WMB_2015.06.30_10Q




 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
Commission file number 1-4174
THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
 
73-0569878
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
ONE WILLIAMS CENTER
 
 
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
 
74172-0172
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (918) 573-2000
NO CHANGE
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
 
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes ¨ No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Shares Outstanding at July 27, 2015
Common Stock, $1 par value
 
749,711,274
 




The Williams Companies, Inc.
Index


 
 
Page
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Certain matters contained in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome 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:

Expected levels of cash distributions by Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ) with respect to general partner interests, incentive distribution rights, and limited partner interests;
Levels of dividends to stockholders;
The status, expected timing, and expected outcome of our proposed acquisition of all of the publicly held outstanding common units of WPZ in exchange for shares of our common stock (Acquisition of WPZ Public Units);

1



The status, expected timing, and expected outcome of the unsolicited proposal for us to be acquired in an all-equity transaction (Unsolicited Proposal) and our Board of Directors’ ongoing review of strategic alternatives;
Our future credit ratings;
Amounts and nature of future capital expenditures;
Expansion and growth of our business and operations;
Financial condition and liquidity;
Business strategy;
Cash flow from operations or results of operations;
Seasonality of certain business components;
Natural gas, natural gas liquids and olefins supply, prices and demand;
Demand for our services.
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:
Satisfaction of the conditions to the completion of the Acquisition of WPZ Public Units, including receipt of the approval of our stockholders;
The results of our Board of Directors’ ongoing review of strategic alternatives;
Whether WPZ will produce sufficient cash flows to provide the level of cash distributions we expect;
Whether we are able to pay current and expected levels of dividends;
Availability of supplies, market demand, and volatility of prices;
Inflation, interest rates, fluctuation in foreign exchange rates, and general economic conditions (including future disruptions and volatility in the global credit markets and the impact of these events on our customers and suppliers);
The strength and financial resources of our competitors and the effects of competition;
Whether we are able to successfully identify, evaluate and execute investment opportunities;
Our ability to acquire new businesses and assets and successfully integrate those operations and assets into our existing businesses, as well as successfully expand our facilities;
Development of alternative energy sources;
The impact of operational and development hazards and unforeseen interruptions;
Costs of, changes in, or the results of laws, government regulations (including safety and environmental regulations), environmental liabilities, litigation, and rate proceedings;

2



Our costs and funding obligations for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans;
Changes in maintenance and construction costs;
Changes in the current geopolitical situation;
Our exposure to the credit risk of our customers and counterparties;
Risks related to financing, including restrictions stemming from our debt agreements, future changes in our credit ratings, as well as the credit rating of WPZ as determined by nationally-recognized credit rating agencies and the availability and cost of capital;
The amount of cash distributions from and capital requirements of our investments and joint ventures in which we participate;
Risks associated with weather and natural phenomena, including climate conditions;
Acts of terrorism, including cybersecurity threats and related disruptions;
Additional risks described in our filings with the 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 to 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 Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Form 10-Q.

3



DEFINITIONS

The following is a listing of certain abbreviations, acronyms, and other industry terminology used throughout this Form 10-Q.

Measurements:
Barrel: One barrel of petroleum products that equals 42 U.S. gallons
Bcf: One billion cubic feet of natural gas
Bcf/d: One billion cubic feet of natural gas per day
British Thermal Unit (Btu): A unit of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree
Fahrenheit
Dekatherms (Dth): A unit of energy equal to one million British thermal units
Mbbls/d: One thousand barrels per day
Mdth/d: One thousand dekatherms per day
MMcf/d: One million cubic feet per day
MMdth: One million dekatherms or approximately one trillion British thermal units
MMdth/d: One million dekatherms per day
TBtu: One trillion British thermal units
Consolidated Entities:
ACMP: Access Midstream Partners, L.P. prior to its merger with Pre-merger WPZ
Cardinal: Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C.
Constitution: Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC
Gulfstar One: Gulfstar One LLC
Jackalope: Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C
Northwest Pipeline: Northwest Pipeline LLC
Pre-merger WPZ: Williams Partners L.P. prior to its merger with ACMP
Transco: Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC
WPZ: Williams Partners L.P.
Partially Owned Entities: Entities in which we do not own a 100 percent ownership interest and which, as of June 30, 2015, we account for as an equity-method investment, including principally the following:
Bluegrass Pipeline: Bluegrass Pipeline Company LLC
Caiman II: Caiman Energy II, LLC
Discovery: Discovery Producer Services LLC
Gulfstream: Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.
Laurel Mountain: Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC
Moss Lake: Moss Lake Fractionation LLC and Moss Lake LPG Terminal LLC
OPPL: Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC
UEOM: Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC

4



Government and Regulatory:
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission
Other:
B/B Splitter: Butylene/Butane splitter
RGP Splitter: Refinery grade propylene splitter
Fractionation: The process by which a mixed stream of natural gas liquids is separated into constituent products, such as ethane, propane, and butane
GAAP: U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
IDR: Incentive distribution right
NGLs: Natural gas liquids; natural gas liquids result from natural gas processing and crude oil refining and are
used as petrochemical feedstocks, heating fuels, and gasoline additives, among other applications
NGL margins:  NGL revenues less Btu replacement cost, plant fuel, transportation, and fractionation     
PDH facility: Propane dehydrogenation facility


5



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Income
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended  
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions, except per-share amounts)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
$
1,241

 
$
825

 
$
2,438


$
1,644

Product sales
598

 
853

 
1,117


1,783

Total revenues
1,839

 
1,678

 
3,555


3,427

Costs and expenses:
 
 

 



Product costs
494

 
724

 
956


1,493

Operating and maintenance expenses
437

 
308

 
824


606

Depreciation and amortization expenses
428

 
214

 
855


428

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
174

 
136

 
370


286

Net insurance recoveries – Geismar Incident
(126
)
 
(42
)
 
(126
)
 
(161
)
Other (income) expense – net
40

 
27

 
57


44

Total costs and expenses
1,447

 
1,367

 
2,936


2,696

Operating income (loss)
392

 
311

 
619


731

Equity earnings (losses)
93

 
37

 
144


(11
)
Other investing income (loss) – net
9

 
18

 
9

 
32

Interest incurred
(278
)

(192
)

(551
)

(361
)
Interest capitalized
16


29


38


58

Other income (expense) – net
34

 
4

 
50


5

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
266

 
207

 
309


454

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
83

 
84

 
113


135

Income (loss) from continuing operations
183

 
123

 
196


319

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 
4

 


