8-KRegulation FD

NEXTERA ENERGY INC 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (May 3, 2010)

Filed May 3, 2010For Securities:NEENEE-PNNEE-PSNEE-PTNEE-PWNEE-PVNEE-PU

Summary

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), formerly FPL Group, Inc., filed an 8-K on May 3, 2010, primarily to disclose forward-looking statements made at its 2010 Investor Conference. The company reaffirmed its 2010 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $4.25 to $4.65. It also projected an average annual adjusted EPS growth of approximately 5% to 7% from 2009 to 2014, with an adjusted EPS expectation of $5.17 to $5.68 for 2014. Furthermore, NEE anticipates that its 2011 adjusted EPS will be roughly in line with its 2010 expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant "Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors," as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The filing extensively details numerous risks that could materially affect the company's actual results. These include regulatory risks (extensive federal, state, and local regulation, potential disallowances of costs, and changing regulatory frameworks), operational risks (environmental compliance, nuclear generation facility operation, construction project delays, equipment failures, weather impacts, and fuel supply disruptions), market risks (volatility in energy and commodity prices, credit and capital market disruptions), and other factors such as changing tax laws, cybersecurity threats, and workforce availability. Investors should carefully consider these risks when evaluating the company's stated growth expectations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reaffirmed 2010 adjusted EPS guidance of $4.25 - $4.65.
  • 2Projected average annual adjusted EPS growth of 5%-7% from 2009-2014.
  • 3Forecasted 2014 adjusted EPS in the range of $5.17 - $5.68.
  • 4Expected 2011 adjusted EPS to be approximately in line with 2010 guidance.
  • 5Forward-looking statements exclude impacts from adopting new accounting standards, unrealized mark-to-market effects of non-qualifying hedges, and temporary impairment losses on nuclear decommissioning fund securities.
  • 6Extensive discussion of various risk factors that could impact future financial performance, including regulatory, operational, and market risks.
  • 7The company noted that adjusted earnings are not a substitute for GAAP net income.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to provide disclosure of forward-looking statements made by NextEra Energy (formerly FPL Group) at its 2010 Investor Conference, specifically regarding its long-term earnings growth expectations. It also serves to highlight the significant risk factors that could affect the company's actual financial results.

For 2010, NextEra Energy reaffirmed its adjusted EPS guidance of $4.25 to $4.65. For 2014, the company expects adjusted EPS to be in the range of $5.17 to $5.68, reflecting an average annual adjusted EPS growth rate of approximately 5% to 7% from 2009 to 2014.

Yes, the filing extensively details numerous risks. Key areas include extensive governmental and regulatory oversight which can impact rates and cost recovery, operational risks related to power generation (including nuclear facilities), environmental regulations (especially regarding greenhouse gas emissions), construction project risks, market volatility for energy commodities, credit and capital market disruptions, and potential impacts from severe weather events. Investors are strongly advised to review the 'Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors' section.

The adjusted earnings per share expectations exclude the cumulative effect of adopting new accounting standards, the unrealized mark-to-market effect of non-qualifying hedges, and net other than temporary impairment losses on securities held in NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear decommissioning funds. The company also explicitly states that adjusted earnings are not a substitute for net income prepared under GAAP.