WILLIAMS COMPANIES INC
10-Q, 1994-05-12
NATURAL GAS TRANSMISSION
Previous: WHITNEY HOLDING CORP, 10-Q, 1994-05-12
Next: WISCONSIN BELL INC, 10-Q, 1994-05-12



<PAGE>   1

                                   FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            Washington, D.C.  20549

(Mark One)

( X )        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended                  March 31, 1994
                               ------------------------------------------------

                                       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 of Incorporation)            (IRS Employer Identification Number)


         ONE WILLIAMS CENTER
           TULSA, OKLAHOMA                               74172
- ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office)               (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number:                      (918) 588-2000
                                         --------------------------------------

                                   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   X       No 
                                 -----        -----


  Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock as of the latest practicable date.

                  Class                       Outstanding at April 30, 1994
- ---------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
       Common Stock, $1 par value                  103,700,109 Shares
<PAGE>   2
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                                     INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Page
Part I.  Financial Information                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                                                            <C>


    Item 1.  Financial Statements


       Consolidated Statement of Income--Three Months
          Ended March 31, 1994 and 1993                                                                           2


       Consolidated Balance Sheet--March 31, l994 and
          December 31, 1993                                                                                       4


       Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows--Three Months
          Ended March 31, 1994 and 1993                                                                           6


       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                 7


    Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
       Condition and Results of Operations                                                                       13


Part II.  Other Information


    Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                                                    16


       Exhibit 11--Computation of Earnings Per Common and Common-
                     equivalent Share

       Exhibit 12--Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined
                     Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend
                     Requirements
</TABLE>





                                       1
<PAGE>   3
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              (Millions)    
                                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                          Three months ended
                                                                                              March 31,     
                                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                         1994            1993 
                                                                                        ------          ------
<S>                                                                                    <C>              <C>
Revenues:
   Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines:
      Northwest Pipeline                                                               $ 64.7           $ 65.5
      Williams Natural Gas                                                               45.8            185.7
   Williams Field Services Group                                                        155.4            264.0
   Liquids Pipeline/Energy Ventures:
      Williams Pipe Line                                                                 47.9             36.0
      Williams Energy Ventures                                                           12.2             12.4
   WilTel                                                                               272.3            210.8
   Intercompany eliminations                                                            (16.3)           (23.6)
                                                                                       ------           ------  

      Total revenues                                                                    582.0            750.8
                                                                                       ------           ------

Profit-center costs and expenses:
   Costs and operating expenses                                                         390.5            544.7
   Selling, general and administrative expenses                                          85.0             74.1
   Other income--net                                                                     (4.0)            (1.9)
                                                                                       ------           ------ 

      Total profit-center costs and expenses                                            471.5            616.9
                                                                                       ------           ------

Operating profit:
   Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines:
      Northwest Pipeline                                                                 30.3             20.8
      Williams Natural Gas                                                               14.3             45.0
   Williams Field Services Group                                                         28.6             39.7
   Liquids Pipeline/Energy Ventures:
      Williams Pipe Line                                                                 14.6              9.0
      Williams Energy Ventures                                                             .2              2.6
   WilTel                                                                                22.5             16.8
                                                                                       ------           ------

      Total operating profit                                                            110.5            133.9

General corporate expenses                                                               (8.1)            (7.4)
Interest accrued                                                                        (39.7)           (42.9)
Interest capitalized                                                                      1.7              5.8
Investing income                                                                         12.1             14.5
Gain on sales of assets (Note 2)                                                            -             95.4
Other income (expense)--net                                                               1.1              (.7)
                                                                                       ------           ------  

Income before income taxes                                                               77.6            198.6
Provision for income taxes (Note 3)                                                      24.8             73.0
                                                                                       ------           ------

Net income                                                                               52.8            125.6
Preferred stock dividends                                                                 2.2              5.1
                                                                                       ------           ------

Income applicable to common stock                                                      $ 50.6           $120.5
                                                                                       ======           ======
</TABLE>





                            See accompanying notes.

                                       2
<PAGE>   4
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (CONCLUDED)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Three months ended  
                                                                                               March 31,       
                                                                                        ----------------------  
                                                                                         1994            1993 
                                                                                        ------          ------
<S>                                                                                    <C>              <C>
Primary earnings per common and common-equivalent
   share:
      Net income                                                                           $.48            $1.28
      Average shares (thousands)                                                        104,240           93,950

Fully diluted earnings per common and common-
   equivalent share:
      Net income                                                                           $.48            $1.21
      Average shares (thousands)                                                        104,240          101,880


Cash dividends per common share                                                            $.21             $.19
</TABLE>





                            See accompanying notes.

