0000107263 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember wmb:AtlanticGulfMember 2019-01-01 2019-09-30






 


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172019
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.
THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWAREDelaware 73-0569878
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
ONE WILLIAMS CENTEROne Williams Center  
TULSA, OKLAHOMATulsaOklahoma 74172-0172
(Address    (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (918) (918573-2000
NO CHANGE
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par valueWMBNew York Stock Exchange
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. YesþNo¨
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). YesþNo ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerþ
 
Accelerated filer¨
 
Non-accelerated filer¨
 
Smaller reporting company¨
 
Emerging growth company¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes¨Noþ
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 October 30, 201728, 2019
Common Stock, $1$1.00 par value 826,746,5491,212,048,836
 







The Williams Companies, Inc.
Index




  Page
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The reports, filings, and other public announcements of The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams) may contain or incorporate by reference statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, 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 limited partner interests;


Levels of dividends to Williams stockholders;


Future credit ratings of Williams WPZ, and theirits affiliates;


Amounts and nature of future capital expenditures;




Expansion and growth of our business and operations;



Expected in-service dates for capital projects;


Financial condition and liquidity;


Business strategy;


Cash flow from operations or results of operations;


Seasonality of certain business components;


Natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, supply, 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:

Whether WPZ will produce sufficient cash flows to provide expected levels of cash distributions;


Whether we are able to pay current and expected levels of dividends;

Whether WPZ elects to pay expected levels of cash distributions and we elect to pay expected levels of dividends;


Whether we will be able to effectively execute our financing plan;

Whether we will be able to effectively manage the transition in our board of directors and management as well as successfully execute our business restructuring;


Availability of supplies, including lower than anticipated volumes from third parties served by our business,market demand, and market demand;volatility of prices;

Volatility of pricing including the effect of lower than anticipated energy commodity prices and margins;


Inflation, interest rates, and general economic conditions (including future disruptions and volatility in the global credit markets and the impact of these events on 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 timely execute our capital projects and other investment opportunities in accordance with our forecasted capital expenditures budget;opportunities;


Our ability to acquire new businesses and assets and successfully integrate those operations and assets into existing businesses as well as successfully expand our facilities, and operations;to consummate asset sales on acceptable terms;


Development and rate of adoption of alternative energy sources;




The impact of operational and developmental hazards and unforeseen interruptions, and the availability of adequate insurance coverage;interruptions;


The impact of existing and future laws and regulations, the regulatory environment, environmental liabilities, and litigation, as well as our ability to obtain necessary permits and approvals, and achieve favorable rate proceeding outcomes;


Our costs and funding obligations for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans;


Changes in maintenance and construction costs;costs, as well as our ability to obtain sufficient construction related inputs including skilled labor;



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 debt agreements, future changes in credit ratings as determined by nationally-recognizednationally 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 and physical damage to our facilities;


Acts of terrorism, including cybersecurity threats,incidents, and related disruptions;


Additional risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).


Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligations to and do not intend to update the above list or announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.


In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above and referred to below may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this report. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise.


Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, we caution that there are important factors, in addition to those listed above, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of those factors, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017.21, 2019.






DEFINITIONS


The following is a listing of certain abbreviations, acronyms, and other industry terminology that may be 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
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:
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
Transco: Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC
UEOM: Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC, previously a Partially Owned Entity until acquiring remaining interest in March 2019
Northeast JV: Ohio Valley Midstream LLC, a partially owned venture that includes our Ohio Valley assets and UEOM
WPZ: Williams Partners L.P. Effective August 10, 2018, we completed our merger with WPZ, pursuant to which we acquired all outstanding common units of WPZ held by others and Williams continued as the surviving entity.
Partially Owned Entities: Entities in which we do not own a 100 percent ownership interest and which, as of September 30, 2017,2019, we account for as an equity-method investment, including principally the following:
Aux Sable: Aux Sable Liquid Products LP
Brazos Permian II: Brazos Permian II, LLC
Caiman II: Caiman Energy II, LLC
Discovery: Discovery Producer Services LLC
Gulfstream: Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.
Jackalope: Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C., which was sold in April 2019
Laurel Mountain: Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC
OPPL: Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC
UEOM: Utica East OhioRMM: Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC



Government and Regulatory:Regulatory:
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission
Other:
Merger Agreement: Merger Agreement and Plan of Merger of Williams with Energy Transfer and certain of its affiliates
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
LNG: Liquefied natural gas; natural gas which has been liquefied at cryogenic temperatures
MVC: Minimum volume commitment
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 any applicable Btu replacement cost, plant fuel, and third-party transportation, and fractionation
PDH facility: Propane dehydrogenation facilityWPZ Merger: The August 10, 2018, merger transactions pursuant to which we acquired all outstanding common units of WPZ held by others, merged WPZ into Williams, and Williams continued as the surviving entity
RGP Splitter: Refinery grade propylene splitter







PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements

The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of OperationsIncome
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
(Millions, except per-share amounts)(Millions, except per-share amounts)
Revenues:              
Service revenues$1,310
 $1,247
 $3,853

$3,678
$1,495
 $1,371
 $4,424

$4,062
Service revenues – commodity consideration38
 121
 158
 316
Product sales581
 658
 1,950

1,623
466
 811
 1,512

2,104
Total revenues1,891
 1,905
 5,803

5,301
1,999
 2,303
 6,094

6,482
Costs and expenses:  
 


  
 


Product costs504
 461
 1,620

1,180
434

790

1,442

2,039
Processing commodity expenses19

30

83

91
Operating and maintenance expenses400
 394
 1,157

1,179
364

389

1,091

1,134
Depreciation and amortization expenses433
 435
 1,308

1,326
435

425

1,275

1,290
Selling, general, and administrative expenses138
 177
 452

556
130

174

410

436
Gain on sale of Geismar Interest (Note 3)(1,095) 
 (1,095) 
Impairment of certain assets (Note 11)1,210
 1
 1,236
 811
Impairment of certain assets (Note 13)



76

66
Other (income) expense – net24
 92
 34

130
(11)
(6)
30

24
Total costs and expenses1,614
 1,560
 4,712

5,182
1,371

1,802

4,407

5,080
Operating income (loss)277
 345
 1,091

119
628

501

1,687

1,402
Equity earnings (losses)115
 104
 347

302
93

105

260

279
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 11)
 
 
 (112)
Other investing income (loss) – net (Note 4)4
 28
 278
 64
Other investing income (loss) – net (Note 5)(107)
2

(54)
74
Interest incurred(275)
(304)
(842)
(916)(303)
(286)
(915)
(856)
Interest capitalized8

7

24

30
7

16

27

38
Other income (expense) – net20
 20
 115

52
1

52

19

99
Income (loss) before income taxes149
 200
 1,013

(461)319

390

1,024

1,036
Provision (benefit) for income taxes24
 69
 126

(74)77

190

244

297
Net income (loss)125
 131
 887

(387)242

200

780

739
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests92
 70
 400

22
21

71

54

323
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.$33
 $61
 $487

$(409)221

129

726

416
Amounts attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.:       
Preferred stock dividends1
 
 2
 
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders$220
 $129
 $724
 $416
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:              
Net income (loss)$.04
 $.08
 $.59
 $(.55)$.18
 $.13
 $.60
 $.47
Weighted-average shares (thousands)826,779
 750,754
 825,925
 750,579
1,212,270
 1,023,587
 1,211,938
 893,706
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:              
Net income (loss)$.04
 $.08
 $.59
 $(.55)$.18
 $.13
 $.60
 $.46
Weighted-average shares (thousands)829,368
 751,858
 828,150
 750,579
1,214,165
 1,026,504
 1,213,943
 896,322
Cash dividends declared per common share$.30
 $.20
 $.90
 $1.48


See accompanying notes.




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


Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
(Millions)(Millions)
Net income (loss)$125
 $131
 $887
 $(387)$242
 $200
 $780
 $739
Other comprehensive income (loss):              
Cash flow hedging activities:              
Net unrealized gain (loss) from derivative instruments, net of taxes of $2 and $1 in 2017(9) 2
 (5) 2
Reclassifications into earnings of net derivative instruments (gain) loss, net of taxes of $1 and $1 in 20172
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation activities:       
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of ($25) and ($37) in 2016
 (49) 
 50
Reclassification into earnings upon sale of foreign entities, net of taxes of ($36) in 2016.
 119
 
 119
Net unrealized gain (loss) from derivative instruments, net of taxes of $3 and $6 in 2018
 (5) 
 (19)
Reclassifications into earnings of net derivative instruments (gain) loss, net of taxes of ($2) and ($3) in 2018
 7
 
 10
Pension and other postretirement benefits:              
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $1 and $2 in 2017 and $0 and $1 in 2016
 (1) (2) (3)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of taxes of $2 in 2016





(3)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of ($2) and ($7) in 2017 and ($3) and ($9) in 20164
 5
 13
 15
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of taxes of $1 and $1 in 2019, and ($0) and ($1) in 2018(5) 

(5)
4
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit), net of taxes of ($0) and ($3) in 2019, and ($3) and ($5) in 20184
 4
 9
 14
Other comprehensive income (loss)(3) 76
 6
 180
(1) 6
 4
 9
Comprehensive income (loss)122
 207
 893
 (207)241
 206
 784
 748
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests89
 108
 398
 91
21
 72
 54
 321
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.$33
 $99
 $495
 $(298)$220
 $134
 $730
 $427
See accompanying notes.






The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 September 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 (Millions, except per-share amounts) (Millions, except per-share amounts)
ASSETS    
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,172
 $170
 $247
 $168
Trade accounts and other receivables (net of allowance of $6 at September 30, 2017 and $6 at December 31, 2016) 783
 938
Trade accounts and other receivables (net of allowance of $6 at September 30, 2019 and $9 at December 31, 2018) 875
 992
Inventories 144
 138
 129
 130
Other current assets and deferred charges 194
 216
 183
 174
Total current assets 2,293
 1,462
 1,434
 1,464
Investments 6,615
 6,701
 6,228
 7,821
Property, plant, and equipment 38,712
 38,912
 41,647
 38,661
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (11,003) (10,484) (12,034) (11,157)
Property, plant, and equipment – net 27,709
 28,428
 29,613
 27,504
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization 8,873
 9,663
 8,041
 7,767
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other 630
 581
 965
 746
Total assets $46,120
 $46,835
 $46,281
 $45,302
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $773
 $623
 $602
 $662
Accrued liabilities 1,079
 1,448
 1,184
 1,102
Commercial paper 
 93
Long-term debt due within one year 502
 785
 1,538
 47
Total current liabilities 2,354
 2,949
 3,324
 1,811
Long-term debt 20,567
 22,624
 20,719
 22,367
Deferred income tax liabilities 5,211
 4,238
 1,651
 1,524
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other 3,106
 2,978
 3,728
 3,603
Contingent liabilities (Note 12) 
 
Contingent liabilities (Note 14) 

 

Equity:        
Stockholders’ equity:        
Common stock (960 million shares authorized at $1 par value;
861 million shares issued at September 30, 2017 and 785 million shares
issued at December 31, 2016)
 861
 785
Preferred stock 35
 35
Common stock ($1 par value; 1,470 million shares authorized at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; 1,247 million shares issued at September 30, 2019 and 1,245 million shares issued at December 31, 2018) 1,247
 1,245
Capital in excess of par value 18,492
 14,887
 24,310
 24,693
Retained deficit (9,872) (9,649) (10,664) (10,002)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (331) (339) (266) (270)
Treasury stock, at cost (35 million shares of common stock) (1,041) (1,041) (1,041) (1,041)
Total stockholders’ equity 8,109
 4,643
 13,621
 14,660
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries 6,773
 9,403
 3,238
 1,337
Total equity 14,882
 14,046
 16,859
 15,997
Total liabilities and equity $46,120
 $46,835
 $46,281
 $45,302

See accompanying notes.




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

 The Williams Companies, Inc. Stockholders    
 Preferred Stock Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Retained Deficit AOCI* Treasury Stock Total Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
 (Millions)
Balance – June 30, 2019$35
 $1,246
 $24,296
 $(10,423) $(265) $(1,041) $13,848
 $3,233
 $17,081
Net income (loss)
 
 
 221
 
 
 221
 21
 242
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1) 
 (1)
Cash dividends common stock ($0.38 per share)

 
 
 (461) 
 
 (461) 
 (461)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (18) (18)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax
 1
 16
 
 
 
 17
 
 17
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net (Note 2)
 
 (1) 
 
 
 (1) 2
 1
Other
 
 (1) (1) 
 
 (2) 
 (2)
   Net increase (decrease) in equity
 1
 14
 (241) (1) 
 (227) 5
 (222)
Balance – September 30, 2019$35
 $1,247
 $24,310
 $(10,664) $(266) $(1,041) $13,621
 $3,238
 $16,859
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, 2016$785
 $14,887
 $(9,649) $(339) $(1,041) $4,643
 $9,403
 $14,046
Balance June 30, 2018
$
 $862
 $18,552
 $(8,735) $(293) $(1,041) $9,345
 $6,102
 $15,447
Net income (loss)
 
 487
 
 
 487
 400
 887

 
 
 129
 
 
 129
 71
 200
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 8
 
 8
 (2) 6

 
 
 
 5
 
 5
 1
 6
Issuance of common stock (Note 10)75
 2,043
 
 
 
 2,118
 
 2,118
Cash dividends – common stock
 
 (744) 
 
 (744) 
 (744)
WPZ Merger (Note 1)
 382
 6,112
 
 (3) 
 6,491
 (4,629) 1,862
Issuance of preferred stock (Note 12)35
 
 
 
 
 
 35
 
 35
Cash dividends common stock ($0.34 per share)

 
 
 (411) 
 
 (411) 
 (411)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (679) (679)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (196) (196)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax1
 59
 
 
 
 60
 
 60

 
 16
 
 
 
 16
 
 16
Adoption of ASU 2016-09 (Note 1)
 1
 36
 
 
 37
 
 37
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.
 









43

43
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net
 1,497
 
 
 
 1,497
 (2,404) (907)
 
 1
 
 
 
 1
 (1) 
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 15
 15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 2
 2
Other
 5
 (2) 
 
 3
 (3) 

 1
 (1) (1) 
 
 (1) (1) (2)
Net increase (decrease) in equity76
 3,605
 (223) 8
 
 3,466
 (2,630) 836
35
 383
 6,128
 (283) 2
 
 6,265
 (4,753) 1,512
Balance – September 30, 2017$861
 $18,492
 $(9,872) $(331) $(1,041) $8,109
 $6,773
 $14,882
Balance September 30, 2018
$35
 $1,245
 $24,680
 $(9,018) $(291) $(1,041) $15,610
 $1,349
 $16,959


See accompanying notes.
















The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 The Williams Companies, Inc. Stockholders    
 
Preferred
Stock
 Common
Stock
 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
 
Retained
Deficit
 AOCI* 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total Equity
 (Millions)
Balance – December 31, 2018$35
 $1,245
 $24,693
 $(10,002) $(270) $(1,041) $14,660
 $1,337
 $15,997
Net income (loss)
 
 
 726
 
 
 726
 54
 780
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 4
 
 4
 
 4
Cash dividends – common stock ($1.14 per share)
 
 
 (1,382) 
 
 (1,382) 
 (1,382)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (86) (86)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax
 2
 43
 
 
 
 45
 
 45
Sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (Note 2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,333
 1,333
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net (Note 2)
 
 (426) 
 
 
 (426) 568
 142
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 32
 32
Other
 
 
 (6) 
 
 (6) 
 (6)
   Net increase (decrease) in equity
 2
 (383) (662) 4
 
 (1,039) 1,901
 862
Balance – September 30, 2019$35
 $1,247
 $24,310
 $(10,664) $(266) $(1,041) $13,621
 $3,238
 $16,859
Balance – December 31, 2017$
 $861
 $18,508
 $(8,434) $(238) $(1,041) $9,656
 $6,519
 $16,175
Adoption of new accounting standards
 
 
 (23) (61) 
 (84) (37) (121)
Net income (loss)
 
 
 416
 
 
 416
 323
 739
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 11
 
 11
 (2) 9
WPZ Merger (Note 1)
 382
 6,112
 
 (3) 
 6,491
 (4,629) 1,862
Issuance of preferred stock (Note 12)35
 
 
 
 
 
 35
 
 35
Cash dividends – common stock ($1.02 per share)
 
 
 (974) 
 
 (974) 
 (974)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (598) (598)
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax
 1
 48
 
 
 
 49
 
 49
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 46
 46
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net
 
 14
 
 
 
 14
 (18) (4)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13
 13
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (267) (267)
Other
 1
 (2) (3) 
 
 (4) (1) (5)
   Net increase (decrease) in equity35
 384
 6,172
 (584) (53) 
 5,954
 (5,170) 784
Balance – September 30, 2018$35
 $1,245
 $24,680
 $(9,018) $(291) $(1,041) $15,610
 $1,349
 $16,959
*Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
See accompanying notes.



The Williams Companies, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2017 20162019 2018
(Millions)(Millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  
Net income (loss)$887
 $(387)$780
 $739
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization1,308
 1,326
1,275
 1,290
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes99
 (74)268
 351
Net (gain) loss on disposition of equity-method investments(269) 
Impairment of equity-method investments
 112
Gain on sale of Geismar Interest (Note 3)(1,095) 
Impairment of and net (gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses1,225
 867
Equity (earnings) losses(260) (279)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates458
 507
Net (gain) loss on disposition of equity-method investments (Note 5)(122) 
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 13)186
 
(Gain) loss on deconsolidation of businesses (Note 5)2
 (62)
Impairment of and net (gain) loss on sale of certain assets76
 64
Amortization of stock-based awards61
 55
44
 43
Cash provided (used) by changes in current assets and liabilities:      
Accounts and notes receivable118
 172
159
 75
Inventories(23) (7)7
 (39)
Other current assets and deferred charges(11) (11)(10) (44)
Accounts payable47
 (6)(76) (76)
Accrued liabilities(161) 129
76
 (62)
Other, including changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities(349) (79)(161) (176)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities1,837
 2,097
2,702
 2,331
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from (payments of) commercial paper – net(93) (499)(4) 821
Proceeds from long-term debt3,013
 5,708
736
 3,745
Payments of long-term debt(5,475) (4,966)(904) (3,201)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock2,130
 8
10
 15
Dividends paid(744) (1,111)
Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (Note 2)1,330
 
Common dividends paid(1,382) (974)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests(636) (715)(86) (552)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests15
 27
32
 13
Payments for debt issuance costs(14) (8)
 (26)
Contribution to Gulfstream for repayment of debt
 (148)
Other – net(87) (16)(11) (46)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities(1,891) (1,720)(279) (205)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Property, plant, and equipment:      
Capital expenditures (1)(1,700) (1,577)(1,705) (2,659)
Dispositions – net(27) 29
(32) (2)
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash divested2,056
 712
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments200
 
Contributions in aid of construction25
 395
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (Note 2)(728) 
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (Note 5)485
 
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investments(103) (132)(361) (803)
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in excess of cumulative earnings394
 341
Other – net236
 227
(28) 86
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities1,056
 (400)(2,344) (2,983)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents1,002
 (23)79
 (857)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year170
 100
168
 899
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,172
 $77
$247
 $42
_____________      
(1) Increases to property, plant, and equipment$(1,826) $(1,468)$(1,707) $(2,482)
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities126
 (109)2
 (177)
Capital expenditures$(1,700) $(1,577)$(1,705) $(2,659)


See accompanying notes.




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, 2016,2018, in Exhibit 99.1 of our Annual Report on Form 8-K dated May 25, 2017.10-K. 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 “Williams,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to The Williams Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references to “Williams,” “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.
Financial RepositioningWPZ Merger
In January 2017,On August 10, 2018, we announced agreementscompleted our merger with Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ), whereinour previously consolidated master limited partnership, pursuant to which we permanently waivedacquired all of the general partner’s incentive distribution rights (IDRs) and converted our 2 percent general partner interest in WPZ to a noneconomic interest in exchange for 289approximately 256 million newly issued WPZ common units. Pursuant to this agreement, we also purchased approximately 277 thousand WPZ common units for $10 million. Additionally, we purchased approximately 59 millionpublicly held outstanding common units of WPZ atin exchange for 382 million shares of our common stock (WPZ Merger). Williams continued as the surviving entity. The WPZ Merger was accounted for as a pricenoncash equity transaction resulting in increases to Common stock of $36.08586 per unit$382 million, Capital in a private placement transaction, funded with proceeds from our equity offering (see Note 10 – Stockholders’ Equity)excess of par value of $6.112 billion, and Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other of $33 million and decreases to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) of $3 million, Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries of $4.629 billion, and Deferred income tax liabilities of $1.829 billion in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. AccordingPursuant to its distribution reinvestment program, WPZ had issued 1,230,657 common units to the termspublic in 2018 associated with reinvested distributions of this agreement, concurrent with WPZ’s quarterly distributions in February 2017 and May 2017, we paid additional consideration totaling $56 million to WPZ for these units. Subsequent to these transactions and as of September 30, 2017, we own a 74 percent limited partner interest in WPZ.$46 million.
Description of Business
We are a Delaware corporation whose common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Our operations are located principally in the United States. We have oneStates and are presented within the following reportable segment, Williams Partners.segments: Northeast G&P, Atlantic-Gulf, and West, consistent with the manner in which our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources. All remaining business activities as well as corporate activities are included in Other.
Williams Partners
Williams Partners consistsNortheast G&P is comprised of our consolidated master limited partnership, WPZ,midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily includes gas pipelinein Pennsylvania, New York, and midstream businesses.
WPZ’s gas pipeline businesses primarily consistWest Virginia and the Utica Shale region 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,eastern Ohio, including a 5066 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), and a 41 percent interest in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution)Cardinal Gas Services, L.L.C. (Cardinal) (a consolidated entity), which is under development.


Notes (Continued)


WPZ’s midstream businesses primarily consist of (1) natural gas gathering, treating, compression, and processing; (2) natural gas liquid (NGL) fractionation, storage, and transportation; (3) crude oil production handling and transportation; and (4) olefins production (see Note 3 – Divestitures). 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 Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, Niobrara, and Utica shale plays as well as the Mid-Continent region.
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 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain Midstream, LLC (Laurel Mountain), a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman Energy II, LLC, (Caiman II), a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery Producer Services LLC (Discovery), a 50 percent equity-method investment in Overland Pass Pipeline, LLC (OPPL), and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average 66 percent interest in multiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments). Northeast G&P includes a 65 percent interest in Ohio Valley Midstream LLC (Northeast JV) (a consolidated entity). The Northeast JV includes our Ohio Valley assets and Utica East Ohio Midstream LLC (UEOM), a former equity-method investment in which we acquired the remaining ownership interest in March 2019 (see Note 2 – Acquisitions).


Notes (Continued)


Atlantic-Gulf is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), and significant natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One LLC (Gulfstar One) (a consolidated entity), which is a proprietary floating production system, as well as our previously owneda 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV)Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., a 60 percent equity-method investment in the Mid-Continent regionDiscovery Producer Services LLC, and a 41 percent interest in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) (a consolidated entity), which is developing a pipeline project (see Note 4 – Investing Activities)Variable Interest Entities).
The midstream businessesWest is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest Pipeline), and our gathering, processing, and treating operations in Colorado, Wyoming, the Barnett Shale region of north-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Permian Shale region of west Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko and Arkoma basins. This segment also includes our natural gas liquid (NGL) and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided 50 percent interest in an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas, a 50 percent equity-method investment in Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC, a 50 percent equity-method investment in Rocky Mountain Midstream Holdings LLC, and a 15 percent equity-method investment in Brazos Permian II, LLC (Brazos Permian II). West also included our Canadian midstream operations,former natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado, which were comprisedsold during the fourth quarter of an oil sands offgas processing plant near Fort McMurray, Alberta,2018, and an NGL/olefin fractionation facility at Redwater, Alberta. In September 2016, we completed the saleour former 50 percent interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C. (Jackalope) (an equity-method investment following deconsolidation as of our Canadian operations.
Other
Our former Williams NGL & Petchem Services segment included certain domestic olefins pipeline assets as well as certain Canadian assets, which included a liquids extraction plant located near Fort McMurray, Alberta, that began operations in March 2016, and a propane dehydrogenation facilityJune 30, 2018), which was under development. In September 2016, the Canadian assets were sold. Considering this, the remaining assets are now reported within Other, effective January 1, 2017. Other also includes business activities that are not operating segments, as well as corporate operations. Prior period segment disclosures have been recast for this segment change.sold in April 2019.
Basis of Presentation
Consolidated master limited partnership
As of September 30, 2017, we own 74 percent of the interests in WPZ, a variable interest entity (VIE) (see Note 2 – Variable Interest Entities). WPZ units issued to us in connection with the Financial Repositioning, WPZ’s quarterly distribution of additional paid-in-kind Class B units to us, and other equity issuances by WPZ had the combined net impact of decreasing Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries by $2.404 billion, and increasing Capital in excess of par value by $1.497 billion and Deferred income tax liabilities by $907 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 previous IDRs, occur through the normal partnership distributions from WPZ to all partners.


