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) reported a decrease in net income attributable to the company for the first quarter of 2013, falling to $161 million ($0.23 per share) from $423 million ($0.71 per share) in the same period of 2012. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in product sales revenue, largely due to lower NGL production and marketing volumes and prices, as well as higher product costs. While service revenues saw a modest increase, it was not enough to offset the decline in product sales. The company is actively managing its portfolio, with significant capital investments planned for expansion projects, particularly within its Williams Partners segment, focusing on natural gas gathering, processing, and transportation infrastructure in key regions like the Marcellus Shale. Management expressed confidence in its strategy to transition towards a more fee-based business model and anticipates continued dividend growth, projecting a 20% annual increase for 2013-2015. However, investors should note the substantial capital expenditures planned and the inherent risks associated with energy infrastructure development and commodity price volatility.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to WMB decreased to $161 million in Q1 2013 from $423 million in Q1 2012, reflecting lower product sales and higher costs.
  • 2Total revenues declined to $1.81 billion from $2.02 billion year-over-year, primarily due to a significant decrease in product sales ($1.10 billion vs. $1.34 billion).
  • 3Operating income decreased to $426 million from $527 million, impacted by lower NGL margins and higher operating and maintenance expenses.
  • 4Capital expenditures for Q1 2013 were substantial at $713 million, significantly up from $329 million in the prior year, indicating strong investment in growth projects.
  • 5The company paid a higher quarterly dividend of $0.33875 per share in March 2013 compared to $0.25875 in the prior year, signaling confidence in future cash flows and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
  • 6Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ) remains a key segment, with significant planned capital investments and a strategy focused on interstate natural gas transmission and midstream infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income was a significant reduction in product sales revenue, which fell due to lower NGL production and marketing volumes and prices. This was coupled with higher product costs and an increase in operating and maintenance expenses. Although service revenues increased, it did not fully offset these negative factors.

The company plans to fund its approximately $4.4 billion in consolidated capital investments for 2013 primarily through cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and debt and equity issuances by its master limited partnership, Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ). They also expect to utilize WPZ's credit facilities and commercial paper program.

Williams Companies expects to increase its dividend on a quarterly basis, consistent with anticipated growth in cash distributions from its interests in WPZ and ACMP, and strong cash flow from its NGL & Petchem Services segment. They project a 20% annual dividend increase for 2013, 2014, and 2015.

The company identifies several risks including general economic or industry downturns, limited availability of capital, lower-than-expected cash flow from operations, counterparty credit and performance risk, decreased volumes from midstream customers, unexpected increases in capital expenditures or project delays, lower energy commodity prices and margins, and changes in political or regulatory environments.