[8-K] WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. Reports Material Event
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
The Williams Companies, Inc. entered into a joint venture financing agreement for its five behind-the-meter Power Innovation projects with funds managed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance, in partnership with Apollo and KKR. Blackstone and partners will provide $5.34 billion of committed capital in exchange for a 49% noncontrolling equity interest in these projects, which include Socrates, Apollo, Aquila, Socrates the Younger and Neo.
The commitment consists of $4.4 billion, representing 49% of expected total growth capital expenditures, plus approximately $0.9 billion of additional consideration to Williams. Williams retains a 51% interest, commercial and operational control, and receives cash distributions aligned with its ownership share. Distributions above Blackstone’s targeted return reduce Blackstone’s investment balance, and Williams holds a buyout right between years 7 and 14 at Blackstone’s outstanding investment balance.
Management states that the structure supplies efficient equity capital, reduces Williams’ capital exposure and limits corporate debt, with the Blackstone investment reported as a noncontrolling interest. Williams continues to expect 2026 Adjusted EBITDA in the upper half of its $8.05–$8.35 billion range, growth capex of $7–$7.6 billion, maintenance capex of $850–$950 million, and an updated 2026 leverage midpoint of approximately 3.6x.
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8-K Event Classification
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)
of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 13, 2026 (
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
| Item 7.01. | Regulation FD Disclosure |
On July 13, 2026, The Williams Companies, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release, and posted a presentation on its Investor Relations website, concerning a joint venture financing in support of the Company’ announced behind-the-meter Power Innovation projects. Copies of the press release and the presentation are furnished as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information furnished under this Item 7.01 on this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 attached hereto are deemed to be “furnished” and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act.
| Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Press Release dated July 13, 2026. | |
| 99.2 | Williams Power Innovation Joint Venture Financing July 2026. | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File. The cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document (contained in Exhibit 101). | |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. | ||||||
| Dated: July 13, 2026 | By: | /s/ Robert E. Riley, Jr. | ||||
| Robert E. Riley, Jr. | ||||||
| Vice President and Assistant General Counsel – Corporate Secretary and Labor, Employment & Benefits | ||||||
Exhibit 99.1
DATE: Monday, July 13, 2026
| MEDIA: | INVESTOR CONTACT: | |||||
| media@williams.com (800) 945-8723 |
Caroline Sardella (918) 230-9992 |
Ashley Mitchell (918) 240-6082 |
Williams Announces $5.34 Billion Investment in Power Innovation Joint Venture from Blackstone
Transaction led by Blackstone, in partnership with Apollo and KKR
TULSA, Okla. – Williams (NYSE: WMB) announced today that it has signed an agreement led by funds managed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance (“Blackstone”), in partnership with Apollo and insurance vehicles and accounts managed by KKR, to support the development of its five announced behind-the-meter Power Innovation projects: Socrates, Apollo, Aquila, Socrates the Younger, and Neo. The advancement of Williams’ Power Innovation projects demonstrates the unique turnkey capability that Williams provides, with strong expertise across the full natural gas supply, delivery and power value chain, supported by over 100 years of large-scale project execution capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Blackstone and its partners will provide Williams with $5.34 billion of committed capital in exchange for a 49% noncontrolling equity interest in the five Power Innovation projects. The commitment includes $4.4 billion, representing 49% of expected total growth capital expenditures, and approximately $0.9 billion of additional consideration to Williams. Williams will retain a 51% interest in the projects and will maintain commercial and operational control. Cash distributions align with ownership interests of 51% to Williams and 49% to Blackstone, and distributions that exceed Blackstone’s targeted return will serve to reduce their investment balance. In addition, Williams has a buyout right between years 7 and 14 valued at the Blackstone outstanding investment balance amount, preserving Williams’ long-term upside in the projects.
The partnership provides Williams with efficient equity capital to fund the growth of existing Power Innovation projects and further positions the company to deliver the 6+ GW backlog that Williams continues to advance.
The transaction reduces Williams’ capital exposure and limits corporate debt, and the Blackstone investment will be consolidated in financial reporting as a noncontrolling interest. Importantly, the structure is designed to enhance project returns, preserve balance sheet capacity for additional high-return opportunities and support Williams’ stated long-term leverage target range of 3.5x to 4.0x.
“We are thrilled to have Blackstone as a partner for our first five Power Innovation projects in a manner that enhances the economics of our projects and positions us to further scale and grow this exciting business. The investment from Blackstone, one of the world’s premier alternative asset managers, and the further support from top-tier investment firms Apollo and KKR, underscores the quality and importance of our turnkey energy infrastructure platform in serving rapidly growing power demand,” said Chad Zamarin, Williams President and Chief Executive Officer. “With more than 2.6 gigawatts announced, our Power Innovation portfolio is scaling rapidly, and we look forward to delivering these critical energy solutions for American companies. The investment from Blackstone and its partners enhances returns on the existing portfolio through a meaningful promote structure, while enabling us to redeploy capital into new high-return projects that will further accelerate our long-term growth.”