                                       3
<PAGE>   5
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         (Millions)        
                                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                                 March 31,         December 31,
                                                                                   1994                1993    
                                                                                -----------        ------------
                                                                                (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
ASSETS
- ------

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                      $    44.6            $    64.3
  Receivables                                                                        376.5                360.1
  Inventories                                                                        104.9                108.2
  Recoverable contract-reformation and gas costs                                      25.2                 24.4
  Deferred income taxes                                                               42.6                 40.3
  Other                                                                               31.2                 29.2
                                                                                 ---------            ---------

     Total current assets                                                            625.0                626.5

Investments (Note 7)                                                                 430.7                437.1

Property, plant and equipment, at cost                                             5,104.9              5,033.1
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion                                       (1,406.9)            (1,354.5)
                                                                                 ---------            ---------  
                                                                                   3,698.0              3,678.6

Recoverable contract-reformation and gas costs                                        58.8                 59.9

Other assets and deferred charges                                                    242.3                218.3
                                                                                 ---------            ---------

     Total assets                                                                $ 5,054.8            $ 5,020.4
                                                                                 =========            =========
</TABLE>





                            See accompanying notes.

                                       4
<PAGE>   6
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              (Millions)          
                                                                                   ----------------------------------
                                                                                     March 31,           December 31,
                                                                                       1994                  1993    
                                                                                   -----------           ------------
                                                                                   (Unaudited)
<S>                                                                                 <C>                    <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                                                  $  259.4               $  298.4
  Accrued liabilities                                                                  413.6                  380.3
  Long-term debt due within one year (Note 5)                                           53.9                   54.0
                                                                                    --------                -------

     Total current liabilities                                                         726.9                  732.7

Long-term debt (Notes 5 and 7)                                                       1,592.8                1,604.8

Deferred income taxes                                                                  642.5                  625.2

Deferred income and other liabilities                                                  329.7                  333.7

Contingent liabilities and commitments (Note 6)

Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $1 par value, 30,000,000 shares
    authorized, 4,000,000 shares outstanding                                           100.0                  100.0
  Common stock, $1 par value, 120,000,000 shares
    authorized, 103,534,441 shares outstanding in
    1994 and 103,078,505 shares outstanding in 1993                                    103.5                  103.1
  Capital in excess of par value                                                       969.3                  959.1
  Retained earnings                                                                    592.5                  563.7
  Unamortized deferred compensation                                                     (2.4)                  (1.9)
                                                                                    --------               -------- 

                                                                                     1,762.9                1,724.0
                                                                                    --------               --------

     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                     $5,054.8               $5,020.4
                                                                                    ========               ========
</TABLE>





                            See accompanying notes.

                                       5
<PAGE>   7
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               (Millions)     
                                                                                      ---------------------------
                                                                                          Three months ended  
                                                                                               March 31,      
                                                                                      ---------------------------
                                                                                        1994                1993 
                                                                                      --------            -------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                 <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income                                                                          $  52.8             $ 125.6
  Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided from
     operations:
        Depreciation and depletion                                                       55.5                50.5
        Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes                                     11.9               (17.8)
        Gain on sales of property, plant and equipment                                      -               (95.6)
        Changes in receivables sold                                                         -               (94.7)
        Changes in receivables                                                            9.4                97.5
        Changes in inventories                                                            8.3                (8.1)
        Changes in other current assets                                                   1.2                (3.9)
        Changes in accounts payable                                                     (36.1)              (27.4)
        Changes in accrued liabilities                                                    5.8                84.8
        Other, including changes in non-current assets
           and liabilities                                                               14.3                36.8
                                                                                      -------             -------

             Net cash provided by operating activities                                  123.1               147.7
                                                                                      -------             -------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Changes in notes payable                                                                  -                11.0
  Payments of long-term debt                                                            (18.9)              (29.1)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                  9.9                23.8
  Dividends paid                                                                        (24.0)              (22.8)
  Other--net                                                                                -                (1.4)
                                                                                      -------             ------- 

             Net cash used by financing activities                                      (33.0)              (18.5)
                                                                                      -------             ------- 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Property, plant and equipment:
     Capital expenditures                                                               (65.8)             (188.9)
     Proceeds from sales                                                                   .4               115.2
  Acquisition of business                                                               (45.2)                  -
  Other--net                                                                               .8                (1.9)
                                                                                      -------             ------- 

             Net cash used by investing activities                                     (109.8)              (75.6)
                                                                                      -------             ------- 

             Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           (19.7)               53.6
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                         64.3               212.3
                                                                                      -------             -------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                            $  44.6             $ 265.9
                                                                                      =======             =======
</TABLE>





                            See accompanying notes.

