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FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999
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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 000-20555
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WILLIAMS HOLDINGS OF DELAWARE, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 73-1455707
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(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
ONE WILLIAMS CENTER
TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74172
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(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number: (918) 573-2000
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NO CHANGE
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
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The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding at
May 14, 1999, was 1,000, all of which are owned by The Williams Companies, Inc.
REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
H(1)(a) and (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED
DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
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WILLIAMS HOLDINGS OF DELAWARE, INC.
INDEX
Page
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Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statement of Income--Three Months Ended
March 31, 1999 and 1998 2
Consolidated Balance Sheet--March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 3
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows--Three Months Ended
March 31, 1999 and 1998 4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5
Item 2. Management's Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations 11
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 15
Part II. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 16
Exhibit 12--Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Certain matters discussed in this report, excluding historical information,
include forward-looking statements. Although Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc.
believes such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, no
assurance can be given that every objective will be achieved. Such statements
are made in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues
that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the Williams
Holdings of Delaware, Inc.'s, 1998 Form 10-K.
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Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Income
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
March 31,
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(Millions) 1999 1998*
- ---------- ----------- ----------
Revenues (Notes 10 and 14):
Energy Services (Note 2) $ 1,234.4 $ 1,281.7
Communications 506.0 398.4
Other 6.2 13.7
Intercompany eliminations (229.5) (190.3)
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Total revenues 1,517.1 1,503.5
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Segment costs and expenses:
Costs and operating expenses 1,236.8 1,225.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses 233.8 173.0
Other (income) expense--net (Note 3) (4.0) 35.0
---------- ----------
Total segment costs and expenses 1,466.6 1,433.2
---------- ----------
General corporate expenses 9.6 31.8
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Operating income (loss) (Note 14):
Energy Services (Note 3) 118.5 88.5
Communications (51.5) (21.6)
Other (16.5) 3.4
General corporate expenses (Note 3) (9.6) (31.8)
---------- ----------
Total operating income 40.9 38.5
Interest accrued (Note 10) (58.9) (34.3)
Interest capitalized 8.7 7.4
Investing income (Note 10) 17.3 10.5
Minority interest in (income) loss of consolidated subsidiaries 3.0 (2.3)
Other expense--net (.4) (2.5)
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Income before income taxes, extraordinary loss and
change in accounting principle 10.6 17.3
Provision for income taxes (Note 4) 4.5 6.8
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Income before extraordinary loss and change in accounting principle 6.1 10.5
Extraordinary loss (Note 5) -- (4.8)
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Income before change in accounting principle 6.1 5.7
Change in accounting principle (Note 6) (5.6) --
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Net income $ .5 $ 5.7
========== ==========
* Certain amounts have been reclassified as described in Note 2 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See accompanying notes.
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Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
March 31, December 31,
1999 1998
(Dollars in millions, except per-share amounts) ---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 157.0 $ 109.7
Receivables:
Trade 1,426.0 1,490.8
Affiliates 30.8 14.0
Inventories (Note 7) 426.2 384.2
Energy trading assets 323.6 354.5
Deferred income taxes - affiliates 89.1 91.8
Other 165.9 150.2
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Total current assets 2,618.6 2,595.2
Due from parent 740.5 1,066.2
Investments, partially in affiliates 2,318.7 1,738.0
Property, plant and equipment, at cost 7,819.9 7,405.3
Less accumulated depreciation and depletion (2,024.7) (1,941.3)
---------- ----------
5,795.2 5,464.0
Goodwill and other intangible assets--net 635.0 583.6
Non-current energy trading assets 166.4 185.8
Other assets and deferred charges 237.5 217.8
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Total assets $ 12,511.9 $ 11,850.6
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable (Note 8) $ 1,533.8 $ 1,052.7
Accounts payable:
Trade 858.7 1,059.3
Affiliates 202.8 51.0
Accrued liabilities 647.1 649.7
Energy trading liabilities 243.0 290.1
Long-term debt due within one year (Notes 8 and 9)
Affiliates 65.4 65.4
Other 42.0 67.0
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Total current liabilities 3,592.8 3,235.2
Long-term debt (Notes 8 and 9)
Affiliates 1,100.1 948.4
Other 1,738.5 1,968.6
Deferred income taxes - affiliates 1,006.5 880.5
Non-current energy trading liabilities 186.6 201.5
Other liabilities and deferred income 422.2 319.6
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries 376.9 373.2
Contingent liabilities and commitments (Note 11)
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, 1,000 shares authorized and outstanding -- --
Capital in excess of par value 2,038.1 2,038.1
Retained earnings 1,550.3 1,568.8
Accumulated other comprehensive income 499.9 316.7
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Total stockholder's equity 4,088.3 3,923.6
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Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $ 12,511.9 $ 11,850.6
========== ==========
See accompanying notes.
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Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Three months ended March 31,
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(Millions) 1999 1998
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OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ .5 $ 5.7
Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided from operations:
Extraordinary loss -- 4.8
Change in accounting principle 5.6 --
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 94.3 76.7
Provision for deferred income taxes 3.6 9.2
Minority interest in income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries (3.0) 2.3
Cash provided (used) by changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables sold 14.9
Receivables 24.9 234.5
Inventories (24.9) (4.0)
Other current assets (14.8) 10.2
Accounts payable (136.4) (238.8)
Accrued liabilities 14.8 (52.2)
Receivables/payables with affiliates 134.4 11.7
Changes in current energy trading assets and liabilities (16.0) (.4)
Changes in non-current energy trading assets and liabilities 4.2 (2.4)
Changes in non-current deferred income 112.6 (2.2)
Other, including changes in non-current assets and liabilities 21.5 9.9
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Net cash provided by operating activities 236.2 65.0
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FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable 479.6 49.7
Payments of notes payable (2.8) (197.2)
Proceeds from long-term debt 321.8 197.4
Payments of long-term debt (577.0) (364.3)
Dividends -- (13.9)
Capital contributions -- 8.2
Changes in advances from affiliates 152.1 275.6
Other--net 7.9 25.7
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Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 381.6 (18.8)
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INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant and equipment:
Capital expenditures (324.1) (299.6)
Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (81.3) --
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (162.9) --
Purchase of investments/advances to affiliates (326.1) (14.6)
Changes in advances to parent company 325.7 274.3
Other--net (1.8) (4.1)
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Net cash used by investing activities (570.5) (44.0)
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Increase in cash and cash equivalents 47.3 2.2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 109.7 96.0
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 157.0 $ 98.2
========== ==========
See accompanying notes.