“Williams is a leader in meeting the country’s rapidly growing power demands, including providing critical hard assets to serve the AI infrastructure buildout,” added Robert Horn, Global Head of Infrastructure & Asset-Based Credit at Blackstone and Rick Campbell, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Credit & Insurance. “This is an area where we share deep conviction and expertise and we’re proud to support Williams with a scaled, high-grade capital solution fit for these innovative projects.”
Williams has posted a presentation to its Investor Relations website with more details on the transaction.
2026 Financial Guidance
The company continues to expect 2026 Adjusted EBITDA in the upper half of its $8.05 billion and $8.35 billion range. The company continues to expect 2026 growth capex between $7 billion and $7.6 billion and maintenance capex between $850 million and $950 million. Williams’ updated leverage ratio midpoint for 2026 is now approximately 3.6x. All other per-share guidance ranges remain unchanged. Guidance for 2026 growth capex and debt-to-adjusted EBITDA excludes certain reimbursable long-lead equipment.
Advisors
Citi acted as financial advisor to Williams. Davis Polk & Wardwell is serving as Williams’ legal counsel on the transaction.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to Blackstone. Kirkland & Ellis is serving as Blackstone’s legal counsel on the transaction.
About Williams
Williams (NYSE: WMB) is a trusted energy industry leader committed to safely, reliably and responsibly meeting growing energy demand. We use our infrastructure to deliver one third of the nation’s natural gas to where it’s needed most, supplying the energy used to heat our homes, cook our food and generate low-carbon electricity. For over a century, we’ve been driven by a passion for doing things the right way. Today, our team of problem solvers is leading the charge into the clean energy future. Learn more at www.williams.com.
Portions of this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by federal law. Although Williams believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the “safe harbor” protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in Williams’ annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC.
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Exhibit 99.2
1Blackstone Credit & Insurance (“BXCI”) provides 59% of expected Power Innovation JV project capital, excluding capitalized interest, in exchange for 49% ownership interest. The commitment includes $4.4 billion, representing 49% of expected total growth capital expenditures, and approximately $0.9 billion of additional consideration to Williams. 2Based on midpoint of 2026 guidance. Does not represent leverage ratios measured for Williams credit agreement compliance or leverage ratios as calculated by the major credit rating agencies. Debt is net of cash on hand and Adjusted EBITDA reflects the sum of the last four quarters. Excludes long-lead equipment. This slide contains non-GAAP financial measures. See appendix for a reconciliation to the nearest comparable GAAP financial measure. Creating shareholder value through innovative JV structure ENHANCING POWER PROJECT RETURNS SECURING LOW-COST, EFFICIENT EQUITY CAPITAL DRIVING GROWTH THROUGH CAPITAL RECYCLING $5.34B1 raised at ~6.35% cost of equity while preserving upside and retaining operatorship and key decision-making authority 10% promote further lifts already compelling returns on the 5 WMB Power Innovation projects underway Capital receives full equity treatment, reducing 2026E leverage to ~3.6x2 and providing flexibility to invest in near-term attractive growth projects $ Low-Cost Capital + Expanded Growth Opportunities = Increased Shareholder Value
Cash Distribution Illustration Illustrative Buyout Option Exercise Promote significantly improves WMB project economics and creates near-term financial flexibility to fund additional Power Innovation projects Williams retains full operational control and key decision-making authority Partner has a target return of 6.35% with no participation in long-term upside 100% equity low-cost construction funding with accretive buyout potential By retaining long-term upside while enhancing financial flexibility, WMB is driving shareholder value Buyout Option LTM EBITDA Multiple1 Partner Investment Balance Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 2.3x 1.6x 0.8x 0.0x Note: Power Innovation JV distribution and illustrative buyout reflects Apollo, Aquila, Socrates, STY and Neo forecasts assuming a 6.35% cost of capital and BXCI cash flow of 49%. 1EBITDA multiple calculated as implied optional repurchase price divided by JV partner proportional EBITDA. WMB’s buyout right commences after the 7th anniversary of closing, expected to be July 2033. This slide contains non-GAAP financial measures. Long-term upside preserved through JV structure 5% 3% KEY TAKEAWAYS
Forward-looking statements and Non-GAAP disclaimer
Forward-looking statements The reports, filings, and other public announcements of The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams) may contain or incorporate by reference statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcomes of regulatory proceedings, market conditions, and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events, or developments that we expect, believe, or anticipate will exist or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by various forms of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “might,” “goals,” “objectives,” “targets,” “planned,” “potential,” “projects,” “scheduled,” “will,” “assumes,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “in-service date,” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding: Levels of dividends to Williams’ stockholders; Future credit ratings of Williams and its affiliates; Amounts and nature of future capital expenditures; Expansion and growth of business and operations; Expected in-service dates for capital projects; Financial condition and liquidity; Business strategy; Cash flow from operations or results of operations; Rate case filings; Seasonality of certain business components; Natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil prices, supply, and demand; Demand for services.