                                       6
<PAGE>   8
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


Note 1.  General

The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements of The Williams
Companies, Inc. (Williams) do not include all notes in annual financial
statements and therefore should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and notes thereto in Williams' 1993 Annual Report Form 10-K.  The
accompanying unaudited financial statements have not been audited by
independent auditors but include all adjustments, consisting of only normal
recurring adjustments,  which Williams considers necessary to present fairly
its financial position at March 31, 1994 and results of operations and cash
flows for the three months ended March 31, 1994 and 1993.

Prior to the fourth quarter of 1993 when Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) Order 636 was adopted, operating profit of reported business units
varied substantially by quarter.  While Northwest Pipeline and Williams Natural
Gas historically have experienced their greatest profitability in the first and
fourth quarters, implementation of Order 636 will moderate seasonal
fluctuations in operating profit (see Note 6).

Note 2.  Sales of assets

In the first quarter of 1993, Williams sold its intrastate natural gas pipeline
system and other related assets in Louisiana for approximately $170 million in
cash, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $45.9 million.  In addition, Williams sold
5,980,000 units in the Williams Coal Seam Gas Royalty Trust.  Net proceeds of
the offering were approximately $110 million and resulted in a pre-tax gain of
$49.5 million.

Note 3.  Provision for income taxes

The provision (credit) for income taxes includes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Millions     
                                                            -----------------------
                                                              Three months ended
                                                                   March 31,    
                                                            -----------------------
                                                             1994             1993 
                                                            ------           ------
                 <S>                                        <C>               <C>
                 Current:
                    Federal                                 $15.6             $ 69.9
                    State                                    (2.7)              20.9
                                                            -----             ------
                                                             12.9               90.8
                                                            -----             ------
                 Deferred:
                    Federal                                   9.4              (11.7)
                    State                                     2.5               (6.1)
                                                            -----             ------ 
                                                             11.9              (17.8)
                                                            -----             ------ 
                 Total provision                            $24.8             $ 73.0
                                                            =====             ======
</TABLE>

The effective income tax rate in 1994 is less than the federal statutory rate
due primarily to income tax credits from coal-seam gas production and a
favorable prior year adjustment to state income taxes, partially offset by
state income taxes related to 1994.  The effective income tax rate in 1993 is
greater than the





                                       7
<PAGE>   9
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


federal statutory rate primarily because of state income taxes, partially
offset by income tax credits from coal-seam gas production.

Cash payments for income taxes are $.8 million and $9 million (before refund of
$2 million) for the three months ended March 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

Note 4.  Postemployment benefits

Effective January 1, 1994, Williams adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits," which
requires the accrual of benefits provided to former or inactive employees after
employment but before retirement.  Adoption of the standard reduced first
quarter 1994 net income by approximately $2 million and is not reported as a
change in accounting principle due to immateriality.

Note 5.  Long-term debt

Long-term debt consists of the following amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                
                                                         Weighted                     (Millions)            
                                                          average            -------------------------------
                                                         interest            March 31,          December 31,
                                                           rate*                1994                1993    
                                                         --------            ---------          ------------
<S>                                                        <C>                <C>                   <C>
The Williams Companies, Inc.
   Debentures, 8.875% - 10.25%,
      payable 2012, 2020 and 2021                           9.5%              $  400.0              $  400.0
   Notes, 7.5% - 13%,
      payable through 2001                                  8.7                  508.2                 524.8
   Capital lease obligations,
      11.1%, payable through 2014                          11.1                   31.3                  31.4
Northwest Pipeline
   Debentures, 9% - 10.65%,
      payable through 2022                                  9.6                  304.3                 304.3
   Adjustable rate notes,
      payable through 2002                                  9.0                   13.3                  15.0
Williams Natural Gas
   Debentures, 10.25%,
      payable in 1997                                      10.3                  120.0                 120.0
Williams Field Services Group
   Other, payable through 1999                             10.0                    6.4                     -
Williams Pipe Line
   Notes, 8.95% and 9.78%,
      payable through 2001                                  9.3                  130.0                 130.0
WilTel
   Notes, 9.61% and 9.81%,
      payable through 1999                                  9.7                  127.5                 127.5
   Other                                                    8.0                    5.7                   5.8
                                                                              --------              --------
                                                                               1,646.7               1,658.8
Current portion of long-term debt                                                (53.9)                (54.0)
                                                                              --------              -------- 
                                                                              $1,592.8              $1,604.8
                                                                              ========              ========
</TABLE>

*At March 31, 1994.