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Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. General
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Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc. (Williams Holdings) is a wholly
owned subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams). The accompanying
interim consolidated financial statements of Williams Holdings do not include
all notes in annual financial statements and therefore should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in
Williams Holdings' Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying financial
statements have not been audited by independent auditors, but include all
adjustments, both normal recurring and others, which, in the opinion of Williams
Holdings' management, are necessary to present fairly its financial position at
March 31, 1999, and its results of operations and cash flows for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998.
2. Basis of presentation
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In the fourth-quarter 1998, Williams Holdings adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." Beginning January 1, 1999, Communications'
Network Applications 1998 segment results have been restated to include the
results of investments in certain Brazilian and Australian telecommunications
projects, which had previously been reported in Other segment revenues and
profit (loss). These investments, along with businesses previously reported as
Network Applications, and certain cost-basis investments previously reported in
Network Services are now collectively managed and reported under the name
Strategic Investments.
Effective April 1, 1998, certain marketing activities were transferred
from other Energy Services segments to Energy Marketing & Trading and combined
with its energy risk trading operations. As a result, revenues and segment
profit amounts prior to April 1, 1998, have been reclassified and reported
within Energy Marketing & Trading. The income statement presentation relating to
certain of these operations was changed effective April 1, 1998, on a
prospective basis, to reflect these revenues net of the related costs to
purchase such items. Activity prior to this date is reflected on a "gross" basis
in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Concurrent with completing the
combination of such activities with the energy risk trading operations of Energy
Marketing & Trading, the related contract rights and obligations of certain of
these operations are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value
consistent with Energy Marketing & Trading's accounting policy.
Certain other income statement and segment asset amounts have been
reclassified to conform to the current classifications.
3. Merger-related costs
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In connection with Williams' March 28, 1998, acquisition of MAPCO Inc.,
Williams Holdings recognized approximately $52 million in merger-related costs
comprised primarily of outside professional fees and early retirement and
severance costs in the first quarter of 1998. Approximately $36 million of these
merger-related costs is included in other (income) expense-net within segment
costs and expenses and as a component of Energy Services' segment profit, and
$16 million, unrelated to the segments, is included in general corporate
expenses.
4. Provision for income taxes
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The provision for income taxes includes:
Three months ended
(Millions) March 31,
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1999 1998
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Current:
Federal $ .5 $ (3.5)
State .2 .8
Foreign .2 .3
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.9 (2.4)
Deferred:
Federal 2.9 8.8
State .7 .4
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3.6 9.2
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Total provision $ 4.5 $ 6.8
========== ==========
The effective income tax rate for 1999 and 1998 is greater than the
federal statutory rate due primarily to the effects of state income taxes.
5. Extraordinary loss
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In 1998, Williams Holdings paid $54.4 million to redeem higher interest
rate debt for a $4.8 million net loss (net of a $2.6 million benefit for income
taxes).
6. Change in accounting principle
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Effective January 1, 1999, Williams Holdings adopted Statement of
Position (SOP) 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." The SOP
requires that all start-up costs be expensed as incurred and the expense related
to the initial application of this SOP of $5.6 million (net of a $3.6 million
benefit for income taxes) is reported as the cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle.
Additionally, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus
on Issue No. 98-10, "Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and
Risk Management Activities" which was adopted first-quarter 1999. The effect of
initially applying the consensus at January 1, 1999, is immaterial to Williams
Holdings' results of operations and financial position.
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7. Inventories
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March 31, December 31,
(Millions) 1999 1998
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Raw materials:
Crude oil $ 56.5 $ 43.2
Other 1.7 2.0
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58.2 45.2
Finished goods:
Refined products 187.6 104.0
Natural gas liquids 17.5 58.6
General merchandise and
communications equipment 99.1 92.8
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304.2 255.4
Materials and supplies 31.7 29.8
Natural gas in underground storage 21.9 46.1
Other 10.2 7.7
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$ 426.2 $ 384.2
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8. Debt and banking arrangements
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NOTES PAYABLE
During 1999, Williams Holdings increased its commercial paper program
to $1.4 billion, backed by a short-term bank-credit facility. At March 31, 1999,
$1.4 billion of commercial paper was outstanding under the program. Interest
rates vary with current market conditions.
DEBT
Williams Holdings, Williams Communications Solutions, LLC and Williams
Communications Group, Inc. also participate in Williams' $1 billion credit
agreement under which the LLC and Williams Communications Group have access to
$300 million and $400 million, respectively, and Williams Holdings has access to
all unborrowed amounts, subject to borrowings by other affiliated companies,
including Williams (parent). At March 31, 1999, the amount available under the
agreement was $355 million. Interest rates vary with current market conditions.
Weighted-
average
interest March 31, December 31,
(Millions) rate* 1999 1998
--------- ---------- ----------
Revolving credit loans 7.8% $ 315.0 $ 550.0
Debentures, 6.25% and 7.7%,
payable 2006 and 2027 5.0 351.9 351.9
Notes, 6.013% - 7.6%,
payable through 2009 6.6 782.8 802.8
Notes, 8.2% - 9%,
payable through 2022 8.7 321.8 322.3
Other, payable through 2005 8.5 9.0 8.6
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1,780.5 2,035.6
Current portion of long-term debt (42.0) (67.0)
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$ 1,738.5 $ 1,968.6
========== ==========
* At March 31, 1999, including the effects of interest-rate swaps.
In April 1999, Williams Holdings' communications business entered into
a $1.4 billion temporary short-term bank-credit facility, guaranteed by
Williams. Communications expects to replace this facility with a permanent
bank-credit facility in the second quarter of 1999.
9. Investments
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At December 31, 1998, Williams Holdings had investments in certain
Brazilian telecommunication ventures totaling approximately $211 million of
which approximately $150 million were preferred stock interests. Effective
January 1, 1999, Williams Holdings adopted the provisions of the consensus of
Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 98-13, "Accounting by an Equity
Method Investor for Investee Losses When the Investor has Loans to and
Investments in Other Securities of the Investee." Williams Holdings currently
applies the equity method to investments in common stock and certain other
investments in which Williams Holdings exercises significant influence.
