8-KRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Sep 19, 2011)

Filed September 19, 2011For Securities:WMB

Summary

This 8-K filing by The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) on September 19, 2011, primarily communicates updated and new financial guidance through a press release. Investors should note the introduction of 2012-13 guidance for adjusted earnings per share, specifically excluding the Exploration & Production (E&P) segment, signaling a potential strategic shift or separation. Additionally, the company provided updated 2011 cash flow guidance including E&P, and new 2012-2013 cash flow guidance assuming the E&P separation. For Williams Partners L.P., the press release offered 2013 guidance for distributable cash flow and distribution coverage, along with updated 2012 guidance for these metrics. This disclosure is crucial for investors seeking to understand the company's future financial performance and strategic direction, particularly concerning the E&P business.

Key Highlights

  • 1Williams Companies introduced 2012-13 adjusted EPS guidance, excluding E&P results, implying a potential strategic separation.
  • 2Updated 2011 cash flow guidance (including E&P) and new 2012-2013 cash flow guidance (assuming E&P separation) were provided.
  • 3Williams Partners L.P. introduced 2013 guidance for distributable cash flow and distribution coverage ratio.
  • 4Updated 2012 guidance for Williams Partners L.P.'s distributable cash flow and distribution coverage ratio was also presented.
  • 5The information was disseminated via a press release furnished as an exhibit under Regulation FD.
  • 6This disclosure is not deemed 'filed' for Section 18 purposes and does not trigger liabilities under that section.
  • 7The filing incorporates by reference the press release and its accompanying reconciliation schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to disclose updated and new financial guidance for The Williams Companies, Inc. and Williams Partners L.P. through a press release, in compliance with Regulation FD.

The significant aspect of the new earnings guidance is the introduction of 2012-13 adjusted EPS guidance that specifically excludes the Exploration & Production (E&P) segment's results. This suggests a potential spin-off or separation of the E&P business.

For Williams Partners L.P. investors, the filing provides new 2013 guidance for key metrics like distributable cash flow and distribution coverage ratio, as well as updated 2012 guidance for these same metrics, offering insights into the partnership's expected financial performance and ability to distribute cash.

The information furnished under Item 7.01, including the press release, is not deemed 'filed' for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is not subject to the liabilities of that section. It is provided for informational purposes under Regulation FD.