Earnings Conference Call

Transcription

1 Earnings Conference Call Fourth Quarter 2006 January 26, 2007

2 Cautionary Statements And Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results Any statements made herein about future operating results or other future events are forward-looking statements under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of These forward-looking statements may include, for example, statements regarding anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. A discussion of factors that could cause actual results or events to vary is contained in the Appendix herein and in our SEC filings. 2

3 Fourth Quarter 2006 Highlights Continuation of trends from earlier in the year Florida Power & Light about as expected FPL Energy slightly ahead of expectations Unusual items Indonesian geothermal settlement Change in accounting for major maintenance FiberNet impairment Favorable tax items 3

4 2006: Exceeding Expectations Excellent year for FPL Group FPL Energy key driver; Florida Power & Light within expectations, except for storm cost disallowance FPL Energy New project additions (wind, nuclear) and improved performance from existing fleet Excellent operating performance Florida Power & Light Customer growth as expected; usage down on price elasticity effects O&M performance better than expected Storm Secure SM initiative Storm cost disallowance Well-positioned for future growth Expect at least 1,500 mw wind (2007/2008) Well hedged for 2007 and and 2008 adjusted EPS expectations reaffirmed 2007E: $3.35 $ E: $3.60 $3.80 PTC extension through 2008 supports 2009 outlook 4

5 FPL Group Results Fourth Quarter Net Income ($ millions) $209 GAAP EPS $0.54 Net Income ($ millions) $268 $0.67 $254 $182 Adjusted EPS $0.47 $ See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities which increased 2005 GAAP and adjusted EPS by $0.01 and had no effect on

6 FPL Group Results Full Year Net Income ($ millions) $901 GAAP $2.34 EPS $1,281 $3.23 Net Income ($ millions) Adjusted EPS $1,203 $3.04 $1,013 $ See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities which increased 2005 and 2006 GAAP and adjusted EPS by $0.05 and $0.01, respectively. 6

7 Florida Power & Light Overview Year-over-year earnings largely in-line with expectations, exclusive of storm disallowances Full year impact of 2005 Rate agreement Other key, non-operating items impacting the results Storm cost disallowance Impact of 2005 hurricane season Customer growth in-line with expectations Unfavorable weather-related sales and lower usage O&M increases Distribution, customer care, employee benefits, nuclear Initial impact of Storm Secure initiative Higher interest and lower AFUDC 7

8 Florida Power & Light Earnings Fourth Quarter Full Year Net Income ($ millions) $124 $170 $0.32 EPS $0.43 Net Income ($ millions) $748 EPS $802 $1.94 $

9 Growth in Customer Accounts 103 Fourth Quarter Comparisons 1 (thousands) Full Year Comparisons 1 (thousands) Change in average customer accounts from prior period 9

10 Retail Sales at FPL Fourth Quarter 2.2% customer growth 4.7% hurricane effects (0.4)% usage growth due to normal weather (2.6)% underlying usage growth, mix, and other 3.9% kwh sales growth Full Year 2.0% customer growth 1.3% hurricane effects (0.7)% usage growth due to normal weather (1.0)% underlying usage growth, mix, and other 1.6% kwh sales growth 10

11 280, , , , , , , , , , Mar Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Housing Starts May Jul Sep Nov Florida Housing Starts 10 year Average

12 FPL O&M ($ millions) Fourth Quarter Full Year $347 $350 $1,307 $1, Figures include amounts that are recovered through cost recovery clauses which have no impact on net income 12

13 FPL Depreciation ($ millions) Fourth Quarter $243 $199 Full Year $951 $ Figures include amounts that are recovered through cost recovery clauses which have no impact on net income 13

14 FPL Earnings Contribution Drivers ($/share) Fourth Quarter Full Year FPL 2005 EPS $0.32 $1.94 Drivers: Customer growth Usage 2005 storm related Usage due to weather (0.01) (0.04) Underlying usage growth, mix, and other (0.04) (0.07) Depreciation O&M 0.00 (0.06) Storm disallowance 0.00 (0.07) Share dilution (0.01) (0.05) Other (0.08) FPL 2006 EPS $0.43 $ Including interest and AFUDC 14