Notes (Continued)


Significant risks and uncertainties
We may monetize assetsbelieve that are not core to our strategy which could result in impairmentsthe carrying value of certain equity-method investments,of our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets, notably certain acquired assets accounted for as business combinations between 2012 and 2014, may be in excess of current fair value. However, the carrying value of these assets, in our judgment, continues to be recoverable based on our evaluation of undiscounted future cash flows. It is reasonably possible that future strategic decisions, including transactions such as monetizing non-core assets or contributing assets to new ventures with third parties, as well as unfavorable changes in expected producer activities could impact our assumptions and ultimately result in impairments of these assets. Such impairmentstransactions or developments may also indicate that certain of our equity-method investments have experienced other-than-temporary declines in value, which could potentially be caused by indications ofresult in impairment, or that the fair value implied through the monetization process or, in the case of asset dispositions that are part of a broader asset group, the impact of the loss of future estimated cash flows.reporting unit for our goodwill is less than its carrying amount, which would result in impairment.
Accounting standards issued and adopted
Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 changed the accounting for income taxes such that all excess tax benefits and all tax deficiencies are now recognized as a discrete item in the provision for income taxes in the financial reporting period they occur and the recognition of tax benefits is no longer delayed until the tax benefit is realized through a reduction in income taxes payable. These changes are applied prospectively beginning in 2017. We recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2017, decreasing Retained deficit by $37 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to recognize tax benefits that were not previously recognized. ASU 2016-09 requires entities to classify excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows. We are applying this part of the guidance prospectively beginning in 2017; therefore, the cash flows for prior periods were not adjusted. In recognizing compensation cost from share-based payments, ASU 2016-09 allows entities to make an accounting policy election to either recognize forfeitures when they occur or estimate the number of forfeitures expected to occur. We are recognizing forfeitures when they occur and as a result of the change in our accounting policy, we increased our Retained deficit for an insignificant cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2017. ASU 2016-09 requires entities to classify as a financing activity, on the statement of cash flows, cash paid by an employer to a taxing authority when directly withholding shares from an employee’s award to satisfy the employer’s statutory tax withholding obligation. This guidance must be applied retrospectively and we have adjusted operating and financing activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for prior periods.
Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted
In August 2017,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-12 “Derivatives and HedgingAccounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”842)” (ASU 2017-12)2016-02). ASU 2017-12 applies2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 modifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to entitieslease classification similar to prior lease accounting, and causes lessees to recognize operating leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability measured as the present value of the future lease payments with a corresponding right-of-use asset, with an exception for leases with a term of one year or less. Additional disclosures are required regarding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01 “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” (ASU 2018-01). Per ASU 2018-01, land easements and rights-of-way are required to be assessed under ASU 2016-02 to determine whether the arrangements are or contain a lease. ASU 2018-01 permits an entity to elect a transition practical expedient to not apply ASU 2016-02 to land easements that elect hedge accountingexist or expired before the effective date of ASU 2016-02 and that were not previously assessed under the previous lease guidance in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815. TheTopic 840 “Leases.”
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU affects both2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements” (ASU 2018-11). Prior to ASU 2018-11, a modified retrospective transition was required for financing or operating leases existing at or entered into after the designation and measurement guidancebeginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. ASU 2018-11 allows entities an additional transition method to the existing requirements whereby an entity could adopt the provisions of ASU 2016-02 by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for hedging relationships andperiods prior to adoption. ASU 2018-11 also allows a


Notes (Continued)


practical expedient that permits lessors to not separate nonlease components from the presentation of hedging results.associated lease component if certain conditions are present. ASU 2017-122016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. EarlyWe prospectively adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, and did not adjust prior periods as permitted by ASU 2018-11 (see Note 10 – Leases).
We completed our review of contracts to identify leases based on the modified definition of a lease and implemented changes to our internal controls to support management in the accounting for and disclosure of leasing activities upon adoption is permitted.of ASU 2017-12 will be applied using2016-02. We implemented a modified retrospective approachfinancial lease accounting system to assist management in the accounting for cash flowleases upon adoption. The most significant changes to our financial statements as a result of adopting ASU 2016-02 relate to the recognition of a $225 million lease liability and net investment hedges existing at the date ofoffsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheetfor operating leases. We also evaluated ASU 2016-02’s available practical expedients on adoption and prospectively forhave generally elected to adopt the presentationpractical expedients, which includes the practical expedient to not separate lease and disclosure guidance. We do not expect ASU 2017-12 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentationnonlease components by both lessees and lessors by class of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” (ASU 2017-07). ASU 2017-07 requires employers to report the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from employee services. The other components of net benefit cost must be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. Only the service cost component is now eligible for capitalization when applicable. ASU 2017-07 is effective beginning January 1, 2018. The presentation aspect of ASU 2017-07 must be applied retrospectivelyunderlying assets and the capitalization requirement prospectively. In light of the settlement charge we expect to recognize in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to a program to payout certain deferred vested pension benefits (see Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans), we continue to evaluate the impact of ASU 2017-07 on our consolidated financial statements.land easements practical expedient.
In January 2017, the FASBAccounting standards issued ASU 2017-04 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 modifies the concept of goodwill impairment to represent the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value,but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Under ASU 2017-04, entities will no longer be required to determine the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to its individual assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. ASU 2017-04 is effective for goodwill impairment testing for interim and annual periods


Notes (Continued)


beginning after December 15, 2019, and requires a prospective transition. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017, and we plan to adopt ASU 2017-04 in the fourth quarter of 2017. Our Williams Partners reportable segment has $47 million of goodwill included in Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization in theConsolidated Balance Sheet.    
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15). ASU 2016-15 provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues, including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investees, to reduce diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-15 requires a retrospective transition. We do not expect ASU 2016-15 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.yet adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The guidance also requires increased disclosures. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.We plan to adopt as of January 1, 2020. We anticipate that ASU 2016-13 requires varying transition methods for the different categories of amendments. Althoughwill primarily apply to our trade receivables. While we do not expect ASU 2016-13 to have a significant financial impact, it will impactwe have analyzed our trade receivableshistorical credit loss experience and continue to develop and implement processes, procedures, and internal controls in order to make the necessary credit loss assessments and required disclosures upon adoption.
Note 2 – Acquisitions
UEOM
As of December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM which we accounted for as an equity-method investment. On March 18, 2019, we signed and closed the related allowance for credit losses will be recognized earlier under the expected loss model.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 establishes a comprehensive new lease accounting model. ASU 2016-02 clarifies the definition of a lease, requires a dual approach to lease classification similar to current lease classifications, and causes lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition for capital or operating leases existing at or entered into after the beginningacquisition of the earliest comparative period presentedremaining 38 percent interest in the financial statements. We areUEOM. Total consideration paid, including post-closing adjustments, was $741 million in the process of reviewing contracts to identify leases, as well as evaluating the applicability of ASU 2016-02 to contracts involving easements/rights-of-way.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 establishing ASC 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 servicescash funded through credit facility borrowings and requires significantly enhanced revenue disclosures. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” (ASU 2015-14). Per ASU 2015-14, the standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. 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 the impact ASC 606 may havecash on our financial statements. For each revenue contract type, we conducted a formal contract review process to evaluate the impact, if any, that ASC 606 may have.hand. As a result of that process,acquiring this additional interest, we expect our revenues will increase associated with accounting for noncash consideration, which existsobtained control of and now consolidate UEOM.
UEOM is involved primarily in certainthe processing and fractionation of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the Utica Shale play in eastern Ohio. The purpose of the acquisition is to enhance our position in the region. We expect synergies through common ownership of UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream systems to create a more efficient platform for capital spending in the region, resulting in reduced operating and maintenance expenses and creating enhanced capabilities and benefits for producers in the area.
The acquisition of UEOM was accounted for as a business combination, which requires, among other things, that identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their acquisition date fair values. In March 2019, based on the transaction price for our purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the acquisition, we recognized a $74 million noncash impairment loss related to our existing 62 percent interest (see Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees). Thus, there was 0 gain or loss on remeasuring our existing equity-method investment to fair value due to the impairment recognized just prior to closing the acquisition of the additional interest.
The valuation techniques used to measure the acquisition date fair value of the UEOM acquisition consisted of the market approach for our previous equity-method investment in UEOM and the income approach (excess earnings method) for valuation of intangible assets and depreciated replacement costs for property, plant, and equipment.
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 Northeast G&P segment, and liabilities assumed at March 18, 2019. The net assets


Notes (Continued)


acquired reflect the sum of the consideration transferred and the noncash elimination of the fair value of our existing equity-method investment upon our acquisition of the additional interest. The fair value of accounts receivable acquired, presented in current assets in the table, equals contractual amounts receivable. After the March 31, 2019 financial statements were issued, we received an updated valuation report from a third-party valuation firm. Significant changes from the preliminary allocation disclosed in the first quarter to the final allocation reflect an increase of $169 million in goodwill, and decreases of $106 million in property, plant, and equipment and $61 million in other intangible assets.
 (Millions)
Current assets, including $13 million cash acquired$55
Property, plant, and equipment1,387
Other intangible assets328
Total identifiable assets acquired1,770
  
Current liabilities7
Total liabilities assumed7
  
Net identifiable assets acquired1,763
  
Goodwill188
Net assets acquired$1,951

The goodwill recognized in the acquisition relates primarily to enhancing and diversifying our basin positions and is reported within the Northeast G&P segment. Substantially all of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is included within Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents the excess of the consideration, plus the fair value of any previously held equity interest, over the fair value of the net assets acquired. It is not subject to amortization but is evaluated annually as of October 1 for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present that would indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
Other intangible assets recognized in the acquisition are related to contractual customer relationships from gas gathering, processing, and fractionation agreements with our customers. The basis for determining the value of these intangible assets is estimated future net cash flows to be derived from acquired contractual customer relationships discounted using a risk-adjusted discount rate. These intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an initial period of 20 years which represents the term over which the contractual customer relationships are expected to contribute to our cash flows. Approximately 49 percent of the expected future revenues from these contractual customer relationships are impacted by our ability and intent to renew or renegotiate existing customer contracts. We expense costs incurred to renew or extend the terms of our gas gathering, processing, contracts where we receive commodities as full or partial consideration for services provided. We also expect the increase in revenues will be offset by a similar increase in costs when the commodities received are subsequently monetized. We continue to evaluateand fractionation contracts with a significant financing component, which may exist in situations wherecustomers. Based on the timingestimated future revenues during the current contract periods (as estimated at the time of the consideration we receive varies significantlyacquisition), the weighted-average period prior to the next renewal or extension of the existing contractual customer relationships is approximately 10 years.
The following unaudited pro forma Revenues and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, are presented as if the UEOM acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2018. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results would have been if the acquisition had in fact occurred on the date or for the periods indicated, nor do they purport to project Revenues or Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. for any future periods or as of any date. These amounts do not give effect to any potential cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements to result from the timingtransaction or the potential costs to achieve these cost savings, operating synergies, and revenue enhancements.


Notes (Continued)


 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Revenues$1,999
 $2,342
 $6,126
 $6,589
        
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.$221
 $138
 $804
 $434
Adjustments to pro forma Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. include the removal of whenthe previously described $74 million impairment loss recognized in March 2019 just prior to the acquisition. There are no pro forma adjustments for the three months ended September 30, 2019 as UEOM was consolidated and reflected in our results during the entire quarter.
During the period from the acquisition date of March 18, 2019 to September 30, 2019, UEOM contributed Revenues of $104 million and Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. of $25 million.
Costs related to this acquisition are $4 million and are reported within our Northeast G&P segment and included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Income.
Northeast JV
Concurrent with the UEOM acquisition, we provide the service,executed an agreement whereby we contributed our consolidated interests in UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream business to a newly formed partnership. In June 2019, our partner invested approximately $1.33 billion (subject to post-closing adjustments) for a 35 percent ownership interest, and we retained 65 percent ownership of, as well as operate and consolidate, the Northeast JV business. The change in ownership due to this transaction increased Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries by $568 million, and decreased Capital in excess of par value by $426 million and Deferred income tax liabilities by $142 million in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Costs related to this transaction are $6 million and are reported within our Northeast G&P segment and included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Income.



Notes (Continued)


Note 3 – Revenue Recognition
Revenue by Category
The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by major service line:
 
Northeast
Midstream
 
Atlantic-
Gulf Midstream
 West Midstream Transco Northwest Pipeline Other Intercompany Eliminations  Total
 (Millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019  
Revenues from contracts with customers:               
Service revenues:               
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:               
Monetary consideration$310
 $117
 $308
 $
 $
 $
 $(19) $716
Commodity consideration1
 7
 30
 
 
 
 
 38
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage
 
 
 601
 111
 
 (2) 710
Other38
 8
 12
 
 
 
 (5) 53
Total service revenues349
 132
 350
 601
 111
 
 (26) 1,517
Product Sales:               
NGL and natural gas product sales30
 34
 391
 41
 
 
 (28) 468
Total revenues from contracts with customers379
 166
 741
 642
 111
 
 (54) 1,985
Other revenues (1)5
 2
 
 3
 
 7
 (3) 14
Total revenues$384
 $168
 $741
 $645
 $111
 $7
 $(57) $1,999
                
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues from contracts with customers:               
Service revenues:               
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:               
Monetary consideration$219
 $139
 $409
 $
 $
 $1
 $(19) $749
Commodity consideration5
 19
 97
 
 
 
 
 121
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage
 
 
 457
 110
 
 (1) 566
Other23
 4
 11
 
 
 
 (4) 34
Total service revenues247
 162
 517
 457
 110
 1
 (24) 1,470
Product Sales:               
NGL and natural gas69
 88
 720
 41
 
 
 (117) 801
Other
 
 12
 
 
 
 (3) 9
Total product sales69
 88
 732
 41
 
 
 (120) 810
Total revenues from contracts with customers316
 250
 1,249
 498
 110
 1
 (144) 2,280
Other revenues (1)6
 5
 3
 3
 
 9
 (3) 23
Total revenues$322
 $255
 $1,252
 $501
 $110
 $10
 $(147) $2,303
                


Notes (Continued)


 
Northeast
Midstream
 
Atlantic-
Gulf Midstream
 West Midstream Transco Northwest Pipeline Other Intercompany Eliminations  Total
 (Millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Revenues from contracts with customers:               
Service revenues:               
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:               
Monetary consideration$840
 $366
 $1,007
 $
 $
 $
 $(54) $2,159
Commodity consideration9
 33
 116
 
 
 
 
 158
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage
 
 
 1,736
 335
 
 (4) 2,067
Other104
 21
 32
 1
 
 
 (12) 146
Total service revenues953
 420
 1,155
 1,737
 335
 
 (70) 4,530
Product Sales:               
NGL and natural gas product sales114
 140
 1,300
 88
 
 
 (132) 1,510
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,067
 560
 2,455
 1,825
 335
 
 (202) 6,040
Other revenues (1)15
 6
 12
 8
 
 22
 (9) 54
Total revenues$1,082
 $566
 $2,467
 $1,833
 $335
 $22
 $(211) $6,094
                
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues from contracts with customers:               
Service revenues:               
Non-regulated gathering, processing, transportation, and storage:               
Monetary consideration$626
 $404
 $1,231
 $
 $
 $2
 $(55) $2,208
Commodity consideration14
 45
 257
 
 
 
 
 316
Regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage
 
 
 1,368
 330
 
 (2) 1,696
Other65
 12
 35
 1
 
 
 (10) 103
Total service revenues705
 461
 1,523
 1,369
 330
 2
 (67) 4,323
Product Sales:               
NGL and natural gas242
 232
 1,799
 96
 
 
 (285) 2,084
Other
 
 20
 
 
 
 (4) 16
Total product sales242
 232
 1,819
 96
 
 
 (289) 2,100
Total revenues from contracts with customers947
 693
 3,342
 1,465
 330
 2
 (356) 6,423
Other revenues (1)16
 14
 6
 8
 
 24
 (9) 59
Total revenues$963
 $707
 $3,348
 $1,473
 $330
 $26
 $(365) $6,482

(1)
Revenues not within the scope of ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” consist of leasing revenues associated with our headquarters building and management fees that we receive for certain services we provide to operated equity-method investments, which are reported in Service revenues in our Consolidated Statement of Income, and amounts associated with our derivative contracts, which are reported in Product sales in our Consolidated Statement of Income.


Notes (Continued)


Contract Assets
The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract assets:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Balance at beginning of period$17
 $39
 $4
 $4
Revenue recognized in excess of amounts invoiced14
 17
 53
 53
Minimum volume commitments invoiced
 
 (26) (1)
Balance at end of period$31
 $56
 $31
 $56

Contract Liabilities
The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract liabilities:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Balance at beginning of period$1,331
 $1,535
 $1,397
 $1,596
Payments received and deferred12
 58
 138
 269
Deconsolidation of Jackalope interest (Note 5)
 
 
 (52)
Significant financing component3
 4
 10
 11
Recognized in revenue(77) (112) (276) (339)
Balance at end of period$1,269
 $1,485
 $1,269
 $1,485

Remaining Performance Obligations
Remaining performance obligations primarily include reservation charges on contracted capacity for our gas pipeline firm transportation contracts with tiered pricing structures,customers, storage capacity contracts, long-term contracts containing minimum volume commitments associated with our midstream businesses, and prepaymentsfixed payments associated with offshore production handling. For our interstate natural gas pipeline businesses, remaining performance obligations reflect the rates for services. As such we are unable to determineservices in our current Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) tariffs for the potential impact uponlife of the related contracts; however, these rates may change based on future tariffs approved by the FERC and the amount and timing of revenue recognition. We continue to develop and evaluate disclosures required under ASC 606, with a particular focus on the scope of contracts subject to disclosure ofthese changes are not currently known.
Our remaining performance obligations. Additionally,obligations exclude variable consideration, including contracts with variable consideration for which we have identified possible financial systemelected the practical expedient for consideration recognized in revenue as billed. Certain of our contracts contain evergreen and internal control changes necessaryother renewal provisions for adoption. We currently anticipate utilizing a modified retrospective transition uponperiods beyond the adoptioninitial term of ASC 606the contract. The remaining performance obligation amounts as of January 1, 2018.September 30, 2019, do not consider potential future performance obligations for which the renewal has not been exercised and excludes contracts with customers for which the underlying facilities have not received FERC authorization to be placed into service. Consideration received prior to September 30, 2019, that will be recognized in future periods is also excluded from our remaining performance obligations and is instead reflected in contract liabilities.
The following table presents the amount of the contract liabilities balance as of September 30, 2019, expected to be recognized as revenue as performance obligations are satisfied and the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under certain contracts as of September 30, 2019.




Notes (Continued)




Termination of WPZ Merger Agreement
 Contract Liabilities Remaining Performance Obligations
 (Millions)
2019 (remainder)$70
 $762
2020167
 3,028
2021126
 2,873
2022112
 2,705
2023103
 2,244
Thereafter691
 19,840
Total$1,269
 $31,452

On May 12, 2015, we entered into an agreement forAccounts Receivable
The following is a unit-for-stock transaction whereby we would have acquired all of the publicly held outstanding common units of WPZ in exchange for sharessummary of our common stock (WPZ Merger Agreement).Trade accounts and other receivables:
On September 28, 2015, we entered into a Termination Agreement and Release (Termination Agreement), terminating the WPZ Merger Agreement. Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, we were required to pay a $428 million termination fee to WPZ, at which time we owned approximately 60 percent, including the interests of the general partner and incentive distribution rights (IDRs). Such termination fee settled through a reduction of quarterly incentive distributions we were entitled to receive from WPZ (such reduction not to exceed $209 million per quarter). The distributions from WPZ in November 2015, February 2016, and May 2016 were reduced by $209 million, $209 million, and $10 million, respectively, related to this termination fee.
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (Millions)
Accounts receivable related to revenues from contracts with customers$791
 $858
Other accounts receivable84
 134
Total reflected in Trade accounts and other receivables
$875
 $992

Note 24 – Variable Interest Entities
WPZConsolidated VIEs
As of September 30, 2019, we consolidate the following variable interest entities (VIEs):
Gulfstar One
We own a 74 percent interest in WPZ, a master limited partnership that is a VIE due to the limited partners’ lack of substantive voting rights, such as either participating rights or kick-out rights that can be exercised with a simple majority of the vote of the limited partners. We are the primary beneficiary of WPZ because we have the power, through our general partner interest, to direct the activities that most significantly impact WPZ’s economic performance.


Notes (Continued)


The following table presents amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are for the use or obligation of WPZ and/or its subsidiaries, and which comprise a significant portion of our consolidated assets and liabilities.

September 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

Classification

(Millions)

Assets (liabilities):




Cash and cash equivalents$1,165
 $145

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts and other receivables  net
778
 925
 Trade accounts and other receivables
Inventories144
 138
 Inventories
Other current assets183
 205
 Other current assets and deferred charges
Investments6,615
 6,701
 Investments
Property, plant, and equipment  net
27,411
 28,021

Property, plant, and equipment – net
Intangible assets – net
8,872
 9,662
 Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other noncurrent assets467
 467
 Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other
Accounts payable(751) (589)
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities including current asset retirement obligations(818) (1,122) Accrued liabilities
Commercial paper
 (93) Commercial paper
Long-term debt due within one year(502) (785) Long-term debt due within one year
Long-term debt(16,000) (17,685) Long-term debt
Deferred income tax liabilities(14) (20) Deferred income tax liabilities
Noncurrent asset retirement obligations(876) (798) Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other noncurrent liabilities(1,986) (1,860)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other
The assets and liabilities presented in the table above also include the consolidated interests of the following individual VIEs within WPZ:
Gulfstar One
WPZ owns a51 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 in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. WPZ isWe are the primary beneficiary because it haswe have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Gulfstar One’s economic performance.
Constitution
WPZ ownsWe own 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 isWe are the primary beneficiary because it haswe have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Constitution’s economic performance. WPZ,We, as construction manager foroperator of Constitution, isare responsible for constructing the proposed pipeline, connecting its gathering system inwhich will extend from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and the Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems. Thesystems in New York. While we previously estimated the total remaining cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $691$740 million, whichthis amount is expected to increase and the revised estimate is being developed. The project costs would be funded with capital contributions from WPZus and the other equity partners on a proportional basis.


Notes (Continued)


In December 2014, Constitution received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)FERC to construct and operate its proposed pipeline. However, in April 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) denied the necessary water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the New York portion of the pipeline. In May 2016, Constitution appealed the NYSDEC’s denial of the Section 401 certification to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, andbut in August 2017 the court issued a decision denying in part and dismissing in part Constitution’s appeal. The court expressly declined to rule on Constitution’s argument that the delay in theupholding NYSDEC’s decision on Constitution’s Section 401 application constitutes a waiver of the certification requirement. The court determined that it lacked jurisdiction to address that contention, and found that jurisdiction over the waiver issue lies exclusively with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. As to the denial itself, the court determined that NYSDEC’s action was not arbitrary or capricious.denial. Constitution filed a petition for rehearing ofwith the Second Circuit Court’s decision,Court of Appeals, but in October 2017 the court denied our petition.
We remain steadfastly committed to the project, and in


Notes (Continued)


In October 2017, we filed a petition for declaratory order requesting the FERC to find that, by operation of law, the Section 401 certification requirement for the New York State portion of Constitution’s pipeline project was waived due to the failure by the NYSDEC to act on Constitution’s Section 401 application within a reasonable period of time as required by the express terms of such statute.
In light By orders issued in January 2018 and July 2018, the FERC denied our petition, finding that Section 401 provides that a state waives certification only when it does not act on an application within one year from the date of the NYSDEC’s denialapplication.
Thereafter, we petitioned the D.C. Circuit for review of the FERC’s decision. In November 2018, the D.C. Circuit granted a motion filed by the FERC to hold our appeal in abeyance pending a decision by the court in the Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC case. In January 2019, the D.C. Circuit issued its decision in Hoopa Valley Tribe, finding that the applicant’s withdrawal and resubmission of a Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification request did not trigger new statutory periods of review for the state agencies, which resulted in the state agencies waiving their Section 401 authority regarding the hydropower project in question. As a result of the Hoopa Valley Tribe decision, the FERC filed a motion for voluntary remand of our appeal, and in February 2019, the D.C. Circuit granted the motion, sending our waiver case back to the FERC to determine whether or not NYSDEC waived its authority under Section 401.
On August 28, 2019, the FERC issued an order finding that NYSDEC waived its water quality certification authority under Section 401 with respect to Constitution. The FERC interpreted the Hoopa Valley Tribe decision to stand for the general principle that where an applicant withdraws and resubmits an application for water quality certification for the purpose of avoiding Section 401’s one-year time limit, and the actions taken to challengestate agency does not act within one year of the decision, the anticipated target in-service date is as early as the first half of 2019, which assumes the timely receipt of a Noticethe original application, the state agency has “failed or refused to Proceed fromact under Section 401” and, therefore, has waived its Section 401 authority.
The equity partners are evaluating the FERC. An unfavorable resolution could resultnext steps in connection with advancing the impairment of a significant portion of theproject.
At September 30, 2019, capitalized project costs total $376 million, of which total $381 million on a consolidated basis at September 30, 2017,we have funded our proportionate share, and are included within Property, plant, and equipment in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Beginning in April 2016, we discontinued capitalization of development costs related to this project. It is also possible that we could incur certain supplier-related costs in the event of a continued prolonged delay or termination of the project.
Cardinal
WPZ ownsWe own a66 percent interest in Cardinal, Gas Services, L.L.C. (Cardinal), a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica Shale region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. WPZ isWe are the primary beneficiary because it haswe have 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 WPZus and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
JackalopeNortheast JV
WPZ ownsAs a50 result of the June 2019 sale of a 35 percent interest in Jackalope Gas Gathering Services, L.L.C. (Jackalope)the Northeast JV (see Note 2 – Acquisitions), we now own a 65 percent interest in the Northeast JV, 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 isof our voting rights being disproportionate to our obligation to absorb losses and substantially all of the Northeast JV’s activities being performed on our behalf. We are the primary beneficiary because it haswe have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Jackalope’sthe Northeast JV’s economic performance. The Northeast JV provides midstream services for producers in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale regions. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from WPZus and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
Note 3 – Divestitures
On July 6, 2017, WPZ completed the sale of Williams Olefins, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary which owned our 88.5 percent undivided interest in the Geismar, Louisiana, olefins plant (Geismar Interest) for total consideration of $2.084 billion in cash. We received a final working capital adjustment of $12 million in October 2017. Upon closing of the sale, WPZ entered into a long-term supply and transportation agreement with the purchaser to provide feedstock to the plant via its Bayou Ethane pipeline system. The assets and liabilities of the Geismar olefins plant were designated as held for sale within the Williams Partners segment during the first quarter of 2017. As a result of this sale, we recorded a gain of $1.095 billion in the third quarter of 2017. Following this sale, the cash proceeds were used to repay WPZ’s $850 million term loan. WPZ also plans to use these proceeds to fund a portion of the capital and investment expenditures that are a part of its growth portfolio.