4

Net income (loss)
183

 
127

 
196


323

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
69

 
24

 
12


80

Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.
$
114

 
$
103

 
$
184


$
243

Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
114

 
$
99

 
$
184

 
$
239

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 
4

 

 
4

Net income (loss)
$
114

 
$
103

 
$
184

 
$
243

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
.15

 
$
.14

 
$
.25

 
$
.34

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 
.01

 

 
.01

Net income (loss)
$
.15

 
$
.15

 
$
.25

 
$
.35

Weighted-average shares (thousands)
749,253

 
696,553

 
748,669

 
690,695

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
.15

 
$
.14

 
$
.24

 
$
.34

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 
.01

 

 
.01

Net income (loss)
$
.15

 
$
.15

 
$
.24

 
$
.35

Weighted-average shares (thousands)
752,775

 
700,696

 
752,403

 
694,832

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
.5900

 
$
.4250

 
$
1.1700

 
$
.8275


See accompanying notes.

6



The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions)
Net income (loss)
$
183

 
$
127

 
$
196

 
$
323

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of ($6) and $10 in 2015 and ($9) and ($8) in 2014, respectively
10

 
37

 
(85
)
 
(7
)
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0 and $1 in 2015 and $1 and $2 in 2014, respectively
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of ($4) and ($8) in 2015 and ($4) and ($7) in 2014, respectively
7

 
6

 
14

 
12

Other comprehensive income (loss)
16

 
42

 
(73
)
 
3

Comprehensive income (loss)
199

 
169

 
123

 
326

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
74

 
37

 
(18
)
 
93

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.
$
125

 
$
132

 
$
141

 
$
233

See accompanying notes.


7



The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
(Millions, except per-share amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
204

 
$
240

Accounts and notes receivable – net:
 
 
 
 
Trade and other
 
742

 
972

Income tax receivable
 
9

 
167

Deferred income tax asset
 
68

 
67

Inventories
 
168

 
231

Other current assets and deferred charges
 
235

 
213

Total current assets
 
1,426

 
1,890

Investments
 
8,712

 
8,400

Property, plant, and equipment, at cost
 
38,070

 
36,435

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(8,981
)
 
(8,354
)
Property, plant and equipment – net
 
29,089

 
28,081

Goodwill
 
1,145

 
1,120

Other intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization
 
10,158

 
10,453

Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other
 
633

 
619

Total assets
 
$
51,163

 
$
50,563

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
723

 
$
865

Accrued liabilities
 
924

 
900

Commercial paper
 
1,743

 
798

Long-term debt due within one year
 
378

 
4

Total current liabilities
 
3,768

 
2,567

Long-term debt
 
21,285

 
20,888

Deferred income taxes
 
4,665

 
4,712

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
2,274

 
2,224

Contingent liabilities (Note 12)
 

 

Equity:
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock (960 million shares authorized at $1 par value;
784 million shares issued at June 30, 2015 and 782 million shares
issued at December 31, 2014)
 
784

 
782

Capital in excess of par value
 
14,812

 
14,925

Retained deficit
 
(6,243
)
 
(5,548
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(384
)
 
(341
)
Treasury stock, at cost (35 million shares of common stock)
 
(1,041
)
 
(1,041
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
7,928

 
8,777

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
 
11,243

 
11,395

Total equity
 
19,171

 
20,172

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
51,163

 
$
50,563

See accompanying notes.

8



The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)

 
The Williams Companies, Inc., Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
 
Retained
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total Equity
 
(Millions)
Balance – December 31, 2014
$
782

 
$
14,925

 
$
(5,548
)
 
$
(341
)
 
$
(1,041
)
 
$
8,777

 
$
11,395

 
$
20,172

Net income (loss)

 

 
184

 

 

 
184

 
12

 
196

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
(43
)
 

 
(43
)
 
(30
)
 
(73
)
Cash dividends – common stock

 

 
(876
)
 

 

 
(876
)
 

 
(876
)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 
(462
)
 
(462
)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax
2

 
48

 

 

 

 
50

 

 
50

Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net

 
(160
)
 

 

 

 
(160
)
 
256

 
96

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 
57

 
57

Other

 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 

 
(4
)
 
15

 
11

   Net increase (decrease) in equity
2

 
(113
)
 
(695
)
 
(43
)
 

 
(849
)
 
(152
)
 
(1,001
)
Balance – June 30, 2015
$
784

 
$
14,812

 
$
(6,243
)
 
$
(384
)
 
$
(1,041
)
 
$
7,928

 
$
11,243

 
$
19,171

See accompanying notes.


9



The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
Net income (loss)
$
196

 
$
323

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
855

 
428

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
108

 
31

Amortization of stock-based awards
46

 
23

Cash provided (used) by changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts and notes receivable
350

 
17

Inventories
64

 
(81
)
Other current assets and deferred charges
(45
)
 
(37
)
Accounts payable
(48
)
 
(34
)
Accrued liabilities
(7
)
 
60

Other, including changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities
(36
)
 
29

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
1,483

 
759

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper – net
942

 
(226
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
5,720

 
4,935

Payments of long-term debt
(4,922
)
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
21

 
3,408

Dividends paid
(876
)
 
(567
)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests
(462
)
 
(296
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
57

 
122

Payments for debt issuance costs
(29
)
 
(37
)
Other – net
32

 
17

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
483

 
7,356

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures (1)
(1,654
)
 
(1,839
)
Net proceeds from dispositions
6

 
28

Purchase of business
(112
)
 

Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments
(483
)
 
(246
)
Cash held for ACMP Acquisition

 
(5,995
)
Other – net
241

 
116

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
(2,002
)
 
(7,936
)
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(36
)
 
179

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
240

 
681

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
204

 
$
860

_________
 
 
 
(1) Increases to property, plant, and equipment
$
(1,554
)
 
$
(1,789
)
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(100
)
 
(50
)
Capital expenditures
$
(1,654
)
 
$
(1,839
)


See accompanying notes.

