Williams Reports First-Quarter 2007 Financial Results [Williams News Release]

TULSA, Okla. — Williams (NYSE:WMB) announced unaudited first-quarter 2007 net income of $134.0 million, or 22 cents per share on a diluted basis, compared with net income of $131.9 million, or 22 cents per share on a diluted basis, for first-quarter 2006.

First-quarter 2007 results benefited from the company’s continued strong growth in natural gas production, along with higher net realized average prices for natural gas sales. Average daily domestic production increased 28 percent compared with first-quarter 2006, while production in the Piceance Basin in western Colorado increased 37 percent.

The quarter also benefited from new, higher rates on both the Transco and Northwest interstate gas pipeline systems and continued strong natural gas liquid (NGL) margins. Higher operating and maintenance costs partially offset these benefits.

The company’s strong operational performance in the first quarter was also offset by the year-over-year net difference in unrealized mark-to-market results. First-quarter 2007 included $70.6 million in unrealized mark-to-market losses for the Power business, compared with $43.0 million in unrealized mark-to-market gains in Power during first-quarter 2006 – a net difference of $113.6 million.

An analyst package that includes a consolidated statement of operations is available, as well.

To provide an added level of disclosure and transparency, Williams continues to provide an analysis of recurring earnings adjusted to remove all mark-to-market effects from its Power business unit. Recurring earnings exclude items of income or loss that the company characterizes as unrepresentative of its ongoing operations.

Recurring income from continuing operations – after adjusting for the mark-to-market effect to reflect income as though mark-to-market accounting had never been applied to Power’s designated hedges and other derivatives – was $176.4 million, or 29 cents per share, for first-quarter 2007. For first-quarter 2006, the adjusted recurring income from continuing operations was $157.0 million, or 26 cents per share.

A reconciliation of the company’s income from continuing operations to recurring income from continuing operations and mark-to-market adjustments accompanies this news release.

"In the first quarter of 2007, Williams delivered results on a number of fronts that we have outlined as catalysts for increasing shareholder value," said Steve Malcolm, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"Our development efforts resulted in robust natural gas production growth, particularly in the Piceance Basin. We also have a 10-year-plus inventory of available drilling locations, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

"Also in the first quarter, we began enjoying the benefit of new, higher rates for both the Northwest and Transco gas pipelines that are more in line with current costs and rate base. The new rates were a major driver for Gas Pipeline’s performance in the first quarter and will continue to be as we move forward.

"Our Midstream projects should continue to drive significant value – from the recently completed expansion of the Opal gas plant to the medium- and longer-term projects such as the expansions in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and entry into the Piceance Basin."

Consolidated results include segment profit for Williams' primary businesses - Exploration & Production, Midstream Gas & Liquids, Gas Pipeline and Power as well as results reported in the Other segment.

For first-quarter 2007, Williams’ businesses reported consolidated segment profit of $411.4 million, compared to $412.3 million for first-quarter 2006.

First-quarter 2007 reflects improved results in the Exploration & Production and Gas Pipelines business units, which was offset by lower segment profit in Power related to unrealized mark-to-market losses.

On a basis adjusted to remove the effect of nonrecurring items and mark-to-market accounting, Williams had recurring consolidated segment profit of approximately $482 million in first quarter 2007, compared with $438 million for first-quarter 2006 - an increase of 10 percent.

The improvement in consolidated segment profit on an adjusted basis is attributed to improved segment profit in Exploration & Production and Gas Pipelines.

Exploration & Production: 28% Domestic Production Growth Drives 27% Improvement in Segment Profit

Exploration & Production, which includes natural gas production and development in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, San Juan Basin and Mid-Continent, and oil and gas development in South America, reported first-quarter 2007 segment profit of $188.1 million. In the same period last year, the business reported segment profit of $147.6 million.

The improved results in the first quarter reflect continued strong growth in natural gas production volumes, along with higher net realized average natural gas prices. Higher operating expenses and depletion, depreciation and amortization costs during first-quarter 2007 partially offset these improvements.

