10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

NEXTERA ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2002

Filed August 12, 2002For Securities:NEENEE-PNNEE-PSNEE-PTNEE-PWNEE-PVNEE-PU

Summary

NEXTERA ENERGY INC (NEE) reported its quarterly results for the period ending June 29, 2002. For the three months ended June 30, 2002, the company reported net income of $250 million, or $1.46 per share, an increase from $219 million, or $1.30 per share, in the prior year period. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance from FPL, its regulated utility subsidiary, which saw higher revenues from retail operations and lower depreciation and interest expenses. FPL Energy, the non-regulated subsidiary, also contributed positively, benefiting from the addition of new wind assets and other generation projects. For the six months ended June 30, 2002, net income was $194 million, or $1.14 per share, compared to $329 million, or $1.95 per share, in the prior year. The decrease in year-to-date net income is largely attributable to the significant one-time charge of $222 million after-tax ($365 million pre-tax) recorded in the first half of 2002 related to the adoption of FAS 142, which requires the impairment of goodwill. Excluding this non-recurring item, adjusted earnings for the six months increased to $384 million from $343 million in the prior year. The company continues to invest in its future, with significant capital expenditure commitments for generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, including the planned acquisition of a substantial interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station.

Key Highlights

  • 1FPL Group (NEE) reported a 14% increase in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2002, to $250 million ($1.46/share) from $219 million ($1.30/share) in the prior year, driven by strong FPL performance.
  • 2The adoption of FAS 142 resulted in a significant $222 million after-tax charge in the first six months of 2002 related to goodwill impairment, causing reported net income to decrease year-over-year for that period.
  • 3Excluding the FAS 142 charge, adjusted earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2002, increased to $384 million from $343 million in the prior year.
  • 4FPL's retail operations saw revenue growth due to increased customer accounts and usage, partially offset by rate reductions and a lower revenue refund provision compared to the prior year.
  • 5FPL Energy expanded its capacity by over 1,000 MW, primarily through wind assets, contributing positively to the segment's earnings.
  • 6The company is undertaking significant capital expenditures, with an estimated $4.98 billion planned through 2005 for FPL's operations and an additional $3.4 billion to $4.4 billion for FPL Energy's independent power projects, including the acquisition of Seabrook.
  • 7The company's liquidity remains strong with significant bank lines of credit available, and it has successfully raised capital through equity and debt issuances during the period.

Frequently Asked Questions

The adoption of FAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," resulted in FPL Group recording an impairment loss of $365 million ($222 million after-tax) as a cumulative effect in the first six months of 2002. This significantly impacted reported net income for that period, but adjusted earnings, which exclude this one-time charge, show an increase compared to the prior year.

FPL's regulated utility operations performed well, with revenues from retail base operations increasing due to a rise in customer accounts and usage, partly influenced by warmer weather. While rates were reduced effective mid-April 2002 and a lower revenue refund provision was recorded compared to the prior year, overall performance was strong, supported by lower depreciation and interest expenses.

FPL Energy's growth is driven by the addition of new generation projects, particularly wind assets, totaling over 1,000 MW since the prior year. It also benefited from insurance proceeds and improved performance at certain plants. However, FPL Energy is facing challenges due to recent declines in the wholesale energy market, including lower forward prices, reduced liquidity, and increasing credit concerns, which make risk management and contracting more difficult.

NEXTERA ENERGY INC (NEE) has substantial capital expenditure plans. FPL has committed approximately $4.98 billion through 2005 for generation, transmission, and distribution. FPL Energy plans to invest between $3.4 billion and $4.4 billion for independent power projects through 2005, which includes completing fossil-fueled projects, acquiring a significant stake in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station, and expanding its wind portfolio.