10



The Williams Companies, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation
General
Our accompanying interim consolidated financial statements do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014, in Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K dated May 6, 2015. The accompanying unaudited financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments and others that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our interim financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this report to “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to The Williams Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “we,” “our,” and “us” include the operations in which we own interests accounted for as equity-method investments that are not consolidated in our financial statements. When we refer to our equity investees by name, we are referring exclusively to their businesses and operations.
Merger
On February 2, 2015, we completed the merger of our consolidated master limited partnerships, Williams Partners L.P. (Pre-merger WPZ) and Access Midstream Partners, L.P. (ACMP) (Merger). The merged partnership is named Williams Partners L.P. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each ACMP unitholder received 1.06152 ACMP units for each ACMP unit owned immediately prior to the Merger. In conjunction with the Merger, each Pre-merger WPZ common unit held by the public was exchanged for 0.86672 ACMP common units. Each Pre-merger WPZ common unit held by us was exchanged for 0.80036 ACMP common units. Prior to the closing of the Merger, the Class D limited partner units of Pre-merger WPZ, all of which were held by us, were converted into WPZ common units on a one-for-one basis pursuant to the terms of the WPZ partnership agreement. Following the Merger, we own approximately 60 percent of the merged partnership, including the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights (IDRs). In this report, we refer to the post-merger partnership as “WPZ” and the pre-merger entities as “Pre-merger WPZ” and “ACMP.”
Acquisition of WPZ Public Units
On May 12, 2015, we entered into an agreement for a unit-for-stock transaction whereby we will acquire all of the publicly held outstanding common units of WPZ in exchange for shares of our common stock (Acquisition of WPZ Public Units). Each such WPZ common unit will be converted into the right to receive 1.115 shares of our common stock. In the event this agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we could be required to pay a $410 million termination fee to WPZ, of which we currently own approximately 60 percent, including the interests of the general partner and IDRs. Such termination fee would be settled through a reduction of quarterly incentive distributions we are entitled to receive from WPZ (such reduction not to exceed $102.5 million per quarter).
Strategic Alternatives
On June 21, 2015, we publicly announced in a press release that we had received and subsequently rejected an unsolicited proposal to acquire us in an all-equity transaction. The unsolicited proposal was contingent on the termination of our pending Acquisition of WPZ Public Units. Our Board of Directors has authorized a process to explore a range

11



Notes (Continued)


of strategic alternatives, which could include, among other things, a merger, a sale of us, or continuing to pursue our existing operating and growth plan.
Description of Business
Our operations are located principally in the United States and are organized into the Williams Partners and Williams NGL & Petchem Services reportable segments. All remaining business activities are included in Other. For periods after the ACMP Acquisition (see Note 2 – Acquisitions), the former Access Midstream segment is reported within Williams Partners. For periods prior to the ACMP Acquisition, the results associated with our former equity-method investment in Access Midstream are reported within Other. Prior periods segment disclosures have been recast.
Williams Partners
Williams Partners consists of our consolidated master limited partnership, Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ), and primarily includes gas pipeline and midstream businesses.
WPZ’s gas pipeline businesses primarily consist of two interstate natural gas pipelines, which are Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco) and Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest Pipeline), and several joint venture investments in interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline systems, including a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., and a 41 percent interest in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) (a consolidated entity).
WPZ’s midstream businesses primarily consist of (1) natural gas gathering, treating, and processing; (2) natural gas liquid (NGL) fractionation, storage and transportation; (3) oil transportation; and (4) olefins production. The primary service areas are concentrated in major producing basins in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, and Ohio which include the Marcellus and Utica shale plays as well as the Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Barnett, Mid-Continent, and Niobrara areas.
The midstream businesses include equity-method investments in natural gas gathering and processing assets and NGL fractionation and transportation assets, including a 62 percent equity-method investment in Utica East Ohio Midstream, LLC (UEOM), a 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system in the Mid-Continent region, a 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC, a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman Energy II, LLC, a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery Producer Services LLC, a 50 percent equity-method investment in Overland Pass Pipeline, LLC, and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns an approximate average 45 percent equity-method investment interest in 11 gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale.
The midstream businesses also include our Canadian midstream operations, which are comprised of an oil sands offgas processing plant near Fort McMurray, Alberta, an NGL/olefin fractionation facility and butylene/butane splitter facility at Redwater, Alberta, and the Boreal Pipeline.
Williams NGL & Petchem Services
Williams NGL & Petchem Services includes certain other domestic olefins pipeline assets and certain Canadian growth projects under development (including a propane dehydrogenation facility and a liquids extraction plant).
Other
Other includes other business activities that are not operating segments, as well as corporate operations.
Basis of Presentation
Consolidated master limited partnership
As of June 30, 2015, we own approximately 60 percent of the interests in WPZ, including the interests of the general partner, which are wholly owned by us, and IDRs.

12



Notes (Continued)


The previously described Merger and other equity issuances by WPZ had the combined net impact of increasing Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries by $256 million and decreasing Capital in excess of par value by $160 million and Deferred income taxes by $96 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
WPZ is self-funding and maintains separate lines of bank credit and cash management accounts and also has a commercial paper program. (See Note 9 – Debt and Banking Arrangements.) Cash distributions from WPZ to us, including any associated with our IDRs, occur through the normal partnership distributions from WPZ to all partners.
Discontinued operations
Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to our continuing operations.
Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (ASU 2015-11). ASU 2015-11 simplifies the guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, excluding inventory measured using last-in, first out or the retail inventory method. Under the new standard, in scope inventory should be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” (ASU 2015-07). ASU 2015-17 removes from the fair value hierarchy investments measured using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. The standard primarily impacts certain investments included in our employee benefit plans. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within the reporting periods and requires retrospective presentation. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard and our timing for adoption.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-3 “Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (ASU 2015-3). ASU 2015-3 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring such costs be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within the reporting periods and requires retrospective presentation. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-2 “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis” (ASU 2015-2). ASU 2015-2 alters the models used to determine consolidation conclusions for certain entities, including limited partnerships, and may require additional disclosures. The ASU is effective for financial statements issued for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within the reporting periods with either retrospective or modified retrospective presentation allowed. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 establishing Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606). ASC 606 establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services and requires significantly enhanced revenue disclosures. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within the reporting period. ASC 606 allows either full retrospective or modified retrospective transition and early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We continue to evaluate both the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements and the transition method we will utilize for adoption.

13



Notes (Continued)


Note 2 – Acquisitions

ACMP

We acquired control of ACMP on July 1, 2014 (ACMP Acquisition). Our basis in ACMP reflects business combination accounting, which, among other things, requires identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be measured at their acquisition-date fair values.

The following table presents the allocation of the acquisition-date fair value of the major classes of the assets acquired, which are presented in the Williams Partners segment, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interest at July 1, 2014. Changes to the preliminary allocation disclosed in Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K dated May 6, 2015, which were recorded in the first quarter of 2015, reflect an increase of $150 million in Property, plant, and equipment and $25 million in Goodwill, and a decrease of $168 million in Other intangible assets and $7 million in Investments. These adjustments during the measurement period were not considered significant to require retrospective revisions of our financial statements.
 
