10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

NEXTERA ENERGY INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2005

Filed November 4, 2005For Securities:NEENEE-PNNEE-PSNEE-PTNEE-PWNEE-PVNEE-PU

Summary

NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE), formerly FPL Group, Inc., reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for the period ending September 30, 2005. The company demonstrated solid performance, with net income for the three months ending September 30, 2005, reaching $339 million, an increase from $320 million in the prior year's quarter. For the first nine months of 2005, net income was $679 million, slightly down from $715 million in the same period of 2004. This decrease was primarily influenced by unrealized mark-to-market losses related to non-qualifying hedges at FPL Energy. The regulated utility segment, FPL, showed improved net income, driven by strong customer growth and favorable weather conditions, though partially offset by increased operational expenses. FPL Energy experienced a decline in net income, largely due to significant unrealized mark-to-market losses from non-qualifying hedges, which overshadowed the positive impact of new project additions and improved market conditions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Third-quarter net income increased to $339 million from $320 million in the prior year.
  • 2Nine-month net income decreased slightly to $679 million from $715 million year-over-year, primarily due to unrealized mark-to-market losses at FPL Energy.
  • 3FPL segment's net income improved, driven by customer growth and favorable weather, despite higher operational costs.
  • 4FPL Energy's net income was impacted by significant unrealized mark-to-market losses on non-qualifying hedges, despite contributions from new generation projects.
  • 5The company is actively managing interest rate risk through debt management and interest rate swaps.
  • 6Significant capital expenditure plans are in place for both FPL and FPL Energy, focusing on new generation and infrastructure improvements.
  • 7The company is subject to various legal proceedings, but management believes they will not have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2005, compared to the prior year, was primarily due to unrealized mark-to-market losses of $139 million (after tax) at FPL Energy related to non-qualifying hedge activities. These losses, influenced by fluctuations in forward power and fuel prices, offset gains in other areas of the business.

The 2005 rate agreement, approved by the FPSC and effective through December 31, 2009, provides rate stability. It generally prevents retail base rate increases except for new power plants and continues a revenue sharing mechanism with customers. FPL also gained flexibility regarding depreciation rates, suspended contributions to its nuclear decommissioning fund, and will suspend contributions to its storm and property insurance reserve, while gaining ability to recover storm restoration costs.

NextEra Energy has significant capital expenditure plans. For FPL, planned expenditures through 2009 total approximately $7.3 billion, focusing on transmission, distribution, and new generation. FPL Energy plans approximately $2.9 billion in capital expenditures, with a strong focus on wind generation development and asset acquisitions. The company is also pursuing the acquisition of a 70% interest in the Duane Arnold Energy Center, a nuclear power plant.

The company faces various legal proceedings and potential environmental liabilities, including those related to alleged Clean Air Act violations at a jointly owned power plant and a class-action lawsuit concerning fiber-optic cable installations on easements. Additionally, the company is exposed to market risks from commodity price fluctuations and interest rate changes, which are actively managed through derivative instruments and hedging strategies. However, management believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters, individually or collectively, will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial statements.