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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
☒ | | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
| | | | |
| | For the Quarterly Period Ended: | March 31, 2023 | |
| | | | |
☐ | | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number: 001-15891
NRG Energy, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | | | | | | |
Delaware | | 41-1724239 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
910 Louisiana Street | Houston | Texas | 77002 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(713) 537-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | | | | | | | | |
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 | NRG | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large Accelerated Filer | ☒ | | Accelerated filer | ☐ | | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
As of April 30, 2023, there were 230,232,374 shares of common stock outstanding, par value $0.01 per share.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The words "believes," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates," "should," "forecasts," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond NRG's control, that may cause NRG's actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the factors described under Risk Factors, in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and the following:
•Business uncertainties related to NRG's ability to integrate the operations of Vivint with its own;
•NRG's ability to obtain and maintain retail market share;
•General economic conditions, changes in the wholesale power and gas markets and fluctuations in the cost of fuel;
•Volatile power and gas supply costs and demand for power and gas;
•Changes in law, including judicial and regulatory decisions;
•Hazards customary to the power production industry and power generation operations, such as fuel and electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions, catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to fuel supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints and the possibility that NRG may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards;
•The effectiveness of NRG's risk management policies and procedures and the ability of NRG's counterparties to satisfy their financial commitments;
•NRG's ability to enter into contracts to sell power or gas and procure fuel on acceptable terms and prices;
•NRG's ability to successfully integrate, realize cost savings and manage any acquired businesses;
•NRG's ability to engage in successful acquisitions and divestitures, as well as other mergers and acquisitions activity;
•Cyber terrorism and cybersecurity risks, data breaches or the occurrence of a catastrophic loss and the possibility that NRG may not have sufficient insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards or the inability of NRG's insurers to provide coverage;
•Counterparties' collateral demands and other factors affecting NRG's liquidity position and financial condition;
•NRG's ability to operate its businesses efficiently and generate earnings and cash flows from its asset-based businesses in relation to its debt and other obligations;
•The liquidity and competitiveness of wholesale markets for energy commodities;
•Government regulation, including changes in market rules, rates, tariffs and environmental laws;
•NRG's ability to develop and innovate new products, as retail and wholesale markets continue to change and evolve;
•Price mitigation strategies and other market structures employed by ISOs or RTOs that result in a failure to adequately and fairly compensate NRG's generation units;
•NRG's ability to mitigate forced outage risk;
•NRG's ability to borrow funds and access capital markets, as well as NRG's substantial indebtedness and the possibility that NRG may incur additional indebtedness in the future;
•Operating and financial restrictions placed on NRG and its subsidiaries that are contained in NRG's corporate credit agreements, and in debt and other agreements of certain of NRG subsidiaries and project affiliates generally;
•The ability of NRG and its counterparties to develop and build new power generation facilities;
•NRG's ability to implement its strategy of finding ways to meet the challenges of climate change, clean air and protecting natural resources, while taking advantage of business opportunities;
•NRG's ability to increase cash from operations through operational and market initiatives, corporate efficiencies, asset strategy, and a range of other programs throughout NRG to reduce costs or generate revenues;
•NRG's ability to successfully evaluate investments and achieve intended financial results in new business and growth initiatives; and
•NRG's ability to develop and maintain successful partnering relationships as needed.