(Millions)
Accounts receivable
$
168

Other current assets
63

Investments
5,865

Property, plant, and equipment
7,165

Goodwill
499

Other intangible assets
8,841

Current liabilities
(408
)
Debt
(4,052
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(9
)
Noncontrolling interest in ACMP’s subsidiaries
(958
)
Noncontrolling interest in ACMP
(6,544
)

Eagle Ford Gathering System
In May 2015, WPZ acquired a gathering system comprised of approximately 140 miles of pipeline and a sour gas compression facility in the Eagle Ford shale for $112 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, and the preliminary allocation of the acquisition-date fair value of the major classes of assets acquired include $60 million of Property, plant, and equipment, at cost and $52 million of Other intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

UEOM Equity-Method Investment
In June 2015, WPZ acquired an approximate 13 percent additional equity interest in its equity-method investment, UEOM, for $357 million. Following the acquisition WPZ owns approximately 62 percent of UEOM. However, WPZ continues to account for this as an equity-method investment because WPZ does not control UEOM due to the significant participatory rights of its partner. In connection with the acquisition of the additional interest, we have agreed to waive approximately $2 million of our WPZ IDR payments each quarter through 2017.
Note 3 – Variable Interest Entities
As of June 30, 2015, we consolidate the following variable interest entities (VIEs):
Gulfstar One
WPZ owns a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One LLC (Gulfstar One), a subsidiary that, due to certain risk-sharing provisions in its customer contracts, is a VIE. Gulfstar One includes a proprietary floating-production system, Gulfstar FPS, and associated pipelines which provide production handling and gathering services for the Tubular Bells oil and

14



Notes (Continued)


gas discovery in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. WPZ is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Gulfstar One’s economic performance. Construction of an expansion project is underway that will provide production handling and gathering services for the Gunflint oil and gas discovery in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The expansion project is expected to be in service in the first quarter of 2016. The current estimate of the total remaining construction costs for the expansion project is approximately $99 million, which is expected to be funded with revenues received from customers and capital contributions from WPZ and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
Constitution
WPZ owns a 41 percent interest in Constitution, a subsidiary that, due to shipper fixed-payment commitments under its long-term firm transportation contracts, is a VIE. WPZ is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Constitution’s economic performance. WPZ, as construction manager for Constitution, is building a pipeline connecting its gathering system in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and the Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems. WPZ plans to place the project in service in the second half of 2016 and estimates the total remaining construction costs of the project to be approximately $634 million, which is expected to be funded with capital contributions from WPZ and the other equity partners on a proportional basis.
Cardinal
WPZ owns a 66 percent interest in Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C (Cardinal), a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. WPZ is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Cardinal’s economic performance. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from WPZ and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
Jackalope
WPZ owns a 50 percent interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C (Jackalope), a subsidiary that provides gathering and processing services for the Powder River basin and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. WPZ is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Jackalope’s economic performance. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from WPZ and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.

15



Notes (Continued)


The following table presents amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are for the use or obligation of our consolidated VIEs.

June 30,
2015

December 31, 2014

Classification

(Millions)


Assets (liabilities):





Cash and cash equivalents
$
91

 
$
113


Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
59

 
52

 
Accounts and notes receivable – net, Trade and other
Other current assets
3

 
3

 
Other current assets and deferred charges
Property, plant and equipment – net
2,882

 
2,794


Property, plant and equipment – net
Goodwill
107

 
103

 
Goodwill
Other intangible assets – net
1,461

 
1,493

 
Other intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization
Other noncurrent assets
3

 
14

 
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other
Accounts payable
(32
)
 
(48
)

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
(22
)
 
(36
)
 
Accrued liabilities
Current deferred revenue
(63
)
 
(45
)
 
Accrued liabilities
Noncurrent deferred income taxes

 
(13
)
 
Deferred income taxes
Asset retirement obligation
(95
)
 
(94
)
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
Noncurrent deferred revenue associated with customer advance payments
(357
)
 
(395
)

Other noncurrent liabilities
Note 4 – Other Income and Expenses
The following table presents certain losses reflected in Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Income:
 
Three Months Ended 
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions)
Williams Partners
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations
$
9

 
$
8

 
$
17

 
$
17

Impairment of certain assets (See Note 11)
24

 
17

 
27

 
17

Geismar Incident
On June 13, 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at Williams Partners’ Geismar olefins plant. The incident (Geismar Incident) rendered the facility temporarily inoperable and resulted in significant human, financial, and operational effects.
At the time of the incident, we had insurance coverage for repair and replacement costs, lost production, and additional expenses related to the incident as follows:
Property damage and business interruption coverage with a combined per-occurrence limit of $500 million and retentions (deductibles) of $10 million per occurrence for property damage and a waiting period of 60 days per occurrence for business interruption;
General liability coverage with per-occurrence and aggregate annual limits of $610 million and retentions (deductibles) of $2 million per occurrence;

16



Notes (Continued)


Workers’ compensation coverage with statutory limits and retentions (deductibles) of $1 million total per occurrence.
We received $126 million of insurance recoveries related to the Geismar Incident during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and we received $50 million and $175 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, also include $8 million and $14 million, respectively, of related covered insurable expenses incurred in excess of our retentions (deductibles). These amounts are reported within Williams Partners and reflected as a net gain in Net insurance recoveries – Geismar Incident in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Since June 2013, we have settled claims associated with $480 million of available property damage and business interruption coverage for a total of $422 million.
Additional Items
Selling, general, and administrative expenses includes $1 million and $26 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, primarily related to professional advisory fees associated with the ACMP Acquisition and Merger, reported within the Williams Partners segment. Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, also includes $4 million and $8 million, respectively, of related employee transition costs reported within the Williams Partners segment, in addition to $7 million and $13 million, respectively, of general corporate expenses associated with integration and re-alignment of resources. Operating and maintenance expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, includes $8 million and $12 million, respectively, of transition costs reported within the Williams Partners segment. Additionally, Interest incurred includes $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, and $9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, of transaction-related financing costs.
The six months ended June 30, 2014, includes $19 million of project development costs related to the Bluegrass Pipeline Company LLC (Bluegrass Pipeline) reported within Williams NGL & Petchem Services and reflected in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Equity earnings (losses) for the six months ended June 30, 2014, include $70 million of losses reported within Williams NGL & Petchem Services related to the write-off of previously capitalized project development costs by Bluegrass Pipeline, Moss Lake Fractionation LLC, and Moss Lake LPG Terminal LLC after our management decided to discontinue further funding of the projects. These entities were dissolved in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, each include $9 million, and the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, include $14 million and $27 million, respectively, of interest income associated with a receivable related to the sale of certain former Venezuela assets reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Due to changes in circumstances that led to late payments and increased uncertainty regarding the recovery of the receivable, we began accounting for the receivable under a cost recovery model in first quarter 2015. In second quarter 2015, we received a payment greater than the remaining carrying amount of the receivable, which resulted in the recognition of interest income.
The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, include $19 million and $36 million, respectively, and the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, include $7 million and $10 million, respectively, of allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC) reported within Williams Partners in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss). AFUDC increased during 2015 due to the increase in spending on various Transco expansion projects and Constitution.
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) includes a $14 million gain for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, resulting from the early retirement of certain debt.