Previously, Williams Holdings also applied the equity method to investments in
certain other equity securities of the investee when Williams Holdings also had
an investment in the common stock of the investee.
The impact of the change for the three months ended March 31, 1999,
was to increase both income before extraordinary loss and change in accounting
principle and net income by approximately $26 million.
10. Related party transactions
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Williams Holdings and its subsidiaries maintain promissory notes with
Williams and other Williams subsidiaries for both advances from and advances to
affiliates depending on the cash position of each subsidiary and for certain
other business purposes. Interest accrued includes $7.8 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1999, from advances from affiliates. Investing income
includes $13.5 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31,
1999 and 1998, respectively, from advances to affiliates and investment in
Williams (parent) debentures.
Williams Holdings' subsidiaries have transactions with four of the gas
pipelines that comprise Williams Gas Pipeline. Energy Marketing & Trading's
revenues include natural gas sales to affiliates of $72.9 million and $90.9
million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Energy
Marketing & Trading also incurred costs and operating expenses, including
transportation and certain other costs, from affiliates of $20.8 million and
$28.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
These sales and costs are included in Energy Marketing & Trading's revenues
consistent with a "net" basis of reporting these activities. Transactions with
affiliates are at prices that generally apply to unaffiliated parties.
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11. Contingent liabilities and commitments
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Rate and regulatory matters
Williams Pipe Line (WPL) has various regulatory proceedings pending. On
July 15, 1998, WPL received an Order from the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) which affirmed an administrative law judge's 1996 initial
decision regarding rate-making proceedings for the period September 15, 1990
through May 1, 1992. The FERC has ruled that WPL did not meet its burden of
establishing that its transportation rates in its 12 noncompetitive markets were
just and reasonable for the period and has ordered refunds. WPL continues to
believe it should prevail upon appeal regarding collected rates for that period.
However, due to this FERC decision, WPL accrued $15.5 million, including
interest, in the second quarter of 1998, for potential refunds to customers for
the issues described above. Since May 1, 1992, WPL has collected and recognized
as revenues $160 million in noncompetitive markets that are in excess of tariff
rates previously approved by the FERC and that are subject to refund with
interest. WPL believes that the tariff rates collected in these markets during
this period will be justified in accordance with the FERC's cost-basis
guidelines and will be making the appropriate filings with the FERC to support
this position.
Environmental matters
Certain Williams Holdings' subsidiaries have been identified as
potentially responsible parties (PRP) 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. Although no assurances can be given,
Williams Holdings does not believe that these obligations or the PRP status of
these subsidiaries will have a material adverse effect on its financial
position, results of operations or net cash flows.
The Midstream Gas & Liquids unit of Energy Services (WES) had recorded
an aggregate liability of approximately $10 million, representing the current
estimate of future environmental and remediation costs. WES also accrues
environmental remediation costs for its petroleum products pipeline, retail
petroleum, refining and propane marketing operations primarily related to soil
and groundwater contamination. At March 31, 1999, WES and its subsidiaries had
reserves, in addition to other reserves listed above, totaling approximately $31
million. WES recognizes receivables related to environmental remediation costs
from state funds as a result of laws permitting states to reimburse certain
expenses associated with underground storage tank problems and repairs. At March
31, 1999, WES and its subsidiaries had receivables totaling $14 million. Actual
costs incurred will depend on the actual number of contaminated sites
identified, the actual amount and extent of contamination discovered, the final
cleanup standards mandated by the EPA and other governmental authorities and
other factors.
Other legal matters
On April 7, 1992, a liquefied petroleum gas explosion occurred near an
underground salt dome storage facility located near Brenham, Texas and owned by
an affiliate of MAPCO Inc., Seminole Pipeline Company ("Seminole"). MAPCO Inc.,
as well as Seminole, Mid-America Pipeline Company, MAPCO Natural Gas Liquids
Inc., and other non-MAPCO entities were named as defendants in civil action
lawsuits filed in state district courts located in four Texas counties. Seminole
and the above-mentioned subsidiaries of MAPCO Inc. have settled in excess of
1,600 claims in these lawsuits. As of January, 1999, the only lawsuit not fully
resolved was the Dallmeyer case which was tried before a jury in Harris County.
In Dallmeyer, the judgment rendered in March 1996 against defendants Seminole
and MAPCO Inc. and its subsidiaries totaled approximately $72 million which
included nearly $65 million of punitive damages awarded to the 21 plaintiffs.
Both plaintiffs and defendants have appealed the Dallmeyer judgment to the Court
of Appeals for the Fourteenth District of Texas in Harris County. In February
and March 1998, the defendants entered into settlement agreements involving 17
of the 21 plaintiffs to finally resolve their claims against all defendants for
an aggregate payment of approximately $10 million. These settlements have
satisfied and reduced the judgment on appeal by approximately $42 million as to
the remaining four plaintiffs. The Court of Appeals issued its decision on
October 15, 1998, which, while denying all of the plaintiffs' cross-appeal
issues, affirmed in part and reversed in part the trial court's judgment. The
defendants had entered into settlement agreements with the remaining plaintiffs
which, in light of the decision, provided for aggregate payments of
approximately $13.6 million, the full amount of which has been previously
accrued. The releases from the last remaining plaintiffs were received in
February 1999.
In 1991, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (the Tribe) filed a lawsuit
against Williams Production Company (Williams Production), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Williams Holdings, and other gas producers in the San Juan Basin
area, alleging that certain coal strata were reserved by the United States for
the benefit of the Tribe and that the extraction of coal-seam gas from the coal
strata was wrongful. The Tribe seeks compensation for the value of the coal-seam
gas. The Tribe also seeks an order transferring to the Tribe ownership of all of
the defendants' equipment and facilities utilized in the extraction of the
coal-seam gas. In September 1994, the court granted summary judgment in favor of
the defendants, and the Tribe lodged an interlocutory appeal with the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Williams Production agreed to indemnify the
Williams Coal Seam Gas Royalty Trust (Trust) against any losses that may arise
in respect of certain properties subject to the lawsuit. On July 16, 1997, the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reversed the decision of the
district court, held that the Tribe owns the coal-seam gas produced from certain
coal strata on fee lands within the exterior boundaries of the Tribe's
reservation, and remanded the case to the district court for further
proceedings. On September 16, 1997, Amoco Production Company, the class
representative for the defendant class (of which Williams Production is a part),
filed its motion
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for rehearing en banc before the Court of Appeals. On July 20, 1998, the Court
of Appeals sitting en banc affirmed the panel's decision. The Supreme Court
granted a writ of certiorari in respect of this decision and heard oral
arguments on April 19, 1999. Williams Production has entered into an agreement
in principle to settle the Tribe's claims against Williams Production.