In addition, unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and NRG undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable laws. The foregoing factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should not be construed as exhaustive.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report, they have the meanings indicated below: | | | | | | | | |
2022 Form 10-K | | NRG’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 |
ACE | | Affordable Clean Energy |
AESO | | Alberta Electric System Operator |
ARO | | Asset Retirement Obligation |
ASC | | The FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which the FASB established as the source of authoritative GAAP |
ASU | | Accounting Standards Updates - updates to the ASC |
BTU | | British Thermal Unit |
Business | | NRG Business, which serves business customers |
CAA | | Clean Air Act |
CAISO | | California Independent System Operator |
CDD | | Cooling Degree Day |
CFTC | | U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
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CO2 | | Carbon Dioxide |
Company | | NRG Energy, Inc. |
Convertible Senior Notes | | As of March 31, 2023, consists of NRG’s $575 million unsecured 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2048 |
Cottonwood | | Cottonwood Generating Station, a natural gas-fueled plant located in Deweyville, Texas in which NRG is leasing back through May 2025 |
CPP | | Clean Power Plan |
CPUC | | California Public Utilities Commission |
CWA | | Clean Water Act |
D.C. Circuit | | U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit |
Dth | | Dekatherms |
Economic gross margin | | Sum of retail revenue, energy revenue, capacity revenue and other revenue, less cost of fuels and purchased energy and other cost of sales |
EGU | | Electric Generating Unit |
EPA | | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
ERCOT | | Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Independent System Operator and the regional reliability coordinator of the various electricity systems within Texas |
ESPP | | NRG Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
Exchange Act | | The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended |
FASB | | Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC | | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FGD | | Flue gas desulfurization |
FTRs | | Financial Transmission Rights |
GAAP | | Generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. |
GHG | | Greenhouse Gas |
Green Mountain Energy | | Green Mountain Energy Company |
GW | | Gigawatts |
GWh | | Gigawatt Hour |
HDD | | Heating Degree Day |
Heat Rate | | A measure of thermal efficiency computed by dividing the total BTU content of the fuel burned by the resulting kWhs generated. Heat rates can be expressed as either gross or net heat rates, depending upon whether the electricity output measured is gross or net generation. Heat rates are generally expressed as BTU per net kWh |
Home | | NRG Home, which serves residential customers |
HLW | | High-level radioactive waste |
ICE | | Intercontinental Exchange |
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IESO | | Independent Electricity System Operator |
ISO | | Independent System Operator, also referred to as RTOs |
ISO-NE | | ISO New England Inc. |
Ivanpah | | Ivanpah Solar Electric Generation Station, a solar thermal power plant located in California's Mojave Desert in which NRG owns 54.5% interest |
kWh | | Kilowatt-hour |
LaGen | | Louisiana Generating, LLC |
LIBOR | | London Inter-Bank Offered Rate |
LSEs | | Load Serving Entities |
LTIPs | | Collectively, the NRG long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") and the NRG Vivint LTIP |
MDth | | Thousand Dekatherms |
Midwest Generation | | Midwest Generation, LLC |
MISO | | Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. |
MMBtu | | Million British Thermal Units |
MW | | Megawatts |
MWh | | Saleable megawatt hour net of internal/parasitic load megawatt-hour |
NAAQS | | National Ambient Air Quality Standards |
NEPOOL | | New England Power Pool |
NERC | | North American Electric Reliability Corporation |
| | |
Net Exposure | | Counterparty credit exposure to NRG, net of collateral |
Net Revenue Rate | | Sum of retail revenues less TDSP transportation charges |
Nodal | | Nodal Exchange is a derivatives exchange |
NOL | | Net Operating Loss |
NOx | | Nitrogen Oxides |
NPNS | | Normal Purchase Normal Sale |
NRC | | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
NRG | | NRG Energy, Inc. |
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Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund | | NRG's nuclear decommissioning trust fund assets, which are for the Company's portion of the decommissioning of the STP, Units 1 & 2 |
Nuclear Waste Policy Act | | U.S. Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 |
NYISO | | New York Independent System Operator |
NYMEX | | New York Mercantile Exchange |
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OCI/OCL | | Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) |
ORDC | | Operating Reserve Demand Curve |
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PG&E | | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
PJM | | PJM Interconnection, LLC |
PM2.5 | | Particulate Matter that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers |
PPA | | Power Purchase Agreement |
PUCT | | Public Utility Commission of Texas |
RCRA | | Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 |
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Receivables Facility | | NRG Receivables LLC, a bankruptcy remote, special purpose, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company's $1.0 billion accounts receivables securitization facility due 2023, which was last amended on July 26, 2022 |
Receivables Securitization Facilities | | Collectively, the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility |
Renewable PPA | | A third-party PPA entered into directly with a renewable generation facility for the offtake of the Renewable Energy Certificates or other similar environmental attributes generated by such facility, couple with the associated power generated by that facility |
REP | | Retail electric provider |
Repurchase Facility | | NRG's $150 million uncommitted repurchase facility related to the Receivables Facility due 2023, which was last amended on July 26, 2022 |
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Revolving Credit Facility | | The Company's $4.3 billion revolving credit facility due 2028, was last amended on March 13, 2023 |
RGGI | | Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative |
RTO | | Regional Transmission Organization, also referred to as ISOs |
SEC | | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
Securities Act | | The Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
Senior Notes | | As of March 31, 2023, NRG's $4.6 billion outstanding unsecured senior notes consisting of $375 million of the 6.625% senior notes due 2027, $821 million of 5.75% senior notes due 2028, $733 million of the 5.25% senior notes due 2029, $500 million of the 3.375% senior notes due 2029, $1.0 billion of the 3.625% senior notes due 2031 and $1.1 billion of the 3.875% senior notes due 2032 |
Senior Secured First Lien Notes | | As of March 31, 2023, NRG’s $3.4 billion outstanding Senior Secured First Lien Notes consists of $600 million of the 3.75% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2024, $500 million of the 2.0% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025, $900 million of the 2.45% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2027, $500 million of the 4.45% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 and $740 million of the 7.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2033 |
Services | | NRG Services, which primarily includes the services businesses acquired in the Direct Energy acquisition and the Goal Zero business |
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SNF | | Spent Nuclear Fuel |
SO2 | | Sulfur Dioxide |
SOFR | | Secured overnight financing rate |
South Central Portfolio | | NRG's South Central Portfolio, which owned and operated a portfolio of generation assets consisting of Bayou Cove, Big Cajun-I, Big Cajun-II, Cottonwood and Sterlington, was sold on February 4, 2019. NRG is leasing back the Cottonwood facility through May 2025 |
STP | | South Texas Project — nuclear generating facility located near Bay City, Texas in which NRG owns a 44% interest |
STPNOC | | South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company |
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TDSP | | Transmission/distribution service provider |
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U.S. | | United States of America |
U.S. DOE | | U.S. Department of Energy |
VaR | | Value at Risk |
VIE | | Variable Interest Entity |
Vivint | | Vivint Smart Home, Inc. |
Winter Storm Elliott | | A major winter storm that had impacts across the majority of the United States and parts of Canada occurring in December 2022 |
Winter Storm Uri | | A major winter and ice storm that had widespread impacts across North America occurring in February 2021 |
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions, except for per share amounts) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Revenue | | | | | | | |
Revenue | $ | 7,722 | | | $ | 7,896 | | | | | |
Operating Costs and Expenses | | | | | | | |
Cost of operations (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below) | 8,778 | | | 4,930 | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 190 | | | 183 | | | | | |
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Selling, general and administrative costs | 426 | | | 347 | | | | | |
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Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs | 71 | | | 8 | | | | | |
Total operating costs and expenses | 9,465 | | | 5,468 | | | | | |
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Gain/(loss) on sale of assets | 199 | | | (3) | | | | | |
Operating (Loss)/Income | (1,544) | | | 2,425 | | | | | |
Other Income/(Expense) | | | | | | | |
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates | 5 | | | (15) | | | | | |
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Other income, net | 16 | | | — | | | | | |
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Interest expense | (148) | | | (103) | | | | | |
Total other expense | (127) | | | (118) | | | | | |
(Loss)/Income Before Income Taxes | (1,671) | | | 2,307 | | | | | |
Income tax (benefit)/expense | (336) | | | 571 | | | | | |
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Net (Loss)/Income | $ | (1,335) | | | $ | 1,736 | | | | | |
Less: Cumulative dividends attributable to Series A Preferred Stock | 4 | | | — | | | | | |
Net (Loss)/Income Available for Common Stockholders | $ | (1,339) | | | $ | 1,736 | | | | | |
(Loss)/Income per Share | | | | | | | |
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic and diluted | 230 | | | 242 | | | | | |
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(Loss)/Income per Weighted Average Common Share —Basic and Diluted | $ | (5.82) | | | $ | 7.17 | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME
(Unaudited)
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| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Net (Loss)/Income | $ | (1,335) | | | $ | 1,736 | | | | | |
Other Comprehensive Income | | | | | | | |
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Foreign currency translation adjustments | 1 | | | 9 | | | | | |
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Defined benefit plans | — | | | (1) | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income | 1 | | | 8 | | | | | |
Comprehensive (Loss)/Income | $ | (1,334) | | | $ | 1,744 | | | | | |