For first-quarter 2007, combined average daily production from U.S. and international interests was up 25 percent to approximately 891 million cubic feet (MMcfe) of gas equivalent, compared with 714 MMcfe for the same period in 2006.

Daily production solely from interests in the United States increased 28 percent to approximately 845 MMcfe in first quarter 2007 from 661 MMcfe in first-quarter 2006.

During the first quarter of 2007, Williams’ U.S. production realized net average prices of $5.32 per thousand cubic feet (Mcfe) of gas equivalent - 13 percent higher than the $4.71 per Mcfe realized in the same period a year ago. Net realized average prices include market prices, net of fuel and shrink and hedge positions, less gathering and transportation expenses.

Williams also has increased the company’s total proved, probable and possible reserves to an estimated 10.8 trillion cubic feet equivalent (Tcfe) from the previous estimate of 10.7 Tcfe, after producing 0.3 Tcfe in 2006. Total reserves are comprised of primarily domestic interests.

In the Piceance Basin of western Colorado - the company’s cornerstone for production and reserves growth – first-quarter 2007 average daily net production was 478 MMcfe per day – a 37 percent increase over year-ago levels. Williams currently has 25 rigs in operation in the Piceance Basin, four more than the same time last year. Within that fleet are 10 new-generation, high-efficiency drilling rigs specifically designed for conditions in the Piceance Basin.

For 2007, Williams continues to expect $700 million to $975 million in segment profit from Exploration & Production.

Midstream Gas & Liquids: Strong NGL Margins Continue to Drive Segment Profit

Midstream, which provides natural gas gathering and processing services, along with natural gas liquids fractionation and storage services and olefins production, reported a first-quarter 2007 segment profit of $154.0 million compared with $151.5 million in the first quarter of 2006.

The slight improvement in Midstream’s first-quarter results is due to NGL sales margins remaining at historically high levels. Increased expenses and deepwater Gulf of Mexico volumes moderating from higher-than-normal levels in first-quarter 2006 partially offset the benefit of the strong NGL margins.

Williams markets NGLs via equity volumes the company retains as payment-in-kind under certain processing contracts.

In first-quarter 2007, Midstream sold 344.6 million gallons of NGL equity volumes, an increase of 3 percent compared with equity sales of 333.7 million gallons in the prior-year period. The new TXP5 train at the Opal, Wyo., gas processing plant contributed to higher volumes in the West, which were offset by lower volumes in the Gulf caused by intermittent periods of unfavorable market commodity prices.

Combined revenues for both gathering and fee-based processing were slightly higher year-over-year. Processing fee volumes were 226.9 British thermal units (TBtu) in first-quarter 2007, compared with 191.8 TBtu in the 2006 period. Gathering volumes in first-quarter 2007 were 269.3 trillion TBtu, compared with 296.9 TBtu in the 2006 period.

The previously referenced TXP5 cryogenic processing train at the Opal plant reached full operating mode in February 2007. The expansion was designed to boost the plant’s processing capacity by more than 30 percent to 1.45 billion cubic feet per day and produce approximately 67,000 barrels per day of NGLs.

During the first quarter, Williams’ midstream business announced its entry into the Piceance Basin with plans to construct and operate a 450-million-cubic-feet-per-day natural gas processing plant. Located in western Colorado, the Piceance Basin is where the company has its most significant volume of natural gas production, reserves and development activity.

Coupled with the existing E&P infrastructure, the new Willow Creek plant will provide a growth platform for the company’s midstream business in the area. Williams expects initial operations at the new plant to boost the volume of marketable liquids recovered from its production in the basin by an additional 20,000 barrels per day. The planned 150-mile extension of the Overland Pass Pipeline, in which Williams has an interest, will transport the NGL liquids already being produced by the company’s existing facilities and the Willow Creek plant to Midcontinent markets.

For 2007, Williams has increased its previous guidance for Midstream segment profit by $50 million, narrowing the range of its expected results. The new range - $500 million to $750 million – is primarily the result of realized first-quarter margins from the company’s NGL sales as well as a stronger outlook for second quarter.

