Williams Delivers Another Year of Record Results; Company to Host Analyst Day Event Today Starting at 8:30 a.m. ET

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Williams (NYSE: WMB) today announced its unaudited financial results for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2023.

Continued strength in base business drives higher financial results

• GAAP net income of $3.273 billion, or $2.68 per diluted share (EPS) – up 60% vs. 2022
• Adjusted net income of $2.334 billion, or $1.91 per diluted share (Adj. EPS) – up 5% vs. 2022
• Adjusted EBITDA of $6.779 billion – up $361 million or 6% vs. 2022
• Cash flow from operations (CFFO) of $6.055 billion – up $1.166 billion or 24% vs. 2022
• Available funds from operations (AFFO) of $5.213 billion – up $295 million or 6% vs. 2022
• Dividend coverage ratio of 2.39x (AFFO basis)
• Record gathering volumes of nearly 18 Bcf/d and contracted transmission capacity of 32.3 Bcf/d – up 6% and 32%, respectively, from 2022
• Adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $6.8 billion to $7.1 billion in 2024 and $7.2 billion to $7.6 billion in 2025, yielding an expected 5-year CAGR of 8%
• Ended year with 3.58x leverage ratio
• Raised dividend by 6.1% to $1.90 annualized; hit 50 consecutive years of dividend payments

Transmission projects driving additional business growth in 2024-25; strategic acquisitions add highly contracted take-or-pay transmission and fee-based storage assets

• Pre-filed FERC application for Transco’s 1.6 Bcf/d Southeast Supply Enhancement 1Q 2024
• Received FERC certificates for Transco’s Commonwealth Energy Connectors, Southside Reliability Enhancement, Southeast Energy Connector and Texas to Louisiana Energy Pathway
• Placed Transco’s Carolina Market Link in service in 1Q 2024
• Placed phase one of Transco’s Regional Energy Access expansion in service in 4Q 2023 ahead of schedule with remainder expected by 4Q 2024
• Completed Cardinal and Susquehanna gathering & processing expansions in 4Q 2023
• Acquired 115-Bcf natural gas storage portfolio, positioning Williams as the largest storage owner on the Gulf Coast as storage spreads and natural gas volatility continue to expand
• Optimized DJ Basin position with transactions to enhance natural gas and NGL value chain
• Added more than 8 Bcf/d of transmission capacity and 56 Bcf of gas storage with MountainWest acquisition in the Rockies serving western markets

CEO Perspective

Alan Armstrong, president and chief executive officer, made the following comments:

“Our natural gas-focused strategy delivered excellent financial results again in 2023 with contracted transmission capacity, gathering volumes and Adjusted EBITDA surpassing previous highs, demonstrating our ability to grow despite low natural gas prices. We expect this strong performance to continue in 2024 and have set our Adjusted EBITDA guidance midpoint at $6.95 billion, paving the way for what we anticipate will be a breakout year in 2025 as several large fee-based projects come online.

“In addition to outstanding financial results in 2023, we acquired strategic natural gas transmission, gathering and storage assets in the Rockies and on the Gulf Coast, enhancing our footprint in key areas and adding highly contracted take-or-pay transmission and fee-based storage assets to our business. We also continue to expand our existing infrastructure with 18 high-return projects in execution, including approximately 3.1 Bcf/d of expansions on Transco coming online over the next few years. I’m extremely proud of our teams for their commitment to best-in-class project execution in what has become a complex and challenging permitting environment for energy infrastructure of all types.”

Armstrong added, “Looking ahead, Williams is excited to provide additional natural gas solutions to support the reliability of the U.S. power sector as it faces growing regional demand driven in large part by the emergence of new, large-scale data centers that are accelerating throughout our key markets. With the buildout of electrification and renewables, as well as previously permitted LNG export growth, Williams will be there to provide additional natural gas baseload to ensure reliability. Our infrastructure today is vital to meeting the energy needs of tomorrow. Natural gas is an immediate and scalable climate solution to reduce global emissions and serve the growing need for energy security, while creating long-term value for our shareholders.”

