Williams(WMB) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% in earnings over the last five years, with a consistent earnings growth for 12 years [3][12] - Earnings per share have grown at a CAGR of 14% over the same five-year period [12] - The return on invested capital has been 20% during the last five years [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on expanding its transmission capacity, forecasting growth from 20 BCF/day in 2018 to 38 BCF/day by the end of the decade [14] - There is a backlog of over 13 BCF/day of transmission projects and an additional $14 billion investment opportunity identified [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Power demand in the United States is expected to grow four times over the next decade compared to the last decade, driven by data centers and artificial intelligence [9] - LNG exports from the U.S. are projected to double by 2035, becoming a significant growth driver for natural gas demand [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has anchored its strategy around the natural gas value chain, focusing on reliable, affordable, and clean energy solutions [4][8] - There is a strong emphasis on connecting demand to the transmission system, with plans for significant expansion in transmission infrastructure [13][14] - The company is pursuing power innovation projects, with an investment increase to $2 billion and a target of 6 GW in projects [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the company is well-positioned for sustainable growth, with a strong balance sheet and market fundamentals supporting future expansion [12][13] - The leadership transition has settled, and the team is prepared to tackle the next generation of growth opportunities [5] Other Important Information - The company has reduced leverage and improved its balance sheet, enhancing its capacity to invest [12] - The company is focused on the natural gas value chain and sees no immediate need to diversify into other energy sources [24][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on diversifying into natural gas liquids or crude oil - Management emphasized a focus on natural gas due to its alignment with long-term sustainable business performance and current market fundamentals [24][25] Question: How to evaluate new projects and expected returns - The company targets high-return projects with a focus on maintaining a return on invested capital above 20% [40][41] Question: Impact of turbine capacity on growth plans - Management discussed the modular approach to projects and securing inventory to meet future opportunities, while also considering the evolving market for turbines [33][34] Question: Role of nuclear energy in future energy solutions - Management acknowledged the potential of nuclear energy if it becomes cost-competitive and addresses speed to market, but emphasized a current focus on natural gas [36][38]