In connection with agreements to resolve take-or-pay and other contract
claims and to amend gas purchase contracts, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line and
Texas Gas each entered into certain settlements with producers which may require
the indemnification of certain claims for additional royalties which the
producers may be required to pay as a result of such settlements. Transco Energy
Company and Transco Gas Supply Company (wholly owned subsidiaries of Williams
Holdings) have also been named as defendants in certain of these lawsuits. As a
result of such settlements, Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line is currently
defending two lawsuits brought by producers. In one of the cases, a jury verdict
found that Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line was required to pay a producer damages
of $23.3 million including $3.8 million in attorneys' fees. Transcontinental Gas
Pipe Line is pursuing an appeal. In the other case, a producer has asserted
damages, including interest calculated through December 31, 1997, of
approximately $6 million. Producers have received and may receive other demands,
which could result in additional claims. Indemnification for royalties will
depend on, among other things, the specific lease provisions between the
producer and the lessor and the terms of the settlement between the producer and
either Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line or Texas Gas. Texas Gas may file to
recover 75 percent of any such additional amounts it may be required to pay
pursuant to indemnities for royalties under the provisions of FERC Order 528.
In connection with the sale of certain coal assets in 1996, MAPCO
entered into a Letter Agreement with the buyer providing for indemnification by
MAPCO for reductions in the price or tonnage of coal delivered under a certain
pre-existing Coal Sales Agreement dated December 1, 1986. The Letter Agreement
is effective for reductions during the period July 1, 1996, through December 31,
2002, and provides for indemnification for such reductions as incurred on a
quarterly basis. The buyer has stated it is entitled to indemnification from
MAPCO for amounts of $7.8 million through June 30, 1998, and may claim
indemnification for additional amounts in the future. MAPCO has filed for
declaratory relief as to certain aspects of the buyer's claims. MAPCO also
believes it would be entitled to substantial set-offs and credits against any
amounts determined to be due and has accrued a liability representing an
estimate of amounts it expects to incur in satisfaction of this indemnity. The
parties are currently pursuing settlement negotiations as part of a mediation.
In 1998, the United States Department of Justice informed Williams
Holdings that Jack Grynberg, an individual, had filed claims in the United
States District Court for the District of Colorado under the False Claims Act
against Williams Holdings and certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries including
Williams Field Services Company and Williams Production Company. Mr. Grynberg
has also filed claims against approximately 300 other energy companies and
alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act in connection with the
measurement and purchase of hydrocarbons. The relief sought is an unspecified
amount of royalties allegedly not paid to the federal government, treble
damages, a civil penalty, attorneys' fees, and costs. On April 9, 1999, the
United States Department of Justice announced that it was declining to intervene
in any of the Grynberg qui tam cases, including the action filed against the
Williams entities in the United States District Court for the District of
Colorado.
In addition to the foregoing, various other proceedings are pending
against Williams Holdings or its subsidiaries which are incidental to their
operations.
Summary
While no assurances may be given, Williams Holdings does not believe
that the ultimate resolution of the foregoing matters, taken as a whole and
after consideration of amounts accrued, insurance coverage or other
indemnification arrangements, will have a materially adverse effect upon
Williams Holdings' future financial position, results of operations or cash flow
requirements.
Other matters
During 1998, Energy Marketing & Trading entered into a 15 year contract
giving Williams Holdings the right to receive fuel conversion and certain other
services for purposes of generating electricity. Annual committed payments
under this contract range from $140 million to $165 million, resulting in total
committed payments of approximately $2.3 billion.
During the first quarter of 1999, Energy Marketing & Trading entered
into a similar contract with a 20 year term. Annual committed payments under
this contract, which is scheduled to commence in mid-2001, range from $39
million to $55 million resulting in additional committed payments of
approximately $950 million.
12. Adoption of accounting standards
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The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement on
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This standard, effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999, requires that all derivatives be recognized as
assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and that those instruments be
measured at fair value. The effect of this standard on Williams Holdings'
results of operations and financial position has yet to be evaluated.
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13. Comprehensive income
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Comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:
Three months ended
(Millions) March 31,
-----------------------
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Net income $ .5 $ 5.7
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on debentures 208.7 93.4
Unrealized gains on securities 120.6 13.3
Foreign currency translation
adjustments (22.0) (2.1)
---------- ----------
Other comprehensive income
before taxes 307.3 104.6
Income taxes on other comprehensive
income 124.1 42.5
---------- ----------
Comprehensive income $ 183.7 $ 67.8
========== ==========
14. Segment disclosures
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Williams Holdings evaluates performance based upon segment profit or
loss from operations which includes revenues from external and internal
customers, equity earnings, operating costs and expenses, and depreciation,
depletion and amortization. Intersegment sales are generally accounted for as if
the sales were to unaffiliated third parties, that is, at current market prices.
Williams Holdings' reportable segments are strategic business units
that offer different products and services. The segments are managed separately
because each segment requires different technology, marketing strategies and
industry knowledge. Other includes investments in various international energy
and communications-related ventures, as well as corporate operations.
The following table reflects the reconciliation of segment profit, per
the table on the following page, to operating income as reported in the
Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31:
(Millions) 1999 1998
---------- ----------
Segment profit $ 50.5 $ 70.3
General corporate expenses (9.6) (31.8)
---------- ----------
Operating income $ 40.9 $ 38.5
========== ==========
The increase in Strategic Investments' total assets, as noted on the
following page, is due primarily to the additional investments in Brazilian
telecommunications project and the increase in the carrying value of a
marketable equity security.