Williams Summary Financial Information	4Q			Full Year
Amounts in millions, except ratios and per-share amounts. Per share amounts are reported on a diluted basis. Net income amounts are from continuing operations attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders.	2023	2022		2023	2022
GAAP Measures
Net Income	$1,146	$668		$3,273	$2,046
Net Income Per Share	$0.94	$0.55		$2.68	$1.67
Cash Flow From Operations	$1,930	$1,219		$6,055	$4,889
Non-GAAP Measures (1)
Adjusted EBITDA	$1,721	$1,774		$6,779	$6,418
Adjusted Net Income	$588	$653		$2,334	$2,228
Adjusted Earnings Per Share	$0.48	$0.53		$1.91	$1.82
Available Funds from Operations	$1,323	$1,357		$5,213	$4,918
Dividend Coverage Ratio	2.43x	2.62x		2.39x	2.37x
Other
Debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA at Quarter End (2)	3.58x	3.55x
Capital Investments (Excluding Acquisitions) (3) (4)	$666	$876		$2,711	$2,147
(1) Schedules reconciling Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Available Funds from Operations and Dividend Coverage Ratio (non-GAAP measures) to the most comparable GAAP measure are available at www.williams.com and as an attachment to this news release.
(2) Does not represent leverage ratios measured for WMB credit agreement compliance or leverage ratios as calculated by the major credit ratings agencies. Debt is net of cash on hand, and Adjusted EBITDA reflects the sum of the last four quarters.
(3) Capital Investments include increases to property, plant, and equipment (growth & maintenance capital),purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments and purchases of other long-term investments.
(4) Fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 capital excludes $544 million for the DJ Basin acquisitions, which closed in November 2023. Full-year 2023 capital excludes $1.024 billion for the acquisition of MountainWest Pipeline Holding company, which closed February 14, 2023. Full-year 2022 capital excludes $424 million for the purchase of NorTex Midstream, which closed August 31, 2022. Full-year 2022 capital also excludes $933 million for purchase of the Trace Midstream Haynesville gathering assets, which closed April 29, 2022.

GAAP Measures

Fourth-quarter 2023 net income increased by $478 million compared to the prior year driven by a $534 million gain related to the net cash received from the favorable resolution of litigation with Energy Transfer. The improvement also reflects a favorable change of $147 million in net unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives and higher service revenues driven by recent acquisitions and expansion projects. These improvements were partially offset by lower gas marketing margins reflecting the absence of favorable severe winter weather impacts in the prior year, lower results from our upstream business, and higher depreciation and operating expenses resulting from acquisitions. The income tax provision increased $114 million primarily due to higher pretax income.

Full-year 2023 net income increased $1.2 billion compared to the prior year reflecting a favorable change of $909 million in net unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives, the previously described $534 million net litigation gain, and higher service revenues driven by recent acquisitions, expansion projects, and increased Northeast G&P volumes and rates. The improvement also included a $129 million gain on the sale of the Bayou Ethane system in 2023, partially offset by lower results from our upstream business, and higher depreciation and operating expenses resulting from acquisitions. The income tax provision increased $580 million primarily due to higher pretax income and the absence of $134 million benefit associated with the release of valuation allowances on deferred income tax assets and federal income tax settlements recorded in the prior year, and a lower benefit associated with decreases in our estimate of the state deferred income tax rate in both periods. The 2023 period also reported a loss from discontinued operations associated with an adverse legal ruling involving former refinery operations.

Cash flow from operations for the fourth quarter increased compared to the prior year primarily due to $534 million of net cash received related to the favorable Energy Transfer litigation outcome and favorable net changes in working capital. Full-year cash flow from operations increased compared to the prior year reflecting similar drivers, as well as favorable changes in derivative margin requirements partially offset by lower distributions from certain equity-method investments.

Non-GAAP Measures

Fourth-quarter 2023 Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $53 million from the prior year, driven by the previously described higher service revenues, more than offset by lower gas marketing margins, reduced upstream results and higher operating costs. Full-year 2023 Adjusted EBITDA increased by $361 million over the prior year, driven by the previously described higher service revenues, partially offset by reduced upstream results and higher operating costs.