Notes (Continued)




The following table presents the results of operationsamounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are only for the Geismar Interest, excludinguse or obligation of our consolidated VIEs:

September 30,
2019

December 31,
2018

(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):


Cash and cash equivalents$90
 $33
Trade accounts and other receivables – net152
 62
Other current assets and deferred charges5
 2
Property, plant, and equipment – net6,167
 2,363
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization2,697
 1,177
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other13
 
Accounts payable(54) (15)
Accrued liabilities(100) (115)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other(268) (264)


Nonconsolidated VIEs
Jackalope
At December 31, 2018, we owned a50 percent interest in Jackalope, which provides gathering and processing services for the gain noted above.Powder River basin and was a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. In April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash (see Note 5 – Investing Activities).
Brazos Permian II
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest$1
 $61
 $26
 $109
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Geismar Interest attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.1
 36
 19
 65
In September 2016, we completed the sale of subsidiaries conducting Canadian operations, including subsidiaries of WPZ, (such subsidiaries, the Canada disposal group). Consideration received totaled $1.020 billion, net of $31 million of cash divestedWe own a 15 percent interest in Brazos Permian II, which provides gathering and subject to customary working capital adjustments. In connection with the sale, we waived $150 million of incentive distributions otherwise payable by WPZ to usprocessing services in the fourth quarter of 2016 in recognition of certain affiliate contracts wherein WPZ’s Canadian operations provided servicesDelaware basin and is a VIE due primarily to certainour limited participating rights as the minority equity holder. At September 30, 2019, the carrying value of our other businesses. The proceeds were primarily usedequity-method investment in Brazos Permian II was $197 million. Our maximum exposure to reduce borrowings on credit facilities.
Duringloss is limited to the second quarter of 2016, we designated these operations as held for sale. As a result, we measured the faircarrying value of the disposal group as of June 30, 2016, resulting in an impairment charge of $747 million, reflected in Impairment of certain assets in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. (See Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements.) Upon completion of the sale, we recorded an additional loss of $65 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily reflecting revisions to the sales price and estimated contingent consideration and including a $15 million benefit related to transactions to hedge our foreign currency exchange risk on the Canadian proceeds, reflected in Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The total loss consists of a loss of $32 million and $33 million at Williams Partners and Williams Other segments, respectively.
The following table presents the results of operations for the Canada disposal group, excluding the impairment and loss noted above.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Canadian disposal group$
 $(9) $
 $(98)
Income (loss) before income taxes of the Canadian disposal group attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.
 (16) 
 (95)
investment.
Note 45 – Investing Activities
Acquisition of Additional Interests in Appalachia Midstream Investments
During the first quarter of 2017, WPZ exchanged all of its 50 percent interest in DBJV for an increased interest in two natural gas gathering systems that are part of the Appalachia Midstream Investments and $155 million in cash. This transaction was recorded based on our estimate of the fair value of the interests received as we have more insight to this value as we operate the underlying assets. Following this exchange, we have an approximate average 66 percent interest in the Appalachia Midstream Investments. We continue to account for this investment under the equity-method due to the significant participatory rights of our partners such that we do not exercise control. WPZ also sold all of its interest in Ranch Westex JV LLC for $45 million. These transactions resulted in a total gain of $269 millionThe following table presents certain items reflected in Other investing income (loss) – netin the Consolidated Statement of Operations.Income:
The
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Impairment of equity-method investments (Note 13)$(114) $
 $(186) $
Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of businesses
 
 (2) 62
Gain on disposition of equity-method investments
 
 122
 
Other7
 2
 12
 12
Other investing income (loss)  net
$(107) $2
 $(54) $74

Jackalope Deconsolidation
During the second quarter of 2018, we deconsolidated our 50 percent interest in Jackalope. We recorded our interest in Jackalope as an equity-method investment at its estimated fair value, resulting in a deconsolidation gain of


Notes (Continued)


$62 million. We estimated the fair value of the increased interests in the Appalachia Midstream Investments received as consideration was estimatedour interest to be $1.1 billion$310 million using an income approach based on expected future cash flows and an appropriate discount rate


Notes (Continued)


(a (a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy). The determination of estimatedexpected future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering and processing volumes rates, and related capital spending. A 9.510.9 percent discount rate was utilized and reflected our estimate of the cost of capital as impacted by market conditions and risks associated with the underlying business.
Impairments
The nine months ended September 30, 2016, includes $59 million and $50deconsolidated carrying value of the net assets of Jackalope included $47 million of other-than-temporary impairment charges related to WPZ’sgoodwill.
Sale of Jackalope
In April 2019, we sold our 50 percent equity-method investments in DBJV and Laurel Mountain, respectively (see Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees).
Investing Income
The three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, includes a $27 million gain from the sale of an equity-method investment interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash, resulting in a gathering system that was partgain on the disposition of WPZ’s Appalachia Midstream Investments.
Interest Income and Other
The nine months ended September 30, 2016, includes $36 million of income associated with payments received on a receivable related to the sale of certain former Venezuela assets reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in theConsolidated Statement of Operations.$122 million.


Notes (Continued)


Note 56 – Other Income and Expenses
The following table presents, by segment, certain gains or losses reflected in Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses other items included in our Consolidated Statement of OperationsIncome:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses       
Other       
Charitable contribution of preferred stock to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (see Note 12)$
 $35
 $
 $35
WPZ Merger costs
 15
 
 19
        
Other (income) expense – net within Costs and expenses
       
Atlantic-Gulf       
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations1
 8
 17
 24
Net accrual (amortization) of regulatory liability related to overcollection of certain employee expenses(9) 5
 (11) 16
Adjustments to regulatory liabilities related to tax reform
 
 
 (10)
Amortization of regulatory liability associated with tax reform(12) 
 (19) 
Reversal of expenditures previously capitalized
 
 10
 
Gain on asset retirement
 (10) 
 (10)
        
West       
Adjustments to regulatory liabilities related to tax reform
 
 
 (7)
Regulatory charge per approved rates related to tax reform6
 6
 18
 18
Charge for regulatory liability associated with the decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rates following WPZ Merger
 12
 
 12
        
Other       
Change to (benefit of) regulatory asset associated with Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following WPZ Merger
 (37) 12
 (37)
        
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss)
       
Atlantic-Gulf       
Allowance for equity funds used during construction9
 32
 21
 78
        
Other       
Income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction3
 19
 7
 28
Net loss associated with early retirement of debt
 
 
 (7)

 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Williams Partners       
Amortization of regulatory assets associated with asset retirement obligations$8
 $8
 $25
 $25
Accrual of regulatory liability related to overcollection of certain employee expenses5
 6
 16
 19
Project development costs related to Constitution (see Note 2)4
 11
 12
 19
Gains on contract settlements and terminations
 
 (15) 
Gain on sale of Refinery Grade Propylene Splitter
 
 (12) 
Net foreign currency exchange (gains) losses (1)
 
 
 11
Loss on sale of Canadian operations (see Note 3)4
 32
 
 32
Other       
Gain on sale of unused pipe
 
 
 (10)
Loss on sale of Canadian operations (see Note 3)
 33
 1
 33
(1)Primarily relates to gains and losses incurred on foreign currency transactions and the remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated current assets and liabilities within our former Canadian operations.


Notes (Continued)


Additional Items
Certain additional items included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations are as follows:
Service revenues were reduced by $15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, related to potential refunds associatedIn conjunction with a ruling receivedpreviously announced organizational realignment and considering asset sales in recent years, we are evaluating our cost structure and have implemented a voluntary separation program (VSP) for certain rate case litigation within the Williams Partners segment.
Selling, general,eligible employees. Operating and administrativemaintenance expenses includes $5 million and $9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, reflect charges of $7 million and $30 million, respectively, and $21Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three and


Notes (Continued)


nine months ended September 30, 2019, reflect charges of $3 million and $40$23 million, respectively, for estimated severance and related costs, primarily associated with the VSP. The severance and related costs by segment are as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2019
 (Millions)
Northeast G&P$(3) $7
Atlantic-Gulf11
 30
West2
 16
Total$10
 $53

Note 7 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Current:       
Federal$(10) $(19) $(25) $(55)
State
 
 
 1
Foreign1
 
 1
 
 (9) (19) (24) (54)
Deferred:       
Federal73
 188
 225
 312
State13
 21
 43
 39
 86
 209
 268
 351
Provision (benefit) for income taxes$77
 $190
 $244
 $297

The effective income tax rates for the total provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively,2019, are greater than the federal statutory rate, primarily due to the effect of costs associated with our evaluation of strategic alternatives withinstate income taxes.
The effective income tax rates for the Other segment. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also includes $16 million and $61 milliontotal provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, of project development costs related to a proposed propane dehydrogenation facility in Alberta, Canada within the Other segment. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, these costs did not qualify for capitalization.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses and Operating and maintenance expenses include $5 million and $18 million in severance and other related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 for the Williams Partners segment. The nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $26 million in severance and other related costs associated with an approximate 10 percent reduction in workforce in the first quarter of 2016, primarily within the Williams Partners segment.
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) includes $17 million and $55 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $17 million and $46 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, for allowance for equity funds used during construction primarily within the Williams Partners segment. Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) also includes $8 million and $44 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $6 million and $16 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, of income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction.
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 includes a net loss of $3 million associated with the July 3, 2017 early retirement of $1.4 billion of 4.875 percent senior unsecured notes that were due in 2023. The net loss for the July 3, 2017 early retirement within the Williams Partners segment reflects $51 million of unamortized premium, offset by $54 million in premiums paid. (See Note 9 – Debt and Banking Arrangements.)
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, includes a net gain of $27 million associated with the early retirement of debt. The gain is comprised of a $30 million net gain associated with the February 23, 2017 early retirement of $750 million of 6.125 percent senior unsecured notes that were due in 2022, partially offset by a $3 million net loss associated with the July 3, 2017 early retirement discussed above. The net gain for the February 23, 2017 early retirement within Williams Partners reflects $53 million of unamortized premium, partially offset by $23 million in premiums paid. (See Note 9 – Debt and Banking Arrangements.)


Notes (Continued)


Note 6 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The Provision (benefit) for income taxes includes:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Current:       
Federal$7
 $
 $10
 $
State9
 1
 17
 1
Foreign
 
 
 (1)
 16
 1
 27
 
Deferred:       
Federal(11) 8
 63
 (49)
State19
 71
 36
 60
Foreign
 (11) 
 (85)
 8
 68
 99
 (74)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes$24
 $69
 $126
 $(74)
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017, is less2018, are higher than the federal statutory rate.rate primarily due to the effect of state income taxes and a $105 million valuation allowance associated with foreign tax credits, that expire between 2024 and 2027. This is primarily due topartially offset by the impact of the allocation of income to nontaxable noncontrolling interests, partially offset by the effect ofinterests. The state income taxes, including an $18tax provisions include a $38 million provision related to an increase in the deferred state income tax rate (net of federal benefit).

The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is less than the federal statutory rate. This is partially offset by a net decrease in valuation allowances of $31 million on state net operating losses, both primarily due todriven by the impact that the completion of the WPZ Merger (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation) had on income allocation of income to nontaxable noncontrolling interests and releasing a $127 millionfor state tax purposes.

A valuation allowance on afor deferred tax assets, including foreign tax credits, is recognized when it is more likely than not that some, or all, of the benefit from the deferred tax asset associated with a capital loss carryover, partially offset by the effectwill not be realized. To assess that likelihood, we use estimates and judgment regarding our sources of statefuture taxable income, taxes, including an $18 million provision relatedavailable tax planning strategies, to an increase in the deferred state income tax rate (net of federal benefit). In 2016, we recordeddetermine whether a valuation allowance on ais required. The completion of the WPZ Merger decreased our deferred income tax liability by $1.829 billion at September 30, 2018. Increased tax depreciation from the additional tax basis will reduce taxable income in future years and may limit our ability to realize the full benefit of certain short-lived deferred tax asset associated with a capital loss that was incurred with the sale of our Canadian operations. The sale of the Geismar olefins facility in July 2017 (see Note 3 – Divestitures) generated capital gains sufficient to offset the capital loss carryover, thereby allowing us to reverse the valuation allowance in full.assets.
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016, is less than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of the allocation of income to nontaxable noncontrolling interests and the effects of taxes on foreign operations, partially offset by the effect of state income taxes, including a $43 million provision related to an increase in the deferred state income tax rate (net of federal benefit).
The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, is less than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the effects of taxes on foreign operations, which includes the reversal of anticipatory foreign tax credits and a valuation allowance associated with impairments and losses on the sale of our Canadian operations (see Note 3 – Divestitures), and the effect of state income taxes, including a $43 million provision related to an increase in the deferred state income tax rate (net of federal benefit). These decreases are partially offset by the impact of the allocation of income to nontaxable noncontrolling interests. The foreign income tax provision includes the tax effect of the impairments associated with our Canadian disposition. (See Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees.)
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.




Notes (Continued)




Note 78 – Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 
(Dollars in millions, except per-share
amounts; shares in thousands)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders$220
 $129
 $724
 $416
Basic weighted-average shares1,212,270
 1,023,587
 1,211,938
 893,706
Effect of dilutive securities:       
Nonvested restricted stock units1,790
 2,387
 1,809
 2,102
Stock options105
 530
 196
 514
Diluted weighted-average shares1,214,165
 1,026,504
 1,213,943
 896,322
Earnings (loss) per common share:       
Basic$.18
 $.13
 $.60
 $.47
Diluted$.18
 $.13
 $.60
 $.46

 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 
(Dollars in millions, except per-share
amounts; shares in thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share$33
 $61
 $487
 $(409)
Basic weighted-average shares826,779
 750,754
 825,925
 750,579
Effect of dilutive securities:       
Nonvested restricted stock units1,889
 568
 1,567
 
Stock options700
 536
 658
 
Diluted weighted-average shares829,368
 751,858
 828,150
 750,579
Earnings (loss) per common share:       
Basic$.04
 $.08
 $.59
 $(.55)
Diluted$.04
 $.08
 $.59
 $(.55)


Note 89 – Employee Benefit Plans
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) is as follows:

Pension Benefits

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,

2019
2018
2019
2018

(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):






Service cost$11

$12

$33

$37
Interest cost13

12

38

35
Expected return on plan assets(15)
(16)
(46)
(47)
Amortization of net actuarial loss3

6

11

17
Net actuarial loss from settlements1

1

1

2
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$13

$15

$37

$44

Pension Benefits

Three Months Ended 
 September 30,

Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,

2017
2016
2017
2016

(Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):






Service cost$13

$13

$38

$40
Interest cost15

16

44

47
Expected return on plan assets(21)
(22)
(62)
(64)
Amortization of net actuarial loss6

8

20

23
Net actuarial loss from settlements





1
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$13

$15

$40

$47

 Other Postretirement Benefits
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):       
Service cost$1
 $1
 $1
 $1
Interest cost2
 1
 6
 5
Expected return on plan assets(3) (2) (8) (8)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 
 (1)
Reclassification to regulatory liability
 
 1
 1
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$
 $
 $
 $(2)

 Other Postretirement Benefits
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):       
Service cost$
 $
 $1
 $1
Interest cost2
 2
 6
 6
Expected return on plan assets(3) (3) (9) (9)
Amortization of prior service credit(3) (3) (10) (11)
Reclassification to regulatory liability1
 1
 3
 3
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$(3) $(3) $(9) $(10)
The components of Net periodic benefit cost (credit) other than the Service cost component are included in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Income.




Notes (Continued)




Amortization of prior service credit and net actuarial loss included in netNet periodic benefitcost (credit) for our other postretirement benefit plans associated with Transco and Northwest Pipeline areis recorded to regulatory assets/liabilities instead of otherOther comprehensive income (loss). The amountsamount of amortizationAmortization of prior service credit recognized in regulatory liabilities were $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and $6 million and $7 was $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2018.
During the nine months ended September 30, 20172019, we contributed $83$63 million to our pension plans and $4 million to our other postretirement benefit plans. We presently anticipate making additional contributions of approximately $1 million to our pension plans and approximately $1 million to our other postretirement benefit plans in the remainder of 2017.2019.

In September 2017, we initiatedNote 10 – Leases
We are a program to pay out certain deferred vested pension benefits to reduce investment risk, cash funding volatility,lessee through noncancellable lease agreements for property and equipment consisting primarily of buildings, land, vehicles, and equipment used in both our operations and administrative costs. Eligible participants had until October 31, 2017,functions. We recognize a lease liability with an offsetting right-of-use asset in our Consolidated Balance Sheet for operating leases based on the present value of the future lease payments. As an accounting policy, we have elected to make elections. We expect to make the lump-sum paymentscombine lease and commence the annuity payments in December 2017, and intend to fund the payments from existingnonlease components for all classes of leased assets in our pension plans. Ascalculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.
Our lease agreements require both fixed and variable periodic payments, with initial terms typically ranging from one year to 15 years, but a resultcertain land lease has a term of 108 years. Payment provisions in certain of our lease agreements contain escalation factors which may be based on stated rates or a change in a published index at a future time. The amount by which a lease escalates based on the change in a published index, which is not known at lease commencement, is considered a variable payment and is not included in the present value of the future lease payments, which only includes those that are stated or can be calculated based on the lease agreement at lease commencement. In addition to the noncancellable periods, many of our lease agreements provide for one or more extensions of the lease agreement for periods ranging from one year in length to an indefinite number of times following the specified contract term. Other lease agreements provide for extension terms that allow us to utilize the identified leased asset for an indefinite period of time so long as the asset continues to be utilized in our operations. In consideration of these payoutsrenewal features, we assess the term of the lease agreements, which includes using judgment in the determination of which renewal periods and termination provisions, when at our sole election, will be reasonably certain of being exercised. Periods after the initial term or extension terms that allow for either party to the lease to cancel the lease are not considered in the assessment of the lease term. Additionally, we have elected to exclude leases with an original term of one year or less, including renewal periods, from the calculation of the lease liability and the offsetting right-of-use asset.
We used judgment in determining the discount rate upon which the present value of the future lease payments is determined. This rate is based on current assumptions,a collateralized interest rate corresponding to the term of the lease agreement using company, industry, and market information available.
When permitted under our lease agreements, we expectmay sublease certain unused office space for fixed periods that could extend up to record a pre-tax, non-cash settlement charge in the fourth quarterlength of 2017the original lease agreement.


Notes (Continued)


 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019
 (Millions)
Lease Cost:   
Operating lease cost$10
 $31
Short-term lease cost
 
Variable lease cost7
 21
Sublease income
 (1)
Total lease cost$17
 $51
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities$10
 $30
  September 30, 2019
  (Millions)
Other Information:  
Right-of-use asset (included in Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)
 $213
Operating lease liabilities:  
Current (included in Accrued liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)
 $23
Noncurrent (included in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheet)
 $190
Weighted-average remaining lease term  operating leases (years)
 13
Weighted-average discount rate  operating leases
 4.60%

As of September 30, 2019, the following table represents our operating lease maturities, including renewal provisions that we estimate will be between $70 million and $100 million. The ultimate amounthave assessed as being reasonably certain of exercise, for each of the charge will largely depend uponyears ended December 31:
 (Millions)
2019 (remainder)$8
202032
202133
202227
202321
Thereafter171
Total future lease payments292
Less amount representing interest79
Total obligations under operating leases$213

We are the actual level of participation as well as the actuarial assumptions usedlessor to measure the pension plans’ assets and obligations, including the discount rates.certain lease agreements for office space in our headquarters building, which are insignificant to our financial statements.
Note 911 – Debt and Banking Arrangements
Long-Term Debt
Issuances and retirementsRetirements
On July 6, 2017, WPZ repaid its $850 million variable interest rate term loan that was due December 2018 using proceeds from the sale of its Geismar Interest.
On June 5, 2017, WPZ issued $1.45 billion of 3.75 percent senior unsecured notes due 2027. WPZ used the proceeds for general partnership purposes, primarily the July 3, 2017 repayment of $1.4 billion of 4.875 percent senior unsecured notes that were due in 2023.
On April 3, 2017, Northwest Pipeline issued $250We retired approximately $32 million of 4.0 percent senior unsecured notes due 2027 to investors in a private debt placement. Northwest Pipeline used the net proceeds to retire $185 million of 5.957.625 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on AprilJuly 15, 2017, and for general corporate purposes. As part of the issuance, Northwest Pipeline entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the unsecured notes. Northwest Pipeline is obligated to file and consummate a registration statement for an offer to exchange the notes for a new issue of substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, within 365 days from closing and to use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the exchange offer. Northwest Pipeline is required to provide a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the notes under certain circumstances. If Northwest Pipeline fails to fulfill these obligations, additional interest will accrue on the affected securities. The rate of additional interest will be 0.25 percent per annum on the principal amount of the affected securities for the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of a registration default, increasing by an additional 0.25 percent per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period thereafter, up to a maximum amount for all such registration defaults of 0.5 percent annually. Following the cure of any registration defaults, the accrual of additional interest will cease.
On February 23, 2017, using proceeds received from the Financial Repositioning (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation), WPZ early retired $750 million of 6.125 percent senior unsecured notes that were due in 2022.
WPZ retired $600 million of 7.25 percent senior unsecured notes that matured on February 1, 2017.


Notes (Continued)


Other financing obligation
During the construction of Transco’s Dalton expansion project, WPZ received funding from a partner for its proportionate share of construction costs related to its undivided ownership interest in the project. Amounts received were recorded within noncurrent liabilities. Upon placing the project in service during the third quarter of 2017, WPZ began leasing this partner’s undivided interest in the lateral, including the associated pipeline capacity, and reclassified approximately $237 million of funding previously received from its partner from noncurrent liabilities to debt to reflect the financing obligation payable to its partner over an expected term of 35 years.2019.
Commercial Paper Program
As ofAt September 30, 2017, no Commercial2019, 0 commercial paper was outstanding under WPZ’s $3our $4 billion commercial paper program.


Notes (Continued)


Credit Facilities
September 30, 2017September 30, 2019
Stated Capacity OutstandingStated Capacity Outstanding
(Millions)(Millions)
WMB   
   
Long-term credit facility(1)$1,500
 $400
$4,500
 $
Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements  13
  14
WPZ   
Long-term credit facility (1)3,500
 
Letters of credit under certain bilateral bank agreements  1
 
(1)In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of WPZ’sour credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under itsour commercial paper program.

Note 1012 – Stockholders’ Equity
Issuance of Preferred Shares
In January 2017,July 2018, through a wholly owned subsidiary, we contributed 35,000 shares of newly issued 65Series B Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock (Preferred Stock) to The Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) for use in future charitable and nonprofit causes. The charitable contribution of Preferred Stock was recorded as an expense in the third quarter of 2018. The Preferred Stock was issued for an aggregate value of $35 million and pays non-cumulative quarterly cash dividends when, as and if declared, at a rate of 7.25 percent per year. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes 30 million shares of common stock in a public offering at a price of $29.00Preferred Stock, $1 par value per share. In February 2017, we issued 9.75 million shares of common stock pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares. The net proceeds of approximately $2.1 billion were used to purchase newly issued common units in WPZ as part of our Financial Repositioning. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation.)
AOCI
The following table presents the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(AOCI) AOCI by component, net of income taxes:
 
Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Pension and
Other Postretirement
Benefits
 Total
 (Millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018$(2) $(1) $(267) $(270)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 
 (5) (5)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
 9
 9
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 4
 4
Balance at September 30, 2019$(2) $(1) $(263) $(266)

 
Cash
Flow
Hedges
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Pension and
Other Post
Retirement
Benefits
 Total
 (Millions)
Balance at December 31, 2016$
 $(2) $(337) $(339)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(3) 
 
 (3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
 11
 11
Other comprehensive income (loss)(3) 
 11
 8
Balance at September 30, 2017$(3) $(2) $(326) $(331)


Notes (Continued)


Reclassifications out of AOCI are presented in the following table by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:2019:
Component Reclassifications Classification
  (Millions)  
Pension and other postretirement benefits:    
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and net actuarial loss from settlements included in net periodic benefit cost (credit) $12
 Note 9 – Employee Benefit Plans
Income tax benefit (3) Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Reclassifications during the period $9
  

Component Reclassifications Classification
  (Millions)  
Cash flow hedges:    
Energy commodity contracts $(1) Product sales
     
Pension and other postretirement benefits:    
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost (4) Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic benefit cost 20
 Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans
     
Total before tax 15
  
Income tax benefit (4) Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Reclassifications during the period $11
  




Notes (Continued)




Note 1113 – 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,margin deposits, 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 September 30, 2019:          
Measured on a recurring basis:          
ARO Trust investments $187
 $187
 $187
 $
 $
Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments 4
 4
 4
 
 
Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments (5) (5) (2) 
 (3)
Additional disclosures:          
Long-term debt, including current portion (22,257) (25,234) 
 (25,234) 
Guarantees (42) (29) 
 (13) (16)
           
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2018:          
Measured on a recurring basis:          
ARO Trust investments $150
 $150
 $150
 $
 $
Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments 3
 3
 3
 
 
Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments (7) (7) (4) 
 (3)
Additional disclosures:          
Long-term debt, including current portion (22,414) (23,330) 
 (23,330) 
Guarantees (43) (30) 
 (14) (16)
      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 September 30, 2017:          
Measured on a recurring basis:          
ARO Trust investments $127
 $127
 $127
 $
 $
Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments 2
 2
 1
 
 1
Energy derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments (6) (6) (5) (1) 
Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments (5) (5) (2) 
 (3)
Additional disclosures:          
Other receivables 12
 12
 12
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portion (21,069) (22,979) 
 (22,979) 
Guarantees (44) (30) 
 (14) (16)
           
Assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2016:          
Measured on a recurring basis:          
ARO Trust investments $96
 $96
 $96
 $
 $
Energy derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments 2
 2
 
 2
 
Energy derivatives assets not designated as hedging instruments 1
 1
 
 
 1
Energy derivatives liabilities not designated as hedging instruments (6) (6) 
 
 (6)
Additional disclosures:          
Other receivables 15
 15
 15
 
 
Long-term debt, including current portion (23,409) (24,090) 
 (24,090) 
Guarantees (44) (30) 
 (14) (16)

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.