9
11
14. Segment disclosures (continued)
Revenues
--------------------------------------------------
Equity
External Inter- Earnings Segment
(Millions) Customers segment (Losses) Total Profit (Loss)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
ENERGY SERVICES
Energy Marketing & Trading $ 511.2 $ (39.1)* $ (.1) $ 472.0 $ 40.7
Exploration & Production 1.2 26.3 -- 27.5 4.7
Midstream Gas & Liquids 174.4 26.9 (2.3) 199.0 44.2
Petroleum Services 334.4 201.3 .2 535.9 33.0
Merger-related costs and non-compete
amortization -- -- -- -- (4.1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1,021.2 215.4 (2.2) 1,234.4 118.5
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Solutions 337.3 -- -- 337.3 (8.8)
Network Services 96.9 11.6 -- 108.5 (17.2)
Strategic Investments 68.1 .2 (8.1) 60.2 (25.5)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
502.3 11.8 (8.1) 506.0 (51.5)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OTHER 20.3 2.3 (16.4) 6.2 (16.5)
ELIMINATIONS -- (229.5) -- (229.5) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL $ 1,543.8 $ -- $ (26.7) $ 1,517.1 $ 50.5
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
ENERGY SERVICES
Energy Marketing & Trading $ 404.1 $ 76.5 $ (1.1) 479.5 $ 15.5
Exploration & Production 11.8 28.8 -- 40.6 12.3
Midstream Gas & Liquids 196.9 18.5 1.5 216.9 63.0
Petroleum Services 505.8 38.8 .1 544.7 33.6
Merger-related costs and non-compete
amortization -- -- -- -- (35.9)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
1,118.6 162.6 .5 1,281.7 88.5
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Solutions 327.4 -- -- 327.4 3.3
Network Services 9.1 12.1 -- 21.2 (7.9)
Strategic Investments 51.3 -- (1.5) 49.8 (17.0)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
387.8 12.1 (1.5) 398.4 (21.6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OTHER (3.4) 15.6 1.5 13.7 3.4
ELIMINATIONS -- (190.3) -- (190.3) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL $ 1,503.0 $ -- $ .5 $ 1,503.5 $ 70.3
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
TOTAL ASSETS
-----------------------------------
(Millions) March 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
-------------- -----------------
ENERGY SERVICES
Energy Marketing & Trading $ 2,599.2 $ 2,596.8
Exploration & Production 451.9 484.1
Midstream Gas & Liquids 2,836.2 2,688.4
Petroleum Services 2,511.6 2,525.2
-------------- -----------------
8,398.9 8,294.5
-------------- -----------------
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Solutions 944.8 946.4
Network Services 780.8 712.9
Strategic Investments 1,102.8 638.4
-------------- -----------------
2,828.4 2,297.7
-------------- -----------------
OTHER 6,731.7 6,290.8
ELIMINATIONS (5,447.1) (5,032.4)
-------------- -----------------
TOTAL $ 12,511.9 $ 11,850.6
============== =================
* Energy Marketing & Trading intercompany cost of sales, which are netted
in revenues consistent with fair-value accounting, exceed intercompany
revenue.
10
12
15. Williams merger
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On March 18, 1999, Williams' board of directors approved the merger of
Williams Holdings with Williams. Upon completion of the merger, which is
expected to be in the second or third quarter of 1999, Williams will assume all
liabilities and obligations of Williams Holdings.
16. Subsequent event
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On April 9, 1999, Williams Holdings' communications business filed a
registration statement for an initial public equity offering which is expected
to yield proceeds of $500 million to $750 million, representing a minority
interest in its communications business. During the first quarter of 1999,
Williams announced that simultaneously with the public equity offering, SBC
Communications plans to acquire up to a 10 percent interest in Williams
Holdings' Communications business for an investment up to $500 million. In
addition, Communications is expected to issue high-yield public debt of $1.3
billion in 1999. Proceeds will be reinvested in the continued construction of
Williams Holdings' national fiber-optic network and other expansion
opportunities.
ITEM 2
Management's Narrative Analysis of the
Results of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
First Quarter 1999 vs. First Quarter 1998
CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW
Williams Holdings' revenues increased $14 million, or 1 percent, due
primarily to Communications' sales of excess fiber capacity and new business
growth on the fiber-optic network, increased revenues from retail natural gas
and electric activities following a late 1998 acquisition and higher power
services revenues. Partially offsetting these increases were the $84 million
effect in 1999 of reporting certain revenues net of costs within Energy Services
(see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and continued
lower petroleum products and natural gas liquids sales prices.
Segment costs and expenses increased $33 million, or 2 percent, due
primarily to higher costs and expenses within Communications, higher costs from
retail natural gas and electric activities following a late 1998 acquisition and
higher power services costs. Partially offsetting these increases were the $84
million impact in 1999 of reporting certain costs net in revenues within Energy
Services (see Note 2), lower purchase prices for petroleum products and the
effect in 1998 of Mapco merger-related costs totaling $52 million (including
$16 million within general corporate expenses).
Operating income increased $2 million, or 6 percent, due primarily to
the effect in 1998 of MAPCO merger-related costs totaling $52 million,
substantially offset by a $30 million decrease at Communications, reflecting
losses from international ventures in initial operations and infrastructure
growth and improvement, and a $21 million decrease from International
activities, reflecting losses from start-up operations. Income before income
taxes, extraordinary loss and change in accounting principle decreased $7
million due primarily to $23 million higher net interest expense reflecting
continued expansion and new projects, partially offset by $7 million increase in
investing income and a $5 million favorable change in minority interest in
income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries.
ENERGY SERVICES
ENERGY MARKETING & TRADING'S revenues decreased $7.5 million, or 2
percent, due primarily to the $84 million impact in 1999 of reporting revenues
on a net basis for certain natural gas liquids trading operations previously
reported on a "gross" basis (see Note 2). Excluding this decrease, revenues
increased $77 million due primarily to $68 million higher revenues from retail
natural gas and electric activities following the late 1998 acquisition of
Volunteer Energy and $53 million higher electric power services revenues from
new power activity in southern California, partially offset by a $45 million
decrease in revenues associated with crude and refined products marketing and
trading. The $45 million decrease from crude and refined products activities
reflects $79 million from lower average sales prices from crude and refined
products marketing activities, partially offset by $19 million from increased
volumes sold and $15 million higher net revenues associated with crude and
refined products trading activities.