Fourth-quarter 2023 Adjusted Net Income decreased by $65 million compared to the prior year, driven by the previously described impacts to net income, adjusted primarily to remove the net litigation gain, net unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives, and the related tax effects of these adjustments. Full-year Adjusted Net Income increased by $106 million over the prior year driven by the previously described impacts to net income from continuing operations, adjusted primarily for the litigation gain, net unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives, the gain on the sale of the Bayou Ethane system, amortization of certain assets from the Sequent acquisition, and the related tax effects of these adjustments as well as excluding the impact of the previously described prior year favorable income tax benefits.

Fourth-quarter 2023 Available Funds From Operations (AFFO) decreased slightly by $34 million compared to the prior year primarily due to lower operating results exclusive of noncash items. Full-year 2023 AFFO increased by $295 million primarily reflecting higher results from continuing operations exclusive of non-cash items partially offset by lower distributions from certain equity method investments.

Business Segment Results & Form 10-K

Williams’ operations are comprised of the following reportable segments: Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, West and Gas & NGL Marketing Services, as well as Other. For more information, see the company’s 2023 Form 10-K.

	Fourth Quarter								Full Year
Amounts in millions	Modified EBITDA				Adjusted EBITDA				Modified EBITDA				Adjusted EBITDA
	4Q 2023	4Q 2022	Change		4Q 2023	4Q 2022	Change		2023	2022	Change		2023	2022	Change
Transmission & Gulf of Mexico	$741	$687	$54		$752	$700	$52		$3,068	$2,674	$394		$2,982	$2,720	$262
Northeast G&P	477	464	13		485	464	21		1,916	1,796	120		1,955	1,796	159
West	307	326	(19)		323	326	(3)		1,238	1,211	27		1,236	1,219	17
Gas & NGL Marketing Services	272	209	63		69	149	(80)		950	(40)	990		300	258	42
Other	645	150	495		92	135	(43)		841	434	407		306	425	(119)
Total	$2,442	$1,836	$606		$1,721	$1,774	($53)		$8,013	$6,075	$1,938		$6,779	$6,418	$361
Note: Williams uses Modified EBITDA for its segment reporting. Definitions of Modified EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and schedules reconciling to net income are included in this news release.

Transmission & Gulf of Mexico

Fourth-quarter 2023 Modified and Adjusted EBITDA improved compared to the prior year driven by the MountainWest acquisition. Modified EBITDA for full-year 2023 was further impacted by the gain on the sale of the Bayou Ethane system, benefits from the NorTex acquisition and expansion projects, increased benefit of allowance for equity funds used during construction, and one-time MountainWest acquisition and transition costs, while 2022 included a loss related to Eminence storage cavern abandonments and a regulatory charge associated with Transco’s deferred state income tax rate. The gain on sale, MountainWest acquisition and transition costs, Eminence abandonment costs, and Transco’s regulatory charge are all excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

Northeast G&P

Fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 Modified and Adjusted EBITDA improved reflecting increased rates and volumes driven by the Ohio Valley, Cardinal, and Susquehanna operations. For our joint ventures, the full-year benefits of higher volumes and rates at Marcellus South and higher volumes at Blue Racer were more than offset by lower rates and volumes at Laurel Mountain Midstream and Bradford compared to the prior year. Modified EBITDA for full-year 2023 also reflects our share of a loss contingency accrual at Aux Sable which is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

West

Fourth-quarter 2023 Modified and Adjusted EBITDA decreased compared to the prior year primarily reflecting lower NYMEX-based rates in the Barnett partially offset by benefits from the DJ Basin Acquisitions. Full-year Modified and Adjusted EBITDA improved compared to the prior year driven by benefits from the DJ Basin and Trace Midstream Acquisitions and higher volumes at our Overland Pass joint venture. Favorable changes in operating and administrative costs were more than offset by lower processing margins reflecting a short-term gas price spike at Opal early in the year and severe weather impacts and lower service revenues reflecting lower NYMEX-based rates in the Barnett partially offset by favorable changes in realized gains on natural gas hedges and higher Haynesville volumes.