                                       8
<PAGE>   10
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized) for the three months
ended March 31, 1994 and 1993 are $41 million and $40 million, respectively.

Note 6.  Contingent liabilities and commitments

Rate and Regulatory Matters and Related Litigation

In June 1990, a producer brought suit against Williams Natural Gas alleging
antitrust and interference with contract claims regarding the transportation of
gas and seeking actual, treble and punitive damages and injunctive relief.
Williams Natural Gas has denied any liability.  In April 1991, Williams Natural
Gas was granted summary judgment on the antitrust claim and at the close of the
plaintiff's case, a directed verdict was granted in favor of Williams Natural
Gas on the remaining claims.  The plaintiff filed an appeal on November 18,
1992.

In 1989, the FERC issued an order to Northwest Pipeline instituting a formal
investigation related to the assignment of certain gas supply contracts to an
affiliate and ordering Northwest Pipeline to show cause why the assignments did
not violate certain federal statutes and FERC regulations.  An administrative
law judge (ALJ), on May 13, 1993, issued an initial decision finding in
Northwest Pipeline's favor.  On June 14, 1993, the FERC staff filed a brief
taking exceptions to the ALJ's decision.  On April 6, 1994, the FERC issued an
order terminating all proceedings and affirming the ALJ's decision.

Williams' interstate pipeline subsidiaries, including Williams Pipe Line, have
various regulatory proceedings pending.  As a result of rulings in certain of
these proceedings, a portion of the revenues of these subsidiaries has been
collected subject to refund.  As to Williams Pipe Line, revenues collected
subject to refund were $95 million at March 31, 1994; it is not expected that
the amount of any refunds ordered would be significant.  Accordingly, no
portion of these revenues has been reserved for refund.  As to the other
pipelines, $60 million of revenues has been reserved for potential refund as of
March 31, 1994.

In 1992, the FERC issued Order 636, Order 636-A and Order 636-B.  These orders,
which have been challenged in various respects by various parties in
proceedings pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, require
interstate gas pipeline companies to change the manner in which they provide
services.  Williams Natural Gas implemented its restructuring on October 1,
1993, and Northwest Pipeline implemented its restructuring on November 1, 1993.
Certain aspects of each pipeline company's restructuring are under appeal.

Contract Reformations and Gas Purchase Deficiencies

Williams Natural Gas has undertaken the reformation of its respective gas
supply contracts to settle gas purchase deficiencies, avoid future gas purchase
deficiencies, reduce prices to market levels or make other appropriate
modifications.  As of March 31, 1994, Williams Natural Gas had total supplier





                                       9
<PAGE>   11
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


take-or-pay, ratable take and minimum take claims totaling approximately $233
million.  This amount includes a take-or-pay claim of $203 million plus
interest and ratable take claims exceeding $23 million plus interest from a
producer that Williams Natural Gas believes will be resolved in conformance
with an agreement in principle discussed below.

Williams Natural Gas also has commitments under gas supply contracts reflecting
prices in excess of market-based prices.  The estimated commitment amounts at
December 31, 1993, attributable to these contracts are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Post
                   1994      1995      1996      1997      1998       1998
                   ----      ----      ----      ----      ----       ----
(Millions)                                                       
<S>                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Commitments         $6        $9        $12       $15       $15        $45
</TABLE>                                                         

Northwest Pipeline's only remaining significant gas purchase contract with a
non-market responsive pricing provision has been assigned to certain customers.

Williams has an accounting policy of determining accruals taking into
consideration both historical and future gas quantities and appropriate prices
to determine an estimated total exposure.  This exposure is discounted and
risk-weighted to determine the appropriate accrual.  The estimated portion
recoverable from sales and transportation customers is deferred based on
Williams' estimate of its expected recovery of the amounts allowed by FERC
policy.  As of March 31, 1994, Williams Natural Gas had accrued $65 million for
take-or-pay settlements and reformation of the non-market responsive contracts.
Although Williams believes these accruals are adequate, the actual amount paid
for take-or-pay settlements and contract reformation will depend on the outcome
of various court proceedings; the provisions and enforceability of each gas
purchase contract; the success of settlement negotiations; and other factors.

Current FERC policy associated with Orders 436 and 500 requires interstate gas
pipelines to absorb some of the cost of reforming gas supply contracts before
allowing any recovery through direct bill or surcharges to transportation as
well as sales commodity rates.  Pursuant to FERC Order 500, Williams Natural
Gas has filed to recover a portion of previously incurred take-or-pay and
contract-reformation costs.  As of March 31, 1994, this subsidiary had $59
million included in recoverable contract-reformation and take-or-pay
settlement costs, $55 million of which had not yet been paid and filed for
recovery with the FERC.  Under Orders 636, 636-A and 636-B, costs incurred to
comply with these rules are permitted to be recovered in full, although 10
percent of such costs must be allocated to interruptible transportation
service.