Costs and operating expenses decreased $49 million, or 11 percent, due
primarily to the $84 million impact in 1999 of reporting revenues on a net basis
for certain natural gas liquids trading operations previously reported on a
"gross" basis (see Note 2). In addition, costs associated with crude
11
13
and refined products marketing activities decreased $59 million reflecting lower
average product purchase prices, partially offset by increased volumes
purchased. Partially offsetting these decreases were $62 million of higher costs
following the late 1998 acquisition of Volunteer Energy and $40 million of costs
related to new electric power activity in southern California. Selling, general
and administrative expenses increased $16 million reflecting growth in electric
power services operations, the Volunteer Energy acquisition and higher
compensation levels associated with improved operating performance.
Segment profit increased $25.2 million, to $40.7 million in 1999 from
$15.5 million in 1998, due primarily to $8 million higher electric power
marketing and trading profits and $12 million higher profits from crude and
refined products marketing and trading. In addition, retail propane profits
increased $7 million reflecting a 13 percent increase in propane volumes
combined with improved per-unit propane margins resulting from favorable weather
conditions.
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION'S revenues decreased $13.1 million, or 32
percent, due primarily to lower average natural gas sales prices for both
company-owned production and sales of volumes from the Williams Coal Seam Gas
Royalty Trust and royalty interest owners. In addition, revenues decreased due
to a $4 million reduction in deferred income recognized from a 1997 transaction
that transferred certain nonoperating economic benefits to a third party,
partially offset by a $2 million increase resulting from 13 percent higher
company-owned production volumes.
Segment profit decreased $7.6 million, or 62 percent, due primarily to
the $4 million reduction in deferred income recognition, a $5 million
unfavorable effect of lower average sales prices for company-owned production
and $2 million higher leasehold impairment expense, partially offset by $3
million lower dry hole costs and the 13 percent increase in company-owned
production volumes.
MIDSTREAM GAS & LIQUIDS' revenues decreased $17.9 million, or 8
percent, due primarily to $8 million lower natural gas liquids sales from
processing activities, $3 million lower natural gas liquids pipeline
transportation revenues resulting from decreased shipments, $4 million lower
condensate revenues following processing plant shutdowns during 1999 and $4
million lower equity earnings primarily from the Discovery pipeline project. The
lower natural gas liquids sales reflect $14 million from lower average liquids
sales prices, partially offset by $6 million from a 14 percent increase in
liquids volumes sold.
Segment profit decreased $18.8 million, or 30 percent, due primarily to
$9 million lower per-unit liquids margins, lower pipeline transportation
revenues and equity earnings and increased costs and expenses, partially offset
by the effect of a $3 million litigation accrual in 1998.
PETROLEUM SERVICES' revenue decreased $8.8 million, or 2 percent, due
primarily to $41 million lower revenues from refining operations and $8 million
lower ethanol sales, largely offset by $18 million higher convenience store
revenues, $12 million higher revenues from fleet management and mobile computer
technology operations and $7 million higher transportation and terminalling
revenues. The $41 million decline in refining revenues reflects $65 million from
lower average sales prices because of lower crude costs, partially offset by $24
million from a 9 percent increase in refined product volumes sold. The $18
million increase in convenience store sales reflects $25 million from increased
gasoline and diesel sales volumes and $11 million higher merchandise sales due
to additional stores, partially offset by the $18 million effect of lower
average retail gasoline and diesel sales prices.
Costs and operating expenses decreased $9 million, or 2 percent, due
primarily to $43 million lower refinery crude oil purchases, partially offset by
$10 million higher costs from the fleet management and mobile computer
technology operations, $13 million higher convenience store cost of sales, $8
million higher convenience store operating costs and $4 million higher refinery
operating costs. The $43 million lower crude oil purchase costs reflects $62
million from lower average crude oil prices, partially offset by $19 million
related to an increase in processed barrels sold. The $13 million higher
convenience store cost of sales reflects $23 million from increased gasoline and
diesel sales volumes and $6 million of higher merchandise cost of sales,
partially offset by $16 million from lower average gasoline and diesel prices.
Segment profit decreased $.6 million, or 2 percent, due primarily to $5
million lower profits from the refining and retail operations and $6 million
higher general and administrative expenses, substantially offset by $6 million
higher profits from the transportation and terminalling operations and the
recovery of $4 million of environmental expenses previously incurred.
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS' revenues increased by $9.9 million, or 3
percent, due primarily to $14 million higher new system sales and upgrades,
partially offset by $9 million lower customer service orders resulting, in part,
from competitive pressures.
Segment profit decreased $12.1 million, from a $3.3 million segment
profit in 1998 to an $8.8 million segment loss in 1999, due primarily to $16
million higher selling, general and administrative expenses including $7 million
increased provision for uncollectible trade receivables and higher costs
necessary to improve managing and integrating complex business operations and
systems.
NETWORK SERVICES' revenues increased $87.3 million, from $21.2 million
in 1998, due primarily to $51 million of revenue in 1999 from the sale of excess
dark fiber capacity
12
14
on the newly constructed digital fiber-optic network and $32 million from
business growth.
Costs and operating expenses increased $90 million, from $18 million in
1998, due primarily to $41 million of construction costs associated with the
sale of dark fiber, $29 million higher leased capacity costs associated with
providing customer services prior to completion of the new network and $6
million higher operations and maintenance expenses.
Segment loss increased $9.3 million, from a $7.9 million loss in 1998
to a $17.2 million loss in 1999, due primarily to losses experienced from
providing customer services prior to completion of the new network and the cost
of expanding the infrastructure in support of the network expansion, partially
offset by $10.5 million of profit from selling excess fiber capacity.
