Williams Stock Price, News & Analysis

Williams (NYSE: WMB) is set to announce its first-quarter 2023 financial results after the market closes on May 3, 2023. A conference call to discuss these results will occur on May 4, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Investors can register for the call by following the provided link. Williams is an industry leader in the natural gas sector, managing over 32,000 miles of pipeline and handling approximately one-third of the U.S. natural gas used for clean-power generation. The company focuses on providing reliable, low-cost, low-carbon energy solutions and is well-positioned to contribute to the clean energy economy. Forward-looking statements are made under the safe harbor provisions, and further details are available in their SEC filings.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has priced a public offering of $750 million in 5.400% Senior Notes due 2026 and $750 million in 5.650% Senior Notes due 2033. The notes are priced at 99.907% and 99.891% of par, respectively, with settlement scheduled for March 2, 2023. The company plans to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including repaying outstanding commercial paper and near-term debt. Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan, Mizuho, and Morgan Stanley are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has joined the United Nations Environment Programme’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), a global initiative to enhance methane emissions reporting and reduction efforts in the energy sector. This membership aligns with Williams' strategy for a low-emission natural gas market, leveraging technology to improve transparency across its operations. The company handles one-third of U.S. natural gas, providing it with significant visibility in emissions management. Additionally, Williams is involved in other methane reduction efforts, having received notable recognition for its commitment to climate change governance and transparency.

Williams reported strong financial results for the year ending December 31, 2022, with a GAAP net income of $2.046 billion, a 35% increase from 2021. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $6.418 billion, up 14% year-over-year. The company achieved record gathering volumes of 16.5 Bcf/d. In Q4, GAAP net income reached $668 million, reflecting a 37% year-over-year rise. Williams completed three strategic acquisitions and secured a FERC certificate for the Regional Energy Access expansion project. The dividend increased by 5.3% for 2023, amounting to $1.79. The company anticipates a 3% growth in 2023 and aims for an Adjusted EBITDA midpoint of $6.6 billion.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has entered into agreements with Chevron U.S.A. Inc. to enhance natural gas development in the Haynesville Basin and the Gulf of Mexico. Williams will provide natural gas gathering services for Chevron's 26,000-acre Haynesville dedication and in return, Chevron commits to long-term capacity on Williams' Louisiana Energy Gateway (LEG) project, set to start in 2024. This project aims to connect Haynesville gas production to premium markets, supporting lower carbon energy strategies. Additionally, Williams will utilize existing infrastructure for Chevron's ongoing Ballymore project in the Gulf, which is designed for 75,000 barrels of crude oil production per day.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has finalized its acquisition of MountainWest Pipelines Holding Company for a total transaction value of $1.5 billion, comprising $1.07 billion in cash and $0.43 billion of assumed debt. This acquisition adds approximately 2,000 miles of interstate natural gas pipelines primarily in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, with a transmission capacity of around 8 Bcf/d and total storage capacity of 56 Bcf. Williams aims to enhance its infrastructure and service delivery, specifically expanding its reach in the Rockies markets, including Salt Lake City.

Southwest Gas Holdings has completed the sale of MountainWest Pipelines to Williams for $1.5 billion. This all-cash transaction is pivotal for simplifying Southwest Gas's corporate structure and refocusing on its core regulated utility business. The net proceeds will be used to repay $1.075 billion of debt, reducing the outstanding loan to approximately $73 million. Additionally, the company plans to spin off Centuri, expected by Q4 2023 or Q1 2024, aiming to enhance stability and investor alignment while emphasizing regulated cash flows, efficient capital deployment, and a commitment to safety.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) announced the appointment of Carri Lockhart as an independent director on its Board, effective February 10, 2023. With nearly 30 years in the oil and gas sector, Lockhart previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Equinor. She will join the Compensation and Management Development Committee and the Environmental, Health and Safety Committee. The Board now consists of 12 members, with 11 being independent. Lockhart fills the vacancy left by Nancy Buese, who resigned due to scheduling conflicts after accepting a role at Baker Hughes. This leadership change aims to support Williams' focus on the clean energy economy.