The FERC initially approved a method for Northwest Pipeline to direct bill its
contract-reformation costs, but when challenged on appeal, sought a remand to
reassess such method.  Northwest Pipeline has received an order from the FERC
that requires a different allocation of such costs.  Northwest Pipeline filed
with the FERC several alternative methods to comply with this order and
Northwest Pipeline is awaiting the FERC's decision.  Northwest Pipeline expects
to be permitted to recover these costs in excess of amounts previously charged
to expense.





                                       10
<PAGE>   12
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


Pursuant to a stipulation and agreement approved by the FERC, Williams Natural
Gas has made a cost-sharing direct recovery filing covering amounts that had
been paid to producers and in part previously billed to Williams Natural Gas
customers under Orders 436, 500 and 528.  Williams Natural Gas will make
further filings under the stipulation and agreement to recover future contract-
reformation payments under those orders and Order 636.

In light of Orders 636, 636-A and 636-B, Williams Natural Gas and a producer
have agreed to various amendments to an agreement in principle previously
reached to reform or terminate its largest gas purchase contract and resolve
various other issues.  When finalized and approved by various regulatory
agencies, the revised agreement will resolve all disputes and litigation
between the parties, including a claim by the producer for take-or-pay
deficiencies under certain gas purchase contracts with the producer of not less
than $203 million plus interest.  There is no assurance that the contingencies
contemplated by the agreement will be satisfied.  However, the parties are
fully cooperating in attempting to complete and implement definitive
agreements.

Certain Williams Natural Gas purchase contracts provide for the purchase of
minimum volumes or for ratable purchases.  In some cases, minimum volumes have
not been taken; however, Williams is not currently able to determine Williams
Natural Gas' obligations, if any, for failure to do so.

Other Legal Matters

Williams Natural Gas has identified polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
contamination in air compressor systems, disposal pits and related properties
at certain compressor station sites and has been involved in negotiations with
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop additional screening,
detailed sampling and cleanup programs.  In addition, negotiations concerning
investigative and remedial actions relative to potential mercury contamination
at certain gas metering sites have commenced with certain environmental
authorities.  As of March 31, 1994, Williams Natural Gas had recorded a
liability for approximately $30 million, representing the current estimate of
future environmental cleanup costs to be incurred over the next six to 10
years.  Actual costs incurred will depend on the actual number of contaminated
sites identified, the actual amount and extent of contamination discovered, the
final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA and other governmental authorities
and other factors.  Williams Natural Gas deferred these costs pending recovery
as incurred through future rates and other means.

In connection with the 1987 sale of the assets of Agrico Chemical Company,
Williams agreed to indemnify the purchaser for environmental cleanup costs
resulting from certain conditions at specified locations, to the extent such
costs exceed a specified amount.  It appears probable that such costs will
exceed this amount.  At March 31, 1994, Williams had approximately $6 million
accrued for such excess costs.  The actual costs incurred will depend on the
actual amount and extent of contamination discovered, the final cleanup
standards mandated by the EPA or other governmental authorities and other
factors.

A lawsuit was filed on May 14, 1993, in a state court in Colorado in which
certain claims have been made against various defendants, including Northwest
Pipeline, contending that gas exploration and development activities in
portions





                                       11
<PAGE>   13
                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


of the San Juan Basin have caused air, water and other contamination.  The
plaintiffs in the case are seeking certification of a plaintiff class.
Northwest Pipeline and the other defendants are vigorously defending the
lawsuit.

On December 31, 1991, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (the Tribe) filed a lawsuit
against Williams Production Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Williams, and
other gas producers in the San Juan Basin area, alleging that certain coal
strata were reserved by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe and that
the extraction of coal-seam gas from the coal strata was wrongful.  The Tribe
seeks compensation for the value of the coal-seam gas.  The Tribe also seeks an
order transferring to the Tribe ownership of all of the defendants' equipment
and facilities utilized in the extraction of the coal-seam gas.  Williams
Production, together with the other defendants named in the lawsuit, is
vigorously defending the lawsuit.  Williams Production has agreed to indemnify
the Williams Coal Seam Gas Royalty Trust (Trust) against any losses that may
arise in respect of certain properties subject to the lawsuit.  In addition, if
the Tribe is successful in showing that Williams Production has no rights in
the coal-seam gas, Williams Production has agreed to pay to the Trust for
distribution to then-current unitholders, an amount representing a return of a
portion of the original purchase price paid for the units.  While Williams
believes that such a payment is not probable, it has reserved a portion of the
proceeds from the sale of the units in the Trust.