As each phase of the on-going construction of the planned 32,000 mile
full-services wholesale communications network goes into service, revenues and
costs are expected to increase. During 1998, 9,000 miles of new network were
added increasing the network to 19,000 cable miles at December 31, 1998. At
March 31, 1999, the network had increased to 20,000 cable miles. The remaining
12,000 miles are planned to come online during the rest of 1999 and 2000. The
February 8, 1999, announcement by Williams of a 20-year agreement with SBC
Communications, under which Network Services will become the preferred provider
of nationwide long-distance voice and data services for SBC Communications, will
contribute to the expected network revenue increase in 2000. Additional sales of
excess dark fiber capacity along the new network are expected to generate
increasing revenues and serve as a funding source for continued infrastructure
growth and construction.
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS' revenues increased $10.4 million, or 21 percent,
due primarily to $15 million of revenue contributed by the August 1998
acquisition of an Australian telecommunications company, partially offset by
equity investment losses of $8 million from ATL-Algar Telecom Leste S.A., a
Brazilian telecommunications business in initial operations.
Costs and operating expenses increased $13 million, or 27 percent, and
selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6 million, or 30
percent, due primarily to the Australian acquisition.
Segment loss increased $8.5 million, or 50 percent, due primarily to
start-up activities in the Australian and Brazilian telecommunications
businesses, partially offset by a $6 million decrease in losses from video
transmission services. Management is currently assessing some of its business
activities within this segment which may ultimately result in the impairment of
or the sale of some of these businesses. Preliminary estimates are that such
impairment charges or losses for the activities under review approximate $30
million. No definitive agreements or formal plans have been reached relating to
the businesses under review.
OTHER
OTHER segment loss of $16.5 million in 1999 compares to a segment
profit of $3.4 million in 1998, due primarily to $18 million higher
international equity investment losses, including $14 million from investing
activities in another Brazilian communications company in which Williams has
approximately a 5 percent common equity interest. The equity losses result
primarily from start-up operations of certain communications ventures within
this company.
CONSOLIDATED
GENERAL CORPORATE EXPENSES decreased $22.2 million, or 70 percent, due
primarily to approximately $16 million of MAPCO merger-related costs included in
first-quarter 1998 general corporate expenses. An additional $36 million of
merger-related costs are included in 1998 as a component of Energy Services'
segment profit (see Note 3). Interest accrued increased $24.6 million, or 72
percent, due primarily to higher borrowing levels including the commercial paper
program, notes with affiliates, and the issuance of additional public debt.
Investing income increased $6.8 million, or 65 percent, due primarily to
higher interest income on advances to affiliates and long-term notes
receivable. Minority interest in (income) loss of consolidated subsidiaries is
$5.3 million favorable as compared to 1998, due primarily to losses experienced
by Williams Communications Solutions, LLC which has a 30 percent interest held
by minority shareholders.
The $2.3 million, or 34 percent, decrease in the provision for income
taxes is primarily a result of lower pre-tax income. The effective tax rate in
1999 and 1998 exceeds the federal statutory rate due primarily to the effects of
state income taxes.
The $4.8 million 1998 extraordinary loss results from the early
extinguishment of debt (see Note 5).
The $5.6 million 1999 change in accounting principle relates to the
adoption of Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities" (see Note 6).
Year 2000 Compliance
Williams and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which includes Williams
Holdings, initiated an enterprise-wide project in 1997 to address the year 2000
compliance issue for both traditional information technology areas and
non-traditional areas, including embedded technology which is prevalent
throughout the company. This project focuses on all technology hardware and
software, external interfaces with customers and suppliers, operations process
control, automation and instrumentation systems, and facility items. The phases
of the project are awareness, inventory and assessment, renovation and
replacement, testing and validation. The awareness and inventory/assessment
phases of this project as they relate to both traditional and non-traditional
information technology areas have been substantially completed. During the
inventory and assessment phase, all systems with possible year 2000
13
15
implications were inventoried and classified into five categories: 1) highest,
business critical, 2) high, compliance necessary within a short period of time
following January 1, 2000, 3) medium, compliance necessary within 30 days from
January 1, 2000, 4) low, compliance desirable but not required, and 5)
unnecessary. Categories 1 through 3 were designated as critical and are the
major focus of this project. Renovation/replacement and testing/validation of
critical systems is expected to be completed by June 30, 1999, except for
replacement of certain critical systems scheduled for completion later in 1999.
Some non-critical systems may not be compliant by January 1, 2000.
Testing and validation activities have begun and will continue
throughout the process. Year 2000 test labs are in place and operational. As
expected, few problems have been detected during testing for items believed to
be compliant. The following table indicates the project status as of March 31,
1999, for traditional information technology and non-traditional areas by
business unit. The tested category indicates the percentage that has been fully
tested or otherwise validated as compliant. The untested category includes items
that are believed to be compliant but which have not yet been validated. The not
compliant category includes items which have been identified as not year 2000
compliant.
Business Unit Tested Untested Not Compliant
------------- ------ -------- -------------
Traditional Information
Technology:
Energy Services 74% 23% 3%
Communications 58 24 18
Corporate/Other 86 11 3
Non-Traditional
Information Technology:
Energy Services 68 28 4
Communications 74 20 6
Corporate/Other 93 7 0
Williams Holdings initiated a formal communications process with other
companies in 1998 to determine the extent to which those companies are
addressing year 2000 compliance. In connection with this process, Williams
Holdings has sent approximately 10,500 letters and questionnaires to third
parties including customers, vendors and service providers. Williams Holdings is
evaluating responses as they are received or otherwise investigating the status
of these companies' year 2000 compliance efforts. As of March 31, 1999,
approximately 47 percent of the companies contacted have responded and virtually
all of these have indicated that they are already compliant or will be compliant
on a timely basis. Where necessary, Williams Holdings will be working with key
business partners to reduce the risk of a break in service or supply and with
non-compliant companies to mitigate any material adverse effect on Williams
Holdings.
Williams Holdings expects to utilize both internal resources and
external contractors to complete the year 2000 compliance project. Williams
Holdings has a core group of 115 people involved in this enterprise-wide
project. This includes 13 individuals responsible for coordinating, organizing,
managing, communicating, and monitoring the project and another 102 staff
members responsible for completing the project. Depending on which phase the
project is in and what area is being focused on at any given point in time,
there can be an additional 1,000 employees who are also contributing a portion
of their time to the completion of this project. The Communications business
unit has contracted with an external contractor at a cost of approximately $3
million to assist in all phases and various areas of the project. Within Energy
Services, two external contractors are being utilized at a total cost of
approximately $2 million.