Gas & NGL Marketing Services

Fourth-quarter 2023 Modified EBITDA improved from the prior year primarily reflecting a $142 million net favorable change in unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives partially offset by lower gas marketing margins reflecting the absence of favorable severe winter weather impacts in the prior year. Full-year 2023 Modified EBITDA improved from the prior year primarily reflecting a $933 million net favorable change in unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives and higher commodity marketing margins reflecting reduced levels of inventory write-downs partially offset by the previously discussed lower gas marketing margins. The unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

Other

Fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 Modified EBITDA increased compared to the prior year primarily reflecting the $534 million gain from the net cash received from the favorable resolution of our litigation with Energy Transfer, partially offset by lower results from our upstream business driven by lower prices, partially offset by higher production volumes. The full-year comparison also reflects a $24 million unfavorable change in unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives. Adjusted EBITDA for both comparative periods was lower and excludes the favorable litigation gain and the effects of changes in unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives.

Financial Guidance

The company expects 2024 Adjusted EBITDA between $6.8 billion and $7.1 billion. The company also expects 2024 growth capex between $1.45 billion and $1.75 billion and maintenance capex between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, which includes capital of $350 million based on midpoint for emissions reduction and modernization initiatives. For 2025, the company expects Adjusted EBITDA between $7.2 billion and $7.6 billion with growth capex between $1.65 billion and $1.95 billion and maintenance capex between $750 million and $850 million, which includes capital of $100 million based on midpoint for emissions reduction and modernization initiatives. Williams anticipates a leverage ratio midpoint for 2024 of 3.85x and has increased the dividend by 6.1% on an annualized basis to $1.90 in 2024 from $1.79 in 2023.

Williams 2024 Analyst Day Scheduled for Today, Materials to be Posted Shortly

Williams is hosting its 2024 Analyst Day event this morning, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. Central Time). In addition to discussing 2023 results, Williams’ management will give in-depth presentations covering the company’s natural gas infrastructure strategy designed to meet growing clean energy demands. These presentations will highlight the company’s efficient operations, disciplined project execution, strong financial position and financial guidance. Presentation slides and earnings materials will be accessible on the Williams’ Investor Relations website shortly.

Participants who wish to view the live presentation can access the webcast here: https://wmb.link/73f

A replay of the 2024 Analyst Day webcast will also be available on the website for at least 90 days following the event.

About Williams

Williams (NYSE: WMB) is a trusted energy industry leader committed to safely, reliably, and responsibly meeting growing energy demand. We use our 33,000-mile pipeline infrastructure to move a 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 – by powering the global economy while delivering immediate emissions reductions within our natural gas network and investing in new energy technologies. Learn more at www.williams.com.

The Williams Companies, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 31,
			2023				2022				2021
	(Millions, except per-share amounts)
Revenues:
Service revenues		$	7,026			$	6,536			$	6,001
Service revenues – commodity consideration			146				260				238
Product sales			2,779				4,556				4,536
Net gain (loss) from commodity derivatives			956				(387	)			(148	)
Total revenues			10,907				10,965				10,627
Costs and expenses:
Product costs			1,884				3,369				3,931
Net processing commodity expenses			151				88				101
Operating and maintenance expenses			1,984				1,817				1,548
Depreciation and amortization expenses			2,071				2,009				1,842
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			665				636				558
Gain on sale of business			(129	)			—				—
Other (income) expense – net			(30	)			28				16
Total costs and expenses			6,596				7,947				7,996
Operating income (loss)			4,311				3,018				2,631
Equity earnings (losses)			589				637				608
Other investing income (loss) – net			108				16				7
Interest expense.			(1,236	)			(1,147	)			(1,179	)
Net gain from Energy Transfer litigation judgment			534				—				—
Other income (expense) – net			99				18				6
Income (loss) before income taxes			4,405				2,542				2,073
Less: Provision (benefit) for income taxes			1,005				425				511
Income (loss) from continuing operations			3,400				2,117				1,562
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(97	)			—				—
Net income (loss)			3,303				2,117				1,562
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests			124				68				45
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.			3,179				2,049				1,517
Less: Preferred stock dividends			3				3				3
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	3,176			$	2,046			$	1,514
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	3,273			$	2,046			$	1,514
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(97	)			—				—
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	3,176			$	2,046			$	1,514
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	2.69			$	1.68			$	1.25
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(.08	)			—				—
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	2.61			$	1.68			$	1.25
Weighted-average shares (thousands)			1,217,784				1,218,362				1,215,221
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	2.68			$	1.67			$	1.24
Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(.08	)			—				—
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders		$	2.60			$	1.67			$	1.24
Weighted-average shares (thousands)			1,222,715				1,222,672				1,218,215