Forward-looking statements (continued) Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this report. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: Availability of supplies, market demand, and volatility of prices; Development and rate of adoption of alternative energy sources; The impact of existing and future laws and regulations, the regulatory environment, environmental matters, and litigation, as well as our ability and the ability of other energy companies with whom we conduct or seek to conduct business, to obtain necessary permits and approvals, and our ability to achieve favorable rate proceeding outcomes; Exposure to the credit risk of customers and counterparties; Our ability to acquire new businesses and assets and successfully integrate those operations and assets into existing businesses as well as successfully expand our facilities, and consummate asset sales on acceptable terms; The ability to successfully identify, evaluate, and timely execute on capital projects and investment opportunities; The strength and financial resources of our competitors and the effects of competition; The amount of cash distributions from and capital requirements of our investments and joint ventures in which we participate; The ability to effectively execute our financing plan; Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to environmental, social, and governance practices; The physical and financial risks associated with climate change; The impacts of operational and developmental hazards and unforeseen interruptions; The risks resulting from outbreaks or other public health crises; Risks associated with weather and natural phenomena, including climate conditions and physical damage to our facilities; Acts of terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, and related disruptions; Costs and funding obligations for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans; Changes in maintenance and construction costs, as well as our ability to obtain sufficient construction-related inputs, including skilled labor; Inflation, interest rates, tariffs on foreign-made materials and goods (including steel and steel pipes) necessary to our business, and general economic conditions (including future disruptions and volatility in the global credit markets and the impact of these events on customers and suppliers); Risks related to financing, including restrictions stemming from debt agreements, future changes in credit ratings as determined by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, and the availability and cost of capital;
Forward-looking statements (continued) The ability of the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil exporting nations to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls and the impact on domestic production; Changes in the current geopolitical situation; Changes in U.S. governmental administration and policies; Whether we are able to pay current and expected levels of dividends; Additional risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligations to, and do not intend to, update the above list or announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments. In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above and referred to below may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this report. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, we caution that there are important factors, in addition to those listed above, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of those factors, see (a) Part I, Item IA. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2026, and (b) Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
Non-GAAP Disclaimer This news release and accompanying materials may include certain financial measures – adjusted EBITDA, adjusted income (“earnings”), adjusted earnings per share, available funds from operations and dividend coverage ratio – that are non-GAAP financial measures as defined under the rules of the SEC. Our segment performance measure, modified EBITDA, is defined as net income (loss) before income (loss) from discontinued operations, income tax expense, net interest expense, equity earnings from equity-method investments, other net investing income, impairments of equity investments and goodwill, depreciation and amortization expense, and accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations. We also add our proportional ownership share (based on ownership interest) of modified EBITDA of equity-method investments, including our indirect share from interests owned by equity-method investees. Adjusted EBITDA further excludes items of income or loss that we characterize as unrepresentative of our ongoing operations. Such items are excluded from net income to determine adjusted income and adjusted earnings per share. Management believes this measure provides investors meaningful insight into results from ongoing operations. Available funds from operations (AFFO) is defined as cash flow from operations excluding the effect of changes in working capital and certain other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities, reduced by preferred dividends and net distributions to noncontrolling interests. AFFO may be adjusted to exclude certain items that we characterize as unrepresentative of our ongoing operations. This news release is accompanied by a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their nearest GAAP financial measures. Management uses these financial measures because they are accepted financial indicators used by investors to compare company performance. In addition, management believes that these measures provide investors an enhanced perspective of the operating performance of assets and the cash that the business is generating. Neither adjusted EBITDA, adjusted income, nor available funds from operations are intended to represent cash flows for the period, nor are they presented as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations. They should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for a measure of performance prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The Company has not provided a reconciliation of projected net debt to projected total debt, the most comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company is unable to project total debt for any future period because total debt is dependent on the timing of cash receipts and disbursements that may not relate to the periods in which the operating activities occurred. The Company is unable to project these timing differences with any reasonable degree of accuracy and therefore cannot reasonably determine the timing and payment of credit facility borrowings or other components of total debt without unreasonable effort. Furthermore, the Company does not provide guidance with respect to its average realized price, among other items that impact reconciling items between certain of the projected total debt and projected net debt, as applicable. Natural gas prices are volatile and out of the Company’s control, and the timing of transactions and the distinction between cash on hand as compared to credit facility borrowings are too difficult to accurately predict. Therefore, the Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of projected net debt to projected total debt, without unreasonable effort.