15 FPL Energy Overview Another excellent year Strong growth from project additions and existing merchant fleet Good growth in newer business lines (retail, full requirements) Better wind resource comparatively (but slightly below normal) Excellent fleet reliability Seabrook uprate Price environment still favorable Roll-off of older hedges at higher prices Highly hedged for 2007 Outlook remains strong PTC extended through year end 2008 Wind development program ( 1,500 mw in 2007/2008) with approximately 450 mw already under construction Point Beach acquisition 15

16 FPL Energy Results Fourth Quarter Net Income ($ millions) GAAP EPS Net Income ($ millions) Adjusted EPS $148 $0.37 $133 $0.33 $89 $0.23 $62 $ See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities which increased 2005 GAAP and adjusted EPS by $0.01 and had no effect on

17 FPL Energy Results Full Year Net Income ($ millions) GAAP EPS Adjusted Net Income ($ millions) EPS $610 $1.54 $518 $1.31 $203 $0.53 $315 $ See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities which increased 2005 and 2006 GAAP and adjusted EPS by $0.05 and $0.01, respectively. 17

18 FPL Energy Earnings Contribution Drivers ($/share) Fourth Quarter Full Year FPL Energy 2005 Adjusted EPS $0.16 $0.82 Drivers: New investment Existing assets (0.05) 0.14 Asset optimization and trading Restructuring activities (0.01) (0.05) Indonesian project settlement All other (0.01) (0.10) FPL Energy 2006 Adjusted EPS $0.33 $1.31 See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities. 18

19 Market Update Cal 08 Cal 08 Change in Cal 08 Market Prices Market Prices Market Prices 9/29/06 12/29/06 9/29/06 12/29/06 Natural Gas ($/MMBTU) 1 $ 7.99 $ 8.06 $ NEPOOL 7x24 Power 2 $ $ $ NEPOOL Spark Spreads 3 $ $ $ ERCOT Spark Spreads 4 $ $ $ WECC Spark Spreads 5 $ $ $ (0.44) (0.52) 1 NYMEX 2 Mass Hub 3 On-Peak Mass Hub, Tetco M3 and 7,000 heat rate 4 On-Peak ERCOT North Zone, Houston Ship Channel and 7,000 heat rate 5 On-Peak SP15, NGI SoCal and 7,000 heat rate 19

20 Market Conditions NYMEX Gas Forwards since 9/30/05 (as of 1/19/07) $11.00 $10.50 $10.00 $9.50 $9.00 $8.50 $8.00 $7.50 $7.00 $6.50 $ /30/ /14/ /28/ /11/ /25/ /9/ /23/2005 1/6/2006 1/20/2006 2/3/2006 2/17/2006 3/3/2006 3/17/2006 3/31/2006 4/14/2006 4/28/2006 5/12/2006 5/26/2006 6/9/2006 6/23/2006 7/7/2006 7/21/2006 8/4/2006 8/18/2006 9/1/2006 9/15/2006 $/MMbtu 9/29/ /13/ /27/ /10/ /24/ /8/ /22/2006 1/5/2007 1/19/2007 CAL07* CAL strip * Beginning 1/1/07, Calendar 2007 = Balance of Year 2007 prices