Notes (Continued)


Energy derivatives: Energy derivatives include commodity-based exchange-traded contracts and over-the-counter 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


Notes (Continued)


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 Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other 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 nine months ended September 30, 20172019 or 20162018.
Additional fair value disclosures
Other receivables:  Other receivables consist of margin deposits, which are reported in Other current assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disclosed fair value of our margin deposits is considered to approximate the carrying value generally due to the short-term nature of these items.
Long-term debt, including current portion: The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt is determined primarily 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. The fair valuevalues of the financing obligationobligations associated with our Dalton lateral and Atlantic Sunrise projects, which isare included within long-term debt, waswere determined using an income approach (see Note 9 - Debt and Banking Arrangements).approach.
Guarantees: Guarantees primarily consist 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. Guarantees also include an indemnification related to a disposed operation.
To estimate the disclosed fair value of the WilTel 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. The carrying value of the WilTel guarantee is reported in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum potential undiscounted exposure is approximately $31$28 millionat September 30, 2017.2019. Our exposure declines systematically through the remaining term of WilTel’s obligation.
The fair value of the guarantee associated with the indemnification related to a disposed operation was estimated using an income approach that considered probability-weighted scenarios of potential levels of future performance. The terms of the indemnification do not limit the maximum potential future payments associated with the guarantee. The carrying value of this guarantee is reported in Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
We are required by our revolving credit agreementsagreement 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 no0 carrying value. We have never been called upon to perform under these indemnifications and have no current expectation of a future claim.




Notes (Continued)




Nonrecurring fair value measurements
The following table presents impairments of assets and equity-method investments associated with certain nonrecurring fair value measurements within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.hierarchy, except as specifically noted.
         Impairments
         Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Classification Segment Date of Measurement Fair Value 2017 2016
       (Millions)
Certain gathering operations (1)
Property, plant, and equipment - net and Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization
 Williams Partners September 30, 2017 $439
 $1,019
  
Certain gathering operations (2)
Property, plant, and equipment - net and Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization
 Williams Partners September 30, 2017 21
 115
  
Certain NGL pipeline (3)Property, plant, and equipment – net Other September 30, 2017 32
 68
  
Certain olefins pipeline project (4)Property, plant, and equipment – net Other June 30, 2017 18
 23
 

Canadian operations (5)Assets held for sale Williams Partners June 30, 2016 924
 
 $341
Canadian operations (5)Assets held for sale Other June 30, 2016 206
 
 406
Certain gathering operations (6)Property, plant, and equipment – net Williams Partners June 30, 2016 18
 
 48
Level 3 fair value measurements of certain assets        1,225
 795
Other impairments and write-downs (7)        11
 16
Impairment of certain assets        $1,236
 $811
            
Equity-method investments (8)Investments Williams Partners March 31, 2016 $1,294
 
 $109
Other equity-method investmentInvestments Williams Partners March 31, 2016 
 
 3
Impairment of equity-method investments        
 $112
        Impairments
        Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
  Segment Date of Measurement Fair Value 2019 2018
      (Millions)
Impairment of certain assets:          
Certain gathering assets (1) West June 30, 2019 $40
 $59
  
Certain idle gathering assets (2) West March 31, 2019 
 12
  
Certain idle pipeline assets (3) Other June 30, 2018 25
 
 $66
Other impairments and write-downs       5
 
Impairment of certain assets       $76
 $66
Impairment of equity-method investments:          
Laurel Mountain (4) Northeast G&P September 30, 2019 $242
 $79
  
Appalachia Midstream Investments (5) Northeast G&P September 30, 2019 102
 17
  
Pennant (6) Northeast G&P August 31, 2019 11
 17
  
UEOM (7) Northeast G&P March 17, 2019 1,210
 74
  
Other       (1)  
Impairment of equity-method investments       $186
  
_______________
(1)
Relates to certaina gas gathering operationssystem in the Mid-Continent region. DuringEagle Ford region with expected declines in asset utilization and possible idling of the third quarter of 2017, we received solicitations and engaged in negotiations for the sale of certain of these assets which led to our impairment evaluation.gathering system. The estimated fair value of the Property, plant, and equipment – netwas determined using an incomea market approach andwhich incorporated market inputs based on ongoing negotiations for a potential saleindications of a portion of the underlying assets. For the income approach, we utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent, reflecting an estimate of our cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.interest from third parties.


(2)Relates to certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region resulting from an anticipated decline in future volumes following a third-quarter 2017 shut-in by the primary producer. The estimated fair value was


Notes (Continued)


determined by the income approach utilizing a discount rate of 11.1 percent, reflecting an estimate of our cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets.

(3)Relates to an NGL pipeline near the Houston Ship Channel region which we anticipate will be underutilized for the foreseeable future. The estimated fair value was primarily determined by using a market approach based on our analysis
Reflects impairment of observable inputs in the principal market.
(4)Relates primarily to project development costs associated with an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf Coast region, the likelihood of completion of which is now considered remote. The estimated fair value of the remaining pipeProperty, plant, and equipment considered a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market, as well as an estimate of replacement cost.
(5)Relates to our Canadian operations. We designated these operations as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. As a result, we measured the fair value of the disposal group, resulting in an impairment charge. The estimated fair value was determined by a market approach based primarily on inputs received in the marketing process and reflected our estimate of the potential assumed proceeds. We disposed of our Canadian operations through a sale during the third quarter of 2016.
(6)Relates to certain gathering assets within the Mid-Continent region. The estimated fair value was determined by a market approach based on our analysis of observable inputs in the principal market.
(7)Reflects multiple individually insignificant impairments and write-downs of other certain assets– net that mayis no longer be in use or are surplus in nature for which the fair value was determined to be lower than the carrying value.

(8)(3)
Relates to Williams Partners’ previously owned interest in DBJV and current equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain. Our carrying values in these equity-method investments had been written down tocertain idle pipelines. The estimated fair value at December 31, 2015. Our first-quarter 2016 analysis reflected higher discount ratesof the Property, plant, and equipment – net was determined by a market approach incorporating information derived from bids received for boththese assets, which we marketed for sale together with certain other assets. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of these equity-method investments, along with lower natural gas prices for Laurel Mountain. We estimated the fair value hierarchy. We sold these assets in the fourth quarter of these equity-method investments2018.

(4)
Relates to a gas gathering system in the Marcellus region that was adversely impacted by lower sustained forward natural gas price expectations and changes in expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent in our analysis. This impairment is reported in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

(5)
Relates to a certain gathering system held in Appalachia Midstream Investments that was adversely impacted by changes in the timing of expected producer activity. The estimated fair value was determined using an income approach. We utilized a discount rate of 9.0 percent in our analysis. This impairment is reported in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Income.



Notes (Continued)


(6)
The estimated fair value of Pennant Midstream, LLC (“Pennant”) was determined by a market approach based on expected future cash flowsrecent observable third-party transactions. These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. This impairment is reported in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

(7)
The estimated fair value was determined by a market approach based on the transaction price for the purchase of the remaining interest in UEOM as finalized just prior to the signing and appropriate discount rates. The determinationclosing of estimated future cash flows involved significant assumptions regarding gathering volumes and related capital spending. Discount rates utilized ranged from 13.0 percent to 13.3 percent and reflected increasesthe acquisition in our estimated costMarch 2019 (see Note 2 – Acquisitions). These inputs resulted in a fair value measurement within Level 2 of capital, revised estimatesthe fair value hierarchy. This impairment is reported in Other investing income (loss) - net in the Consolidated Statement of expected future cash flows, and risks associated with the underlying businesses.Income.
Note 1214 – Contingent Liabilities
Reporting of Natural Gas-Related Information to Trade Publications
Direct and indirect purchasers of natural gas in various states filed an individual and class actions against us, our former affiliate WPX Energy, Inc. (WPX) and its subsidiaries, 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. We have agreed to indemnify WPX and its subsidiaries related to this matter.
In the individual action, filed by Farmland Industries Inc. (Farmland), the court issued an order on May 24, 2016, granting one of our co-defendant’s motion for summary judgment as to Farmland’s claims. On January 5, 2017, the court extended such ruling to us, entering final judgment in our favor. Farmland appealed. On March 27, 2018, the appellate court reversed the district court’s grant of summary judgment, and on April 10, 2018, the defendants filed a petition for rehearing with the appellate court, which was denied on May 9, 2018. The case was remanded to the Nevada federal district court and subsequently has appealed.been remanded to its originally filed court, the Kansas federal district court.
In the putative class actions, on March 30, 2017, the court issued an order denying the plaintiffs’ motions for class certification. On June 13, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted the plaintiffs’ petition for permission to appeal the order. On August 6, 2018, the Ninth Circuit reversed the order denying class certification and remanded the appeal is now pending.case to the Nevada federal district court.
We reached an agreement to settle two of the actions, and on April 22, 2019, the Nevada federal district court preliminarily approved the settlements, which are on behalf of Kansas and Missouri class members. The final fairness hearing on the settlement occurred August 5, 2019, and a final judgment of dismissal with prejudice was entered the same day.
Two putative class actions remain unresolved, and they have been remanded to their originally filed court, the Wisconsin federal district court.
Because of the uncertainty around the remaining pending unresolved issues, 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 a potential loss that may be material to our results of operations.


Notes (Continued)


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.
Geismar Incident
On June 13, 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at our formerly owned Geismar olefins plant and rendered the facility temporarily inoperable (Geismar Incident). As a result, there were two fatalities and numerous individuals (including employees and contractors) reported injuries. We are addressing the following contingent liabilities in connection with the Geismar Incident.
On October 21, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (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 June 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. Multiple lawsuits, including class actions for alleged offsite impacts, property damage, customer claims, and personal injury, have been filed against us. The first two trials, for nine plaintiffs claiming personal injury, were held in Louisiana state court in Iberville Parish, Louisiana in September and November 2016. The juries returned adverse verdicts against us, our subsidiary Williams Olefins, LLC, and other defendants. To date, we have settled those cases as well as settled or agreed in principle to settle numerous other personal injury claims, and such aggregate amount greater than our $2 million retention (deductible) value has been or will be recovered from our insurers. We believe these settlements to date substantially resolve any material exposure to such claims arising from the Geismar Incident. We believe that any additional losses arising from our alleged liability will be immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position and will be substantially covered by our general liability insurance policy, which has an aggregate limit of $610 million applicable to this event.developments.
Alaska Refinery Contamination Litigation
In 2010, James West filed a class action lawsuitWe are involved in state court in Fairbanks, Alaska on behalflitigation arising from our ownership and operation of individual property owners whose water contained sulfolane contamination allegedly emanating from the Flint Hills OilNorth Pole Refinery in North Pole, Alaska. The suit namedAlaska, from 1980 until 2004, through our subsidiary,wholly owned subsidiaries, Williams Alaska Petroleum Inc. (WAPI), and MAPCO Inc. We sold the refinery to Flint Hills Resources Alaska, LLC (FHRA), a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., in 2004. The litigation involves three cases, with filing dates ranging from 2010 to 2014. The actions arise from sulfolane contamination allegedly emanating from the refinery. A putative class action lawsuit was filed by James West in 2010 naming us, WAPI, and FHRA 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


Notes (Continued)


settled the claim with James West claim.West. Certain claims by FHRA against us were resolved by the Alaska Supreme Court in our favor. FHRA’s claims against us for contractual indemnification and statutory claims for damages related to off-site sulfolane remain pending.
On March 6, 2014, the The State of Alaska filed suit against FHRA, WAPI, and usits action in state court in FairbanksMarch 2014, seeking injunctive relief and damages in connection with sulfolane contamination of the water supply near the Flint Hills Oil Refinery in North Pole, Alaska. On May 5, 2014, FHRA filed cross-claims against us in the State of Alaska suit for contractual indemnification and statutory claims for damages related to off-site sulfolane.
On November 26, 2014, thedamages. The City of North Pole (North Pole) filed suitits lawsuit in Alaska state court in Fairbanks against FHRA, WAPI, and us alleging nuisance and violations of municipal ordinances and state statutes based upon the same alleged sulfolane contamination of the water supply. North Pole claims an unspecified amount ofNovember 2014, seeking past and future damages, as well as punitive damages against WAPI. FHRA filed cross-claims against us.
In October of 2015, the court consolidated the State of Alaska and North Pole cases.damages. Both we and WAPI asserted counterclaims against both the State of Alaska and North Pole, and cross-claims against FHRA. FHRA has also filed cross-claims against us.
The underlying factual basis and claims in the consolidated State of Alaska and North Pole actioncases are similar to and may duplicate exposure in the James West case.exposure. As such, onin February 9, 2017, the three cases were consolidated into one action in state court containing the remaining claims infrom the James West case were consolidated intoand those of the State of Alaska and North Pole action. APole. Several trial dates encompassing all three consolidated cases was originallyhave been scheduled


Notes (Continued)


to commence and stricken. Trial commenced in May 2017, but has been continued. A new trial date has not been scheduled.October 2019. Due to the ongoing assessment of the level and extent of sulfolane contamination, the lack of an articulated cleanup level for sulfolane, and the lack of a concrete remedial proposal and cost estimate, we are unable to estimate a range of exposure to the State of Alaska or North Pole at this time. We currently estimate that our reasonably possible loss exposure to FHRA 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.
Independent of the litigation matter described in the preceding paragraphs, in 2013, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation indicated that it views FHRA and us as responsible parties, and that it intendedintends to enter a compliance order to address the environmental remediation of sulfolane and other possible contaminants including cleanup work outside the refinery’s boundaries. To date, no compliance order has been issued. 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, and the previously described separate litigation, we are unable to estimate a range of exposure at this time.
Royalty Matters
Certain of our customers, including one major customer, have been named in various lawsuits alleging underpayment of royalties and claiming, among other things, violations of anti-trust laws and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We have also been named as a defendant in certain of these cases filed in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma based on allegations that we improperly participated with that major customer in causing the alleged royalty underpayments. The Oklahoma case was transferred to Texas and, on October 2, 2017, voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff. We believe that the claims asserted are subject to indemnity obligations owed to us by that major customer. DueThat customer has reached a tentative settlement to resolve substantially all Pennsylvania royalty cases pending, which settlement would apply to both the preliminary status of the cases, we are unable to estimate a range of potential loss at this time.
Shareholder Litigation
Between October 2015customer and December 2015, purported shareholders of us filed six putative class action lawsuits in the Delaware Court of Chancery that were consolidated into a single suit on January 13, 2016. This consolidated putative class action lawsuit relates to our terminated merger with Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (Energy Transfer).us. The complaint asserts various claims against the individual members of our Board of Directors, including that they breached their fiduciary duties by agreeing to sell us through an allegedly unfair process and for an allegedly unfair price and by allegedly failing to disclose allegedly material information about the merger. The complaint seeks, among other things, an injunction against the merger and an award of costs and attorneys’ fees. On March 22, 2016, the court granted the parties’ proposed order in the consolidated action to stay the proceedings pending the close of the transaction with Energy Transfer. The plaintiffs havesettlement as reported would not filed an amended complaint. On July 19, 2017, the court dismissed the action with prejudice as to plaintiffs and without prejudice as to all other shareholders ofrequire any contribution from us.
A purported shareholder filed a separate class action lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery on January 15, 2016. The putative class action complaint alleged that the individual members of our Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties by, among other things, agreeing to the WPZ Merger Agreement, which purportedly reduced the merger consideration to have been received in the subsequently proposed but now terminated merger with Energy Transfer. The plaintiff filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss, which the court granted on January 13, 2017. On September 2, 2016, the same purported shareholder filed a derivative action claiming that the members of our Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties by executing the WPZ Merger Agreement as a defensive measure against Energy Transfer. On September 28, 2016, we requested the court dismiss this action, and on May 15, 2017, the court dismissed the action. On June 6, 2017, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal.
On March 7, 2016, a purported unitholder of WPZ filed a putative class action on behalf of certain purchasers of WPZ units in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma. The action names as defendants us, WPZ, Williams Partners GP LLC, Alan S. Armstrong, and former Chief Financial Officer Donald R. Chappel and alleges violations of certain federal securities laws for failure to disclose Energy Transfer’s intention to pursue a purchase of us conditioned on us not closing the WPZ Merger Agreement when announcing the WPZ Merger Agreement. The complaint seeks, among other things, damages and an award of costs and attorneys’ fees. The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on August 31, 2016. On October 17, 2016, we requested the court dismiss the action, and on March 8, 2017, the court dismissed the complaint with prejudice. On April 7, 2017, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal.


Notes (Continued)


We cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss related to these matters at this time.
Litigation Against Energy Transfer and Related Parties
On April 6, 2016, we filed suit in Delaware Chancery Court against Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (Energy Transfer) and LE GP, LLC (the general partner for Energy Transfer) alleging willful and material breaches of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (Merger(ETE Merger Agreement) with Energy Transfer resulting from the private offering by Energy Transfer on March 8, 2016, of Series A Convertible Preferred Units (Special Offering) to certain Energy Transfer insiders and other accredited investors. The suit seeks, among other things, an injunction ordering the defendants to unwind the Special Offering and to specifically perform their obligations under the ETE Merger Agreement. On April 19, 2016, we filed an amended complaint seeking the same relief. On May 3, 2016, Energy Transfer and LE GP, LLC filed an answer and counterclaims.
On May 13, 2016, we filed a separate complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against Energy Transfer, LE GP, LLC, and the other Energy Transfer affiliates that are parties to the ETE Merger Agreement, alleging material breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement for failing to cooperate and use necessary efforts to obtain a tax opinion required under the ETE Merger Agreement (Tax Opinion) and for otherwise failing to use necessary efforts to consummate the merger under the ETE Merger Agreement wherein we would be merged with and into the newly formed Energy Transfer Corp LP (ETC) (ETC Merger). The suit sought, among other things, a declaratory judgment and injunction preventing Energy Transfer from terminating or otherwise avoiding its obligations under the ETE Merger Agreement due to any failure to obtain the Tax Opinion.


Notes (Continued)


The Court of Chancery coordinated the Special Offering and Tax Opinion suits. On May 20, 2016, the Energy Transfer defendants filed amended affirmative defenses and verified counterclaims in the Special Offering and Tax Opinion suits, alleging certain breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement by us and seeking, among other things, a declaration that we were not entitled to specific performance, that Energy Transfer could terminate the ETC Merger, and that Energy Transfer is entitled to a $1.48 billion termination fee. On June 24, 2016, following a two-day trial, the court issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying our requested relief in the Tax Opinion suit. The court did not rule on the substance of our claims related to the Special Offering or on the substance of Energy Transfer’s counterclaims. On June 27, 2016, we filed an appeal of the court’s decision with the Supreme Court of Delaware, seeking reversal and remand to pursue damages. On March 23, 2017, the Supreme Court of Delaware affirmed the Court of Chancery’s ruling. On March 30, 2017, we filed a motion for reargument with the Supreme Court of Delaware, which was denied on April 5, 2017.
On September 16, 2016, we filed an amended complaint with the Court of Chancery seeking damages for breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement by defendants. On September 23, 2016, Energy Transfer filed a second amended and supplemental affirmative defenses and verified counterclaim with the Court of Chancery seeking, among other things, payment of the $1.48 billion termination fee due to our alleged breaches of the ETE Merger Agreement. WeOn December 1, 2017, the court granted our motion to dismiss certain of Energy Transfer’s counterclaims, including its claim seeking payment of the $1.48 billion termination fee. On December 8, 2017, Energy Transfer filed a motion for reargument, which the Court of Chancery denied on April 16, 2018. The Court of Chancery previously scheduled trial for May 20 through May 24, 2019; the court struck the trial setting and has re-scheduled trial for June 8 through June 11 and June 15, 2020.
Former Olefins Business
SABIC Petrochemicals, the other interest owner in our former Geismar, Louisiana, olefins facility we sold in July 2017, is seeking recovery from us for losses it allegedly suffered, including its share of personal injury settlements in which it was a co-defendant, as well as amounts related to dismiss Energy Transfer’s counterclaims,lost income, defense costs, and property damage associated with an explosion and fire at the plant in June 2013. Due to the complexity of the various claims and available defenses, we are unable to reliably estimate any reasonably possible losses at this time. Trial began on October 14, 2019, as scheduled, but on October 21, 2019, the Court declared a mistrial due to the conduct of an officer of SABIC Petrochemicals and SABIC Petrochemicals’ expert witness. No new trial date has been set. We believe that certain losses incurred arising directly from the explosion and fire will be covered by our general liability policy and any uninsured losses are not expected to be material.
Other
On August 31, 2018, Transco submitted to the FERC a general rate filing principally designed to recover increased costs and to comply with the terms of the settlement in its prior rate proceeding. The new rates became effective March 1, 2019, subject to refund and the outcome of a hearing. In October 2019, we reached an agreement on the terms of a settlement with the participants that would resolve all issues in the rate case without the need for a hearing. Final resolution of the rate case is subject to the filing of a formal stipulation and agreement with, and subsequent approval by, the FERC. As of September 30, 2019, we have provided a $131 million reserve for rate refunds which was fully briefed on November 14, 2016, and oral argument occurred on November 30, 2016.we believe is adequate for any refunds that may be required.
Environmental Matters
We are a participant in certain environmental activities in various stages including assessment studies, cleanup operations, andand/or 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, andU.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or 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 September 30, 2017,2019, we have accrued liabilities totaling $40$33 million for these matters, as discussed below. Our accrual reflectsEstimates of the most likely costs of cleanup which are generally based on completed assessment studies, preliminary results of studies,


Notes (Continued)


or our experience with other similar cleanup operations. CertainAt September 30, 2019, certain assessment studies arewere 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 aboutTherefore, the actual number of contaminated sites ultimately


Notes (Continued)


identified,costs incurred will depend on the actualfinal amount, type, and extent of contamination discovered andat these sites, the final cleanup standards mandated by the EPA or other governmental authorities, and other governmental authorities.factors.
The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely promulgate and propose new rules and issue updated guidance to existing rules. More recent rules andThese rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine maximum achievable control technology, air quality standards for one hourone-hour nitrogen dioxide emissions, and volatile organic compound and methane new source performance standards impacting design and operation of storage vessels, pressure valves, and compressors. On October 1, 2015, theThe EPA previously issued its rule regarding National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone, setting a standard of 70 parts per billion.ozone. We are monitoring the rule’s implementation as it will trigger additional federal and evaluating potentialstate regulatory actions that may impact our operations. Implementation of the regulations is expected to result in impacts to our operations. For theseoperations and otherincrease the cost of additions to Property, plant, and equipment – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for both new regulations, weand existing facilities in affected areas. We are unable to reasonably estimate the costscost of asset additions or modifications necessarythat may be required to complymeet the regulations at this time 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 September 30, 20172019, we have accrued liabilities of $8$5 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 September 30, 20172019, 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 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 September 30, 20172019, we have accrued environmental liabilities of $24$20 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


Notes (Continued)


warranties, tax, historic litigation, personal injury, property damage, environmental matters, right of way, and other representations that we have provided.
At September 30, 20172019, 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


Notes (Continued)


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, none of which are expected to be material to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity, and financial position.
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 1315 – Segment Disclosures
We have oneOur reportable segment, Williams Partners.segments are Northeast G&P, Atlantic-Gulf, and West. All remaining business activities are included in Other. (See Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation.)
Our segment presentation of Williams Partners, which includes our consolidated master limited partnership, is reflective of the parent-level focus by our chief operating decision-maker, considering the resource allocation and governance provisions associated with the master limited partnership structure. This partnership maintains capital and cash management structures that are separate from ours. It is self-funding and maintains its own lines of bank credit and cash management accounts. These factors serve to differentiate the management of this entity as a whole.
Performance Measurement
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. Intersegment revenues primarily represent the sale of NGLs from our natural gas processing plants to our marketing business.
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);
Gain on remeasurement of equity-method investment;
Impairment of equity-method investments;
Other investing income (loss) net;
Impairment of goodwill;
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.

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.