Relative to a proposal for the acquisition of WilTel submitted to Williams by
LDDS Communications, Inc. (LDDS), contained in a letter dated May 3, 1994, and
attached as an exhibit to a report on Form 8-K filed by LDDS on that day, two
class action lawsuits were filed on May 9, 1994, in the Chancery Court of
Delaware. The suits were filed by separate plaintiffs, each purporting to act
on behalf of all Williams' shareholders. The complaints, which are identical
except for the names of the plaintiffs and the identities of certain law firms
appearing "of counsel," name Williams and each of its current directors as
defendants and allege that the directors have breached their fiduciary duty to
the plaintiff and the members of the putative class by summarily rejecting the
LDDS proposal and by issuing false and misleading statements. Williams believes
that the suits are without merit and intends to vigorously contest them.

In addition to the foregoing, various other proceedings are pending against
Williams or its subsidiaries incidental to their operations.

Summary

Williams does not believe that the ultimate resolution of the foregoing
matters, taken as a whole and after consideration of amounts accrued, insurance
coverage or other indemnification arrangements, will have a materially adverse
financial effect upon Williams in the future.

Other matters

Certain of Williams' subsidiaries are selling, with limited recourse, certain
receivables.  The aggregate limit under the facilities is $180 million and, at
March 31, 1994, $35 million of such receivables has been sold.

Note 7.  Subsequent events

In April 1994, Williams gave notice to noteholders of its intent to prepay
$177.5 million of senior notes and made a tender offer for the repurchase of an
additional $93 million of public debt.  Prepayments are expected to result in
an after-tax loss of approximately $11 million, which will be reported as an
extraordinary item in the second quarter of 1994.

In an April 1994 public offering, Williams sold 3,461,500 limited partner
common units in Northern Border Partners, L.P.  Net proceeds of the offering
were approximately $80 million and the sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of
approximately $22 million ($13 million after-tax).  As a result of the sale,
Williams' original 12.25 percent interest in the Northern Border partnerships
has been reduced to 3.2 percent.





                                       12
<PAGE>   14
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.

Results of Operations

First Quarter 1994 vs. First Quarter 1993

Northwest Pipeline's revenues decreased slightly as higher average
transportation rates and expanded firm transportation service were more than
offset by the absence of natural gas sales following the fourth quarter 1993
implementation of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Order 636.
Total mainline throughput increased 5 percent.  Firm transportation service
increased due to a mainline expansion, supported by 15-year firm transportation
contracts, being placed into service on April 1, 1993.  Northwest Pipeline also
placed new, increased transportation rates into effect on April 1, 1993
(subject to refund), that reflected the new mainline expansion and
straight-fixed-variable rate design that moderates seasonal swings in operating
revenues.  Costs and operating expenses decreased 32 percent due primarily to
the absence of gas purchase volumes, slightly offset by increased depreciation
related to the mainline expansion.  Operating profit increased 46 percent due
primarily to expanded firm transportation service and higher transportation
rates, partially offset by the absence of natural gas sales volumes in 1994 and
increased depreciation.

Williams Natural Gas' revenues, costs and operating expenses and operating
profit decreased 75 percent, 82 percent and 68 percent, respectively, primarily
as a result of the implementation on October 1, 1993 of new rates required by
FERC Order 636.   FERC Order 636 utilizes a straight-fixed-variable rate design
which is applied to customer's annual firm contract demand for transportation.
This provides relatively consistent earnings from quarter-to-quarter versus the
historical one-part rate which was applied to seasonal volume patterns and
produced high levels of earnings in the first and fourth quarters.  Under the
former rate structure, first quarter 1994 operating profit would have been
about the same as it was in 1993.

Williams Field Services Group's revenues decreased 41 percent due primarily to
62 percent lower natural gas sales volumes as a result of the March 1993 sale
of Williams' intrastate natural gas pipeline system and related marketing
operations in Louisiana.  Liquid product volumes also decreased, but were more
than offset by increased gathering and processing volumes of 14 percent and 23
percent, respectively, and higher natural gas sales prices.  Costs and operating
expenses decreased 45 percent due primarily to lower natural gas volumes
purchased for resale and lower gas purchase volumes associated with the liquids
extraction process.  Operating profit decreased 28 percent due primarily to
depressed liquids market conditions causing lower margins and volumes and
higher operations and maintenance expenses associated with expanded facilities,
partially offset by higher gathering and processing volumes.  The company's
exposure to depressed liquids market conditions is lessened because a portion
of the gathering and processing services is provided on a fee basis.  The
company has also curtailed ethane extraction to avoid unprofitable margins.