21 FPL Energy 2007 Hedging (1) (4) $ millions Asset-Based Businesses New Asset Additions (2) Contracted Wind Contracted Other Merchant: NEPOOL Other Other Spark Spread Non-Asset Based Businesses TOTAL Spark Spread Other ERCOT Spark Spread Total Nameplate MWs 800 3,083 2,461 1,227 1,465 2, ,472 N/A 14,141 Exp. Equiv. Gross Margin (3) (1) This chart is designed to illustrate exposure to commodity prices only. It should be read in conjunction with the rest of this presentation including additional risk information in the Appendix and cautionary statements. In particular, ranges shown under expected equivalent gross margin only take into account likely commodity price variability. Many other factors could cause actual results to vary much more than the ranges shown here. (2) Includes new wind development of 800 mw in Excludes the pending acquisition of the Point Beach nuclear facility. (3) Includes FPL Energy s share of revenues and fuel expense for both consolidated and equity method investments as well as a grossed-up value for wind production tax credits. Columns do not sum which reflects the premise that not all markets and investment types are equally affected by changes in commodity prices. (4) Expected equivalent gross margin and % hedged are valid as of January 26, 2007 $50 $530 $495 $100 $605 $210 $305 $85 $125 $2, $70 $530 $505 $120 $615 $240 $315 $105 $205 $2,655 % Gross Margin Hedged 74% 100% 98% 78% 99% 76% 96% 63% % Margin in Backlog 51% 91% 21

22 FPL Energy 2008 Hedging (1) (4) $ millions Nameplate Exp. Equiv. % Gross Margin MWs Gross Margin (3) Hedged Asset-Based Businesses New Asset Additions (2) 1,550 $265 - $325 58% Contracted Wind 3,083 $535 - $ % Contracted Other 2,461 $490 - $500 98% Merchant: NEPOOL Spark Spread 1,227 $85 - $115 50% Other 1,465 $655 - $665 99% ERCOT Spark Spread 2,700 $195 - $275 47% Other 934 $280 - $310 90% Other Spark Spread 1,472 $70 - $130 3% Non-Asset Based Businesses % Margin in Backlog Total N/A $100 - $220 20% TOTAL 14,891 $2,775 - $2,975 (1) This chart is designed to illustrate exposure to commodity prices only. It should be read in conjunction with the rest of this presentation including additional risk information in the Appendix and cautionary statements. In particular, ranges shown under expected equivalent gross margin only take into account likely commodity price variability. Many other factors could cause actual results to vary much more than the ranges shown here. (2) Includes new wind development of 800 mw in 2007 and 750 mw in Excludes the pending acquisition of the Point Beach nuclear facility. (3) Includes FPL Energy s share of revenues and fuel expense for both consolidated and equity method investments as well as a grossed-up value for wind production tax credits. Columns do not sum which reflects the premise that not all markets and investment types are equally affected by changes in commodity prices. (4) Expected equivalent gross margin and % hedged are valid as of January 26, % 22

23 Earnings Per Share Contributions Fourth Quarter GAAP Change FPL $0.32 $0.43 $0.11 FPL Energy Corporate and Other (0.01) (0.13) (0.12) Total $0.54 $0.67 $0.13 Adjusted Change FPL $0.32 $0.43 $0.11 FPL Energy Corporate and Other (0.01) (0.13) (0.12) Total $0.47 $0.63 $0.16 See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities. 23

24 Earnings Per Share Contributions Full Year GAAP Change FPL $1.94 $2.02 $0.08 FPL Energy Corporate and Other (0.13) (0.33) (0.20) Total $2.34 $3.23 $0.89 Adjusted Change FPL $1.94 $2.02 $0.08 FPL Energy Corporate and Other (0.13) (0.29) (0.16) Total $2.63 $3.04 $0.41 See Appendix for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted amounts Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities. 24

25 FPL Group: Adjusted earnings per share expectations 2007P P 1 FPL FPL Energy Corporate & Other FPL Group $ $2.15 $ $1.55 ($0.20) - ($0.25) $ $3.45 $ $2.25 $ $1.85 ($0.20) - ($0.25) $ $3.80 Note: The 2007 and 2008 adjusted earnings expectations are valid as of January 26, 2007 and should be viewed in conjunction with FPL Group s Cautionary Statements contained in the Appendix to this presentation. 1 Assumes normal weather and excludes the effect of adopting new accounting standards as well as the mark-to-market effect of non-qualifying hedges neither of which can be determined at this time. 25

