10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2019

WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2019

Filed May 2, 2019For Securities:WMB

Summary

Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) reported a decrease in net income attributable to common stockholders to $195 million for the first quarter of 2019, down from $152 million in the prior year period. This decline was primarily driven by a $74 million impairment of an equity-method investment related to the acquisition of UEOM, lower commodity margins, and the absence of revenue from divested operations. Despite the decrease in net income, total revenues remained relatively stable at $2.054 billion compared to $2.088 billion in the first quarter of 2018, supported by an increase in service revenues, particularly from Transco expansion projects. Key strategic developments during the quarter include the full acquisition of Utica East Ohio Midstream (UEOM) and the agreement to form a joint venture for UEOM and Ohio Valley Midstream (OVM) businesses. Additionally, subsequent to the quarter, WMB sold its interest in Jackalope for $485 million, with proceeds intended for debt reduction and capital expenditures. The company also announced a 12% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.38 per share, reflecting confidence in its financial position and future cash flows. WMB anticipates capital expenditures of $2.3 billion to $2.5 billion for 2019, focusing on growth projects and maintaining asset reliability.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.03B
SG&A Expenses$128.00M
Operating Expenses$1.49B
Operating Income$561.00M
Interest Expense$296.00M
Net Income$195.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.16
EPS (Diluted)$0.16
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.21B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.21B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to common stockholders decreased to $195 million in Q1 2019 from $152 million in Q1 2018, primarily due to a $74 million impairment charge related to UEOM and lower commodity margins.
  • 2Total revenues remained stable at $2.054 billion in Q1 2019, with service revenues increasing by 7% to $1.440 billion, largely driven by Transco expansion projects.
  • 3Williams Companies completed the acquisition of the remaining 38% interest in Utica East Ohio Midstream (UEOM) for $740 million, consolidating the entity.
  • 4An agreement was reached to form a joint venture for UEOM and Ohio Valley Midstream (OVM) businesses, where WMB will retain a 65% ownership and operate the combined entity, receiving approximately $1.304 billion from its partner.
  • 5Subsequent to the quarter, WMB sold its 50% interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash, with proceeds to be used for debt reduction and capital expenditures.
  • 6The company increased its regular quarterly cash dividend by 12% to $0.38 per share for Q1 2019.
  • 7Full-year 2019 capital expenditure guidance is set between $2.3 billion and $2.5 billion, focused on growth projects, particularly Transco expansions and gathering/processing infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income attributable to common stockholders was a $74 million non-cash impairment charge related to the acquisition of an equity-method investment in UEOM. Additionally, lower commodity margins and the absence of revenues from divested operations in the prior year also contributed to the decline.

Williams Companies acquired the remaining 38% interest in UEOM for $740 million, leading to its consolidation. This transaction resulted in a $74 million non-cash impairment loss on the previously held equity-method investment just prior to closing. The acquisition is expected to enhance WMB's position in the Utica region and create synergies with its existing Ohio Valley Midstream (OVM) system.

Williams Companies anticipates capital expenditures and investment expenditures in the range of $2.3 billion to $2.5 billion for 2019. These expenditures will primarily focus on Transco expansion projects and the development of gathering and processing infrastructure. The company plans to fund these expenditures through retained cash flow and available liquidity, including proceeds from asset monetizations and potential borrowings.

During the quarter, Williams Companies entered into an agreement to form a joint venture for its UEOM and OVM businesses, retaining a 65% ownership interest and operating the combined entity. Subsequent to the quarter, the company sold its 50% interest in Jackalope for $485 million, with proceeds earmarked for debt reduction and capital expenditures.