17



Notes (Continued)


Note 5 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes:
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions)
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$

 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
$
113

State
1

 
(1
)
 
1

 
4

Foreign
2

 
3

 
4

 
5

 
3

 
(22
)
 
5

 
122

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
73

 
95

 
98

 
(1
)
State
(1
)
 
6

 
2

 
5

Foreign
8

 
5

 
8

 
9

 
80

 
106

 
108

 
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total provision (benefit)
$
83

 
$
84

 
$
113

 
$
135

The effective income tax rate for the total provision for the three months ended June 30, 2015, is less than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests, partially offset by taxes on foreign operations.
The effective income tax rate for the total provision for the six months ended June 30, 2015, is greater than the federal statutory rate primarily due to a $14 million tax provision associated with an adjustment to the prior year taxable foreign income, taxes on foreign operations, and the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests.
The effective income tax rate for the total provision for the three months ended June 30, 2014, is greater than the federal statutory rate primarily due to a provision associated with a revision of our estimate of the undistributed earnings related to the contribution of certain Canadian operations to WPZ, taxes on foreign operations, and the effect of state income taxes, partially offset by the impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests.
The effective income tax rate for the total provision for the six months ended June 30, 2014, is less than the federal statutory rate primarily due to a tax benefit related to the contribution of certain Canadian operations to WPZ in the first quarter of 2014 and the impact of nontaxable noncontrolling interests, partially offset by the effect of state income taxes and taxes on foreign operations.
During the next 12 months, we do not expect ultimate resolution of any unrecognized tax benefit associated with domestic or international matters to have a material impact on our unrecognized tax benefit position.

18



Notes (Continued)


Note 6 – Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share from Continuing Operations
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in millions, except per-share
amounts; shares in thousands)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
$
114

 
$
99

 
$
184

 
$
239

Basic weighted-average shares
749,253

 
696,553

 
748,669

 
690,695

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonvested restricted stock units
1,755

 
2,091

 
1,985

 
2,094

Stock options
1,750

 
2,034

 
1,732

 
2,025

Convertible debentures
17

 
18

 
17

 
18

Diluted weighted-average shares
752,775

 
700,696

 
752,403

 
694,832

Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
.15

 
$
.14

 
$
.25

 
$
.34

Diluted
$
.15

 
$
.14

 
$
.24

 
$
.34


Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) is as follows:

Pension Benefits

Three Months Ended 
 June 30,

Six Months Ended 
 June 30,

2015

2014

2015

2014

(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:







Service cost
$
15


$
10


$
29


$
20

Interest cost
14


15


29


31

Expected return on plan assets
(18
)

(19
)

(37
)

(38
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
10


10


21


19

Net periodic benefit cost
$
21


$
16


$
42


$
32


 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Interest cost
2

 
3

 
4

 
5

Expected return on plan assets
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
(8
)
 
(10
)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
1

 

 
1

 

Reclassification to regulatory liability
1

 
1

 
2

 
2

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
(3
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
(8
)

19



Notes (Continued)


Amortization of prior service credit and net actuarial loss included in net periodic benefit cost (credit) for our other postretirement benefit plans associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline are recorded to regulatory assets/liabilities instead of other comprehensive income (loss). The amounts of amortization of prior service credit recognized in regulatory liabilities were $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $5 million and $6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we contributed $32 million to our pension plans and $3 million to our other postretirement benefit plans. We presently anticipate making additional contributions of approximately $32 million to our pension plans and approximately $3 million to our other postretirement benefit plans in the remainder of 2015.
Note 8 – Inventories
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
(Millions)
Natural gas liquids, olefins, and natural gas in underground storage
$
95

 
$
150

Materials, supplies, and other
73

 
81

 
$
168

 
$
231


Note 9 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
Long-Term Debt
Issuances and retirements
On April 15, 2015, WPZ paid $783 million, including a redemption premium, to early retire $750 million of 5.875 percent senior notes due 2021 with a carrying value of $797 million.
On March 3, 2015, WPZ completed a public offering of $1.25 billion of 3.6 percent senior unsecured notes due 2022, $750 million of 4 percent senior unsecured notes due 2025, and $1 billion of 5.1 percent senior unsecured notes due 2045. WPZ used the net proceeds to repay amounts outstanding under its commercial paper program and credit facility, to fund capital expenditures, and for general partnership purposes.
WPZ retired $750 million of 3.8 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on February 15, 2015.
Commercial Paper Program
As of June 30, 2015, WPZ had $1,743 million of Commercial paper outstanding under its $3 billion commercial paper program with a weighted average interest rate of 0.55 percent.

20



Notes (Continued)


Credit Facilities
On February 2, 2015, we entered into a Credit Agreement with aggregate commitments remaining at $1.5 billion, and the credit facilities for Pre-merger WPZ and ACMP were terminated in connection with the Merger. WPZ also entered into a $3.5 billion credit facility.
 
