10-KPeriod: FY2019

FIRSTENERGY CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 10, 2020For Securities:FE

Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) operates as a diversified electric utility company, primarily engaged in the transmission and distribution of electricity to over six million customers across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The company's business is structured around two main reportable segments: Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission. In 2019, FirstEnergy continued to advance its strategy of focusing on its regulated utility operations, marked by several key regulatory approvals and a strengthened balance sheet through equity issuances. The company's financial performance in 2019 showed a slight decrease in net income from continuing operations compared to 2018, primarily due to the cessation of Rider DMR collection following a Supreme Court ruling, higher pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments, and lower weather-related customer usage. However, the Regulated Transmission segment demonstrated growth, driven by higher rate bases. FirstEnergy's capital expenditures remain significant, with substantial investments planned for both distribution and transmission infrastructure to enhance reliability and modernize the grid.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$11.04B
Operating Expenses$8.53B
Operating Income$2.51B
Interest Expense$1.03B
Net Income$912.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.70
EPS (Diluted)$1.68
Shares Outstanding (Basic)535.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)542.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1FirstEnergy is a fully regulated electric utility focused on its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments, serving over six million customers across nine states.
  • 2In 2019, the company made significant progress on its regulated growth plans, with key regulatory approvals obtained in Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia.
  • 3FirstEnergy's capital expenditure plan includes over $10 billion for Regulated Distribution and over $7 billion for Regulated Transmission from 2018-2023, with expected rate base compound annual growth rates of 4% and 10%, respectively.
  • 4The company announced a 3% increase in its quarterly dividend payable in March 2020, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining significant regulated investments.
  • 5FirstEnergy continues to strengthen its balance sheet and improve credit metrics following a substantial equity issuance in 2018, which is expected to support investment-grade credit metrics.
  • 6The company is actively involved in environmental sustainability efforts, including progress on CO2 reduction goals and modernization of its transmission and distribution systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

FirstEnergy's primary business strategy is to operate and grow as a fully regulated electric utility, focusing on its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments. This strategy emphasizes delivering enhanced customer service and reliability to support stable and predictable earnings and cash flow, which in turn supports the company's dividend.

In 2019, FirstEnergy's net income from continuing operations decreased slightly compared to 2018, primarily due to a Supreme Court ruling impacting Rider DMR collection, higher pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments, and reduced customer usage due to less extreme weather. However, the Regulated Transmission segment showed growth, and the company made progress on its regulatory and investment plans across its service territories.

FirstEnergy plans significant capital investments in both its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments. These investments, totaling over $10 billion for Distribution and over $7 billion for Transmission from 2018 through 2023, are aimed at improving reliability, modernizing infrastructure, enhancing grid security, and increasing operational flexibility.

FirstEnergy's Board of Directors approved a dividend policy that includes a targeted payout ratio. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 3% in November 2019, payable in March 2020, to $0.39 per share. This modest dividend growth allows for continued regulated investments while enhancing shareholder returns.