Notes (Continued)




The following table reflects the reconciliation of Segment revenues to Total revenues as reported in the Consolidated Statement of OperationsIncome and Total assets by reportable segment.
 Northeast G&P Atlantic-Gulf West Other Eliminations Total
 (Millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Segment revenues:           
Service revenues           
External$340
 $718
 $433
 $4
 $
 $1,495
Internal13
 13
 
 3
 (29) 
Total service revenues353
 731
 433
 7
 (29) 1,495
Total service revenues – commodity consideration1
 7
 30
 
 
 38
Product sales           
External22
 66
 378
 
 
 466
Internal8
 10
 11
 
 (29) 
Total product sales30
 76
 389
 
 (29) 466
Total revenues$384
 $814
 $852
 $7
 $(58) $1,999
            
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Segment revenues:           
Service revenues           
External$236
 $595
 $533
 $7
 $
 $1,371
Internal11
 12
 
 3
 (26) 
Total service revenues247
 607
 533
 10
 (26) 1,371
Total service revenues – commodity consideration6
 18
 97
 
 
 121
Product sales           
External59
 46
 706
 
 
 811
Internal10
 85
 26
 
 (121) 
Total product sales69
 131
 732
 
 (121) 811
Total revenues$322
 $756
 $1,362
 $10
 $(147) $2,303
            
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Segment revenues:           
Service revenues           
External$925
 $2,102
 $1,384
 $13
 $
 $4,424
Internal34
 36
 
 9
 (79) 
Total service revenues959
 2,138
 1,384
 22
 (79) 4,424
Total service revenues – commodity consideration9
 33
 116
 
 
 158
Product sales           
External87
 169
 1,256
 
 
 1,512
Internal27
 57
 46
 
 (130) 
Total product sales114
 226
 1,302
 
 (130) 1,512
Total revenues$1,082
 $2,397
 $2,802
 $22
 $(209) $6,094
            
            
 
Williams
Partners
 Other Eliminations Total
 (Millions)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Segment revenues:       
Service revenues       
External$1,304
 $6
 $
 $1,310
Internal
 2
 (2) 
Total service revenues1,304
 8
 (2) 1,310
Product sales       
External581
 
 
 581
Internal
 
 
 
Total product sales581
 
 
 581
Total revenues$1,885
 $8
 $(2) $1,891
        
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Segment revenues:       
Service revenues       
External$1,241
 $6
 $
 $1,247
Internal11
 3
 (14) 
Total service revenues1,252
 9
 (14) 1,247
Product sales       
External655
 3
 
 658
Internal
 6
 (6) 
Total product sales655
 9
 (6) 658
Total revenues$1,907
 $18
 $(20) $1,905
        
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Segment revenues:       
Service revenues       
External$3,836
 $17
 $
 $3,853
Internal1
 8
 (9) 
Total service revenues3,837
 25
 (9) 3,853
Product sales       
External1,950
 
 
 1,950
Internal
 
 
 
Total product sales1,950
 
 
 1,950
Total revenues$5,787
 $25
 $(9) $5,803
        
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Segment revenues:       
Service revenues       
External$3,656
 $22
 $
 $3,678
Internal32
 17
 (49) 
Total service revenues3,688
 39
 (49) 3,678
Product sales       
External1,613
 10
 
 1,623
Internal
 16
 (16) 
Total product sales1,613
 26
 (16) 1,623
Total revenues$5,301
 $65
 $(65) $5,301
        
September 30, 2017       
Total assets$45,635
 $570
 $(85) $46,120
December 31, 2016       
Total assets$46,265
 $685
 $(115) $46,835





Notes (Continued)




 Northeast G&P Atlantic-Gulf West Other Eliminations Total
 (Millions)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Segment revenues:           
Service revenues           
External$677
 $1,769
 $1,599
 $17
 $
 $4,062
Internal30
 37
 
 9
 (76) 
Total service revenues707
 1,806
 1,599
 26
 (76) 4,062
Total service revenues – commodity consideration14
 45
 257
 
 
 316
Product sales           
External214
 131
 1,759
 
 
 2,104
Internal28
 198
 63
 
 (289) 
Total product sales242
 329
 1,822
 
 (289) 2,104
Total revenues$963
 $2,180
 $3,678
 $26
 $(365) $6,482
            
September 30, 2019           
Total assets$15,445
 $16,888
 $13,550
 $928
 $(530) $46,281
December 31, 2018           
Total assets$14,526
 $16,346
 $13,948
 $849
 $(367) $45,302

The following table reflects the reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net income (loss) as reported in the Consolidated Statement of OperationsIncome.
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Modified EBITDA by segment:       
Northeast G&P$345
 $281
 $947
 $786
Atlantic-Gulf599
 492
 1,683
 1,418
West311
 412
 921
 1,214
Other(2) 6
 1
 (49)
 1,253
 1,191
 3,552
 3,369
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations(8) (8) (25) (26)
Depreciation and amortization expenses(435) (425) (1,275) (1,290)
Equity earnings (losses)93
 105
 260
 279
Other investing income (loss) – net(107) 2
 (54) 74
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments(181) (205) (546) (552)
Interest expense(296) (270) (888) (818)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(77) (190) (244) (297)
Net income (loss)$242
 $200
 $780
 $739


 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Modified EBITDA by segment:       
Williams Partners$1,000
 $1,070
 $3,208
 $2,629
Other(61) (67) (60) (534)
 939
 1,003
 3,148
 2,095
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations(7) (9) (23) (24)
Depreciation and amortization expenses(433) (435) (1,308) (1,326)
Equity earnings (losses)115
 104
 347
 302
Impairment of equity-method investments
 
 
 (112)
Other investing income (loss) – net4
 28
 278
 64
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments(202) (194) (611) (574)
Interest expense(267) (297) (818) (886)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(24) (69) (126) 74
Net income (loss)$125
 $131
 $887
 $(387)



Item 2
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
We are an energy infrastructure company focused on connecting North America’s significant hydrocarbon resource plays to growing markets for natural gas and NGLs.NGLs through our gas pipeline and midstream business. Our operations are located principally in the United States. We have one reportable segment, Williams Partners. All remaining business activities are included in Other.
Williams Partners
Williams Partners consists of our consolidated master limited partnership, WPZ, which includes gas pipeline and midstream businesses. The gas pipeline businesses includeOur interstate natural gas pipelines and pipeline joint project investments; andstrategy is to create value by maximizing the midstream businesses provide natural gas gathering, treating, and processing services; NGL production, fractionation, storage, marketing, and transportation; deepwater production handling and crude oilutilization of our pipeline capacity by providing high quality, low cost transportation services; and is comprised of several wholly owned and partially owned subsidiaries and joint project investments. As of September 30, 2017, we own 74 percent of the interests in WPZ.
Williams Partners’ gas pipeline businesses consist primarily of Transco and Northwest Pipeline. The gas pipeline business also holds interests in joint venture interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline systems including a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream and a 41 percent interest in Constitution (a consolidated entity), which is under development. As of December 31, 2016, Transco and Northwest Pipeline owned and operated a combined total of approximately 13,600 miles of pipelines with a total annual throughput of approximately 4,230 Tbtu of natural gas to large and peak-day delivery capacity of approximately 15.5 MMdth of natural gas.
Williams Partners’ midstream businesses primarily consist of (1) naturalgrowing markets. Our gas gathering, treating, compression, and processing; (2) NGL fractionation, storage, and transportation; (3) crude oil production handling and transportation; and (4) olefins production. (See Note 3 – Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.) 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 Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, Niobrara, and Utica shale plays as well as the Mid-Continent region.
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 UEOM, a 69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain, a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman II, a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery, a 50 percent equity-method investment in OPPL, and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns an approximate average 66 percent equity-method investment interest in multiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments), as well as our previously owned 50 percent equity-method investment in the Delaware basin gas gathering system (DBJV) in the Mid-Continent region (see Note 4 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The midstream businesses previously included Canadian midstream operations, which were comprised of an oil sands offgas processing plant near Fort McMurray, Alberta and an NGL/olefin fractionation facility at Redwater, Alberta. In September 2016, these Canadian operations were sold.
Williams Partners’ ongoing strategy is to safely and reliably operate large-scale, interstate natural gas transmission and midstream infrastructures where our assets can be fully utilized and drive low per-unit costs. We focus on consistently attracting new business by providing highly reliable service to our customers and investing in growing markets and areas of increasing natural gas demand.
Williams Partners’pipeline businesses’ interstate transmission and related storage activities are subject to regulation by the FERC and as such, our rates and charges for the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, and the extension, expansion, or abandonment of jurisdictional facilities and accounting, among other things, are subject to regulation. The rates are established through the FERC’s ratemaking process. Changes in commodity prices and volumes transported have


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

limited near-term impact on these revenues because the majority of cost of service is recovered through firm capacity reservation charges in transportation rates.
Other
Our formerThe ongoing strategy of our midstream operations is to safely and reliably operate large-scale midstream infrastructure where our assets can be fully utilized and drive low per-unit costs. We focus on consistently attracting new business by providing highly reliable service to our customers. These services include natural gas gathering, processing, treating, and compression, NGL & Petchem Services segment included certain domestic olefins pipeline assetsfractionation and transportation, crude oil production handling and transportation, marketing services for NGL, crude oil, and natural gas, as well as certain Canadian assets,storage facilities.
Our operations are presented within the following reportable segments: Northeast G&P, Atlantic-Gulf, and West, consistent with the manner in which included a liquids extraction plant located near Fort McMurray, Alberta, that began operations in March 2016,our chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and a propane dehydrogenation facility which was under development. In September 2016, the Canadian assets were sold. Considering this, theallocates resources. All remaining assets are now reported within Other, effective January 1, 2017. Other also includes business activities that are not operating segments, as well as corporate operations. Prior period segment disclosures have been recast for this segment change.activities are included in Other. Our reportable segments are comprised of the following businesses:
Financial Repositioning
In January 2017, we announced agreements with WPZ, wherein we permanently waivedNortheast G&P is comprised of our midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the general partner’s IDRsMarcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and converted our 2West Virginia and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, including a 66 percent general partner interest in WPZ toCardinal (a consolidated entity), as well as a noneconomic69 percent equity-method investment in Laurel Mountain, a 58 percent equity-method investment in Caiman II, and Appalachia Midstream Services, LLC, which owns equity-method investments with an approximate average 66 percent interest in exchange for 289 million newly issued WPZ common units. Pursuant to this agreement, we also purchased approximately 277 thousand WPZ common units for $10 million. Additionally, we purchased approximately 59 million common units of WPZ atmultiple gas gathering systems in the Marcellus Shale (Appalachia Midstream Investments). Northeast G&P includes a price of $36.08586 per unit65 percent interest in a private placement transaction, funded with proceeds fromthe Northeast JV (a consolidated entity), which includes our equity offeringexisting Ohio Valley assets and UEOM (see Note 102Stockholders’ EquityAcquisitions of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). According
Atlantic-Gulf is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Transco, and significant natural gas gathering and processing and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, including a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One (a consolidated entity), which is a proprietary floating production system, as well as a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream, a 60 percent equity-method investment in Discovery, and a 41 percent interest in Constitution (a consolidated entity), which is developing a pipeline project (see Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
West is comprised of our interstate natural gas pipeline, Northwest Pipeline, and our gathering, processing, and treating operations in Colorado, Wyoming, the termsBarnett Shale region of this agreement, concurrent with WPZ’s quarterly distributionsnorth-central Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, the Permian Shale region of west Texas, the Haynesville Shale region of northwest Louisiana, and the Mid-Continent region which includes the Anadarko and Arkoma basins. This segment also includes our NGL and natural gas marketing business, storage facilities, an undivided 50 percent interest in February 2017an NGL fractionator near Conway, Kansas, a 50 percent equity-method investment in OPPL, a 50 percent equity-method investment in RMM, and May 2017, we paid additional consideration totaling $56 million to WPZ for these units. Subsequent to these transactionsa 15 percent equity-method investment in Brazos Permian II. West also included our former natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Colorado, which were sold during the fourth quarter of 2018, and our former 50 percent interest in Jackalope (an equity-method investment following deconsolidation as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, we own a 74 percent limited partner interest2018), which was sold in WPZ.
Termination of WPZ Merger Agreement
On May 12, 2015, we entered into an agreement for a unit-for-stock transaction whereby we would have acquired all of the publicly held outstanding common units of WPZ in exchange for shares of our common stock (WPZ Merger Agreement).
On September 28, 2015, prior to our entry into the Merger Agreement, we entered into a Termination Agreement and Release (Termination Agreement), terminating the WPZ Merger Agreement. Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, we were required to pay a $428 million termination fee to WPZ, at which time we owned approximately 60 percent, including the interests of the general partner and IDRs. Such termination fee settled through a reduction of quarterly incentive distributions we were entitled to receive from WPZ (such reduction not to exceed $209 million per quarter). The distributions from WPZ in November 2015, February 2016, and May 2016 were reduced by $209 million, $209 million, and $10 million, respectively, related to this termination fee.April 2019.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Dividends
In September 2017,2019, we paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.30$0.38 per share.
Overview of Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172019
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc., for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, changed favorably by $8962019, increased $310 millioncompared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2018, reflecting an increase$362 million of $972 million in operating income, a $214 million increase in Other investing income (loss) – netincreased service revenues primarily associated with expansion projects, a $269 million decrease to Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily due to the dispositionWPZ Merger, a $122 million gain on the second-quarter 2019 sale of certain equity-method investmentsour 50 percent interest in 2017,Jackalope, and the absence of $112a 2018 charge for a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits. These increases are partially offset by $186 million of impairments of equity-method investments incurred in 2016, and reduced2019, lower commodity margins, the absence of the Four Corners area business which was sold in October 2018, higher interest expense, partiallythe absence of a prior year $62 million gain on deconsolidation of Jackalope, lower Transco allowance for equity funds used during construction (AFUDC), and current year severance charges. Long-lived asset impairments in the current year were substantially offset by a $200 million increasesimilar levels of impairments in the provision for income taxes, driven by higher pre-tax income, partially offset by a $127 million benefit associated with the release of a valuation allowance on a capital loss carryover and a $378 million increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily due to increased income at WPZ. The improvement in operating income reflects a gain of $1.095 billion from the sale of our Geismar Interest, increase service revenue from expansion projects, and lower costs and expenses, partially offset by a $113 million decrease in product margins primarily due to the loss of olefins volumes as a result of the sale of our Gulf Olefins and Canadian operations, and a $425 million increase in impairments of certain assets.prior year.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Unless indicated otherwise, theThe following discussion and analysis ofresults of operations and financial condition and liquidity should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of this Form 10‑Q and our annual consolidated financial statementsAnnual Report on Form 10-K dated February 21, 2019.
Acquisition of UEOM
As of December 31, 2018, we owned a 62 percent interest in UEOM which we accounted for as an equity-method investment. On March 18, 2019, we signed and notes theretoclosed the acquisition of the remaining 38 percent interest in Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K dated May 25, 2017.
Pension Deferred Vested Benefit Early Payout Program
In September 2017, we initiated a program to pay out certain deferred vested pension benefits to reduce investment risk,UEOM. Total consideration paid, including post-closing adjustments, was $741 million in cash funding volatility,funded through credit facility borrowings and administrative costs. Eligible participants had until October 31, 2017, to make elections. We expect to make the lump-sum payments and commence the annuity payments in December 2017, and intend to fund the payments from existing assets in our pension plans.cash on hand. As a result of these payoutsacquiring this additional interest, we obtained control of and based on current assumptions,now consolidate UEOM. (See Note 2 – Acquisitions of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Northeast JV
Concurrent with the UEOM acquisition, we expectexecuted an agreement whereby we contributed our consolidated interests in UEOM and our Ohio Valley midstream business to record a pre-tax, non-cash settlement charge in the fourth quarternewly formed partnership. In June 2019, our partner invested approximately $1.33 billion (subject to post-closing adjustments) for a 35 percent ownership interest, and we retained 65 percent ownership of, 2017 that we estimate will be between $70 million and $100 million. The ultimate amount of the charge will largely depend upon the actual level of participation as well as operate and consolidate, the actuarial assumptions used to measure the pension plans’ assets and obligations, including the discount rates.Northeast JV business.
Williams Partners
New York Bay ExpansionSale of Jackalope
In October 2017,April 2019, we sold our interest in Jackalope for $485 million in cash, resulting in a gain on the New York Bay disposition of $122 million.
Expansion Project Update
Rivervale South to Market
In August 2018, we received approval from the Transco system was placed into service. The project expandedFERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 195 in Pennsylvaniathe existing Rivervale interconnection with Tennessee Gas Pipeline on Transco’s North New Jersey Extension to other existing Transco locations within New Jersey. The project was placed into partial service on July 1, 2019. The remaining portion of the Rockaway Delivery Lateral transfer point and the Narrows meter station in New York.project was placed into service on September 1, 2019. The full project increased capacity by 115190 Mdth/d.
DaltonOhio River Supply Hub Expansion
In August 2017, the Dalton expansionWe agreed to the Transco system was placed into service. This project expanded Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system together with greenfield facilitiesexpand our services for certain customers to provide incremental firm transportationadditional rich gas processing capacity from our Station 210 in New Jersey to marketsthe Marcellus and Upper Devonian Shale in northwest Georgia. On April 1, 2017, we began providing firm transportation service through the mainline portion of the project on an interim basisWest Virginia and we placed the full project into service in August 2017. The project increased capacity by 448 Mdth/d.
Hillabee
In July 2017, Phase I of the Hillabee Expansion Project was placed into service. The project involves an expansion of Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system from our Station 85 in west central Alabama to a new interconnection with the Sabal Trail pipeline in Alabama. The project will be constructed in phases, and all of the project expansion capacity will be leased to Sabal Trail. We placed a portion of Phase I into service in June of 2017 and the remainder of Phase I into service in July of 2017. Phase I increased capacity by 818 Mdth/d. The in-service date of Phase II is planned for the second quarter of 2020 and together they are expected to increase capacity by 1,025 Mdth/d.
In March 2016, WPZ entered into an agreement with the member-sponsors of Sabal Trail to resolve several matters. In accordance with the agreement, the member-sponsors paid us an aggregate amount of $240 million in three equal installments as certain milestones of the project were met. The first $80 million payment was received in March 2016, the second installment was received in September 2016 and the third installment was received in July 2017. WPZ expects to recognize income associatedPennsylvania. Associated with these receipts overagreements, we have expanded the terminlet processing capacity of the capacity lease agreement.
In August 2017, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted an appeal of the FERC certificate order for the Southeast Market Pipelines projects (a group of related projects, including the Hillabee Expansion Project) filed by certain non-governmental organizations. In doing so, the court (i) remanded the matterour Oak Grove facility to the FERC for preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement that conforms with the court’s opinion regarding quantifying certain greenhouse gas emissions, and (ii) vacated the FERC’s certificate order for the projects, which would be effective following the court’s mandate (by court order, the mandate will not issue until after disposition of all petitions for rehearing).400 MMdf/d. We along with other intervenors, and the FERC have filed petitions for rehearing with the court to overturnalso constructed




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


a new NGL pipeline from Moundsville to the remedyHarrison Hub fractionation facility to provide an additional outlet for NGLs. These expansions are supported by long-term, fee-based agreements and volumetric commitments.
Norphlet Project
In March 2016, we announced that we reached an agreement to provide deepwater gas gathering services to the Appomattox development in the Gulf of Mexico. We completed modifications to install an alternate delivery route to our Main Pass 261 Platform, as well as modifications to our onshore Mobile Bay processing facility. The project went in service early in July 2019, at which time we also purchased a 54-mile-long, 16-inch-diameter pipeline (the Norphlet Pipeline) for $200 million. This pipeline transports gas from the Appomattox development to our Main Pass 261 Platform.
Filing of Rate Case
On August 31, 2018, Transco filed a general rate case with the FERC for an overall increase in rates. In September 2018, with the exception of certain rates that reflected a rate decrease, the FERC accepted and suspended our general rate filing to be effective March 1, 2019, subject to refund and the outcome of a hearing. The specific rates that reflected a rate decrease were accepted, without suspension, to be effective October 1, 2018, as requested by Transco, and will not be subject to refund. In March 2019, the FERC accepted our motion to place the rates that were suspended by the September 2018 order into effect on March 1, 2019, subject to refund. In October 2019, we reached an agreement on the terms of a settlement with the participants that would involve vacatingresolve all issues in the FERC certificate order. Ifrate case without the court’s mandateneed for a hearing. Final resolution of the rate case is issued priorsubject to the FERC re-issuing certificate authorityfiling of a formal stipulation and agreement with, and subsequent approval by, the FERC. We have provided a reserve of $131 million for the projects,rate refunds which we believe is adequate for any refunds that the FERC will take the necessary steps (which may include issuing temporary certificate authority) to avoid any lapse in federal authorization for the projects.
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
We are not aware of any major damage to our facilities as a result of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Geismar olefins facility monetization
In July 2017, WPZ completed the sale of its Geismar Interest for $2.084 billion in cash. WPZ received a final working capital adjustment of $12 million in October 2017. Additionally, WPZ entered into a long-term supply and transportation agreement with the purchaser to provide feedstock to the plant via its Bayou Ethane pipeline system, which is expected to provide a long-term, fee-based revenue stream. (SeeNote 3 – Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Following this sale, the cash proceeds were used to repay WPZ’s $850 million term loan. WPZ also plans to use these proceeds to fund a portion of the capital and investment expenditures that are a part of its growth portfolio.
Acquisition of additional interests in Appalachia Midstream Investments
During the first quarter of 2017, WPZ exchanged all of its 50 percent interest in DBJV for an increased interest in two natural gas gathering systems that are part of the Appalachia Midstream Investments and $155 million in cash. Following this exchange, WPZ has an approximate average 66 percent interest in the Appalachia Midstream Investments. WPZ also sold all of its interest in Ranch Westex JV LLC for $45 million. These transactions resulted in a total gain of $269 million reflected in Other investing income (loss) – net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations within the Williams Partners segment. (See Note 4 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)be required.
Commodity Prices
NGL per-unit margins were approximately 6451 percent higherlower in the first nine months of 20172019 compared to the same period of 20162018 primarily due to a 4232 percent increasedecrease in per-unit non-ethane prices. The per-unit margin increase also reflects the absence of our former Canadian operations which had lower per-unit non-ethane margins in the prior year compared to our domestic operations. These favorable impacts were partially offset byprices and an approximate 373 percent increase in per-unit natural gas feedstock prices.
NGL margins are defined as NGL revenues less any applicable Btu replacement cost, plant fuel, and third-party transportation and fractionation. Per-unit NGL margins are calculated based on sales of our own equity volumes at the processing plants. Our equity volumes include NGLs where we own the rights to the value from NGLs recovered at our plants under both “keep-whole” processing agreements, where we have the obligation to replace the lost heating value with natural gas, and “percent-of-liquids” agreements whereby we receive a portion of the extracted liquids with no obligation to replace the lost heating value.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

The following graph illustrates the NGL production and sales volumes, as well as the margin differential between ethane and non-ethane products and the relative mix of those products.
chart3qtr2017rev1.jpg
The potential impact of commodity prices on our business for the remainder of 20172019 is further discussed in the following Company Outlook.
Company Outlook
Our strategy is to provide large-scale energy infrastructure designed to maximize the opportunities created by the vast supply of natural gas and natural gas products that exists in the United States. We accomplish this by connecting the growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks with our major positions in the premier natural gas and natural gas products supply basins. We continue to maintain a strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. We believe that accomplishing these goals will position us to deliver safe and reliable service to our customers and an attractive return to our shareholders.
Our business plan for 20172019 includes a continued focus on growing our fee-based businesses, executing growth projects, including through joint ventures, and accomplishing cost discipline initiatives to ensure operations support our strategy. We anticipate operating results will increase through organic business growth driven by Transco expansion projects and continued expansion in the previously discussed financial repositioning transactionsNortheast region.