Several previously planned system implementations are scheduled for
completion during 1999, which will lessen possible year 2000 impacts. For
example, a new year 2000 compliant payroll/human resources system was
implemented January 1, 1999. It replaced multiple human resources administration
and payroll processing systems previously in place. The Communications business
unit has a major service information management system implementation and other
system implementations currently in process necessary to integrate the
operations of its many components acquired in past acquisitions. These systems
are coming online in stages and will address the year 2000 compliance issues in
certain areas. Within the Energy Services business unit, major applications had
been replaced or were being replaced by MAPCO prior to its acquisition by
Williams Holdings. Those applications have been incorporated into the
enterprise-wide project and remaining system replacements are proceeding on
schedule. In addition, the Petroleum Services business unit of Energy Services
is replacing its ATLAS and revenue billing systems. The planned implementation
date for this has been delayed from the summer of 1999, to October 1, 1999. In
situations where planned system implementations will not be in service timely or
are delayed past an implementation date of September 1, 1999, alternative steps
are being taken to make existing systems compliant.
Although all critical systems over which Williams Holdings has control
are planned to be compliant and tested before the year 2000, Williams Holdings
has identified two areas that would equate to a most reasonably likely worst
case scenario. First is the possibility of service interruptions due to
non-compliance by third parties. For example, power failures along the
communications network or transportation systems would cause service
interruptions. This risk should be minimized by the enterprise-wide
communications effort and evaluation of third-party compliance plans. Another
area of risk for non-compliance is the delay of system replacements scheduled
for completion during 1999. The status of these systems is being closely
monitored to reduce the chance of delays in completion dates. It is not possible
to quantify the possible financial impact if this most reasonably likely worst
case scenario were to come to fruition.
Initial contingency planning began during 1998. Significant focus on
that phase of the project is taking place in 1999. Guidelines for that process
were issued in January 1999. Contingency plans are being developed for critical
business processes, critical business partners, suppliers and system
replacements that experience significant delays.
14
16
Communications has engaged an outside consultant to assist in this process.
These plans are expected to be defined by August 31, 1999, and implemented where
appropriate. Because of the delay in the implementation date of the new ATLAS
and revenue billing systems at Petroleum Services to October 1, 1999, the
contingency plan for those systems has been implemented. That plan includes the
modification and testing of the existing ATLAS and revenue billing systems by
September 1, 1999 to ensure that a compliant system is in place in case the new
systems' implementation date is delayed further.
Costs incurred for new software and hardware purchases are being
capitalized and other costs are being expensed as incurred. Williams Holdings
currently estimates the total cost of the enterprise-wide project, including any
accelerated system replacements, to be approximately $36 million. This $36
million has been or is expected to be spent as follows:
o Prior to 1998 and during the first quarter of 1998, Williams Holdings
was conducting the project awareness and inventory/assessment phases of
the project and incurred costs totaling $2 million.
o During the second quarter of 1998, $2 million was spent on the
renovation/replacement and testing/validation phases and completion of
the inventory/assessment phase.
o The third and fourth quarters of 1998 focused on the
renovation/replacement and testing/validation phases, and $7 million
was incurred.
o During the first-quarter 1999, renovation/replacement and
testing/validation continued, contingency planning began and $7 million
was incurred.
o During the second quarter of 1999, the primary focus is expected to
shift to testing/validation and contingency planning, and $10 million
is expected to be spent.
o The third and fourth quarters of 1999 will focus mainly on contingency
planning and final testing with $8 million expected to be spent.
Of the $18 million incurred to date, approximately $16 million has been
expensed, and approximately $2 million has been capitalized. Of the $18 million
of future costs necessary to complete the project within the schedule described,
approximately $15 million will be expensed and the remainder capitalized. This
estimate does not include Williams Holdings' potential share of year 2000 costs
that may be incurred by partnerships and joint ventures in which the company
participates but is not the operator. The costs of previously planned system
replacements are not considered to be year 2000 costs and are, therefore,
excluded from the amounts discussed above.
The preceding discussion contains forward-looking statements including,
without limitation, statements relating to the company's plans, strategies,
objectives, expectations, intentions, and adequate resources, that are made
pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements
contained in the year 2000 update are based on certain assumptions which may
vary from actual results. Specifically, the dates on which the company believes
the year 2000 project will be completed and computer systems will be implemented
are based on management's best estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous
assumptions of future events, including the continued availability of certain
resources, third-party modification plans and other factors. However, there can
be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved, or that there will not be
a delay in, or increased costs associated with, the implementation of the year
2000 project. Other specific factors that might cause differences between the
estimates and actual results include, but are not limited to, the availability
and cost of personnel trained in these areas, the ability to locate and correct
all relevant computer code, timely responses to and corrections by third parties
and suppliers, the ability to implement interfaces between the new systems and
the systems not being replaced, and similar uncertainties. Due to the general
uncertainty inherent in the year 2000 problem, resulting in large part from the
uncertainty of the year 2000 readiness of third parties, the company cannot
ensure its ability to timely and cost effectively resolve problems associated
with the year 2000 issue that may affect its operations and business, or expose
it to third-party liability.
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
At March 31, 1999, Williams Holdings has preferred stock interests in
certain South American ventures totaling approximately $367 million for which
the fair value of these investments is deemed to approximate the carrying value.
Williams Holdings' financial results could be affected if these investments
incur a permanent decline in value as a result of changes in foreign currency
exchange rates and the local economic conditions. These ventures are in a
country that has experienced significant devaluation and volatility. The
ultimate duration and severity of the conditions in this country remain
uncertain as does the long-term impact on Williams Holdings' interest in these
ventures.
15
17
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this report:
Exhibit 12 --Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Exhibit 27.1--Financial Data Schedule
(b) During the first quarter of 1999, Williams Holdings filed a Form
8-K on March 24, 1999, which reported a significant event under
Item 5 of the Form.
16
18
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
WILLIAMS HOLDINGS OF DELAWARE, INC.
---------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
/s/ GARY R. BELITZ
---------------------------------------------
Gary R. Belitz
Controller
(Duly Authorized Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
May 14, 1999
19
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------ -----------
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
27.1 Financial Data Schedule