June 30, 2015
 
Stated Capacity
 
Outstanding
 
(Millions)
 
 
 
 
WMB
 
 
 
Loans
$
1,500

 
$
350

Swingline loans sublimit
50

 

Letters of credit sublimit
675

 

Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements
 
 
16

WPZ
 
 
 
Loans (1)
3,500

 

Swingline loans sublimit
150

 

Letters of credit sublimit
1,125

 

Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements
 
 
3

 
(1)
In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of WPZ’s credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under its commercial paper program.
On February 3, 2015, WPZ entered into a $1.5 billion short-term credit facility. In accordance with its terms, this facility terminated on March 3, 2015, upon the completion of the previously described debt offering. WPZ did not borrow under this credit facility.
Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity
The following table presents the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of income taxes:
 
Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Pension and
Other Post
Retirement
Benefits
 
Total
 
(Millions)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
(1
)
 
$
31

 
$
(371
)
 
$
(341
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
(55
)
 

 
(55
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 
12

 
12

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(55
)
 
12

 
(43
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
$
(1
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
(359
)
 
$
(384
)

21



Notes (Continued)


Reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the following table by
component for the six months ended June 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
Component
 
Reclassifications
 
Classification
 
 
(Millions)
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost
 
$
(3
)
 
Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic benefit cost
 
22

 
Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans
Total pension and other postretirement benefits, before income taxes
 
19

 
 
Income tax benefit
 
(7
)
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Reclassifications during the period
 
$
12

 
 
Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees
The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, certain of our financial assets and liabilities. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, commercial paper, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Therefore, these assets and liabilities are not presented in the following table.
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Quoted
Prices In
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(Millions)
Assets (liabilities) at June 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARO Trust investments
$
63

 
$
63

 
$
63

 
$

 
$

Energy derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments
1

 
1

 

 
1

 

Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments
2

 
2

 

 

 
2

Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments
(2
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Additional disclosures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable and other
6

 
14

 
3

 
3

 
8

Long-term debt, including current portion (1)
(21,660
)
 
(21,635
)
 

 
(21,635
)
 

Guarantee
(30
)
 
(25
)
 

 
(25
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Measured on a recurring basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARO Trust investments
$
48

 
$
48

 
$
48

 
$

 
$

Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments
3

 
3

 
1

 

 
2

Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments
(2
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Additional disclosures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes receivable and other
30

 
57

 

 
4

 
53

Long-term debt, including current portion (1)
(20,887
)
 
(21,131
)
 

 
(21,131
)
 

Guarantee
(31
)
 
(27
)
 

 
(27
)
 

___________________________________
(1) Excludes capital leases

22



Notes (Continued)


Fair Value Methods
We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
ARO Trust investments: Transco deposits a portion of its collected rates, pursuant to its rate case settlement, into an external trust (ARO Trust) that is specifically designated to fund future asset retirement obligations (ARO). The ARO Trust invests in a portfolio of actively traded mutual funds that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in an active market, is classified as available-for-sale, and is reported in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Both realized and unrealized gains and losses are ultimately recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.
Energy derivatives: Energy derivatives include commodity based exchange-traded contracts and over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, which consist of physical forwards, futures, and swaps that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value amounts are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the netting of asset and liability positions permitted under the terms of our master netting arrangements. Further, the amounts do not include cash held on deposit in margin accounts that we have received or remitted to collateralize certain derivative positions. Energy derivatives assets are reported in Other current assets and deferred charges and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Energy derivatives liabilities are reported in Accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter. No transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2015 or 2014.
Additional fair value disclosures
Notes receivable and other:  Notes receivable and other consists of various notes, including a receivable related to the sale of certain former Venezuela assets. The disclosed fair value of this receivable is determined by an income approach. We calculated the net present value of a probability-weighted set of cash flows utilizing assumptions based on contractual terms, historical payment patterns by the counterparty, future probabilities of default, our likelihood of using arbitration if the counterparty does not perform, and discount rates. We determined the fair value of the receivable to be $8 million at June 30, 2015. We began accounting for the receivable under a cost recovery model in first-quarter 2015, and in second-quarter 2015, we received a payment greater than the carrying amount of the receivable. As a result, the carrying value of this receivable is zero at June 30, 2015. See Note 4 – Other Income and Expenses for interest income associated with this receivable. The current and noncurrent portions of our receivables are reported in Accounts and notes receivable – net, Other current assets and deferred charges, and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Long-term debt: The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt is determined by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments.
Guarantee: The guarantee represented in the table consists of a guarantee we have provided in the event of nonpayment by our previously owned communications subsidiary, Williams Communications Group (WilTel), on a lease performance obligation that extends through 2042.
To estimate the disclosed fair value of the guarantee, an estimated default rate is applied to the sum of the future contractual lease payments using an income approach. The estimated default rate is determined by obtaining the average cumulative issuer-weighted corporate default rate based on the credit rating of WilTel’s current owner and the term of the underlying obligation. The default rate is published by Moody’s Investors Service. This guarantee is reported in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

23



Notes (Continued)


Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
During the second quarter of 2015, we recorded impairment charges of $20 million for our Williams Partners segment associated with certain surplus equipment reported in Property, plant, and equipment, at cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The estimated fair value of this equipment at June 30, 2015, is $17 million. The estimated fair value is determined by a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market. These impairment charges are recorded in Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income. These nonrecurring fair value measurements fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain of these assets were previously presented as held for sale, but are now reported as held for use.
Guarantees
We are required by our revolving credit agreements to indemnify lenders for certain taxes required to be withheld from payments due to the lenders and for certain tax payments made by the lenders. The maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnifications is based on the related borrowings and such future payments cannot currently be determined. These indemnifications generally continue indefinitely unless limited by the underlying tax regulations and have no carrying value. We have never been called upon to perform under these indemnifications and have no current expectation of a future claim.
Regarding our previously described guarantee of WilTel’s lease performance, the maximum potential exposure is approximately $33 million at June 30, 2015. Our exposure declines systematically throughout the remaining term of WilTel’s obligation.
Note 12 – Contingent Liabilities
Indemnification of WPX
We have agreed to indemnify our former affiliate, WPX and its subsidiaries, related to the following matter.
Reporting of natural gas-related information to trade publications
Direct and indirect purchasers of natural gas in various states filed class actions against WPX and others alleging the manipulation of published gas price indices and seeking unspecified amounts of damages. Such actions were transferred to the Nevada federal district court for consolidation of discovery and pre-trial issues.
Because of the uncertainty around the remaining pending unresolved issues, including an insufficient description of the purported classes and other related matters, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential exposure at this time. However, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate resolution of these actions and our related indemnification obligation could result in future charges that may be material to our results of operations. In connection with this indemnification, we have an accrued liability balance associated with this matter, and as a result, have exposure to future developments in this matter.
Other Legal Matters
Geismar Incident
As a result of the previously discussed Geismar Incident, there were two fatalities and numerous individuals (including employees and contractors) reported injuries, which varied from minor to serious. We are addressing the following matters in connection with the Geismar Incident.
On October 21, 2013, the EPA issued an Inspection Report pursuant to the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program following its inspection of the facility on June 24 through 28, 2013. The report notes the EPA’s preliminary determinations about the facility’s documentation regarding process safety, process hazard analysis, as well as operating procedures, employee training, and other matters. On June 16, 2014, we received a request for information related to the Geismar Incident from the EPA under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act to which we responded on August 13, 2014. The EPA could issue penalties pertaining to final determinations.