26 Q&A Session

27 Appendix

28 Drivers of Florida Power and Light Growth: EPS 05 storm write-off Revenue O&M expense Depreciation expense Interest and AFUDC All Other Expected 2007 EPS Range $ (0.15) (0.20) (0.06) (0.08) (0.04) (0.06) (0.06) (0.08) $2.10 $ Assumes normal weather and excludes the effect of adopting new accounting standards which cannot be determined at this time. Please see Slide 32 for potential earnings variability drivers. 28

29 Drivers of Florida Power and Light Growth: Expected 2007 EPS Range Revenue O&M expense Depreciation expense Interest and AFUDC All Other Expected 2008 EPS Range $2.10 $ (0.02) (0.06) (0.06) (0.08) (0.02) (0.05) (0.04) (0.06) $2.15 $ Assumes normal weather and excludes the effect of adopting new accounting standards which cannot be determined at this time. 29

30 Drivers of FPL Energy Earnings Growth: Adjusted EPS Indonesian litigation gain New investments Existing portfolio Asset restructuring, marketing and trading Interest All other Expected 2007 EPS Range $1.31 (0.16) (0.07) (0.05) (0.05) (0.04) $1.45 $ Assumes normal weather and excludes the effect of adopting new accounting standards as well as the mark-to-market effect of non-qualifying hedges neither of which can be determined at this time. Please see Slide 33 for potential earnings variability drivers. 30

31 Drivers of FPL Energy Earnings Growth: Expected 2007 EPS Range New investments Existing portfolio Asset restructuring, marketing and trading Interest All other Expected 2008 EPS Range $1.45 $ (0.01) 0.01 (0.04) (0.02) (0.01) 0.01 $1.65 $ Assumes normal weather and excludes the effect of adopting new accounting standards as well as the mark-to-market effect of non-qualifying hedges neither of which can be determined at this time. 31

32 FPL: Potential Drivers of 2007 Earnings Variability Issue Variability Potential Impact 2007 Weather variability at 80% probability ± 7-8 Revenue growth ± bps ± 1-2 O&M expenses sensitivity ± 2% ± 4 Interest rates ± 1% ± 1 See Company s Cautionary Statements contained in the Appendix and the Company s filings for full discussion of risks. 32

33 FPL Energy: Potential Drivers of 2007 Earnings Variability Issue Sensitivity Variability Potential Impact 2007 Weather Wind portfolio wind resource ± 1 wind index 1 ± Maine hydro rainfall, snow pack ± 20% 2 ± 3 Market risk commodity prices ± $2/mmbtu 3 ± 1-2 Oper. performance EFOR 4 ± 1% ± 1-3 New growth Wind timing of in-service one month ± 1-2 Asset restructuring Less than 1% of FPL Energy earnings 1 Based on wind MW installed as of 12/31/06 of 4,016 MW. 2 From historic mean. 3 FPL Energy's portfolio including the retail energy business is in a net short gas position in Impact based on merchant assets. See Company s Cautionary Statements contained in the Appendix and the Company s filings for full discussion of risks. 33

34 Non-Qualifying Hedges 1 Summary of Activity ($ millions, after-tax) Asset/(Liability) Balance as of 9/30/06 $(13.5) Amounts Realized During 4 th Quarter 4.0 Change in Forward Prices (all positions) Subtotal Primary Drivers: NEPOOL Oil/Gas Spark Spreads $6.8 Revenue Hedges 3.1 Asset/(Liability) Balance as of 12/31/06 $ 1.5 All Other - Net 1.1 $ Includes contracts of FPL Energy s consolidated projects plus its share of the contracts of equity method investees. 34

35 Non-Qualifying Hedges 1 Summary of Activity ($ thousands, after-tax) 4th Quarter Asset / Deals Asset / (Liability) Change in Executed Total (Liability) Balance Amounts Forward During Unrealized Balance Description 9/30/06 Realized Prices Period 2 MTM 12/31/06 Gas Supply Contract $ 8,575 (1,406) (1,036) - (2,442) $ 6,133 Other - net $ (22,096) 5,454 27,460 (15,458) 17,456 (4,640) Total $ (13,521) $ 4,048 $ 26,424 $ (15,458) $ 15,014 $ 1,493 1 Includes contracts of FPL Energy s consolidated projects plus its share of the contracts of equity method investees. 2 Amount represents the change in value of deals executed during the quarter from the execution date through quarter end. 35