Management’s Discussion and the monetization of our Geismar Interest. For WPZ, these transactions serve to improve its cost of capital, remove its need to access the public equity markets for the next several years, enhance growth, and provide for debt reduction, solidifying WPZ as an attractive financing vehicle. The transactions also facilitate a reduction of our parent-level debt and provide for dividend growth flexibility, while retaining strategic and financing flexibility.Analysis (Continued)

Our growth capital and investment expenditures in 20172019 are expected to be between $2.1 billion and $2.8 billion. Approximately $1.4in a range from $2.3 billion to $1.9 billion of our growth$2.5 billion. Growth capital funding needs includespending in 2019 includes Transco expansions, and other interstate pipeline growth projects, mostall of which are fully contracted with firm transportation agreements. The remaining growth capital spending in 2017 primarily reflects investment inagreements, and continuing to develop our gathering and processing systemsinfrastructure in the Northeast region limited primarily to known new producer volumes, including volumes that support Transco expansion projects including our Atlantic Sunrise project.G&P and West segments. In addition to growth capital and investment expenditures, we also


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

remain committed to projects that maintain our assets for safe and reliable operations, as well as projects that meet legal, regulatory, and/or contractual commitments.
As a result of our significant continued capital and investment expenditures on Transco expansionsexpansion projects and fee-based gathering and processing projects, as well as the sale of our Canadian operations and Geismar Interest, fee-based businesses are becoming an even morea significant component of our portfolio and serve to reduce the influence of commodity price fluctuations on our operating results and cash flows. We expect to benefit as continued growth in demand for low-cost natural gas is driven by increases in LNG exports, industrial demand, and power generation. For the remainder of 2017,2019, current forward market prices indicate crude oil, and natural gas, prices are expected to be relatively comparable to the same period in 2016, whileand NGL prices are expected to be higher. However, some of our customers maylower compared to 2018. We continue to curtail or delay drilling plans until there is a more sustained recovery in prices, which may negatively impact our gathering and processing volumes. The credit profilesaddress certain pricing risks through the utilization of certain of our producer customers have been, and may continue to be, challenged as a result of lower energy commodity prices. Unfavorable changes in energy commodity prices or the credit profile of our producer customers may also result in noncash impairments of our assets.hedging strategies.
In 2017,2019, our operating results are expected to include increases from our regulated Transco fee-based business, primarily related to projects recently placed in-service or expected to be placed in-servicebeginning early 2018 and 2019, as well as the favorable impact from Transco’s agreement on the terms of a settlement in 2017.its general rate case as previously discussed. For our non-regulated businesses, we anticipate increases in fee-based revenue due to expanded capacity in the Eastern Gulf area and a slight increase in fee-based revenue in the Northeast region. Partially offsetting these increases are expected declines in fee-based revenueG&P segment driven by expansion projects, partially offset with a decrease in the Western region.West segment primarily due to the absence of results of our former sold or deconsolidated assets, lower commodity margins and commodity-based gathering and processing rates, and reduced recognition of deferred revenue associated with the end of a contractual MVC period. We expect overall gathering and processing volumes to remain steadygrow in 2017 and increase thereafter to meet2019 for our continuing businesses. Additionally, we believe our expenses will be impacted by the growing demand for natural gas and natural gas products. We also anticipate lower general and administrative expenses due to cost reduction initiativeschanges in our asset portfolio, including the UEOM acquisition and asset monetizations.divestitures, as well as severance charges and other costs associated with our previously announced organizational realignment.
Potential risks and obstacles that could impact the execution of our plan include:
Opposition to, and legal regulations affecting, our infrastructure projects, including the risk of delay or denial in permits and approvals needed for our projects;
Unexpected significant increases in capital expenditures or delays in capital project execution;
Counterparty credit and performance risk, including that of Chesapeake Energy Corporationrisk;
Unexpected changes in customer drilling and its affiliates;production activities, which could negatively impact gathering and processing volumes;
Lower than anticipated demand for natural gas and natural gas products which could result in lower than expected volumes, energy commodity prices, and margins;
General economic, financial markets, or further industry downturn, including increased interest rates;
Physical damages to facilities, including damage to offshore facilities by named windstorms;
Lower than expected distributions from WPZ;
Other risks set forth under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017.21, 2019.
We seek to maintain a strong financial position and liquidity, as well as manage a diversified portfolio of energy infrastructure assets which continue to serve key growth markets and supply basins in the United States.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Expansion Projects
Williams Partners’Our ongoing major expansion projects include the following:
Appalachian BasinNortheast G&P
Susquehanna Supply Hub Expansion
We recently agreedcontinue to expand our services to a customer to provide 660 MMcf/d of processing wet gas capacitythe gathering systems in the Marcellus and Upper Devonian Shale in West Virginia. Associated with this agreement, we expectSusquehanna Supply Hub that are needed to further


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

expandmeet our customers’ production plans by 2020. This next expansion of the processing capacity of our Oak Grove facility, which has the ability to increase capacity bygathering infrastructure includes an additional 1.840,000 horsepower of new compression and gathering pipelines to bring the capacity to approximately 4.5 Bcf/d. Additionally, with the same customer, we secured a gathering dedication agreement to gather dry gas in this same region. These expansions will be supported by long-term, fee-based agreements and volumetric commitments.
Atlantic Sunrise
In February 2017, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system along with greenfield facilities to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from the northeastern Marcellus producing area to markets along Transco’s mainline as far south as Station 85 in west central Alabama. We placed a portion of the mainline project facilities into service on September 1, 2017 and it increased capacity by 400 Mdth/d. We plan to place the full project into service during mid-2018, assuming timely receipt of all remaining regulatory approvals. The full project is expected to increase capacity by 1,700 Mdth/d.Atlantic-Gulf
Constitution Pipeline
We currently own 41 percent of Constitution with three other parties holding 25 percent, 24 percent, and 10 percent, respectively. We will beare the operator of Constitution. The 126-mile Constitution pipeline willis proposed to connect our gathering system in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to the Iroquois Gas Transmission and Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems in New York, as well as to a local distribution company serving New York and Pennsylvania.
In December 2014, Constitution received approval from For further discussion on the FERC to construct and operate its proposed pipeline, which will have an expected capacitystatus of 650 Mdth/d. However, in April 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) denied the necessary water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the New York portion of the pipeline. In May 2016, Constitution appealed the NYSDEC’s denial of the Section 401 certification to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and in August 2017, the court issued a decision denying in part and dismissing in part Constitution’s appeal. The court expressly declined to rule on Constitution’s argument that the delay in the NYSDEC’s decision on Constitution’s Section 401 application constitutes a waiver of the certification requirement. The court determined that it lacked jurisdiction to address that contention, and found that jurisdiction over the waiver issue lies exclusively with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. As to the denial itself, the court determined that NYSDEC’s action was not arbitrary or capricious. Constitution filed a petition for rehearing of the Second Circuit Court’s decision, but in October the court denied our petition.
We remain steadfastly committed to thethis project, and in October 2017 we filed a petition for declaratory order requesting the FERC to find that, by operation of law, the Section 401 certification requirement for the New York State portion of Constitution’s pipeline project was waived due to the failure by the NYSDEC to act on Constitution’s Section 401 application within a reasonable period of time as required by the express terms of such statute.
In light of the NYSDEC’s denial of the water quality certification and the actions taken to challenge the decision, the anticipated target in-service date is as early as the first half of 2019, which assumes the timely receipt of a Notice to Proceed from the FERC. (Seesee Note 24 – Variable Interest Entities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Eagle Ford
We plan to expand our gathering infrastructure in the Eagle Ford region in order to meet our customers’ production plans. The expansion of the gathering infrastructure includes the addition of well connections and gathering pipeline to the existing systems.
Garden StateGateway
In April 2016,December 2018, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from PennEast Pipeline Company’s proposed interconnection with Transco’s mainline south of Station 210205 in New Jersey to a new interconnection on our Trenton Woodbury Lateral inother existing Transco meter stations within New Jersey. The project will be constructed in phases and is expectedWe plan to increase capacity by 180 Mdth/d. We placed the initial phase ofplace the project into service on September 9, 2017 and plan to place the remaining portion of the project into service during the second quarter of 2018.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Gulf Connector
In August 2016, we filed an application with the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 65 in Louisiana to delivery points in Wharton and San Patricio Counties, Texas. The project will be constructed in two phases and we plan to place both phases into service during the first half of 2019,2020, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 47565 Mdth/d.
Hillabee
In February 2016, the FERC issued a certificate order for the initial phases of Transco’s Hillabee Expansion Project. The project involves an expansion of Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system from Station 85 in west central Alabama to a new interconnection with the Sabal Trail pipeline in Alabama. The project will beis being constructed in phases, and all of the project expansion capacity will be leasedis dedicated to Sabal Trail. We placedTrail pursuant to a portion ofcapacity lease agreement. Phase I into servicewas completed in June of 2017 and the remainder of Phase I into service in July of 2017. Phase Iit increased capacity by 818 Mdth/d. The in-service date of Phase II is planned for the second quarter of 2020, and together theyPhases I and II are expected to increase capacity by 1,025 Mdth/d. See Williams Partners within Overview of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017.
Norphlet ProjectNortheast Supply Enhancement
In March 2016,May 2019, we announced that we have reached an agreementreceived approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide deepwater gas gathering servicesincremental firm transportation capacity from Station 195 in Pennsylvania to the Appomattox developmentRockaway Delivery Lateral transfer point in New York. Approvals required for the project from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection remain pending, with each such agency having denied, without prejudice, Transco’s applications for such approvals. We have refiled our applications for those approvals and have addressed the technical issues identified by the agencies. We plan to place the project into service in the Gulffourth quarter of Mexico. The project will provide offshore gas gathering services to our existing Transco lateral, which will provide transmission services onshore to our Mobile Bay processing facility. We also plan to make modifications to our Main Pass 261 Platform to install an alternate delivery route from the platform, as well as modifications to our Mobile Bay processing facility.2020, assuming timely receipt of these remaining approvals. The project is scheduledexpected to goincrease capacity by 400 Mdth/d.
Southeastern Trail
In October 2019, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from the Pleasant Valley interconnect with Dominion’s Cove Point Pipeline in Virginia to the Station 65 pooling point in Louisiana. We plan to place the project into


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

service in late 2020, assuming timely receipt of all remaining necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 296 Mdth/d.
Leidy South
In July 2019, we filed an application with the FERC for approval of the project to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system and also extend its system through a capacity lease with National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation that will enable us to provide incremental firm transportation from Clermont, Pennsylvania and from the Zick interconnection on Transco’s Leidy Line to the River Road regulating station in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We plan to place the project into service duringin the second half of 2019.2022, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 582 Mdth/d.
West
North Seattle Lateral Upgrade
In May 2017,July 2018, we filed an application withreceived approval from the FERC to expand delivery capabilities on Northwest Pipeline’s North Seattle Lateral. The project consists of the removal and replacement of approximately 5.9 miles of 8-inch diameter pipeline with new 20-inch diameter pipeline. We plan to place the project into service as early asduring the fourth quarter of 2019. The project is expected to increase delivery capacity by up toapproximately 159 Mdth/d.
Northeast Supply EnhancementWamsutter Expansion
In March 2017, we filed an application withWe have expanded our gathering and processing infrastructure in the FERCWamsutter region of Wyoming in order to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission systemmeet our customers’ production plans. We have completed construction of new compressor stations and modifications to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from Station 195our processing facilities, which are now in Pennsylvaniaservice. The expansion added approximately 20 miles of gathering pipelines and approximately 15,000 horsepower of compression. Additional expansion is expected in 2020, subject to the Rockaway Delivery Lateral transfer pointlevel of production activity in New York. the area.
Project Bluestem
We planare expanding our presence in the Mid-Continent region through building a 188-mile pipeline from our fractionator near Conway, Kansas to placean interconnect with a third-party NGL pipeline system in Oklahoma, providing us with firm access to Mt. Belvieu pricing. As part of the project, into service in late 2019 orthe third-party intends to construct a 110-mile pipeline extension of their existing NGL pipeline system that will have an initial capacity of 120 Mbbls/d. Further, during the first halfquarter of 2020, assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.2019, we exercised an option to purchase a 20 percent equity interest in a Mt. Belvieu fractionation train developed by the third party. The project ispipeline and extension projects are expected to increase capacity by 400 Mdth/d.
Susquehanna Supply Hub Expansion
The Susquehanna Supply Hub Expansion, which involves two new compression facilities with an additional 49,000 horsepower and 59 miles of 12 inch to 24 inch pipeline, is expected to increase gathering capacity, allowing a certain producer to fulfill its commitment to deliver 850 Mdth/d to our Atlantic Sunrise development. We anticipate this expansion will be completed by the end of 2017.
Virginia Southside II
In July 2016, we received approval from the FERC to expand Transco’s existing natural gas transmission system together with greenfield facilities to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from our Station 210 in New Jersey and our Station 165 in Virginia to a proposed delivery point on a new lateral extending from our Brunswick Lateral in Virginia. We plan to place the projectplaced into service during the fourthfirst quarter of 2017 and it is expected to increase capacity by 250 Mdth/d.2021.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Critical Accounting Estimates
Constitution Pipeline Capitalized Project Costs
As of September 30, 2017, 2019, Property, plant, and equipmentinour Consolidated Balance Sheet includes approximately $381$376 million of capitalized project costs for Constitution, for which we are the construction manager and own a 41 percent consolidated interest. As a result of the events discussed in Company Outlook,Note 4 – Variable Interest Entities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we have evaluated the capitalized project costs for impairment as recently as September 30, 2017, and determined that no impairment was necessary. Our evaluation considered probability-weighted scenarios of undiscounted future net cash flows, including a scenarioscenarios assuming construction of the pipeline, as well as a scenario where the project does not proceed. It is reasonably possible that future unfavorable developments, such as failure to successfully renegotiate associated customer contracts, increased estimates of construction costs, or further significant delays, could result in a future impairment.
Regulatory Liabilities Resulting from Tax Reform
In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) was enacted, which, among other things, reduced the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. Rates charged to customers of our regulated natural gas


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

pipelines are subject to the rate-making policies of the FERC, which have historically permitted the recovery of an income tax allowance that includes a deferred income tax component. Due to the reduced income tax rate from Tax Reform and the collection of historical rates that reflected historical federal income tax rates, we expect that our regulated natural gas pipelines will be required to return amounts to certain customers through future rates. As a result, we established regulatory liabilities during 2017 and at September 30, 2019, these liabilities total $609 million. The timing and actual amount of such return related to Transco will be subject to the final outcome of the rate case discussed in Overview while the amount of such return related to Northwest Pipeline will be subject to future negotiations regarding this matter and many other elements of cost-of-service rate proceedings, including other costs of providing service.
Equity-Method Investments
We continue to monitor the capitalized project costs associated with Constitutionour equity-method investments for potential impairment.

Property, Plant, and Equipment and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
We evaluate our property, plant, and equipment and other identifiable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our judgment,any indications that the carrying value may have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in value. When evidence of such assets may not be recoverable. When an indicator of impairmenta loss in value has occurred, we compare our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assetsfair value of the investment to the carrying value of the assetsinvestment to determine whether an impairment has occurred and we may apply a probability-weighted approach to consider the likelihood of different cash flow assumptions and possible outcomes including selling in the near term or holding for the remaining estimated useful life. If an impairment of the carrying value has occurred, we determine the amount of the impairment recognized by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.
As disclosed in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10–K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10–Q, we may monetize assets that are not core to our strategy which could result in impairments of certain equity–method investments, property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets. Such impairments could potentially be caused by indications of fair value implied through the monetization process or, in the case of asset dispositions that are part of a broader asset group, the impact of the loss of future estimated cash flows.
During the third quarter of 2017, we received solicitations and engaged in negotiations for the sale of certain gas gathering assets within the Mid-Continent region. As a result of these events, we evaluated the Mid-Continent asset group, which includes property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets, for impairment. Our evaluation considered the likelihood of divesting certain assets within the Mid-Continent region as well as information developed from the negotiation process that impacted ouroccurred. We generally estimate of future cash flows associated with these assets. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows were determined to be below the carrying amount for these assets. We computed the estimated fair value using an income approach and incorporated market inputs based on ongoing negotiations for the potential sale of a portion of the underlying assets. For the income approach, we utilized a discount rate of 10.2 percent, reflecting an estimate of our cost of capital and risks associated with the underlying assets. As a result of this evaluation, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.019 billion for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying amount of these assets.
Judgments and assumptions are inherent in estimating undiscounted future cash flows, fair values, and the probability-weighting of possible outcomes. The use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in a different determination affecting the consolidated financial statements.

Equity-Method Investment in UEOM
As of September 30, 2017, the carrying value of our equity-method investment in UEOM is $1.4 billion. During the third quarter of 2017, we became aware of potential changes to the future drilling plans of a certain producer which could delay and/or reduce volumes available for processing at UEOM. As a result, we evaluated this investment for impairment at September 30, 2017, and determined that no impairment was necessary.
We estimated the fair value of our investment in UEOMinvestments using an income approach that included probability-weighted scenarios assuming varying levelswhere significant judgments and assumptions include expected future cash flows and the appropriate discount rate. In some cases, we may utilize a form of volume declines, as well as a scenario with less volume degradation as a resultmarket approach to estimate the fair value of an assumed saleour investments. During 2019, we have recognized impairments totaling $186 million related to our equity-method investments. (See Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of the underlying reservesNotes to another producer. We utilized a discount rate of 10.8 percent.Consolidated Financial Statements.)






Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


The estimated fair value of our investment in UEOM exceeded its carrying value by more than 10 percent. Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimates of future cash flows, discount rates, and scenario probabilities. The use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in a different calculation of fair value, which could ultimately result in the recognition of an impairment charge in the consolidated financial statements.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)



Results of Operations
Consolidated Overview
The following table and discussion is a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2019, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.2018. The results of operations by segment are discussed in further detail following this consolidated overview discussion.
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
     Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
    Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
     Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
    
2017 2016 $ Change* % Change* 2017 2016 $ Change* % Change*2019 2018 $ Change* % Change* 2019 2018 $ Change* % Change*
(Millions)     (Millions)    (Millions)     (Millions)    
Revenues:                              
Service revenues$1,310
 $1,247
 +63
 +5 % $3,853
 $3,678
 +175
 +5 %$1,495
 $1,371
 +124
 +9 % $4,424
 $4,062
 +362
 +9 %
Service revenues – commodity consideration38
 121
 -83
 -69 % 158
 316
 -158
 -50 %
Product sales581
 658
 -77
 -12 % 1,950
 1,623
 +327
 +20 %466
 811
 -345
 -43 % 1,512
 2,104
 -592
 -28 %
Total revenues1,891
 1,905
     5,803
 5,301
    1,999
 2,303
     6,094
 6,482
    
Costs and expenses:                              
Product costs504
 461
 -43
 -9 % 1,620
 1,180
 -440
 -37 %434
 790
 +356
 +45 % 1,442
 2,039
 +597
 +29 %
Processing commodity expenses19
 30
 +11
 +37 % 83
 91
 +8
 +9 %
Operating and maintenance expenses400
 394
 -6
 -2 % 1,157
 1,179
 +22
 +2 %364
 389
 +25
 +6 % 1,091
 1,134
 +43
 +4 %
Depreciation and amortization expenses433
 435
 +2
  % 1,308
 1,326
 +18
 +1 %435
 425
 -10
 -2 % 1,275
 1,290
 +15
 +1 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses138
 177
 +39
 +22 % 452
 556
 +104
 +19 %130
 174
 +44
 +25 % 410
 436
 +26
 +6 %
Gain on sale of Geismar Interest(1,095) 
 +1,095
 NM
 (1,095) 
 +1,095
 NM
Impairment of certain assets1,210
 1
 -1,209
 NM
 1,236
 811
 -425
 -52 %
 
 
 
 76
 66
 -10
 -15 %
Other (income) expense – net24
 92
 +68
 +74 % 34
 130
 +96
 +74 %(11) (6) +5
 +83 % 30
 24
 -6
 -25 %
Total costs and expenses1,614
 1,560
     4,712
 5,182
    1,371
 1,802
     4,407
 5,080
    
Operating income (loss)277
 345
     1,091
 119
    628
 501
     1,687
 1,402
    
Equity earnings (losses)115
 104
 +11
 +11 % 347
 302
 +45
 +15 %93
 105
 -12
 -11 % 260
 279
 -19
 -7 %
Impairment of equity-method investments
 
 
 NM
 
 (112) +112
 +100 %
Other investing income (loss) – net4
 28
 -24
 -86 % 278
 64
 +214
 NM
(107) 2
 -109
 NM
 (54) 74
 -128
 NM
Interest expense(267) (297) +30
 +10 % (818) (886) +68
 +8 %(296) (270) -26
 -10 % (888) (818) -70
 -9 %
Other income (expense) – net20
 20
 
  % 115
 52
 +63
 +121 %1
 52
 -51
 -98 % 19
 99
 -80
 -81 %
Income (loss) before income taxes149
 200
     1,013
 (461)    319
 390
     1,024
 1,036
    
Provision (benefit) for income taxes24
 69
 +45
 +65 % 126
 (74) -200
 NM
77
 190
 +113
 +59 % 244
 297
 +53
 +18 %
Net income (loss)125
 131
     887
 (387)    242
 200
     780
 739
    
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests92
 70
 -22
 -31 % 400
 22
 -378
 NM
21
 71
 +50
 +70 % 54
 323
 +269
 +83 %
Net income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.$33
 $61
     $487
 $(409)    $221
 $129
     $726
 $416
    


*+ = Favorable change; - = Unfavorable change; NM = A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a change in signs, a zero-value denominator, or a percentage change greater than 200.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


Three months ended September 30, 20172019 vs. three months ended September 30, 20162018
Service revenuesincreased primarily due to higher revenues from the Barnett Shale related to the amortization of deferred revenue associated with the restructuring of contracts in the fourth quarter of 2016, as well as higher volumes primarily associated with Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues at Transco associated with expansion projects placed in-service during 2016in service in 2019 and 2017, partially offset by lower rates2018, from UEOM, which is now a consolidated entity after the remaining ownership interest was purchased in March 2019, and from higher volumes at the western region also associated with the fourth quarter 2016 contract restructuring. The increase in Service revenues was also partially offset by lower volumes in most of the Utica Shale and western regions, driven by natural declines.
Product sales decreased primarily due to lower olefin sales associated with decreased volumes related to the sale of our Geismar Interest in July 2017, our Canadian operations in September 2016, and our RGP Splitter in June 2017. The decrease in Product sales is partially offset by higher marketing sales primarily due to significantly higher prices, partially offset by lower volumes.
The increase in Product costs is primarily due to the same factors that increased marketing sales, partially offset by lower olefin feedstock and natural gas purchases associated with decreased volumes.
Operating and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to an increase in Transco pipeline integrity testing and costs, and general maintenance.Susquehanna Supply Hub. These increases are partially offset by the absence of revenues associated with asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including our former Four Corners area operations, and lower deferred revenue recognition in the Barnett Shale associated with the end of a contractual MVC period.
Service revenues – commodity consideration decreased primarily due to lower NGL prices, and lower volumes due to the absence of our former Four Corners area operations and ethane rejection. These revenues represent consideration we receive in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for processing services provided. Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Product costs below.
Product salesdecreased primarily due to lower NGL and natural gas prices associated with our marketing and equity NGL sales activities. This decrease also includes lower volumes from our equity NGL sales primarily reflecting the absence of our former Canadian and Gulf OlefinsFour Corners area operations and ongoing cost containment efforts.lower system management gas sales, partially offset by higher marketing volumes. Marketing revenues and system management gas sales are substantially offset in Product costs.
DepreciationProduct costs decreased primarily due to lower NGL and amortizationnatural gas prices associated with our marketing and equity NGL production activities. This decrease also includes lower volumes acquired as commodity consideration for NGL processing services reflecting the absence of our former Four Corners area operations and lower system management gas costs, partially offset by higher volumes for marketing activities.
Operating and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of our former CanadianFour Corners area operations and Gulf Olefins operations, offset by new assets placed in-service.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased primarilya decrease in Transco’s contracted services mainly due to the absencetiming of project developmentrequired engine overhauls and integrity testing, partially offset by the consolidation of UEOM, and by an accrual for estimated severance and related costs incurred in the third quarter of 2016primarily associated with our former Canadian PDH facility, lower strategic alternatives costs, and the absence of costs associated with our former Canadian and Gulf Olefins operations. These decreases were partially offset by higher organizational realignment and severance costs. (Seevoluntary separation program (VSP) (see Note 56 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)Statements).
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to the consolidation of UEOM and new assets placed in service, substantially offset by the 2018 impairment of certain assets in the Barnett Shale region.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to the absences of a charge for a 2018 charitable contribution of preferred stock to The GainWilliams Companies Foundation, Inc. and fees associated with the WPZ Merger.
The favorable change in Other (income) expense – net within Operating income (loss) includes net favorable changes to charges and credits to regulatory assets and liabilities, partially offset by the absence of a 2018 gain on sale of Geismar Interest reflects the gain recognized on the sale of our Geismar Interest in July 2017. (Seeasset retirement (see Note 36DivestituresOther Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)Statements).
The favorable change in Operating income (loss) includes an increase in Service revenues primarily associated with Transco projects placed in-service and higher gathering volumes in the Northeast region, the absence of a charge for a charitable contribution of preferred stock to the Williams Foundation, Inc., and the absence of fees associated with the WPZ Merger, partially offset by unfavorable commodity margins primarily reflecting lower NGL sales prices and lower volumes.
The unfavorable change in Impairment of certain assets reflects the 2017Other investing income (loss) – net is primarily due to 2019 impairments of certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent and Marcellus South regions and certain NGL pipeline assetsto our equity-method investments, including Laurel Mountain (see Note 1113 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The favorable change inOther (income)Interest expense – net within Operating income (loss) includes the absence of the 2016 loss on the sale of our Canadian operations, as well as lower product development costs at Constitution.
Operating income (loss) changed unfavorably increased primarily due to the 2017 impairment of certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent and Marcellus South regions and lower olefin product margins resulting from the sale of our Geismar Interest and Canadian operations, partially offset by the gain on sale of our Geismar Interest, higher service revenues associated with certain projects placed in-service, and the absence of a 2016 loss on the sale of our Canadian operations.
The favorable change in Equity earnings (losses) is due to an increase in ownership of our Appalachian Midstream Investments, partially offset byfinancing obligations associated with Transco’s Atlantic Sunrise project and lower Discovery resultscapitalized interest due to lower fee revenues, and lower UEOM results driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system.
Other investing income (loss) – net decreased due to the absence of a 2016 gain on the sale of an equity-method investment interestprojects placed in a gathering system that was part of our Appalachia Midstream Investments gathering system. (See Note 4 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)service.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


