What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly disclose Williams Companies, Inc.'s (WMB) 2003 financial results and related information, as presented during a conference call and webcast on February 19, 2004. It includes the official press release and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures.

What is 'Recurring Earnings' and why is it included?

'Recurring Earnings' is a non-GAAP financial measure that Williams uses to present its performance. It's included to provide investors with a view of earnings that may exclude certain items that management believes are not representative of the company's ongoing operational performance. Investors should review Exhibit 99.3 for the reconciliation to understand how it differs from GAAP 'Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations'.

Where can I find the detailed 2003 financial results?

The detailed 2003 financial results are primarily found in the press release dated February 19, 2004 (Exhibit 99.2) and the accompanying slide presentation (Exhibit 99.1) that was utilized during the public conference call and webcast.

Does this filing contain audited financial statements?

This particular 8-K filing (Item 7) states that financial statements and exhibits are included, specifically referring to Exhibits 99.1, 99.2, and 99.3. It does not explicitly list audited financial statements in the format of full financial statements (like a 10-K or 10-Q) but rather provides summaries and reconciliations through press releases and presentations. For audited statements, investors would typically refer to the company's annual report (10-K).

WMB 8-K SEC Disclosure — Feb 19, 2004

Summary

This 8-K filing by The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) on February 19, 2004, primarily serves to disclose information presented during a public conference call and webcast regarding their 2003 financial results. The filing includes a press release (Exhibit 99.2) announcing these results and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP figures (Exhibit 99.3), which is crucial for investors to understand the company's performance beyond standard accounting. Investors should review the accompanying slide presentation (Exhibit 99.1) and the detailed financial results to assess the company's operational performance and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2003. The focus of this filing is on providing transparency around the company's reported earnings, particularly with the inclusion of 'Recurring Earnings' which may differ from reported GAAP income. Investors should pay close attention to the reasons for any divergences presented in the reconciliation to understand the underlying operational trends and any extraordinary items affecting the reported figures. This information is vital for evaluating the sustainability of the company's earnings and its overall financial health.

Key Highlights

1Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) filed an 8-K on February 19, 2004, to disclose its 2003 financial results and related information.
2The filing includes a press release (Exhibit 99.2) detailing the company's financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2003.
3A key component is the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, such as 'Recurring Earnings', to comparable GAAP figures (Exhibit 99.3).
4Investors are directed to a slide presentation (Exhibit 99.1) used during a public conference call and webcast for further insights.
5The information furnished is for Regulation FD purposes and is not deemed 'filed' for Section 18 liability purposes.
6The filing provides an opportunity for investors to understand the company's operational results and financial condition as presented by management.
7The event date for the earliest reported event is February 18, 2004.

WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. 8-K Report (Feb 19, 2004)

Summary

Key Highlights

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