36 Non-qualifying Hedges 1 Summary of Forward Maturity ($ thousands, after-tax) Asset / (Liability) Gain / (Loss) 2 Balance Total Description 12/31/ Gas Supply Contract $ 6,133 $ (6,133) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (6,133) Other - net (4,640) (19,890) 6, ,610 9,773 4,640 Total $ 1,493 $ (26,023) $ 6,473 $ 674 $ 7,610 $ 9,773 $ (1,493) 1 Includes contracts of FPL Energy s consolidated projects plus its share of the contracts of equity method investees. 2 Gain/(loss) based on existing contracts and forward prices as of 12/31/06. 36

37 FPL Energy Wind Index Trailing 5 quarters, current portfolio Q 05 1Q 06 2Q 06 3Q 06 4Q 06 1 Average wind speed for the period from those reference towers chosen to represent FPL Energy s portfolio - weighted index based on FPL Energy s portfolio as of 12/31/ = long-term historic annual weighted mean. 37

38 Bridging Reference Tower Wind Speed to Earnings Impact¹ Correlation factor effect (tower to site) Wind shear derivation (convert lower level measured wind to predicted) Air density assumption Turbine specific performance (power curve) Reference Tower Wind Speed Wind Turbine Hub Height Wind Speed Availability Reliability Curtailments Theoretical Wind Turbine Output Price paid by buyer Actual Wind Turbine Output Earnings Per Share Contribution ±1 in the annual portfolio wind index for 2007 equates to ± $ $0.03/share 1 1 Sets aside uncertainties that can cause actual performance to deviate from that predicted solely by using the wind data from the selected reference towers. This reflects the impact on projects that are in operation as of 12/31/06. The earnings per share impact is based on a normal distribution around annual wind index values. This relationship should not be applied to quarterly or monthly wind index values due to seasonality of the wind resource and the increased variability associated with shorter observation periods. 38

39 Regional Long Term Wind Reference Location Bismarck* Jamestown Walla Walla Pierre Pipestone Mason City Scranton Concord Livermore Evanston Lone Rock Johnstown Bakersfield Lancaster Palm Spring Clovis Garden City Lubbock* Gage Abilene Clinton Winkler Midland * Denotes new references included to better describe FPLE Wind Portfolio. FPL Energy plant operations 39

40 FPL Energy MWs and Regional Reference Towers Fourth Quarter Long-Term Avg. Wind Speed (m/s) 2005 Avg. Wind Speed (m/s) 2005 Long-Term Wind Speed 4Q Avg. Wind Index Speed (m/s) 4Q2005 Avg. Wind Speed (m/s) 4Q2005 Wind Speed Index 4Q2006 Avg. Wind Speed (m/s) 4Q2006 Wind Speed Index Associated Reference Tower Net MWs Abilene.TX Midland.TX WallaWalla.WA MasonCity.IA Clovis.NM Clinton.OK Concord.CA Bismarck.ND Evanston.WY GardenCity.KS Johnstown.PA Pipestone.MN Lubbock.TX Gage.OK Livermore.CA PalmSprings.CA Lancaster.CA Jamestown.ND Bakersfield.CA Scranton.PA Winkler.TX Pierre.SD LoneRock.WI WAv NA NA NA NA NA Reference towers were selected for their proximity to FPL Energy s wind assets. FPL Energy wind portfolio as of 12/31/06. Weights defined based on expected annual NCF. 40

41 Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Earnings Three Months Ended December 31, 2006 Florida Power Corporate & (m illions, except per share am ounts) & Light FPL Energy Other FPL Group, Inc. Net Income (Loss) $ 170 $ 148 $ (50) $ 268 Adjustments, net of income taxes: Merger-related costs 1 1 Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges (15) (15) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) $ 170 $ 133 $ (49) $ 254 Earnings (Loss) Per Share (assuming dilution) $ 0.43 $ 0.37 $ (0.13) $ 0.67 Merger-related costs - Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges (0.04) (0.04) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share $ 0.43 $ 0.33 $ (0.13) $