Williams Pipe Line Company's revenues increased 33 percent due primarily to 13
percent higher shipments, the bulk of which was transported across 300 miles of
newly acquired pipeline on the southern end of the company's system, in
addition to a higher average transportation rate per barrel.  The higher
average transportation rate per barrel reflects a 6 percent increase in the
length of the





                                       13
<PAGE>   15
average haul and an increased tariff rate that went into effect in June 1993.
Revenues also increased because of gas liquids and fractionator operations.
Operating profit increased 62 percent due primarily to higher transportation
revenues and a favorable insurance settlement, partially offset by higher
operating and maintenance expenses.

Williams Energy Ventures' revenues decreased slightly due to the effect of
reporting refined product trading activities on a "net margin" basis, effective
July 1, 1993.  This effect was largely offset by revenues produced from the
wholesale marketing of refined products.  Operating profit decreased
significantly as improved results from price-risk management services were more
than offset by the costs of establishing energy industry information-based
products and evaluating projects that complement or leverage Williams' existing
operations and assets.

WilTel's revenues increased 29 percent due primarily to a $57 million increase
in network services business.  Switched-services revenues increased reflecting
a 110 percent increase in billable calls.  Private line services' interexchange
revenues increased as a result of a 30 percent increase in billable circuits,
slightly offset by a decrease in the weighted average price per circuit.  Costs
and operating, and selling, general and administrative expenses increased
primarily as a result of increased volumes in the network services business.
Operating profit increased 34 percent due primarily to the higher demand for
switched services and private line circuits, and more than offset a major
carrier's long expected removal of traffic from WilTel's system as that carrier
expands its own network.

Interest accrued declined 7 percent due to lower borrowing levels.  Interest
capitalized decreased due primarily to the completion of Northwest Pipeline's
mainline expansion which was placed in service April 1, 1993.  Investing income
decreased due primarily to lower equity earnings for Apco Argentina Inc.
reflecting lower crude oil prices.  The 1993 gain on sales of assets results
from the sale of 5,980,000 units in the Williams Coal Seam Gas Royalty Trust
(Royalty Trust) and the sale of the intrastate natural gas pipeline system and
other related assets in Louisiana (see Note 2 for additional information). 
Other income (expense) - net in 1994 includes a credit of $4.8 million from the
reversal of previously accrued liabilities associated with certain Royalty
Trust contingencies which expired.  Also included is approximately $2 million
of expense related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,"
which relates to postemployment benefits being paid to employees of companies
previously sold.  Other income (expense) - net in 1993 includes a $4 million
expense accrual for certain costs associated with businesses previously sold.
Also included in 1993 is $5.5 million of equity allowance for funds used during
construction (AFUDC) related to the Northwest Pipeline mainline expansion which
was placed in service on April 1, 1993.  The effective income tax rate in 1994
is less than the federal statutory rate due primarily to income tax credits
from coal-seam gas production and a favorable prior year adjustment to state
income taxes, partially offset by state income taxes related to 1994.  The
effective income tax rate in 1993 exceeds the federal statutory rate primarily
because of state income taxes, partially offset by income tax credits from
coal-seam gas production.





                                       14
<PAGE>   16
Financial Condition and Liquidity

Liquidity

Williams considers its liquidity to come from two sources:  internal liquidity,
consisting of available cash investments, and external liquidity, consisting of
borrowing capacity from available bank-credit facilities, which can be utilized
without limitation under existing loan covenants.  At March 31, 1994, Williams
had access to $614 million of liquidity representing its $600 million
unborrowed bank-credit facility plus cash-equivalent investments.  This
compares with liquidity of $639 million at December 31, 1993, and $828 million
at March 31, 1993.

Financing Activities

The consolidated long-term debt to long-term debt-plus-equity ratio decreased
to 47.5 percent at March 31, 1994, from 48.2 percent at December 31, 1993.

Other

See Note 4 for the effect of adopting SFAS No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for
Postemployment Benefits," effective January 1, 1994.

During the first quarter of 1994, Northwest Pipeline reduced the size of its
planned mainline system expansions from 360 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd)
to 164 MMcfd.  This was done as a result of a reduction in customer
commitments.  The planned new capacity, which is underwritten by 15-year
agreements, is estimated to cost $98 million, a reduction of $166 million from
the larger proposed expansions.  The expansion is expected to begin service in
1995.

Subsequent Events

In an April 1994 public offering, Williams sold 3,461,500 limited partner
common units in Northern Border Partners, L.P.  Net proceeds of the offering
were approximately $80 million (see Note 7 for additional information).