Gas Pipeline, which primarily delivers natural gas to markets along the Eastern Seaboard, the Northwest, and Florida, reported first quarter 2007 segment profit of $149.7 million, compared with $134.7 million for first-quarter 2006.

The increase in quarterly profit was primarily due to increased revenue resulting from the Northwest Pipeline and Transco rate cases. Increased costs, including higher operating expenses and higher selling, general and administrative costs, partially offset the quarterly improvement.

Northwest Pipeline's new, higher rates went into effect on Jan. 1, 2007. On March 30, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved Northwest Pipeline’s stipulation and settlement agreement that resolved all outstanding issues in the rate case.

Transco’s new, higher rates went into effect, subject to refund, on March 1, 2007. Transco filed its rate case with the FERC on Aug. 31, 2006. Transco has begun meeting with FERC staff and its customers to discuss a settlement of the rate case.

The filings of both rate cases reflect, among other things, updated levels of operating costs and rate base.

For 2007, Williams continues to expect $585 million to $655 million in segment profit from Gas Pipeline.

Power manages a portfolio of more than 7,000 megawatts and provides services that support Williams’ natural gas businesses.

Power reported a first-quarter 2007 segment loss of $81.1 million, compared with a segment loss of $22.5 million in first quarter 2006. These unadjusted results include the non-cash effect of forward unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses.

The wider loss in first-quarter 2007 reflects a $70.6 million unrealized mark-to-market loss, compared to a $43.0 million unrealized mark-to-market gain during first-quarter 2006 – a net unrealized difference of $113.6 million. The results also reflect the absence of income from an accounts receivable sale during first-quarter 2006. An improvement in accrual results partially offset the lower results.

On a basis adjusted for the effect of mark-to-market accounting, Power reported a recurring segment loss of $2.5 million in first-quarter 2007, compared with a recurring segment profit of $11.6 million in the same period last year.

The year-over-year decline on the adjusted basis primarily reflects the absence of the previously noted accounts receivable sale that occurred in the first quarter of 2006.

As the power market fundamentals improve, Power continues to execute new power sales contracts. These contracts increase value and cash-flow certainty and reduce the portfolio's future exposures to commodity-price and weather volatility.

To date in 2007, Power has completed several new agreements, including the contract with Southern California Edison that was announced in February. Those deals increase the certainty of expected cash flows and profits for 2008-2011.

For 2007, Williams continues to expect segment results from its Power business to range from a loss of $75 million to break-even, absent any future unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses.

On a basis adjusted for the effect of mark-to-market accounting, Williams continues to expect $50 million to $125 million in recurring segment profit.

For 2007, Williams has increased its guidance by $50 million, narrowing the range of its expected results. The new range - $1.95 billion to $2.4 billion in consolidated segment profit and earnings per share of $1.15 to $1.50 – reflects the previously referenced increase in guidance for Midstream. Both ranges are presented on a recurring basis adjusted for the effect of mark-to-market accounting.

The 2007 ranges also assume unhedged natural gas prices ranging from $7 to $8.30 per Mcfe (Henry Hub), adjusted for basis differential, NGL margins consistent with an oil-to-gas price ratio of 7.4 to 9.6 (West Texas Intermediate crude to Henry Hub gas), and an assumption for crude oil pricing in the range of $53 to $73 per barrel.

In 2008, Williams continues to expect consolidated segment profit of $2.13 billion to $2.98 billion on a recurring basis adjusted for the effect of mark-to-market accounting. The projected improvement over 2007 is primarily the result of expected increases in natural gas production.

Guidance for consolidated segment profit includes results for the four primary businesses, as well as the Other segment.

Williams has also increased its previous guidance on capital expenditures for 2007 and 2008 to reflect Midstream expansion projects, including Willow Creek.

In 2007, the company now expects $550 million to $600 million in capital expenditures for Midstream, which increases total expected capital expenditures for the company to $2.35 billion to $2.55 billion.

In 2008, the updated ranges are $475 million to $525 million for Midstream and $2.08 billion to $2.35 billion for the company.

Williams’ management will discuss the company’s first-quarter 2007 financial results and outlook through 2008 during an analyst presentation to be webcast live beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern today.