42 Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Earnings Three Months Ended December 31, 2005 Florida Power Corporate & (m illions, except per share am ounts) & Light FPL Energy Other FPL Group, Inc. Net Income (Loss) $ 124 $ 89 $ (4) $ 209 Adjustments, net of income taxes: Merger-related costs - Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges (27) (27) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) $ 124 $ 62 $ (4) $ 182 Earnings (Loss) Per Share (assuming dilution) $ 0.32 $ 0.23 $ (0.01) $ 0.54 Merger-related costs - Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges (0.07) (0.07) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share $ 0.32 $ 0.16 $ (0.01) $ 0.47 Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities. 42

43 Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Earnings Full Year Ended December 31, 2006 Florida Power Corporate & (m illions, except per share am ounts) & Light FPL Energy Other FPL Group, Inc. Net Income (Loss) $ 802 $ 610 $ (131) $ 1,281 Adjustments, net of income taxes: Merger-related costs Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges (92) (92) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) $ 802 $ 518 $ (117) $ 1,203 Earnings (Loss) Per Share (assuming dilution) $ 2.02 $ 1.54 $ (0.33) $ 3.23 Merger-related costs Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges (0.23) (0.23) Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share $ 2.02 $ 1.31 $ (0.29) $ 3.04 Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities. 43

44 Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Earnings Full Year Ended December 31, 2005 Florida Power Corporate & (m illions, except per share am ounts) & Light FPL Energy Other FPL Group, Inc. Net Income (Loss) $ 748 $ 203 $ (50) $ 901 Adjustments, net of income taxes: Merger-related costs - Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges Adjusted Earnings (Loss) $ 748 $ 315 $ (50) $ 1,013 Earnings (Loss) Per Share (assuming dilution) $ 1.94 $ 0.53 $ (0.13) $ 2.34 Merger-related costs - Net unrealized mark-to-market (gains) losses associated w ith non-qualifying hedges Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share $ 1.94 $ 0.82 $ (0.13) $ 2.63 Amounts have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of an accounting standard change related to planned major maintenance activities. 44

45 Cautionary statements and risk factors that may affect future results In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Reform Act), FPL Group, Inc. (FPL Group) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) are hereby providing cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause FPL Group's or FPL's actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Reform Act) made by or on behalf of FPL Group and FPL in this presentation, on their respective websites, in response to questions or otherwise. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as will likely result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, believe, could, estimated, may, plan, potential, projection, target, outlook) are not statements of historical facts and may be forwardlooking. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors (in addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements) that could cause FPL Group's or FPL's actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of FPL Group and FPL. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and FPL Group and FPL undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances, including unanticipated events, after the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The following are some important factors that could have a significant impact on FPL Group's and FPL's operations and financial results, and could cause FPL Group's and FPL's actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: FPL Group and FPL are subject to complex laws and regulations and to changes in laws and regulations as well as changing governmental policies and regulatory actions, including initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the energy industry and environmental matters. FPL holds franchise agreements with local municipalities and counties, and must renegotiate expiring agreements. These factors may have a negative impact on the business and results of operations of FPL Group and FPL. FPL Group and FPL are subject to complex laws and regulations, and to changes in laws or regulations, including the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, the Federal Power Act, the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (2005 Energy Act) and certain sections of the Florida statutes relating to public utilities, changing governmental policies and regulatory actions, including those of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) and the legislatures and utility commissions of other states in which FPL Group has operations, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to, among other things, allowed rates of return, industry and rate structure, operation of nuclear power facilities, operation and construction of plant facilities, operation and construction of transmission facilities, acquisition, disposal, depreciation and amortization of assets and facilities, recovery of fuel and purchased power costs, decommissioning costs, return on common equity and equity ratio limits, and present or prospective wholesale and retail competition (including but not limited to retail wheeling and transmission costs). The FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery by FPL of any and all costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred. The regulatory process generally restricts FPL's ability to grow earnings and does not provide any assurance as to achievement of earnings levels. FPL Group and FPL are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes as well as the effect of changes in or additions to applicable statutes, rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, waste management, wildlife mortality, natural resources and health and safety that could, among other things, restrict or limit the output of certain facilities or the use of certain fuels required for the production of electricity and/or require additional pollution control equipment and otherwise increase costs. There are significant capital, operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental statutes, rules and regulations, and those costs could be even more significant in the future. 45

