10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

NEXTERA ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 13, 2002For Securities:NEENEE-PNNEE-PSNEE-PTNEE-PWNEE-PVNEE-PU

Summary

NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE), formerly FPL Group Inc., reported its financial results for the nine months and quarter ended September 30, 2002. For the nine months, the company reported net income of $344 million, a decrease from $663 million in the prior year, largely due to a $222 million after-tax charge related to the adoption of FAS 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization. Adjusted earnings, excluding this charge and other non-recurring items, were $698 million for the nine months, slightly up from $680 million in the prior year. The company experienced a significant increase in operating cash flows, driven by improvements at its regulated utility, FPL, and a significant restructuring and impairment charge of $207 million recorded in the third quarter by FPL Energy and FPL FiberNet impacting the quarterly results. Financially, NextEra Energy maintained a strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents of $696 million at the end of the period. The company raised approximately $1.4 billion in equity financing through stock and Corporate Units during 2002, and also executed several debt financings and redemptions. Capital expenditures remained substantial, particularly at FPL Energy for wind and other generation projects, and at FPL for transmission and distribution infrastructure. The company also completed the significant acquisition of an 88.23% interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station in November 2002, which was included in capital expenditures as of September 30, 2002.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported nine-month net income of $344 million, down from $663 million in the prior year, primarily due to a $222 million after-tax charge from adopting FAS 142.
  • 2Adjusted earnings for the nine months were $698 million, up slightly from $680 million in the prior year, driven by improved performance at FPL.
  • 3Recognized $207 million in restructuring and impairment charges in Q3 2002, primarily impacting FPL Energy and FPL FiberNet, due to unfavorable market conditions.
  • 4Operating cash flows significantly increased to $2.2 billion for the nine months, up from $1.6 billion in the prior year, supported by FPL's performance.
  • 5Completed the acquisition of an 88.23% interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station for approximately $799 million.
  • 6Raised approximately $1.4 billion in equity financing through the issuance of common stock and Corporate Units during 2002.
  • 7Maintained a solid liquidity position with $696 million in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, compared to the prior year, was the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (FAS 142) 'Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.' This resulted in a one-time after-tax charge of $222 million as a cumulative effect of adopting the new standard, which eliminated goodwill amortization and required impairment testing.

The company recorded significant restructuring and impairment charges totaling $207 million in the third quarter of 2002. These charges, primarily from FPL Energy and FPL FiberNet, were due to unfavorable market conditions in the wholesale energy and telecommunications sectors, including exiting fossil-fueled power plant development and asset impairment in the telecommunications business. These charges negatively impacted the quarterly net income.

FPL Energy completed the acquisition of an 88.23% interest in the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station in November 2002 for approximately $799 million. This acquisition adds significant generating capacity and is a key part of FPL Energy's growth strategy in the nuclear power sector.

NextEra Energy (FPL Group) actively managed its capital by raising approximately $1.4 billion through equity issuances (common stock and Corporate Units) in 2002. It also engaged in debt financings and redemptions. The company continued to invest heavily in capital expenditures for infrastructure upgrades at FPL and for expansion projects at FPL Energy, including the Seabrook acquisition.