Participants are encouraged to access the presentation and corresponding slides via www.williams.com. A limited number of phone lines also will be available at (800) 279-9534. International callers should dial (719) 457-2685. Callers should dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the discussion. Replays of the webcast will be available at www.williams.com for two weeks following the event.

The company expects to file its Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission today. The document will be available on both the SEC and Williams websites.

Williams, through its subsidiaries, primarily finds, produces, gathers, processes and transports natural gas. The company also manages a wholesale power business. Williams’ operations are concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Gulf Coast, southern California and Eastern Seaboard. More information is available at www.williams.com. Click here to join our e-mail list.

Williams’ reports, filings, and other public announcements might 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 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You typically can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words, such as “anticipate,” believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “schedule,” “will,” and other similar words. These statements are based on our intentions, beliefs, and assumptions about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such statements, other factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Those factors include, among others: changes in general economic conditions and changes in the industries in which Williams conducts business; changes in federal or state laws and regulations to which Williams is subject, including tax, environmental and employment laws and regulations; the cost and outcomes of legal and administrative claims proceedings, investigations, or inquiries; the results of financing efforts, including our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, which can be affected by various factors, including our credit ratings and general economic conditions; the level of creditworthiness of counterparties to our transactions; the amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions; the effect of changes in accounting policies; the ability to control costs; the ability of each business unit to successfully implement key systems, such as order entry systems and service delivery systems; the impact of future federal and state regulations of business activities, including allowed rates of return, the pace of deregulation in retail natural gas and electricity markets, and the resolution of other regulatory matters; changes in environmental and other laws and regulations to which Williams and its subsidiaries are subject or other external factors over which we have no control; changes in foreign economies, currencies, laws and regulations, and political climates, especially in Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela, where Williams has direct investments; the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates; the weather and other natural phenomena; the ability of Williams to develop or access expanded markets and product offerings as well as their ability to maintain existing markets; the ability of Williams and its subsidiaries to obtain governmental and regulatory approval of various expansion projects; future utilization of pipeline capacity, which can depend on energy prices, competition from other pipelines and alternative fuels, the general level of natural gas and petroleum product demand, decisions by customers not to renew expiring natural gas transportation contracts; the accuracy of estimated hydrocarbon reserves and seismic data; and global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist activities and the government's response to such terrorist activities. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time that we have described. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The SEC permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves. We have used certain terms in this news release such as “probable” reserves and “possible” reserves and "unrisked theoretical resource estimates" that the SEC’s guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. The SEC defines proved reserves as estimated hydrocarbon quantities that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in the future from known reservoirs under the assumed economic conditions. Probable and possible reserves are estimates of potential reserves that are made using accepted geological and engineering analytical techniques, but which are estimated with reduced levels of certainty than for proved reserves. Generally under such techniques, probable reserve estimates are more than 50% certain and possible reserve estimates are less than 50% but more than 10% certain. Unrisked theoretical resource estimates are even less certain than those for possible reserves and are not risk adjusted. Unrisked theoretical resource estimates include (i) an estimate of hydrocarbon quantities for new areas for which we do not have sufficient information to date to classify the resources as probable or even possible reserves and (ii) the amount by which we have reduced our probable and possible reserves for existing areas to take into account the reduced level of certainty of recovery of the resources. Unlike probable and possible reserves, unrisked theoretical resource estimates do not take into account the uncertainty of resource recovery and, therefore, are not indicative of the expected future recovery and should not be relied upon.

Reference to “Resource Potential” includes proved, probable and possible reserves as well as unrisked theoretical resource estimates that might never be recoverable and are contingent on exploration success, technical improvements in drilling access, commerciality and other factors.

Investors are urged to closely consider the disclosures and risk factors in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 28, 2007, and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available from our offices or from our website at www.williams.com.

Travis Campbell	Williams Investor Relations	918-573-2944
Richard George	Williams Investor Relations	918-573-3679
Sharna Reingold	Williams Investor Relations	918-573-2078
Jeff Pounds	Williams Media Relations	918-573-3332