10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2004

NEXTERA ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2004

Filed August 3, 2004For Securities:NEENEE-PNNEE-PSNEE-PTNEE-PWNEE-PVNEE-PU

Summary

NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE), formerly FPL Group, Inc., reported solid financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2004. The company demonstrated robust revenue growth, driven by strong customer expansion at its regulated utility, Florida Power & Light (FPL), and contributions from its energy generation subsidiary, FPL Energy. Net income for the second quarter increased year-over-year, reflecting improved operational performance across its segments, although the six-month net income saw a slight decrease due to various factors including milder weather and higher interest expenses. Key financial indicators highlight continued investment in infrastructure and operational efficiency. FPL Energy's growth was bolstered by new project additions and favorable market conditions. The company also provided significant detail on its capital expenditure plans through 2008, indicating a commitment to future growth and infrastructure development. Despite ongoing legal proceedings and regulatory matters, management expressed confidence in the company's financial position and its ability to manage potential liabilities without material adverse effects.

Key Highlights

  • 1Operating revenues increased for both the three-month and six-month periods ending June 30, 2004, compared to the prior year.
  • 2Net income for the second quarter of 2004 rose to $257 million from $239 million in the same period of 2003, driven by FPL and FPL Energy.
  • 3FPL's net income available to FPL Group increased for the quarter due to customer growth, though it decreased for the six months due to milder weather and higher operating expenses.
  • 4FPL Energy's net income showed significant year-over-year growth for both the quarter and the six-month period, attributed to new project additions and improved market conditions.
  • 5The company reported substantial capital expenditure commitments through 2008, totaling approximately $6.9 billion for FPL and $340 million for FPL Energy.
  • 6Debt levels were managed, with FPL Group reporting a weighted-average interest rate of 5.0% for the year-to-date and a weighted-average life of 9.4 years for its long-term debt.
  • 7FPL Group and FPL have significant liquidity available through committed credit facilities totaling $3.0 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the second quarter of 2004, FPL Group's net income increased to $257 million from $239 million in the same period of 2003. However, for the six months ended June 30, 2004, net income decreased to $395 million from $414 million in the corresponding period of 2003. The decrease in the six-month period was attributed to reduced earnings at FPL and higher interest expenses at Corporate and Other, partially offset by increased earnings at FPL Energy.

FPL's operating revenues benefited from strong customer growth, with a 2.7% increase in the average number of customer accounts during the second quarter of 2004, contributing approximately $25 million to retail base operations revenues. FPL Energy's revenue growth was primarily driven by the addition of new generation projects and improved market conditions, particularly in the Northeast.

FPL Group has significant capital expenditure plans, estimating approximately $6.9 billion for FPL and $340 million for FPL Energy from 2004 through 2008. The company plans to fund these through internally generated funds and debt/equity issuances. As of June 30, 2004, FPL Group and its subsidiaries had approximately $3.0 billion in available bank lines of credit and maintained compliance with debt-to-capitalization ratios. The company also announced an increase in its quarterly common stock dividend.

The filing details several ongoing legal proceedings, including an EPA action related to the Clean Air Act at Scherer Unit No. 4, a fraudulent transfer claim related to Adelphia Communications, and various environmental and product liability lawsuits. Management stated that while these proceedings are being vigorously defended, they do not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from them would have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.