Interest expense decreasedThe unfavorable change in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) is primarily due to lower Interest incurred primarily attributable to debt retirementsa decrease in equity AFUDC associated with reduced capital expenditures on projects and lower borrowings on our credit facilities in 2017. (See Note 9 – Debt and Banking Arrangements of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)2019 charges for loss contingencies associated with former operations.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes changed favorably primarily due to lower pretax income.the absence of a $105 million 2018 valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets that may not be realized following the WPZ merger, partially offset by higher pre-tax income attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc. See Note 67 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effective tax rate compared to the federal statutory rate for both periods.
The unfavorablefavorable change in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is primarily due to the impact of decreased income allocated to the WPZ general partner driven by the permanent waiver of IDRs, partially offset by a decrease in the ownershipour third- quarter 2018 acquisition of the noncontrollingpublicly held interests and lower operating results at WPZ. Both the permanent waiver of IDRs and the change in ownership areWPZ associated with the first-quarter 2017 Financial Repositioning (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business, and Basis of Presentation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).WPZ Merger.
Nine months ended September 30, 20172019 vs. nine months ended September 30, 20162018
Service revenuesincreased due to the recognition of deferred revenue in the Barnett Shale region associated with the restructuring of contracts in the fourth quarter of 2016. Service revenues also increasedprimarily due to higher volumes primarilytransportation fee revenues at Transco associated with expansion projects placed in service in 2019 and 2018 and the eastern Gulf Coast region, including the impactconsolidation of new volumes at Gulfstar One related to the Gunflint expansion placed in-service in the third quarter of 2016, the absence of the temporary shut-down of Gulfstar One in the second quarter of 2016 to tie into Gunflint, the absence of producers’ 2016 operational issues in the Tubular Bells field in the first quarter of 2016, andUEOM, as well as higher volumes at Devils Tower related to Kodiak field production. Additionally, Transco experiencedthe Susquehanna Supply Hub, and higher natural gas transportation fee revenues reflecting expansion projects placed in-servicerates and volumes from new wells in 2016 and 2017, as well as an increase in storage revenues due to the absence of an accrual for potential refunds associated with a ruling received in certain rate case litigation in 2016. These increases were partially offset by lower rates primarily in the Barnett Shale region associated with the previously discussed contract restructure, as well as lower volumes in most of the Utica Shale and western regions driven by natural declines and extreme weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains in 2017. Service revenuesregion. These increases were alsoare partially offset by the absence of revenues associated with asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including our former CanadianFour Corners area operations, and Gulf Olefins operations.
Product sales increased due to higher marketing revenues primarilylower deferred revenue recognition in the Barnett Shale associated with significantly higher prices and volumes. Revenues from the saleend of our equity NGLs increased primarily due to higher non-ethane NGL prices, partially offset by lower volumes. These increases were partially offset by lower olefin production salesa contractual MVC period.
Service revenues – commodity consideration decreased due to lower volumes resulting from the sale of our former Gulf OlefinsNGL prices and Canadian operations.
The increase in Product costs is primarily due to the same factors that increased marketing sales, partially offset by lower olefin feedstock purchases associated with the sale of our Gulf Olefins and Canadian operations.
Operating and maintenance expenses decreasedvolumes primarily due to the absence of our former Four Corners area operations. These revenues represent consideration we receive in the form of commodities as full or partial payment for processing services provided. Most of these NGL volumes are sold within the month processed and therefore are offset in Product costs below.
Product salesdecreased primarily due to lower NGL and natural gas prices associated with our marketing and equity NGL sales activities and lower volumes from our equity NGL sales primarily reflecting the absence of our former Canadian and Gulf OlefinsFour Corners area operations and lower labor-related costs resulting from our workforce reductions that occurred late in first-quarter 2016, and ongoing cost containment efforts. These decreases aresystem management gas sales, partially offset by an increasehigher marketing volumes. Marketing revenues and system management gas sales are substantially offset in pipeline integrity testing on Transco,Product costs.
Product costs decreased primarily due to lower NGL and general maintenance.natural gas prices associated with our marketing and equity NGL production activities. This decrease also includes lower volumes acquired as commodity consideration for NGL processing services reflecting the absence of our former Four Corners area operations and lower system management gas costs, partially offset by higher volumes for marketing activities.
DepreciationOperating and amortizationmaintenance expensesdecreased primarily due to the absence of our former CanadianFour Corners area operations, partially offset by the consolidation of UEOM, and Gulf Olefinsby an accrual for estimated severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP.
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to the 2018 impairment of certain assets in the Barnett Shale region and the absence of our former Four Corners area operations, partially offset by new assets placed in-service.in service and by the consolidation of UEOM.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to the absenceabsences of certain project development costsa charitable contribution of preferred stock to the Williams Foundation, Inc. and fees associated with the Canadian PDH facility that we expensedWPZ Merger, partially offset by an accrual for estimated severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP, and transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of UEOM and the formation of the Northeast JV.
The unfavorable change in 2016, lower labor-related costs resulting from our workforce reductions that occurred late inImpairment of certain assets includes a second-quarter 2019 impairment of certain Eagle Ford Shale gathering assets and a first-quarter 2016, ongoing cost containment efforts,2019 impairment of certain idle gathering assets, partially offset by the absence of costs associated with our former Canadian operations, as well as lower strategic development costs. These decreases were partially offset by higher severancea 2018 impairment of certain idle pipelines.
The unfavorable change in Other (income) expense – net within Operating income (loss) includes the absence of a 2018 gain on asset retirement, a 2019 charge for the reversal of expenditures previously capitalized, and organizational realignment costs. (Seenet unfavorable


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

changes to charges and credits to regulatory assets and liabilities (see Note 56 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)Statements).
The Gain on salefavorable change in Operating income (loss) includes an increase in Service revenues primarily associated with Transco projects placed in-service and higher gathering volumes in the Northeast region, the favorable impact of Geismar Interest reflectsacquiring the gain recognized onadditional interest of UEOM, the saleabsence of a charitable contribution of preferred stock to the Williams Foundation, Inc., and the absence of fees associated with the WPZ Merger. These favorable changes were partially offset by the impact of asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including our Geismar Interest in July 2017. (See Note 3 – Divestituresformer Four Corners area operations, unfavorable commodity margins primarily reflecting lower NGL sales prices and lower volumes, an accrual for estimated severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP, and transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)UEOM and the formation of the Northeast JV.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

The unfavorable change in Impairment of certain assetsOther investing income (loss) – netreflects 2017noncash impairments of certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent and Marcellus South regions, certain NGL pipeline assets, and an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf coast region. These 2017 impairments are partially offset by the absence of 2016 impairments of our former Canadian operations and certain Mid-Continent assetsto equity method investments (see Note 1113 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The favorable change in Other (income) expense – net within Operating income (loss) includes the absence of the 2016 loss on the sale of our Canadian operations, gains from certain contract settlements and terminations in 2017, a gain on the sale of our RGP Splitter in 2017, the absence of an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange associated with our former Canadian operations, insurance proceeds received in 2017 associated with the Geismar Incident, and lower project development costs at Constitution. These favorable changes were partially offset by the accrual of additional expenses in 2017 related to the Geismar Incident, as well as the absence of a 2018 gain on deconsolidation of our former Jackalope operations, partially offset by a 2019 gain on sale of our equity-method investment in first-quarter 2016Jackalope.
Interest expense increased primarily due to an increase in financing obligations associated with the sale of unused pipe.Transco’s Atlantic Sunrise project.
The unfavorable change in Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) is primarily due to a decrease in equity AFUDC associated with reduced capital expenditures on projects.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes changed favorably primarily due to the gain on sale of our Geismar Interest, the absence of the 2016 impairments of our former Canadian operations and certain Mid-Continent assets, higher service revenues from expansion projects placed in-service in 2016 and 2017, as well as ongoing cost containment efforts, including workforce reductions in first-quarter 2016. Operating income (loss) also improved due to the absence of a 2016 loss$105 million 2018 valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets that may not be realized following the sale of our Canadian operations, the absence of an operating loss associated with our former Canadian operations, gains from certain contract settlements, and the sale of our RGP Splitter. These favorable changes wereWPZ merger, partially offset by a 2017 impairment of certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent and Marcellus South regions, and certain NGL pipeline assets, as well as the absence of operatinghigher pre-tax income associated with our former Gulf Olefins operations.
The favorable change in Equity earnings (losses) is due to an increase in ownership of our Appalachian Midstream Investments, improved results at Laurel Mountain Midstream due to higher rates, and improved results at Discovery attributable to the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue, partially offset by lower UEOM results driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system.
The decrease in Impairment of equity-method investments reflects the absence of first-quarter 2016 impairment charges associated with our DBJV and Laurel Mountain equity-method investments. (See Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Other investing income (loss) – net reflects the gain on disposition of our investments in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC in 2017 (see Note 4 – Investing Activities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), partially offset by the absence of interest income received in 2016 associated with a receivable related to the sale of certain former Venezuelan assets and the absence of a 2016 gain on the sale of an equity-method investment interest in a gathering system that was part of our Appalachia Midstream Investments gathering system.
Interest expense decreased primarily due to lower Interest incurred primarily attributable to debt retirements and lower borrowings on our credit facilities in the first quarter of 2017. (See Note 9 – Debt and Banking Arrangements of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Other income (expense) – net below Operating income (loss) changed favorably primarily due to a net gain on early debt retirements in 2017, and favorable changes related to equity funds used during construction (AFUDC). (See Note 5 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes changed unfavorably primarily due to higher pretax income.Williams Companies, Inc. See Note 67 – Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the effective tax rate compared to the federal statutory rate for both periods.
The unfavorablefavorable change in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is primarily due to higher operating results at WPZ, the impact of decreased income allocated to the WPZ general partner driven by the permanent waiver of IDRs, partially offset by a decrease in the ownershipour third- quarter 2018 acquisition of the noncontrolling interests. Both the permanent waiver of IDRs and the changepublicly held interests in ownership areWPZ associated with the first-quarter 2017 Financial Repositioning (see Note 1 – General, Description of Business,WPZ Merger and Basis of Presentation of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

In addition, improved results in our Gulfstar operations also contributed to the unfavorable change in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, partially offset by lower results for our Cardinal gathering system.at Gulfstar.
Period-Over-Period Operating Results - Segments
We evaluate segment operating performance based upon Modified EBITDA. Note 1315 – Segment Disclosures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements includes a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to Net income (loss). Management uses Modified EBITDA because it is an accepted financial indicator used by investors to compare company performance. In addition, management believes that this measure provides investors an enhanced perspective of the operating performance of our assets. Modified EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Williams Partners


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Northeast G&P
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162019 2018 2019 2018
(Millions)(Millions)
Service revenues$1,304
 $1,252
 $3,837
 $3,688
$353
 $247
 $959
 $707
Service revenues commodity consideration
1
 6
 9
 14
Product sales581
 655
 1,950
 1,613
30
 69
 114
 242
Segment revenues1,885
 1,907
 5,787
 5,301
384
 322
 1,082
 963
              
Product costs(504) (463) (1,620) (1,183)(29) (69) (114) (245)
Processing commodity expenses(1) (3) (6) (7)
Other segment costs and expenses(536) (567) (1,520) (1,660)(117) (100) (348) (279)
Gain on sale of Geismar Interest1,095
 
 1,095
 
Impairment of certain assets(1,142) (1) (1,145) (403)
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments202
 194
 611
 574
108
 131
 333
 354
Williams Partners Modified EBITDA$1,000
 $1,070
 $3,208
 $2,629
Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA$345
 $281
 $947
 $786
              
NGL margin$46
 $45
 $139
 $119
Olefin margin2
 122
 126
 267
Commodity margins$1
 $3
 $3
 $4
Three months ended September 30, 20172019 vs. three months ended September 30, 20162018
Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to higher Service revenues due to increased gathering volumes and the favorable impact of acquiring the additional interest of UEOM, which is a consolidated entity after the remaining ownership interest was purchased in March 2019.
Service revenues increased primarily due to:
A $50 million increase associated with the consolidation of UEOM, as previously discussed;
A $24 million increase associated with higher gathering revenues at Susquehanna Supply Hub reflecting 18 percent higher gathering volumes due to increased production from customers;
An $18 million increase at Ohio Valley Midstream primarily due to higher gathering and processing revenues;
A $9 million increase in gathering revenues in the Utica Shale region due to volumes from new wells and higher rates.
Product salesdecreased primarily due to impairmentslower non-ethane prices and volumes within our marketing activities. The changes in marketing revenues are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases, reflected above as Product costs.
Other segment costs and expenses increased primarily due to expenses associated with the consolidation of certain gathering operations and lower olefin marginsUEOM.
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments decreased primarily due to the saleconsolidation of UEOM.
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2018
Northeast G&P Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to higher Service revenues due to increased gathering volumes and the favorable impact of acquiring the additional interest of UEOM, partially offset by 2019 severance and related costs.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Service revenues increased primarily due to:
A $98 million increase associated with the consolidation of UEOM;
An $89 million increase associated with higher gathering revenues at Susquehanna Supply Hub reflecting 22 percent higher gathering volumes due to increased production from new wells and higher rates;
A $28 million increase in gathering revenues in the Utica Shale region due to volumes from new wells and higher rates;
A $21 million increase at Ohio Valley Midstream primarily due to higher gathering and processing volumes;
A $12 million increase in compression revenues for services charged to an affiliate driven by higher volumes.
Product sales decreased primarily due to lower non-ethane volumes and prices within our Gulf Olefins (Geismar olefinmarketing activities. The changes in marketing revenues are offset by similar changes in marketing purchases, reflected above as Product costs.
Other segment costs and RGP Splitter plants) operationsexpenses increased due to multiple factors, including:
A $35 million increase associated with the consolidation of UEOM;
A $10 million increase related to transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of UEOM and the formation of the Northeast JV;
A $7 million accrual in 20172019 for estimated severance and related costs primarily associated with our Canadian operations in 2016,VSP;
A $14 million increase due to higher allocated corporate costs and higher costs related to various maintenance and repairs.
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments decreased $37 million as a result of the consolidation of UEOM. This decrease was partially offset by a $1.095 billion gain on the sale of our Geismar Interest in third-quarter 2017, the absence of the $32$20 million loss on the sale of our former Canadian operations in third-quarter 2016,increase at Appalachia Midstream Investments, reflecting higher volumes.
Atlantic-Gulf
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Service revenues$731
 $607
 $2,138
 $1,806
Service revenues  commodity consideration
7
 18
 33
 45
Product sales76
 131
 226
 329
Segment revenues814
 756
 2,397
 2,180
        
Product costs(75) (134) (226) (332)
Processing commodity expenses(2) (3) (12) (10)
Other segment costs and expenses(182) (176) (606) (556)
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments44
 49
 130
 136
Atlantic-Gulf Modified EBITDA$599
 $492
 $1,683
 $1,418
        
Commodity margins$6
 $12
 $21
 $32


Management’s Discussion and higher service revenues primarily driven by expansions of our Transco pipeline and our Gulfstar One facilities.Analysis (Continued)
Service revenues
Three months ended September 30, 2019 vs. three months ended September 30, 2018
Atlantic-Gulf Modified EBITDAincreased primarily due to:to higher Service revenues.
A $53 million increase relatedService revenues increased due to the amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payment received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale contract restructuring;
A $43a $143 million increase in Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues primarily driven by a $116 million increase related to expansion projects placed in service in 2018 and 2019, as well as an adjustment associated with Transco’s reserve for rate refunds. This increase was partially offset by $21 million lower gathering and processing fees primarily due to maintenance downtime at Gulfstar, lower volumes at our Perdido Norte system in the Western Gulf of Mexico, and the sale of certain Gulf Coast pipeline assets in the fourth quarter of 2018. Additionally, certain of Transco’s natural gas transportation revenues, which decreased due to lower rates effective October 2018, were substantially offset by higher revenue related to reimbursable power and storage expenses.
The net sum of Service revenues commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity product margins. Our commodity product margins associated with our equity NGLs decreased $7 million driven by unfavorable NGL prices. Additionally, the decrease in Product sales includes a $44 million decrease in commodity marketing sales due to lower NGL prices and volumes. Marketing sales are substantially offset in Product costs and therefore have little impact to Modified EBITDA.
Other segment costs and expenses increased primarily due to a $45$23 million increaseunfavorable change in equity AFUDC due to lower construction activity, an $11 million accrual in 2019 for estimated severance and related costs primarily associated with expansion projects placed in-serviceour VSP (see Note 6 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), the absence of a $10 million 2018 gain on asset retirements, and higher reimbursable power and storage expenses at Transco. These unfavorable changes were partially offset by $33 million of net favorable changes to charges and credits associated with regulatory assets and liabilities, which were significantly driven by the previously mentioned agreement to the terms of a settlement in 2016Transco’s general rate case (see Note 6 – Other Income and 2017;Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), and a $21 million decrease in Transco’s contracted services compared to 2018 mainly due to the timing of required engine overhauls and integrity testing.
A $20Nine months ended September 30, 2019 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2018
Atlantic-Gulf Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to higher Service revenues, partially offset by higher costs and expenses.
Service revenues increased primarily due to a $361 million increase in feeTransco’s natural gas transportation revenues in the eastern Gulf Coast region associated primarily with higher volumes, including the impact of new volumes at Gulfstar One from the Gunflintdriven by a $335 million increase related to expansion projects placed in service in 2018 and 2019, as well as an adjustment associated with Transco’s reserve for rate refunds. Partially offsetting these increases were lower gathering and processing fees of $40 million primarily due to maintenance downtime at Gulfstar and the thirdsale of certain Gulf Coast pipeline assets in the fourth quarter of 2016,2018. Additionally, certain of Transco’s natural gas transportation revenues, which decreased due to lower rates effective October 2018, were substantially offset by higher revenue related to reimbursable power and storage expenses.
The net sum of Service revenues commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity product margins. Our commodity product margins associated with our equity NGLs decreased $12 million driven by unfavorable NGL prices, partially offset by higher volumes. Additionally, the decrease in Product sales includes a $74 million decrease in commodity marketing sales due to lower NGL prices and volumes and an $19 million decrease in system management gas sales. Marketing sales and system management gas sales are substantially offset in Product costs and therefore have little impact to Modified EBITDA.
Other segment costs and expenses increased primarily due a $55 million unfavorable change in equity AFUDC due to lower construction activity, a $30 million accrual in 2019 for estimated severance and related costs primarily associated with our VSP, a $15 million increase in reimbursable power and storage expenses, $15 million of expense in 2019 related to the reversal of expenditures previously capitalized, and the absence of a $10 million 2018 gain on asset retirements. These unfavorable changes were partially offset by $43 million of net favorable changes to charges and credits associated with regulatory assets and liabilities, which were significantly driven by the temporary shutdown and subsequent ramp-up of Gulfstar One in the second and third quarters of 2016 to tie-in Gunflint;previously mentioned




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


A $29 million decrease related to lower gathering rates in the Barnett Shale relatedagreement to the fourth quarter 2016 contract restructuring, along with lower rates recognizedterms of a settlement in the NiobraraTransco’s general rate case, and Eagle Ford Shale regions. Rates recognized in the Niobrara region represent a portion of the total contractual rate, with the difference reflected as deferred revenue;
An $18$41 million decrease in fee revenues inTransco’s contracted services compared to 2018 mainly due to the eastern Gulf Coast region as a resulttiming of a temporary increase during 2016 related to disrupted operations of a competitorrequired engine overhauls and shut-ins of certain wells behind Devils Tower as a result of production issues;integrity testing.
A decrease of $15 million
West
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Service revenues$433
 $533
 $1,384
 $1,599
Service revenues  commodity consideration
30
 97
 116
 257
Product sales389
 732
 1,302
 1,822
Segment revenues852
 1,362
 2,802
 3,678
        
Product costs(382) (730) (1,294) (1,813)
Processing commodity expenses(13) (26) (63) (76)
Other segment costs and expenses(175) (219) (531) (637)
Impairment of certain assets
 
 (76) 
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments29
 25
 83
 62
West Modified EBITDA$311
 $412
 $921
 $1,214
        
Commodity margins$24
 $73
 $61
 $190
Three months ended September 30, 2019 vs. three months ended September 30, 2018
West Modified EBITDA decreased primarily due to the absence of EBITDA of certain of our former sold or deconsolidated assets, lower service revenues associated with the expiration of a certain MVC, and lower commodity margins due to unfavorable commodity prices related to our former Canadian operations that were sold in September 2016;ongoing operations.
In the Northeast region, a $10 million increase in feeService revenues in the Susquehanna Supply Hub driven by 10 percent higher gathered volumes reflecting increased customer production, offset by a $10 million decrease in the Utica gathering system associated with 6 percent lower gathered volumes driven by natural declines in the wet gas areas, partially offset by higher volumes from new development in the dry gas areas.
Product sales decreased primarily due to:
A $196$62 million decrease associated with asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including our former Four Corners area assets and certain Delaware basin assets that were contributed to our Brazos Permian II equity-method investment;
A $29 million decrease driven by lower deferred revenue amortization and MVC deficiency fee revenues associated with the expiration of a certain MVC agreement in olefinthe Barnett Shale region;
A $23 million decrease associated with lower rates primarily driven by lower commodity pricing in the Piceance and Barnett Shale regions and the transition from a cost-of-service to fixed-fee rate for a certain customer contract in the Mid-Continent region.
These decreases were partially offset by a $17 million increase associated with higher other MVC deficiency fee revenues, higher volumes, and higher other fee revenues.
The net sum of Service revenues commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity product margins. Our commodity product margins associated with our equity NGLs decreased $44 million primarily due to:
A $35 million decrease associated with lower sales volumes primarily due to $21 million associated with the absence of our former Four Corners area assets and $14 million related to 70 percent lower ethane sales volumes due to ethane rejection;
A $22 million decrease associated with the Gulf Olefins operations that were sold in July 2017 and June 2017, respectively, and our former Canadian operations that were sold in September 2016;
A $12 million decrease in revenues from our equity NGLslower sales prices primarily due to the absence of40 percent and 82 percent lower average net realized per-unit non-ethane and ethane sales associated with our former Canadian operations and the absence of a temporary increase in 2016 due to disrupted operations of a competitor,prices, respectively; partially offset by higher NGL prices;
A $142 million increase in marketing revenues primarily due to significantly higher prices


Management’s Discussion and NGL volumes, partially offset by lower crude, natural gas, and propylene volumes (offset in marketing purchases).Analysis (Continued)
Product costs increased primarily due to:
A $141 million increase in marketing purchases primarily due to the same factors that increased marketing sales (offset in marketing revenues). The increase in marketing costs does not reflect the intercompany costs associated with certain gathering and processing services performed by an affiliate;
An $81 million decrease in olefin feedstock purchases reflecting the sale of our Gulf Olefins and Canadian operations;
A $13 million increase related to a decrease in natural gas purchases associated with lower equity NGL production volumes and lower natural gas prices.
Additionally, the production of equity NGLs reflectingdecrease in Product sales includes a $263 million decrease in marketing sales, which is due to lower volumes as previously discussed,sales prices, partially offset by higher sales volumes, a slight increase$14 million decrease related to the sale of other products, and a $7 million decrease in per-unit naturalsystem management gas prices.sales. These decreases are substantially offset in Product costs. Marketing margins decreased by $12 million primarily due to unfavorable changes in pricing.
The favorable change in Other segment costs and expenses includes decreased primarily due a $37 million reduction associated with the absence of our former Four Corners area assets and the absence of a 2018 unfavorable charge of $12 million for a regulatory liability associated with a decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger.
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments increased primarily due to the addition of the RMM equity-method investment during the third quarter of 2018, partially offset by the absence of the $32 million loss onJackalope equity-method investment sold in April 2019.
Nine months ended September 30, 2019 vs. Nine months ended September 30, 2018
West Modified EBITDA decreased primarily due to the saleabsence of EBITDA of certain of our former Canadiansold or deconsolidated assets, 2019 impairments of certain assets, lower commodity margins due to unfavorable commodity prices and lower volumes associated with equity NGL production related to our ongoing operations, and lower service revenues associated with the expiration of a certain MVC.
Service revenues decreased primarily due to:
A $201 million decrease associated with asset divestitures and deconsolidations during 2018, including our former Four Corners area assets, certain Delaware basin assets that were contributed to our Brazos Permian II equity-method investment, and our Jackalope assets which were deconsolidated in third-quarter 2016,second-quarter 2018;
A $29 million decrease driven by lower deferred revenue amortization and MVC deficiency fee revenues associated with the expiration of a certain MVC agreement in the Barnett Shale region;
A $19 million decrease driven by lower gathering volumes primarily in the Mid-Continent, Barnett Shale, and Wamsutter regions;
An $18 million decrease associated with lower rates primarily driven by lower commodity pricing in the Piceance region and the transition from a cost-of-service to fixed-fee rate for a certain customer contract in the Mid-Continent region; partially offset by
A $26 million increase in other fee revenues driven by higher fractionation and storage fees;
An $11 million increase associated with the expected resolution of a prior period performance obligation;
An $11 million increase related to higher other MVC deficiency fee revenues.
The net sum of Service revenues commodity consideration, Product sales, Product costs, and Processing commodity expenses comprise our commodity product margins. Our commodity product margins associated with our equity NGLs decreased $114 million primarily due to:
A $79 million decrease associated with lower sales volumes, consisting of $54 million related to the absence of $39our former Four Corners area assets and $25 million of operatingdue to 11 percent lower non-ethane volumes and other expenses associated with our Gulf Olefins and Canadian operations, favorable impacts related to gains on asset retirements, and ongoing cost containment efforts. These decreases are partially offset by an increase in pipeline integrity testing on Transco and costs associated with the closure of our office in Oklahoma City.
Gain on sale of Geismar Interest reflects the gain recognized on the sale of our Geismar Interest in July 2017. (See Note 3 – Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Impairment of certain assets increased17 percent lower ethane sales volumes primarily due to a $1.019 billion impairment of certain gathering operationswell freeze-offs and temporary shut-ins associated with more severe weather conditions in the Mid-Continent region, a $115 million impairment of certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region,first-quarter 2019, natural declines, and ethane rejection;