24



Notes (Continued)


Multiple lawsuits, including class actions for alleged offsite impacts, property damage, customer claims, and personal injury, have been filed against us. To date, we have settled certain of the personal injury claims for an aggregate immaterial amount that we have recovered from our insurers. The trial for certain plaintiffs claiming personal injury, that was set to begin on June 15, 2015 in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, has been continued or postponed for at least 120 days. For these and all other unsettled lawsuits, we believe it is probable that additional losses will be incurred, while for the others we believe it is only reasonably possible that losses will be incurred. However, due to ongoing litigation concerning defenses to liability, the number of individual plaintiffs, limited information as to the nature and extent of all plaintiffs’ damages, and the ultimate outcome of all appeals, we are unable to reliably estimate any such losses at this time. We believe that it is probable that any ultimate losses incurred will be covered by our general liability insurance policy, which has an aggregate annual limit of $610 million and retention (deductible) of $2 million per occurrence.
Alaska refinery contamination litigation
In 2010, James West filed a class action lawsuit in state court in Fairbanks, Alaska on behalf of individual property owners whose water contained sulfolane contamination allegedly emanating from the Flint Hills Oil Refinery in North Pole, Alaska. The suit named our subsidiary, Williams Alaska Petroleum Inc. (WAPI), and Flint Hills Resources Alaska, LLC (FHRA), a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., as defendants. We owned and operated the refinery until 2004 when we sold it to FHRA. We and FHRA made claims under the pollution liability insurance policy issued in connection with the sale of the North Pole refinery to FHRA. We and FHRA also filed claims against each other seeking, among other things, contractual indemnification alleging that the other party caused the sulfolane contamination.
In 2011, we and FHRA settled the James West claim. We and FHRA subsequently filed motions for summary judgment on the other’s claims. On July 8, 2014, the court dismissed all FHRA’s claims and entered judgment for us. On August 6, 2014, FHRA appealed the court’s decision to the Alaska Supreme Court.
We currently estimate that our reasonably possible loss exposure in this matter could range from an insignificant amount up to $32 million, although uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, expert evaluations, and jury dynamics might cause our exposure to exceed that amount.

On November 26, 2014, the City of North Pole (North Pole) filed suit in Alaska state court in Fairbanks against FHRA and WAPI, alleging nuisance and violations of municipal and state statutes based upon the sulfolane contamination allegedly emanating from the North Pole refinery. North Pole claims an unspecified amount of past and future damages as well as punitive damages against WAPI. FHRA filed cross-claims against us.

Independent of the litigation matter described in the preceding paragraphs, in 2013, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) indicated that it views FHRA and us as responsible parties, and that it intended to enter a compliance order to address the environmental remediation of sulfolane and other possible contaminants including cleanup work outside the refinery’s boundaries. On March 6, 2014, the State of Alaska filed suit against FHRA and us in state court in Fairbanks seeking injunctive relief and damages in connection with the sulfolane contamination. On May 5, 2014, FHRA filed cross-claims against us in the State of Alaska suit, and FHRA also seeks injunctive relief and damages. Due to the ongoing assessment of the level and extent of sulfolane contamination and the ultimate cost of remediation and division of costs among the potentially responsible parties, we are unable to estimate a range of exposure at this time.

Shareholder litigation

In July 2015, a purported stockholder of us filed a putative class and derivative action on behalf of us in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. The action names as defendants certain members of our Board of Directors (Individual Defendants), as well as WPZ, and names us as a nominal defendant.  Among other things, the action seeks to enjoin the Acquisition of WPZ Public Units and seeks monetary damages, including the repayment of the $410 million termination fee that may become payable by us, in certain circumstances, if there were a termination of the merger agreement for the Acquisition of WPZ Public Units.  The action alleges, among other things, that the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties owed to us and our stockholders by failing to adequately evaluate an

25



Notes (Continued)


unsolicited proposal to acquire us in an all-equity transaction and by putting their personal interests ahead of the interests of us and our stockholders in connection with that unsolicited proposal. The action further alleges that WPZ aided and abetted the alleged breaches.  We cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss at this time.
Royalty Matters
Certain of our customers, including one major customer, have been named in various lawsuits alleging underpayment of royalties. In certain of these cases, we have also been named as a defendant based on allegations that we improperly participated with that major customer in causing the alleged royalty underpayments. We have also received subpoenas from the United States Department of Justice and the Pennsylvania Attorney General requesting documents relating to the agreements between us and our major customer and calculations of the major customer’s royalty payments. We believe that the claims asserted to date are subject to indemnity obligations owed to us by that major customer. Due to the preliminary status of the cases, we are unable to estimate a range of liability at this time.
Environmental Matters
We are a participant in certain environmental activities in various stages including assessment studies, cleanup operations and remedial processes at certain sites, some of which we currently do not own. We are monitoring these sites in a coordinated effort with other potentially responsible parties, the EPA, and other governmental authorities. We are jointly and severally liable along with unrelated third parties in some of these activities and solely responsible in others. Certain of our subsidiaries have been identified as potentially responsible parties at various Superfund and state waste disposal sites. In addition, these subsidiaries have incurred, or are alleged to have incurred, various other hazardous materials removal or remediation obligations under environmental laws. As of June 30, 2015, we have accrued liabilities totaling $41 million for these matters, as discussed below. Our accrual reflects the most likely costs of cleanup, which are generally based on completed assessment studies, preliminary results of studies or our experience with other similar cleanup operations. Certain assessment studies are still in process for which the ultimate outcome may yield significantly different estimates of most likely costs. Any incremental amount in excess of amounts currently accrued cannot be reasonably estimated at this time due to uncertainty about the actual number of contaminated sites ultimately identified, the actual amount and extent of contamination discovered and the final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA and other governmental authorities.
The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely promulgate and propose new rules, and issue updated guidance to existing rules. More recent rules and rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine maximum achievable control technology, new air quality standards for ground level ozone, one hour nitrogen dioxide emission limits, and new air quality standards impacting storage vessels, pressure valves, and compressors. We are unable to estimate the costs of asset additions or modifications necessary to comply with these new regulations due to uncertainty created by the various legal challenges to these regulations and the need for further specific regulatory guidance.
Continuing operations
Our interstate gas pipelines are involved in remediation activities related to certain facilities and locations for polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, and other hazardous substances. These activities have involved the EPA and various state environmental authorities, resulting in our identification as a potentially responsible party at various Superfund waste sites. At June 30, 2015, we have accrued liabilities of $10 million for these costs. We expect that these costs will be recoverable through rates.
We also accrue environmental remediation costs for natural gas underground storage facilities, primarily related to soil and groundwater contamination. At June 30, 2015, we have accrued liabilities totaling $8 million for these costs.
Former operations, including operations classified as discontinued
We have potential obligations in connection with assets and businesses we no longer operate. These potential obligations include remediation activities at the direction of federal and state environmental authorities and the indemnification of the purchasers of certain of these assets and businesses for environmental and other liabilities existing