The Williams Companies, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
		December 31,
			2023				2022
		(Millions, except per-share amounts)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,150			$	152
Trade accounts and other receivables (net of allowance of $3 at December 31, 2023 and $6 at December 31, 2022)			1,655				2,723
Inventories			274				320
Derivative assets			239				323
Other current assets and deferred charges			195				279
Total current assets			4,513				3,797
Investments			4,637				5,065
Property, plant, and equipment – net			34,311				30,889
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization			7,593				7,363
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other			1,573				1,319
Total assets		$	52,627			$	48,433
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,379			$	2,327
Derivative liabilities			105				316
Accrued and other current liabilities			1,284				1,270
Commercial paper			725				350
Long-term debt due within one year			2,337				627
Total current liabilities			5,830				4,890
Long-term debt			23,376				21,927
Deferred income tax liabilities			3,846				2,887
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other			4,684				4,684
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Equity:
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock ($1 par value; 30 million shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; 35,000 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022)			35				35
Common stock ($1 par value; 1,470 million shares authorized at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; 1,256 million shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 1,253 million shares issued at December 31, 2022)			1,256				1,253
Capital in excess of par value			24,578				24,542
Retained deficit			(12,287	)			(13,271	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			—				(24	)
Treasury stock, at cost (39 million shares at December 31, 2023 and 35 million shares at December 31, 2022 of common stock)			(1,180	)			(1,050	)
Total stockholders’ equity			12,402				11,485
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries			2,489				2,560
Total equity			14,891				14,045
Total liabilities and equity		$	52,627			$	48,433

The Williams Companies, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 31,
			2023				2022				2021
		(Millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)		$	3,303			$	2,117			$	1,562
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			2,071				2,009				1,842
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes			951				431				509
Equity (earnings) losses			(589	)			(637	)			(608	)
Distributions from equity-method investees			796				865				757
Net unrealized (gain) loss from commodity derivative instruments			(660	)			249				109
Gain on sale of business			(129	)			—				—
Inventory write-downs			30				161				15
Amortization of stock-based awards			77				73				81
Cash provided (used) by changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			1,089				(733	)			(545	)
Inventories			13				(110	)			(139	)
Other current assets and deferred charges			60				(33	)			(63	)
Accounts payable			(892	)			410				643
Accrued and other current liabilities			(19	)			209				58
Changes in current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and			200				94				(277	)
Other, including changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities			(246	)			(216	)			1
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities			6,055				4,889				3,945
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper – net			372				345				—
Proceeds from long-term debt			2,755				1,755				2,155
Payments of long-term debt			(634	)			(2,876	)			(894	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			6				54				9
Purchases of treasury stock			(130	)			(9	)			—
Common dividends paid			(2,179	)			(2,071	)			(1,992	)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests			(213	)			(204	)			(187	)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests			18				18				9
Payments for debt issuance costs			(23	)			(17	)			(26	)
Other – net			(21	)			(37	)			(16	)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities			(49	)			(3,042	)			(942	)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant, and equipment:
Capital expenditures (1)			(2,633	)			(2,253	)			(1,239	)
Dispositions – net			(51	)			(30	)			(8	)
Proceeds from sale of business			346				—				—
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired			(1,568	)			(933	)			(151	)
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments			(141	)			(166	)			(115	)
Other – net			39				7				48
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities			(4,008	)			(3,375	)			(1,465	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			1,998				(1,528	)			1,538
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			152				1,680				142
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	2,150			$	152			$	1,680
_________
(1) Increases to property, plant, and equipment.		$	(2,564	)		$	(2,394	)		$	(1,305	)
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(69	)			141				66
Capital expenditures		$	(2,633	)		$	(2,253	)		$	(1,239	)

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT:
media@williams.com
(800) 945-8723

INVESTOR CONTACTS:
Danilo Juvane

(918) 573-5075

Caroline Sardella

(918) 230-9992

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