In April 1994, Williams gave notice to noteholders of its intent to prepay
$177.5 million of senior notes and made a tender offer for the repurchase of an
additional $93 million of public debt (see Note 7 for additional information).
Williams expects to finance these prepayments through the use of excess cash,
proceeds from the sale of the Northern Border Partners, L.P. common units,
additional sales of receivables and borrowings.

In May 1994, Williams received unsolicited alternative offers from LDDS
Communications, Inc. (LDDS) to acquire Williams' telecommunications subsidiary,
WilTel, for $2 billion in cash and/or stock of LDDS, less the payoff of
WilTel's debt.  The LDDS offers will be taken into consideration along with a
number of other alternatives being evaluated to enhance the long-term value of
this asset for Williams' shareholders.  These alternatives include not only
Williams' continued ownership of WilTel and the LDDS offers, but other possible
alliances with one or more partners, a spin-off of WilTel, and the potential
issuance of a target stock.





                                       15
<PAGE>   17
                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

              (a)   The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this report:

                       Exhibit 11--Computation of Earnings Per Common and
                                   Common-equivalent Share

                       Exhibit 12--Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined
                                   Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend
                                   Requirements

              (b)   During the first quarter of 1994, the Company did not file
                    a Form 8-K.





                                       16
<PAGE>   18
                                   SIGNATURE


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                        THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
                                        (Registrant)



                                        /s/ JACK D. MCCARTHY

                                        Jack D. McCarthy
                                        Senior Vice President-Finance
                                        and Chief Financial Officer

May 12, 1994






<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 11

                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON-EQUIVALENT SHARE
                  Three months ended March 31, 1994 and 1993


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              (Thousands, except
                                                                                               per-share amounts)  
                                                                                         -----------------------------
                                                                                           1994*                1993  
                                                                                         --------             --------
<S>                                                                                       <C>                  <C>
Primary earnings
  Net income                                                                              $ 52,800             $125,600
  Preferred stock dividends:
    $2.21 cumulative preferred stock                                                         2,200                2,200
    $3.875 cumulative convertible exchangeable
      preferred stock                                                                            -                2,900
                                                                                          --------             --------
  Income applicable to common stock                                                       $ 50,600             $120,500
                                                                                          ========             ========

Primary shares
  Average number of common shares outstanding
    during the period                                                                      103,349               92,890
  Common-equivalent shares attributable to
    options and deferred stock                                                                 891                1,060
                                                                                           -------               ------
  Total common and common-equivalent shares                                                104,240               93,950
                                                                                           =======               ======

Primary earnings per common and common-equivalent share                                       $.48                $1.28
                                                                                              ====                =====

Fully diluted earnings
  Net income                                                                                                   $125,600
  Preferred stock dividends
    $2.21 cumulative preferred stock                                                                              2,200
                                                                                                               --------
  Income applicable to common stock                                                                            $123,400
                                                                                                               ========

Fully diluted shares
  Average number of common shares outstanding
    during the period                                                                                            92,890
  Common-equivalent shares attributable to options
    and deferred stock                                                                                            1,346
  Shares attributable to conversion, assumed at
    January 1, 1993 to the conversion dates, of
    convertible exchangeable preferred stock                                                                      7,644
                                                                                                                -------
  Total common and common-equivalent shares                                                                     101,880
                                                                                                                =======

Fully diluted earnings per common and common-equivalent
  share                                                                                                           $1.21
                                                                                                                  =====
</TABLE>



*Primary and fully diluted earnings per share are the same in 1994.






<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 12

                 THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES
                   AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
                             (Dollars in millions)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Three Months Ended
                                                                                       March 31, 1994  
                                                                                     ------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Earnings:
   Income before income taxes                                                                  $ 77.6
   Add:
      Interest expense - net                                                                     38.0
      Rental expense representative of interest factor                                            8.1
      Interest accrued - 50 percent owned company                                                 7.8
      Other                                                                                        .7
                                                                                               ------

         Total earnings as adjusted plus fixed charges                                         $132.2
                                                                                               ======

Fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements:
   Interest expense - net                                                                      $ 38.0
   Capitalized interest                                                                           1.7
   Rental expense representative of interest factor                                               8.1
   Pretax effect of dividends on preferred stock of
      the Company                                                                                 3.3
   Interest accrued - 50 percent owned company                                                    7.8
                                                                                               ------

         Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend
           requirements                                                                        $ 58.9
                                                                                               ======

Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
   preferred stock dividend requirements                                                         2.24
                                                                                               ======
</TABLE>







© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission