Williams Stock Price, News & Analysis

Williams' (NYSE: WMB) board has declared a regular dividend of $0.4475 per share, translating to an annualized amount of $1.79, payable on March 27, 2023. Shareholders on record as of March 13, 2023 will receive this payment. This marks a 5.3% increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.425 per share, paid in December 2022. Williams has maintained a consistent dividend payment since 1974, reinforcing investor confidence amidst a focus on sustainable energy solutions.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) will announce its Q4 and full-year 2022 financial results on February 20, 2023, after market close. Following this, the company will host its 2023 Analyst Day in New York on February 21, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. ET. Management will discuss their natural gas-focused strategy and 2022 performance, emphasizing efficient operations and disciplined project execution. Presentation materials will be available on their Investor Relations website after the results are announced. A replay of the Analyst Day webcast will be accessible for at least 90 days.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has promoted Chad Zamarin to Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategic Development, effective immediately. This expansion includes responsibilities for commodity marketing, alongside his ongoing roles in corporate strategy and business development. Zamarin joined Williams in 2017 and has been pivotal in advocating for natural gas as a clean energy solution. With over 30,000 miles of pipelines, Williams plays a crucial role in the U.S. natural gas market, handling approximately 30% of daily usage. His experience includes leadership roles at Cheniere Energy and NiSource.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) announced the acquisition of MountainWest Pipelines Holding Company for an enterprise value of $1.5 billion, which includes $1.07 billion in cash and $0.43 billion in assumed debt. This acquisition enhances Williams' midstream infrastructure, expanding its natural gas services in major Rockies demand markets, including Salt Lake City. The deal is expected to close in 2023 and is based on an estimated 8x EBITDA multiple for 2023. MountainWest operates around 2,000 miles of pipeline with a total transmission capacity of 8 Bcf/d and 56 Bcf of storage capacity.

Southwest Gas Holdings (SWX) announced a strategic plan to simplify its business structure. The company will sell MountainWest Pipelines to Williams (WMB) for $1.5 billion, using proceeds to pay down a $1.1 billion term loan. Additionally, Southwest Gas plans to spin off its subsidiary, Centuri, into an independent entity focused on utility infrastructure services. This restructure aims to optimize operations, enhance shareholder value, and maintain a stable dividend policy. The anticipated loss from the sale is between $350 million and $425 million, net of tax. The transactions are expected to close in 2023.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has announced a groundbreaking natural gas certification process in partnership with Coterra Energy and Dominion Energy Virginia. This program aims to provide verified, low-carbon natural gas with a focus on reducing methane emissions. Utilizing Context Labs’ Decarbonization-as-a-Service™ (DaaS™) platform, the certification tracks emissions across the entire value chain. The project is expected to prevent 120,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions over one year, aligning with sustainability goals.

Williams (NYSE: WMB) has announced a non-binding heads of agreement with Sempra Infrastructure (NYSE: SRE) aimed at enhancing access to low-carbon natural gas from the Haynesville basin. The agreement includes gas sales of approximately 0.5 Bcf/d and LNG offtake agreements totaling about 3 million tons per annum. Additionally, a joint venture for pipeline operations is proposed, focusing on Sempra's Gulf Coast LNG export facilities. This strategic effort supports the growing demand for cleaner energy, aligning with Williams’ focus on sustainability and innovation.

Sempra Infrastructure has signed a heads of agreement (HOA) with Williams for LNG offtake and development of gas pipelines to enhance U.S. natural gas market connectivity. The agreement includes negotiating long-term contracts for roughly 3 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG from Port Arthur and Cameron LNG Phase 2 projects. Additionally, a partnership to manage the 2.35 Bcfd Cameron Interstate Pipeline is anticipated. This allows Sempra to advance its LNG initiatives amid growing global energy demands. However, the HOA remains non-binding and subject to various risks.