46 FPL Group and FPL operate in a changing market environment influenced by various legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation, regulation or restructuring of the energy industry, including deregulation or restructuring of the production and sale of electricity. FPL Group and its subsidiaries will need to adapt to these changes and may face increasing competitive pressure. FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations could be affected by FPL's ability to renegotiate franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida. The operation and maintenance of power generation facilities, including nuclear facilities, involve significant risks that could adversely affect the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL. The operation and maintenance of power generation facilities involve many risks, including, but not limited to, start up risks, breakdown or failure of equipment, transmission lines or pipelines, the inability to properly manage or mitigate known equipment defects throughout our generation fleets unless and until such defects are remediated, use of new technology, the dependence on a specific fuel source, including the supply and transportation of fuel, or the impact of unusual or adverse weather conditions (including natural disasters such as hurricanes), as well as the risk of performance below expected or contracted levels of output or efficiency. This could result in lost revenues and/or increased expenses, including, but not limited to, the requirement to purchase power in the market at potentially higher prices to meet contractual obligations. Insurance, warranties or performance guarantees may not cover any or all of the lost revenues or increased expenses, including the cost of replacement power. In addition to these risks, FPL Group's and FPL's nuclear units face certain risks that are unique to the nuclear industry including, but not limited to, the ability to store and/or dispose of spent nuclear fuel, the potential payment of significant retrospective insurance premiums, as well as additional regulatory actions up to and including shutdown of the units stemming from public safety concerns, whether at FPL Group's and FPL's plants, or at the plants of other nuclear operators. Breakdown or failure of an operating facility of FPL Energy may prevent the facility from performing under applicable power sales agreements which, in certain situations, could result in termination of the agreement or incurring a liability for liquidated damages. The construction of, and capital improvements to, power generation facilities involve substantial risks. Should construction or capital improvement efforts be unsuccessful, the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL could be adversely affected. FPL Group's and FPL's ability to successfully and timely complete their power generation facilities currently under construction, those projects yet to begin construction or capital improvements to existing facilities within established budgets is contingent upon many variables and subject to substantial risks. Should any such efforts be unsuccessful, FPL Group and FPL could be subject to additional costs, termination payments under committed contracts, and/or the write-off of their investment in the project or improvement. The use of derivative contracts by FPL Group and FPL in the normal course of business could result in financial losses that negatively impact the results of operations of FPL Group and FPL. FPL Group and FPL use derivative instruments, such as swaps, options and forwards to manage their commodity and financial market risks, and to a lesser extent, engage in limited trading activities. FPL Group could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market values of these contracts, or if a counterparty fails to perform. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these derivative instruments involves management's judgment or use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts. In addition, FPL's use of such instruments could be subject to prudency challenges and if found imprudent, cost recovery could be disallowed by the FPSC. FPL Group's competitive energy business is subject to risks, many of which are beyond the control of FPL Group, that may reduce the revenues and adversely impact the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group. 46

47 There are other risks associated with FPL Group's competitive energy business. In addition to risks discussed elsewhere, risk factors specifically affecting FPL Energy's success in competitive wholesale markets include the ability to efficiently develop and operate generating assets, the successful and timely completion of project restructuring activities, maintenance of the qualifying facility status of certain projects, the price and supply of fuel (including transportation), transmission constraints, competition from new sources of generation, excess generation capacity and demand for power. There can be significant volatility in market prices for fuel and electricity, and there are other financial, counterparty and market risks that are beyond the control of FPL Energy. FPL Energy's inability or failure to effectively hedge its assets or positions against changes in commodity prices, interest rates, counterparty credit risk or other risk measures could significantly impair FPL Group's future financial results. In keeping with industry trends, a portion of FPL Energy's power generation facilities operate wholly or partially without long-term power purchase agreements. As a result, power from these facilities is sold on the spot market or on a short-term contractual basis, which may affect the volatility of FPL Group's financial results. In addition, FPL Energy's business depends upon transmission facilities owned and operated by others; if transmission is disrupted or capacity is inadequate or unavailable, FPL Energy's ability to sell and deliver its wholesale power may be limited. FPL Group's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions is subject to significant risks, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions resulting from the consolidation of the power industry. FPL Group is likely to encounter significant competition for acquisition opportunities that may become available as a result of the consolidation of the power industry, in general, as well as the passage of the 2005 Energy Act. In addition, FPL Group may be unable to identify attractive acquisition opportunities at favorable prices and to successfully and timely complete and integrate them. Because FPL Group and FPL rely on access to capital markets, the inability to maintain current credit ratings and access capital markets on favorable terms may limit the ability of FPL Group and FPL to grow their businesses and would likely increase interest costs. FPL Group and FPL rely on access to capital markets as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows. The inability of FPL Group, FPL Group Capital Inc and FPL to maintain their current credit ratings could affect their ability to raise capital on favorable terms, particularly during times of uncertainty in the capital markets, which, in turn, could impact FPL Group's and FPL's ability to grow their businesses and would likely increase their interest costs. Customer growth in FPL's service area affects FPL Group's results of operations. FPL Group's results of operations are affected by the growth in customer accounts in FPL's service area. Customer growth can be affected by population growth as well as economic factors in Florida, including job and income growth, housing starts and new home prices. Customer growth directly influences the demand for electricity and the need for additional power generation and power delivery facilities at FPL. Weather affects FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations. FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations are affected by changes in the weather. Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas and affect the price of energy commodities, and can affect the production of electricity at wind and hydro-powered facilities. FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations can be affected by the impact of severe weather which can be destructive, causing outages and/or property damage, may affect fuel supply, and could require additional costs to be incurred. At FPL, recovery of these costs is subject to FPSC approval. FPL Group and FPL are subject to costs and other effects of legal proceedings as well as changes in or additions to applicable tax laws, rates or policies, rates of inflation, accounting standards, securities laws and corporate governance requirements. FPL Group and FPL are subject to costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims, as well as the effect of new, or changes in, tax laws, rates or policies, rates of inflation, accounting standards, securities laws and corporate governance requirements. 47

48 Threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism may impact the operations of FPL Group and FPL in unpredictable ways. FPL Group and FPL are subject to direct and indirect effects of terrorist threats and activities. Generation and transmission facilities, in general, have been identified as potential targets. The effects of terrorist threats and activities include, among other things, terrorist actions or responses to such actions or threats, the inability to generate, purchase or transmit power, the risk of a significant slowdown in growth or a decline in the U.S. economy, delay in economic recovery in the U.S., and the increased cost and adequacy of security and insurance. The ability of FPL Group and FPL to obtain insurance and the terms of any available insurance coverage could be affected by national, state or local events and company-specific events. FPL Group's and FPL's ability to obtain insurance, and the cost of and coverage provided by such insurance, could be affected by national, state or local events as well as company-specific events. FPL Group and FPL are subject to employee workforce factors that could affect the businesses and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL. FPL Group and FPL are subject to employee workforce factors, including loss or retirement of key executives, availability of qualified personnel, collective bargaining agreements with union employees and work stoppage that could affect the businesses and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL. The risks described herein are not the only risks facing FPL Group and FPL. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to FPL Group or FPL, or that are currently deemed to be immaterial, also may materially adversely affect FPL Group's or FPL's business, financial condition and/or future operating results. 48

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