10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2013

FIRSTENERGY CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2013

Filed August 6, 2013For Securities:FE

Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. reported a net loss of $164 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2013, a significant decrease from the $187 million net income, or $0.45 per diluted share, reported in the same period of the prior year. This downturn was largely attributed to a substantial pre-tax impairment charge of $473 million related to the decision to deactivate the Hatfield's Ferry and Mitchell generating units, alongside other operational and market pressures. The company is navigating a challenging economic environment characterized by weak demand and excess generation supply, leading to persistently low power and capacity prices. In response, FirstEnergy is undertaking cost-control initiatives and strategically adjusting its hedging and sales strategies within its Competitive Energy Services segment. The company also completed a $1.5 billion equity contribution to FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. (FES) as part of its financial plan to strengthen its balance sheet and reduce debt. Despite the quarterly loss, FirstEnergy's regulated segments demonstrated resilience, with Regulated Distribution showing an increase in net income driven by higher residential revenue and lower operating expenses. Regulated Transmission saw a slight decrease in net income due to lower revenues. Investors will be closely monitoring the company's ability to execute its cost-saving measures and navigate the volatile energy markets.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.51B
Operating Expenses$3.46B
Operating Income$42.00M
Interest Expense$256.00M
Net Income-$164.00M
EPS (Basic)$-0.39
EPS (Diluted)$-0.39
Shares Outstanding (Basic)418.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)418.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported a net loss of $164 million ($0.39 per diluted share) for Q2 2013, compared to a net income of $187 million ($0.45 per diluted share) in Q2 2012.
  • 2Recorded a significant pre-tax impairment charge of $473 million related to the deactivation of the Hatfield's Ferry and Mitchell generating units.
  • 3Witnessed persistently low power and capacity prices due to weak economic conditions and excess generation supply.
  • 4Completed a $1.5 billion equity contribution to FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. (FES) as part of a financial plan to strengthen the balance sheet and reduce debt.
  • 5The Regulated Distribution segment reported increased net income, primarily driven by higher residential revenue and lower operating expenses.
  • 6Cost control initiatives, including workforce reductions and benefit adjustments, are being implemented across the organization.
  • 7FirstEnergy is adjusting its hedging strategy and sales approach in the Competitive Energy Services segment to adapt to market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the net loss was a pre-tax impairment charge of $473 million related to the decision to deactivate the Hatfield's Ferry and Mitchell generating units. This, combined with prevailing low energy prices and weak economic conditions, significantly impacted the company's financial results.

FirstEnergy is implementing cost-control initiatives, including workforce reductions and benefit adjustments. It is also strategically reviewing its hedging and sales strategies, becoming more selective in targeting customers and focusing on higher-margin opportunities to adapt to the low power and capacity price environment.

The Regulated Distribution segment showed a positive performance with increased net income, driven by higher residential revenue and lower operating expenses. The Regulated Transmission segment experienced a slight decrease in net income due to lower revenues.

The $1.5 billion equity contribution to FES is part of FirstEnergy's financial plan aimed at strengthening the balance sheet of its Competitive Energy Services segment, reducing debt, and improving credit metrics within that segment.