Williams Companies (WMB) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

Other

1. 01THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
2. 02Such changes in intentions may also cause results to differ. Williams, Transco, and NWP may change intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, assumptions, or otherwise

Risks Related to Business

1. 03The business, operating results, and financial condition of Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s natural gas transportation and midstream businesses are dependent on the continued availability of natural gas supplies in the supply basins and demand for those supplies in the markets that they serve
2. 04Prices for natural gas, NGLs, oil, and other commodities are volatile, and this volatility has and could continue to adversely affect Williams’ financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, access to capital, and ability to maintain or grow its business
3. 05Significant prolonged changes in natural gas prices could affect supply and demand for Transco and NWP and cause a reduction in or termination of their long-term transportation and storage contracts or throughput on their systems
4. 06Williams, Transco, and NWP are exposed to the credit risk of customers and counterparties, and credit risk management will not be able to completely eliminate such risk
5. 07Williams, Transco, and NWP face opposition to the operation and expansion of pipelines and facilities from various individuals and groups
6. 08Williams, Transco, and NWP may not be able to grow or effectively manage growth
7. 09The energy industry is highly competitive, and increased competitive pressure could adversely affect Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s businesses and operating results
8. 10The risks described above or the failure to continue such arrangements could adversely affect Williams’ ability to conduct the operations that are the subject of such arrangements which could, in turn, negatively affect Williams’ business, growth strategy, financial condition, and results of operations
9. 11Certain of Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s natural gas pipeline services are subject to long-term, fixed-price contracts that are not subject to adjustment, even if the cost to perform such services exceeds the revenues received from such contracts
10. 12Some of Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s businesses are exposed to supplier concentration risks arising from dependence on a single or a limited number of suppliers
11. 13Transco and NWP depend on certain key customers for a significant portion of their revenues. The loss of any of these key customers or the loss of any contracted volumes could result in a decline in Transco’s and NWP’s respective businesses
12. 14Failure of service providers or disruptions to outsourcing relationships might negatively impact Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s ability to conduct their businesses
13. 15An impairment of Williams’ assets, including property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets, and/or equity-method investments, could reduce Williams’ earnings
14. 16Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to environmental, social and governance practices may impose additional costs or risks
15. 17Williams, Transco, and NWP may be subject to physical and financial risks associated with climate change
16. 18Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s operations are subject to operational risks and hazards that might result in accidents and unforeseen interruptions
17. 19Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s assets and operations, as well as their customers’ assets and operations, can be adversely affected by weather and other natural phenomena
18. 20Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s businesses could be negatively impacted by acts of terrorism and related disruptions
19. 21If third-party pipelines and other facilities interconnected to Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s pipelines and facilities become unavailable to transport natural gas and NGLs or to treat natural gas, as applicable, Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s revenues could be adversely affected
20. 22Williams’ operating results for certain components of its business might fluctuate on a seasonal basis
21. 23Williams, Transco, and NWP do not own all of the land on which their pipelines and facilities are located, which could disrupt operations
22. 24Williams’ business could be negatively impacted as a result of stockholder activism
23. 25Williams’ costs and funding obligations for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, and Transco’s and NWP’s allocations regarding the same, are affected by factors beyond Williams’ control

Risks Related to Financing

1. 26Credit rating agencies perform independent analysis when assigning credit ratings. The analysis includes a number of criteria such as business composition, market and operational risks, as well as various financial tests
2. 27Difficult conditions in the global financial markets and the economy in general could negatively affect Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s businesses and results of operations
3. 28Restrictions in Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s debt agreements and the amount of their indebtedness may affect their future financial and operating flexibility
4. 29Changes to interest rates or increases in interest rates could adversely impact Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s access to credit, share price, and ability to issue securities or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes, as applicable, and Williams’ ability to make cash dividends at intended levels
5. 30Williams’ hedging activities might not be effective and could increase the volatility of Williams’ results
6. 31Access to capital could be affected by financial institutions’ policies concerning fossil fuel related businesses
7. 32Williams can exercise substantial control over Transco’s and NWP’s distribution policies, businesses, and operations and may do so in a manner that is adverse to Transco’s and NWP’s interests

Risks Related to Regulations

1. 33The operation of Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s businesses might be adversely affected by regulatory proceedings, changes in government regulations or in their interpretation or implementation, or the introduction of new laws or regulations applicable to Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s businesses or customers
2. 34Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, which may expose them to significant costs, liabilities, and expenditures that could exceed expectations
3. 35Williams, Transco, and NWP do not insure against all potential risks and losses and could be seriously harmed by unexpected liabilities or by the inability of their insurers to satisfy their claims
4. 36Failure to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce could negatively impact Williams’, Transco’s, and NWP’s results of operations
5. 37Holders of Williams’ common stock may not receive dividends in the amount expected or any dividends