26



Notes (Continued)


at the time the sale was consummated. Our responsibilities relate to the operations of the assets and businesses described below.
Former agricultural fertilizer and chemical operations and former retail petroleum and refining operations;
Former petroleum products and natural gas pipelines;
Former petroleum refining facilities;
Former exploration and production and mining operations;
Former electricity and natural gas marketing and trading operations.
At June 30, 2015, we have accrued environmental liabilities of $23 million related to these matters.
Other Divestiture Indemnifications
Pursuant to various purchase and sale agreements relating to divested businesses and assets, we have indemnified certain purchasers against liabilities that they may incur with respect to the businesses and assets acquired from us. The indemnities provided to the purchasers are customary in sale transactions and are contingent upon the purchasers incurring liabilities that are not otherwise recoverable from third parties. The indemnities generally relate to breach of warranties, tax, historic litigation, personal injury, property damage, environmental matters, right of way and other representations that we have provided.
At June 30, 2015, other than as previously disclosed, we are not aware of any material claims against us involving the indemnities; thus, we do not expect any of the indemnities provided pursuant to the sales agreements to have a material impact on our future financial position. Any claim for indemnity brought against us in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the claim is made.
In addition to the foregoing, various other proceedings are pending against us which are incidental to our operations.

Summary
We have disclosed our estimated range of reasonably possible losses for certain matters above, as well as all significant matters for which we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. We estimate that for all other matters for which we are able to reasonably estimate a range of loss, our aggregate reasonably possible losses beyond amounts accrued are immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity and financial position. These calculations have been made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties.
Note 13 – Segment Disclosures
Our reportable segments are Williams Partners and Williams NGL & Petchem Services. All remaining business activities are included in Other. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation.)
Performance Measurement
Prior to first quarter of 2015, we evaluated segment operating performance based on Segment profit (loss) from operations. Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, we evaluate segment operating performance based upon Modified EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). This measure represents the basis of our internal financial reporting and is the primary performance measure used by our chief operating decision maker in measuring performance and allocating resources among our reportable segments. Prior period segment disclosures have been recast to reflect this change.

27



Notes (Continued)


We define Modified EBITDA as follows:
Net income (loss) before:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations;
Provision (benefit) for income taxes;
Interest incurred, net of interest capitalized;
Equity earnings (losses);
Other investing income (loss) net;
Depreciation and amortization expenses;
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations.
This measure is further adjusted to include our proportionate share (based on ownership interest) of Modified EBITDA from our equity-method investments calculated consistently with the definition described above.
The following table reflects the reconciliation of Segment revenues to Total revenues as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income and Total assets by reportable segment.
 
Williams
Partners
 
Williams
NGL & Petchem
Services (1)
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
(Millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Segment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
$
1,231

 
$
1

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
1,241

Internal

 

 
38

 
(38
)
 

Total service revenues
1,231

 
1

 
47

 
(38
)
 
1,241

Product sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
598

 

 

 

 
598

Internal
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 

Total product sales
599

 

 

 
(1
)
 
598

Total revenues
$
1,830

 
$
1

 
$
47

 
$
(39
)
 
$
1,839

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Segment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
$
763

 
$

 
$
62

 
$

 
$
825

Internal

 

 
4

 
(4
)
 

Total service revenues
763

 

 
66

 
(4
)
 
825

Product sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
853

 

 

 

 
853

Internal

 

 

 

 

Total product sales
853

 

 

 

 
853

Total revenues
$
1,616

 
$

 
$
66

 
$
(4
)
 
$
1,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Segment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
$
2,423

 
$
1

 
$
14

 
$

 
$
2,438

Internal

 

 
59

 
(59
)
 

Total service revenues
2,423

 
1

 
73

 
(59
)
 
2,438

Product sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
1,117

 

 

 

 
1,117

Internal
1

 

 

 
(1
)
 

Total product sales
1,118

 

 

 
(1
)
 
1,117


28



Notes (Continued)


 
Williams
Partners
 
Williams
NGL & Petchem
Services (1)
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Total
 
(Millions)
Total revenues
$
3,541

 
$
1

 
$
73

 
$
(60
)
 
$
3,555

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Segment revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
$
1,526

 
$

 
$
118

 
$

 
$
1,644

Internal

 

 
7

 
(7
)
 

Total service revenues
1,526

 

 
125

 
(7
)
 
1,644

Product sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External
1,783

 

 

 

 
1,783

Internal

 

 

 

 

Total product sales
1,783

 

 

 

 
1,783

Total revenues
$
3,309

 
$

 
$
125

 
$
(7
)
 
$
3,427

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
50,040

 
$
731

 
$
1,064

 
$
(672
)
 
$
51,163

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
49,322

 
$
612

 
$
1,220

 
$
(591
)
 
$
50,563

_________________
(1)
Includes certain projects under development and thus nominal reported revenues to date.
The following table reflects the reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Millions)
Modified EBITDA by Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Williams Partners
$
1,053

 
$
596

 
$
1,870

 
$
1,304

Williams NGL & Petchem Services
(3
)
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(108
)
Other
(4
)
 
60

 
(4
)
 
118

 
1,046

 
648

 
1,858

 
1,314

Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations
(9
)
 
(6
)
 
(15
)
 
(9
)
Depreciation and amortization expenses
(428
)
 
(214
)
 
(855
)
 
(428
)
Equity earnings (losses)
93

 
37

 
144

 
(11
)
Other investing income (loss) – net
9