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


A $48 million decrease associated with lower sales prices primarily due to 29 percent and write-downs41 percent lower average net realized per-unit non-ethane and ethane sales prices, respectively; partially offset by
A $13 million increase related to a net decrease in natural gas purchases associated with lower equity NGL production volumes partially offset higher lower natural gas prices.
Additionally, the decrease in Product sales includes a $332 million decrease in marketing sales, which is due to lower sales prices, partially offset by higher sales volumes, a $31 million decrease related to the sale of other products, and a $26 million decrease in system management gas sales. These decreases are substantially offset in Product costs. Marketing margins decreased by $15 million primarily due to unfavorable changes in pricing.
Other segment costs and expenses decreased primarily due to a $124 million reduction associated with the absences of our former Four Corners area assets and from the Jackalope deconsolidation in second-quarter 2018, as well as the absence of a 2018 unfavorable charge of $12 million for a regulatory liability associated with a decrease in Northwest Pipeline’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the WPZ Merger as previously discussed. These decreases were partially offset by an unfavorable accrual in 2019 for estimated severance and related costs of $16 million primarily associated with our VSP (see Note 6 – Other Income and Expensesof Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and the absence of a $7 million favorable adjustment to the regulatory liability associated with Tax Reform at Northwest Pipeline in first-quarter 2018.
Impairment of certain assets that are no longer increased primarily due to the $59 million impairment of certain Eagle Ford Shale gathering assets and a $12 million impairment of certain idle gathering assets in use or are surplus in nature. (See2019 (see Note 1113 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)Statements).
The increase in Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments includes a $31 million increase at Appalachian Midstream Investments reflecting our increased ownership and higher gathering volumes reflecting the absence of shut-in volumes from 2016 and increased customer production. This increase is partially offset by a $9 million decrease from Discovery primarily due to production issues on certain wellsthe additions of the RMM and temporary hurricane related shut-ins, an $8 million decrease at UEOM driven by lower processing volumes from the Utica gathering system, as noted above, and the divestiture of our interests in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC lateBrazos Permian II equity-method investments in the first quartersecond half of 2017.2018.
Nine
Other
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Millions)
Other Modified EBITDA$(2) $6
 $1
 $(49)
Three months ended September 30, 20172019 vs. ninethree months ended September 30, 20162018
Other Modified EBITDAincreased decreased primarily due to a $1.095 billion gain on the sale of our Geismar Interest in third-quarter 2017, the absence of impairments of our Canadian operations and certain gathering assets in the Mid-Continent region in the second quarter of 2016, theto:
The absence of a loss on$37 million benefit from establishing a regulatory asset associated with an increase in Transco’s estimated deferred state income tax rate following the sale of our former Canadian operations in third-quarter 2016, lower segment costs and expenses, higher service revenues, and higher Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments. These increases are partially offset by the impairments of certain gathering operations in 2017 and lower olefin margins due to the sale of our Gulf Olefins operations earlyWPZ Merger in the third quarter of 2017.
Service revenues increased primarily due to:2018;
A $158$16 million increasedecrease in income associated with a regulatory asset related to the amortization of deferred revenue associated with the up-front cash payment received in conjunction with the fourth quarter 2016 Barnett Shale contract restructuring;taxes on equity funds used during construction;
Higher eastern Gulf Coast region revenue of $114A $9 million associated primarily with higher volumes, including the impact of new volumes at Gulfstar One related to the Gunflint expansion placed in-serviceaccrual in the third quarter of 2016, the2019 for loss contingencies associated with former operations.
These decreases were partially offset by:
The absence of the temporary shut-down and subsequent ramp-up of Gulfstar One in the second and third quarters of 2016 to tie-in Gunflint, and the absence of producers’ operational issues in the Tubular Bells field during the first quarter of 2016, along with higher volumes at Devils Tower related to Kodiak field production (although certain wells in this field are now shut-in due to production issues). This increase is partially offset by a $17$35 million decrease in western Gulf Coast region fee revenues due primarily to producer maintenance.
Transco’s natural gas transportation fee revenues increased $74 million primarily due to an $88 million increase associated with expansion projects placed in-service in 2016 and 2017, partially offset by lower volume-based transportation services revenues;
A $14 million increase in Transco’s storage revenue primarily reflecting the absence of an accrual for potential refundscharge associated with a ruling received in certain rate case litigation in 2016;
A $75 million decrease relatedcharitable contribution of preferred stock to lower gathering ratesThe Williams Companies Foundation, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) in the West region including lower ratesthird quarter of 2018 (see Note 12 – Stockholders’ Equity of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements);
The absence of $15 million in costs associated with the WPZ Merger in the Barnett Shale area primarily due to the fourth quarter 2016 contract restructuring, along with lower rates recognized in the Niobrara, Eagle Ford Shale, and Haynesville Shale regions. Rates recognized in the Niobrara region represent a portion of the total contractual rate that is received, with the difference reflected as deferred revenue;
A $72 million decrease driven by lower volumes in the West region primarily as a result of natural declines and more extreme weather conditions in the Rocky Mountains in the firstthird quarter of 2017;
A $36 million decrease due to the absence of revenue generated by our former Canadian operations that were sold in September 2016;
In the Northeast region, a slight decline reflecting a $52 million decrease in the Utica gathering system primarily due to 20 percent lower gathered volumes driven by natural declines in the wet gas areas which are partially offset by higher volumes from new development in the dry gas areas. This decrease is mostly offset by a $322018.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


million increase in gathering fee revenue at Susquehanna Supply Hub driven by 12 percent higher gathered volumes reflecting increased customer production, and a $22 million increase in fee revenue at Ohio Valley Midstream reflecting the absence of shut-in volumes from the first half of 2016, as well as new production coming online.Nine months ended September 30, 2019 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2018
Product salesOther Modified EBITDA increased primarily due to:
A $520 million increase in marketing revenues primarily due to significantly higher prices and volumes (substantially offset in marketing purchases);
A $26 million increase in revenues from our equity NGLs including a $76 million increase driven by higher non-ethane prices, the effect of which is partially offset by a $36 million decrease due to the absence of NGL production revenues associated with our former Canadian operations and a $14 million decrease related to lower volumes at our domestic plants driven by severe winter conditions in the first quarter of 2017, the absence of temporary volumes in 2016 related to disrupted operations of a competitor and natural declines;
A $7 million increase in system management gas sales from Transco. System management gas sales are offset in Product costs and, therefore, have no impact on Modified EBITDA;
A $217 million decrease in olefin sales primarily due to a $180 million decrease reflecting the sale of our Gulf Olefins operations, a $29 million decrease due to the sale of the Canadian operations in 2016 and a $16 million decrease at our Geismar plant in the first half of 2017 due primarily to lower volumes associated with the electrical outage in second-quarter 2017, as well as planned maintenance downtime in first-quarter 2017. These items were partially offset by $8 million higher sales at the RGP Splitter in the first half 2017 due primarily to higher propylene prices.
Product costs increased primarily due to:
A $501 million increase in marketing purchases primarily due to the same factors that increased marketing sales (more than offset in marketing revenues). The increase in marketing costs does not reflect the intercompany costs associated with certain gathering and processing services performed by an affiliate;
A $7 million increase in system management gas costs (offset in Product sales);
A $5 million increase in natural gas purchases associated with the production of equity NGLs reflecting a significant increase in per-unit natural gas prices and increased sales from inventory, partially offset by a $24 million decrease due to the sale of our Canadian operations;
A $79 million decrease in olefin feedstock purchases primarily due to the absence of $76 million in feedstock purchases in third-quarter 2017 reflecting the sale of the Gulf Olefins operations as well as the absence of $9 million in costs associated with our former Canadian operations, partially offset by $6 million higher feedstock costs in the first half of 2017.
The favorable change in Other segment costs and expenses includes the absence of the $32 million loss on the sale of our former Canadian operations in third-quarter 2016, a reduction of $75 million of operating and other expenses associated with our Gulf Olefins and Canadian operations, a $27 million net gain associated with early debt retirement, a decrease in labor-related expenses resulting from our first quarter 2016 workforce reduction, favorable contract settlements and terminations in the first quarter of 2017, a $12 million gain on the sale of the RGP Splitter, and a favorable change in equity AFUDC, primarily associated with an increase in Transco’s capital spending, which is partially offset by a decrease in capital spending at Constitution. These decreases in expenses are partially offset by an increase in pipeline integrity testing on Transco, higher Geismar selling expenses, repairs related to the Geismar electrical outage, and expenses associated with the closure of our office in Oklahoma City.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Gain on sale of Geismar Interest reflects the gain recognized on the sale of our Geismar Interest in July 2017. (See Note 3 – Divestitures of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Impairment of certain assets increased primarily due to a $1.019 billion impairment of certain gathering operations in the Mid-Continent and a $115$66 million impairment of certain gathering operations in the Marcellus South region, partially offset by the absence of a $341 million impairment of our former Canadian operations and a $48 million impairment of certain Mid-Continent gathering assetsidle pipelines in the second quarter of 2016. (See2018 (see Note 1113 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)Statements);
The increaseabsence of a $35 million charitable contribution charge in Proportional Modified EBITDAthe third quarter of equity-method investments includes2018 as detailed above;
The absence of $19 million in costs associated with the WPZ Merger in 2018;
The absence of a $602018 loss on early retirement of debt of $7 million increase at Appalachia Midstream Investments primarily due to our increased ownership late in the first quarter of 2017 and higher gathering volumes reflecting the absence of shut-in volumes from 2016 and increased customer production; a $10 million increase at Laurel Mountain Midstream associated with higher gathering revenue due to higher rates reflecting higher natural gas prices; an $8 million increase from Discovery primarily attributable to the accelerated recognition of previously deferred revenue and higher NGL margins,2018.
These increases were partially offset by lower fee revenue driven by production issues at certain wells, higher turbine maintenance expenses, temporary hurricane-related shut-ins, and maintenance on the Keathley Canyon Connector pipeline. These increases are partially offset by a $29 million decrease at UEOM reflecting lower processing volumes from the wet gas areas of the Utica gathering system as noted above and the divestiture of our interests in DBJV and Ranch Westex JV LLC late in the first quarter of 2017.
Other
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (Millions)
Service revenues$8
 $9
 $25
 $39
Product sales
 9
 
 26
Segment revenues8
 18
 25
 65
        
Product costs
 (4) 
 (13)
Other segment costs and expenses(1) (81) 6
 (178)
Impairment of certain assets(68) 
 (91) (408)
Other Modified EBITDA$(61) $(67) $(60) $(534)
Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. three months ended September 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA improved primarily due to lower Other segment costs and expenses, partially offset by the impairment of a certain NGL pipeline.
Other segment costs and expenses improved primarily due to:by:
The absence of a $33$37 million loss on the sale of our Canadian operations in September 2016;
The absence of $16 million of certain project development costsbenefit associated with the Canadian PDH facility that we expensed in 2016;
A $16 million decrease in costs related to our evaluation of strategic alternatives;
The absence of $11 million of transportation and fractionation fees incurred in 2016 related to the Redwater fractionation facility, which was included in the sale of our Canadian operations in September 2016.
Impairment of certain assets increased due to the impairment of a certain NGL pipelineregulatory asset in the third quarter of 2017. (See Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees2018 as detailed above;
A $21 million decrease in income associated with a regulatory asset related to deferred taxes on equity funds used during construction;
A $12 million unfavorable change to a regulatory asset associated with an estimated deferred state income tax rate in the first quarter of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)2019;
A $9 million accrual in the third quarter of 2019 for loss contingencies as detailed above.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. nine months ended September 30, 2016
Modified EBITDA improved primarily due to the absence of a second-quarter 2016 impairment of our former Canadian operations and improved Other segment costs and expenses.
Service revenues decreased primarily due to a reduction in Canadian construction management revenues.
Product sales and Product costs decreased due to the sale of the Horizon liquids extraction plant in September 2016.
Other segment costs and expenses changed favorably primarily due to:
The absence of $61 million of certain project development costs associated with the Canadian PDH facility that we expensed in 2016;
A $32 million favorable change in the loss on the sale of our Canadian operations in September 2016;
The absence of $32 million of transportation and fractionation fees incurred in 2016 related to the Redwater fractionation facility, which was included in the sale of our Canadian operations in September 2016;
A $31 million decrease in costs related to our evaluation of strategic alternatives;
A $28 million increase in income associated with an increase in a regulatory asset primarily driven by our increased ownership in WPZ. (See Note 5 – Other Income and Expenses of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
Impairment of certain assets decreased primarily due to the absence of the 2016 impairment of our Canadian operations, partially offset by the impairment of an olefins pipeline project in the Gulf Coast region in the second quarter of 2017 and the impairment of a certain NGL pipeline asset in the third quarter of 2017. (See Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)



Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Liquidity
Outlook
Fee-based businesses are becoming an even morea significant component of our portfolio and serve to reduce the influence of commodity price fluctuations on our cash flows. We expect to benefit as continued growth in demand for low-cost natural gas is driven by increases in LNG exports, industrial demand, and power generation.
As previously discussed in Company Outlook, our consolidated growth capital and investment expenditures in 2019 are currently expected to be between $2.1 billion and $2.8 billion in 2017. Approximately $1.4a range from $2.3 billion to $1.9 billion of our growth$2.5 billion. Growth capital funding needs includespending in 2019 includes Transco expansions, and other interstate pipeline growth projects, mostall of which are fully contracted with firm transportation agreements. The remaining growth capital spending in 2017 primarily reflects investment inagreements, and continuing to develop our gathering and processing systemsinfrastructure in the Northeast region limited primarily to known new producer volumes, including volumes that support Transco expansion projects including our Atlantic Sunrise project.G&P and West segments. In addition to growth capital and investment expenditures, we also remain committed to projects that maintain our assets for safe and reliable operations, as well as projects that meet legal, regulatory, and/or contractual commitments. We intend to fund our planned 2019 growth capital with retained cash flow and certain sources of available liquidity described below. We retain the flexibility to adjust planned levels of growth capital and investment expenditures in response to changes in economic conditions or business opportunities.
We funded the $741 million total consideration paid, including post-closing adjustments, for our March 2019 acquisition of the remaining interest in UEOM with credit facility borrowings and cash on hand. In June 2019, we received approximately $1.33 billion from our partner upon closing the sale of a 35 percent interest in the Northeast JV. Also in April 2019, we received $485 million from the sale of our 50 percent interest in Jackalope. These proceeds are being used to reduce debt and fund capital growth.
Liquidity
Based on our forecasted levels of cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity, we expect to have sufficient liquidity to manage our businesses in 2017. WPZ expects to be self-funding and maintain separate bank accounts and credit facilities, including its commercial paper program.2019. Our expectedpotential material internal and external sources and uses of consolidated liquidity for 20172019 are as follows:
Applicable To:
WPZWMB
Sources: 
 Cash and cash equivalents on handüü
 Cash generated from operationsü
 Distributions from investment in WPZü
Distributions fromour equity-method investeesü
 Utilization of our credit facilitiesfacility and/or commercial paper programüü
 Cash proceeds from issuance of debt and/or equity securitiesüü
 Proceeds from asset monetizationsü
 Contributions from noncontrolling interests
  
Uses: 
 Working capital requirementsüü
 Capital and investment expendituresü
Investment in WPZü
Quarterly distributions to unitholdersü
 Quarterly dividends to our shareholdersü
 Debt service payments, including payments of long-term debt
 üüDistributions to noncontrolling interests
Potential risks associated with our planned levels of liquidity discussed above include those previously discussed in Company Outlook.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


As of September 30, 2017,2019, we had a working capital deficit of $61 million.$1.89 billion, including cash and cash equivalents. Our available liquidity is as follows:
September 30, 2017
Available LiquidityWPZ WMB TotalSeptember 30, 2019
(Millions)(Millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$1,165
 $7
 $1,172
$247
Capacity available under our $1.5 billion credit facility (1)  1,100
 1,100
Capacity available to WPZ under its $3.5 billion credit facility, less amounts outstanding under its $3 billion commercial paper program (2)3,500
   3,500
Capacity available under our $4.5 billion credit facility, less amounts outstanding under our $4 billion commercial paper program (1)4,500
$4,665
 $1,107
 $5,772
$4,747
 
(1)Through September 30, 2017, the highest amount outstanding under our credit facility during 2017 was $805 million. At September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with the financial covenants associated with this credit facility. Borrowing capacity available under this facility as of October 31, 2017, was $1.125 billion.
(2)
In managing our available liquidity, we do not expect a maximum outstanding amount in excess of the capacity of WPZ’sour credit facility inclusive of any outstanding amounts under itsour commercial paper program. AsWe had no commercial paper outstanding as of September 30, 2017, no Commercial paper was outstanding under WPZ’s commercial paper program.2019. Through September 30, 2017,2019, the highest amount outstanding under WPZ’sour commercial paper program and credit facility during 20172019 was $178 million.$1.226 billion. At September 30, 2017, WPZ was2019, we were in compliance with the financial covenants associated with thisour credit facility. Borrowing capacity available under WPZ’s $3.5 billion credit facility as of October 31, 2017, was $3.5 billion.
Dividends
As part of the Financial Repositioning announced in January 2017, weWe increased our regular quarterly cash dividend to common stockholders by 50approximately 12 percent from the previous quarterly dividendcash dividends of $0.20$0.34 per share paid in December 2016,each quarter of 2018, to $0.30$0.38 per share for the quarterly cash dividends paid in March, 2017, June, 2017, and September 2017.2019.
Registrations
In September 2016, WPZ filed a registration statement for its distribution reinvestment program.
In May 2015,February 2018, we filed a shelf registration statement as a well-known seasoned issuer.
In February 2015, WPZAugust 2018, we filed a shelf registration statement, as a well-known seasoned issuer, registering common units representing limited partner interests and debt securities. Also in February 2015, WPZ filed a shelf registration statementprospectus supplement for the offer and sale from time to time of shares of our common units representing limited partner interests in WPZstock having an aggregate offering price of up to $1 billion. These sales are to be made over a period of time and from time to time in transactions at prices which are market prices prevailing at the time of sale, prices related to market price, or at negotiatedthen-current prices. Such sales are to be made pursuant to an equity distribution agreement between WPZus and certain banksentities who may act as sales agents or purchase for their own accounts as principals.principals at a price agreed upon at the time of the sale.
Distributions from Equity-Method Investees
The organizational documents of entities in which we have an equity-method investment generally require distribution of their available cash to their members on a quarterly basis. In each case, available cash is reduced, in part, by reserves appropriate for operating their respective businesses.


Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)

Credit Ratings
Our abilityThe interest rates at which we are able to borrow money isare impacted by our credit ratings and the credit ratings of WPZ.ratings. The current ratings are as follows:
Rating Agency Outlook 
Senior Unsecured
Debt Rating
 
Corporate
Credit Rating
WMB:S&P Global RatingsStableBB+BB+
Moody’s Investors ServicePositiveBa2N/A
Fitch RatingsStableBB+N/A
WPZ:S&P Global Ratings Stable BBB BBB
Moody’s Investors Service PositiveStable Baa3 N/A
Fitch Ratings Rating Watch Positive BBB- N/A

During March 2017,In July 2019, S&P Global Ratings upgraded its rating for both WMB and WPZ. In July 2017, Fitch Ratings changed its Outlook for WPZfrom Negative to Positive, and in September 2017, Moody’s Investors Service changed its Outlook for both WMB and WPZ to Positive. Stable.
These credit ratings are included for informational purposes and are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold our stock,securities, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. No assurance can be given that the credit rating agencies will continue to assign us or WPZ theinvestment-grade ratings shown above even if we or WPZ meet or exceed their current criteria.criteria for investment-grade ratios. A downgrade of our credit ratings or the credit ratings of WPZ might increase our future cost of borrowing and would require us to provide additional collateral to third parties, negatively impacting our available liquidity.




Management’s Discussion and Analysis (Continued)


Sources (Uses) of Cash
The following table summarizes the sources (uses) of cash and cash equivalents for each of the periods presented (see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Notes referenced in the table):
 Cash Flow Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Category 2017 2016
   (Millions)
Sources of cash and cash equivalents:     
Operating activities – netOperating $1,837
 $2,097
Proceeds from equity offeringsFinancing 2,130
 8
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash divested (see Note 3)Investing 2,056
 712
Proceeds from long-term debt (see Note 9)Financing 1,698
 998
Proceeds from our credit-facility borrowingsFinancing 1,315
 2,045
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in excess of cumulative earningsInvesting 394
 341
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (see Note 4)Investing 200
 
Proceeds from WPZ’s credit-facility borrowingsFinancing 
 2,665
      
Uses of cash and cash equivalents:     
Payments of long-term debt (see Note 9)Financing (3,785) (375)
Capital expendituresInvesting (1,700) (1,577)
Payments on our credit-facility borrowingsFinancing (1,690) (1,845)
Quarterly dividends on common stockFinancing (744) (1,111)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interestsFinancing (636) (715)
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investmentsInvesting (103) (132)
Payments of WPZ’s commercial paper – netFinancing (93) (499)
Payments on WPZ’s credit-facility borrowingsFinancing 
 (2,745)
Contribution to Gulfstream for repayment of debtFinancing 
 (148)
      
Other sources / (uses) – netFinancing and Investing 123
 258
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  $1,002
 $(23)
 Cash Flow Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Category 2019 2018
   (Millions)
Sources of cash and cash equivalents:     
Operating activities – netOperating $2,702
 $2,331
Proceeds from sale of partial interest in consolidated subsidiary (see Note 2)Financing 1,330
 
Proceeds from credit-facility borrowingsFinancing 700
 1,680
Proceeds from dispositions of equity-method investments (see Note 5)Investing 485
 
Proceeds from long-term debtFinancing 36
 2,065
Contributions in aid of constructionInvesting 25
 395
Proceeds from commercial paper – netFinancing 
 821
      
Uses of cash and cash equivalents:     
Capital expendituresInvesting (1,705) (2,659)
Common dividends paidFinancing (1,382) (974)
Payments on credit-facility borrowingsFinancing (860) (1,950)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (see Note 2)Investing (728) 
Purchases of and contributions to equity-method investmentsInvesting (361) (803)
Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interestsFinancing (86) (552)
Payments of long-term debtFinancing (44) (1,251)
Payments of commercial paper – netFinancing (4) 
      
Other sources / (uses) – netFinancing and Investing (29) 40
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  $79
 $(857)
Operating activities
The factors that determine operating activities are largely the same as those that affect Net income (loss), with the exception of noncash items such as Depreciation and amortization, Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes, Equity (earnings) losses, Net (gain) loss on disposition of equity-method investments, Impairment of equity-method investments, Gain(Gain) loss on saledeconsolidation of Geismar Interestbusinesses, and Impairment of and net (gain) loss on sale of certain assets and businesses. . Our Net cash provided (used) by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, decreased2019, increased from the same period in 20162018 primarily due to the absencenet favorable changes in 2017net operating working capital in 2019, including the collection of certain minimum volume commitment receipts dueTransco’s filed rates subject to contract restructurings,refund and the receipt of an income tax refund, as well as higher operating income (excluding noncash items as previously discussed) in 2019, partially offset by higher operating incomethe impact of decreased distributions from unconsolidated affiliates in 2017.2019.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Guarantees of Debt or Other Commitments
We have various other guarantees and commitments which are disclosed in Note 24 – Variable Interest Entities, Note 911 – Debt and Banking Arrangements, Note 1113 – Fair Value Measurements and Guarantees, and Note 1214 – Contingent Liabilities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We do not believe these guarantees and commitments or the possible fulfillment of them will prevent us from meeting our liquidity needs.




Item 3
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Our current interest rate risk exposure is related primarily to our debt portfolio and has not materially changed during the first nine months of 2017.2019.


Item 4
4. Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act)Act of 1934, as amended) (Disclosure Controls) or our internal control over financial reporting (Internal Controls) will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. We monitor our Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this regard is that the Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls will be modified as systems change and conditions warrant.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls was performed as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes during the third quarter of 20172019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Environmental
Certain reportable legal proceedings involving governmental authorities under federal, state, and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment are described below. While it is not possible for us to predict the final outcome of the proceedings which are still pending, we do not anticipate a material effect on our consolidated financial position if we receive an unfavorable outcome in any one or more of such proceedings.
On June 13, 2013, an explosion and fire occurred at our formerly owned Geismar olefins plant and rendered the facility temporarily inoperable (Geismar Incident). On October 21, 2013, the EPA, Region 6, issued an Inspection Report pursuant to the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program following its inspection of the facility on June 24 through June 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. We have worked with the agency to resolve these matters and recently entered into a Stipulation of Settlement, which includes a penalty of $750,000 that will be due within thirty days of the Court’s entry of the settlement. The Court set a fairness hearing on the settlement for December 11, 2019.
On February 21, 2017, we received notice from the Environmental Enforcement Section of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding certain alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at our Moundsville facility as set forth in a Notice of Noncompliance issued by the EPA on January 14, 2016. The notice includes an offer to avoid further legal action on the alleged violations by paying $2 million. In discussion with the DOJ and the EPA, the EPA has indicated its belief that additional similar violations have occurred at our Oak Grove facility and has expressed interest in pursuing a global settlement. We have requestedOn July 23, 2018, we received an assessment of proposedoffer from the DOJ to globally settle the government’s claim for civil penalties associated with the alleged violations at both the Moundsville and the Oak Grove facilities for violations alleged at Oak Grove. Once we have received$1.6 million. We are continuing to work with the new demand, we will evaluate the penalty assessment and any proposed global settlement and will respondagencies to the agencies.resolve this matter.
On May 5, 2017, we entered into a Consent Order with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (GEPD)(GADNR) pertaining to alleged violations of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act and associated rules arising from a permit issued by GEPDGADNR for construction of theTransco’s Dalton Project.expansion project. Pursuant to the Consent Order, we paid a fine of $168,750 and agreed to perform a Corrective Action OrderPlan, the completion of which is pending.
On March 19, 2018, we received a Notice of Violation from the EPA, Region 8, regarding certain alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at our former Ignacio Gas Plant in Durango, Colorado, following a previous on-site inspection of the facility. We were subsequently informed that this matter has been referred to remedythe DOJ for handling. The Notice of Violation does not contain an initial penalty assessment. We have responded to the alleged violations.violations and continue to work with the agencies to resolve this matter.
OtherOn March 20, 2018, we also received a Notice of Violation from the EPA, Region 8, regarding certain alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at our Parachute Creek Gas Plant in Parachute, Colorado, following a previous on-site inspection of the facility. We were informed that this matter has been referred to the DOJ for handling. The Notice of Violation does not contain an initial penalty assessment. We have responded to the alleged violations and continue to work with the agencies to resolve this matter.
The additional informationOn August 27, 2018, Northwest Pipeline LLC received a Notice of Violation/Cease and Desist Order from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) regarding certain alleged violations of the Colorado Water Quality Control Act and its General Permit under the Colorado Discharge Permit System related to its stormwater management practices at two construction sites. On March 4, 2019, the CDPHE provided us with its initial penalty calculation, proposing a penalty of $81,000 in settlement of all violations alleged in its notice. On July 2, 2019, we entered into a Compliance Order on Consent with CDPHE, which includes a penalty amount of $81,000, to fully resolve the matter.
Other environmental matters called for by this item is providedItem are described under the caption “Environmental Matters in Note 1214 – Contingent Liabilities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements of this report, which information is incorporated by reference into this item.Item.
Other litigation
The additional information called for by this Item is provided in Note 14 – Contingent Liabilities of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements of this report, which information is incorporated by reference into this Item.




Item 1A. Risk Factors
Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, includes risk factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. Those risk factors have not materially changed.



Item 6.  Exhibits


Exhibit
No.
   Description
     
2.1+  
2.2  
2.3+  
2.4+
3.1  
3.2  
3.3
3.4
10.1
12*
31.1*  
31.2*  
32**  
101.INS*  XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.


Exhibit
No.
Description
101.LAB*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File. The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document (contained in Exhibit 101).
 
*    Filed herewith.
**    Furnished herewith.
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.
§Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+Pursuant to item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule to the SEC upon request.




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/ TED T. TIMMERMANS
 Ted T. Timmermans
 Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
November 2, 2017October 31, 2019