10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

NEXTERA ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 15, 2002For Securities:NEENEE-PNNEE-PSNEE-PTNEE-PWNEE-PVNEE-PU

Summary

NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE), operating as FPL Group for this period, reported a net loss of $56 million for the first quarter of 2002, a significant shift from the $110 million net income in the prior year. This loss was primarily driven by a $222 million after-tax cumulative effect from adopting FAS 142, which eliminated goodwill. Excluding this accounting change, adjusted earnings were $135 million, a slight increase from $130 million in the prior year, indicating underlying operational resilience. FPL Group's revenues saw a decrease, largely due to lower fuel-related clause revenues, although retail base operations showed modest growth driven by customer acquisition. Significant capital expenditures are planned, including a substantial acquisition of an interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station, signaling continued investment in expanding its energy generation portfolio. Despite the reported net loss due to accounting adjustments, the company's operational performance, as indicated by adjusted earnings, remained stable, with strategic investments poised to drive future growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported a net loss of $56 million for Q1 2002, compared to a net income of $110 million in Q1 2001, largely due to the adoption of FAS 142, which resulted in a $222 million after-tax charge for goodwill impairment.
  • 2Adjusted earnings (excluding the FAS 142 impact and other non-recurring items) were $135 million, a slight increase from $130 million in the prior year's comparable period.
  • 3Total operating revenues decreased to $1,843 million from $1,941 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower fuel-related clause revenues.
  • 4FPL's retail base operations revenue saw a slight decline excluding the revenue refund provision, but an increase in customer accounts and a reduction in the revenue refund provision positively impacted net income.
  • 5FPL Energy's earnings benefited from new projects totaling over 1,000 MW added since the previous year, alongside favorable asset optimization and trading activities, partially offset by drought conditions impacting hydro assets.
  • 6The company announced an agreement to acquire an 88.23% interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station for $837 million, expected to close by year-end 2002, signaling significant expansion plans.
  • 7Commitments for capital expenditures are substantial, with approximately $1.2 billion planned for FPL in 2002 and FPL Energy expecting capital expenditures of approximately $2.4 billion for 2002, indicating strong investment in infrastructure and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

The net loss of $56 million for the first quarter of 2002 was primarily due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (FAS 142) regarding goodwill and other intangible assets. This accounting change required an impairment charge of $222 million after taxes to eliminate goodwill, leading to a reported net loss.

Excluding the cumulative effect of adopting FAS 142 and other non-recurring items, FPL Group's adjusted earnings were $135 million for the first quarter of 2002, showing a slight increase from $130 million in the same period of 2001. This indicates that the core operations continued to perform well despite an unfavorable economic environment and decreased revenues.

NextEra Energy (FPL Group) has significant growth plans, highlighted by the agreement to acquire an 88.23% interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station for $837 million, which is expected to close by the end of 2002. Additionally, the company has substantial capital expenditure commitments, with plans for significant investments in FPL's infrastructure and FPL Energy's independent power projects, indicating a strategic focus on expanding its generation capacity and portfolio.

On April 11, 2002, the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) approved a new settlement agreement regarding FPL's retail base rates. However, certain hospital groups have filed an administrative appeal with the FPSC and the Supreme Court of Florida. FPL intends to contest this appeal and expects the FPSC's decision to be upheld.