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See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
(In millions, except share data and liquidation preference on preferred stock) | (Unaudited) | | (Audited) |
ASSETS | | | |
Current Assets | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 407 | | | $ | 430 | |
Funds deposited by counterparties | 330 | | | 1,708 | |
Restricted cash | 32 | | | 40 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 3,519 | | | 4,773 | |
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Inventory | 722 | | | 751 | |
Derivative instruments | 4,400 | | | 7,886 | |
Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities | 293 | | | 260 | |
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Prepayments and other current assets | 505 | | | 383 | |
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Total current assets | 10,208 | | | 16,231 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,835 | | | 1,692 | |
Other Assets | | | |
Equity investments in affiliates | 136 | | | 133 | |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 247 | | | 225 | |
Goodwill | 5,343 | | | 1,650 | |
Intangible assets, net | 4,419 | | | 2,132 | |
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund | 879 | | | 838 | |
Derivative instruments | 3,350 | | | 4,108 | |
Deferred income taxes | 2,925 | | | 1,881 | |
Other non-current assets | 354 | | | 256 | |
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Total other assets | 17,653 | | | 11,223 | |
Total Assets | $ | 29,696 | | | $ | 29,146 | |
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| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
(In millions, except share data and liquidation preference on preferred stock) | (Unaudited) | | (Audited) |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | |
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Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases | $ | 971 | | | $ | 63 | |
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Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 94 | | | 83 | |
Accounts payable | 2,330 | | | 3,643 | |
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Derivative instruments | 4,350 | | | 6,195 | |
Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities | 330 | | | 1,708 | |
Deferred revenue current | 688 | | 176 |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 1,563 | | | 1,114 | |
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Total current liabilities | 10,326 | | | 12,982 | |
Other Liabilities | | | |
Long-term debt and finance leases | 11,332 | | | 7,976 | |
Non-current operating lease liabilities | 196 | | | 180 | |
Nuclear decommissioning reserve | 344 | | | 340 | |
Nuclear decommissioning trust liability | 514 | | | 477 | |
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Derivative instruments | 1,893 | | | 2,246 | |
Deferred income taxes | 133 | | | 134 | |
Deferred revenue non-current | 848 | | 10 |
Other non-current liabilities | 1,030 | | | 973 | |
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Total other liabilities | 16,290 | | | 12,336 | |
Total Liabilities | 26,616 | | | 25,318 | |
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Commitments and Contingencies | | | |
Stockholders' Equity | | | |
Preferred stock; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 650,000 Series A shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023 (liquidation preference $1,000); 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 | 650 | | | — |
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 424,292,409 and 423,897,001 shares issued and 229,956,438 and 229,561,030 shares outstanding at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively | 4 | | | 4 | |
Additional paid-in-capital | 8,481 | | | 8,457 | |
(Accumulated deficit)/Retained earnings | (15) | | | 1,408 | |
Treasury stock, at cost 194,335,971 shares at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | (5,864) | | | (5,864) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (176) | | | (177) | |
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Total Stockholders' Equity | 3,080 | | | 3,828 | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 29,696 | | | $ | 29,146 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | |
Net (Loss)/Income | $ | (1,335) | | | $ | 1,736 | |
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Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to cash (used)/provided by operating activities: | | | |
Distributions from and equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates | (5) | | | 18 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 190 | | | 183 | |
Accretion of asset retirement obligations | 6 | | | 7 | |
Provision for credit losses | 35 | | | 25 | |
Amortization of nuclear fuel | 13 | | | 14 | |
Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts | 20 | | | 6 | |
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Amortization of in-the-money contracts and emissions allowances | 119 | | | 147 | |
Amortization of unearned equity compensation | 30 | | | 6 | |
Net gain on sale of assets and disposal of assets | (187) | | | (6) | |
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Changes in derivative instruments | 1,599 | | | (2,816) | |
Changes in current and deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits | (338) | | | 575 | |
Changes in collateral deposits in support of risk management activities | (1,412) | | | 2,007 | |
Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability | (16) | | | (7) | |
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Changes in other working capital | (317) | | | (219) | |
Cash (used)/provided by operating activities | (1,598) | | | 1,676 | |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | |
Payments for acquisitions of businesses and assets, net of cash acquired | (2,492) | | | (26) | |
Capital expenditures | (142) | | | (60) | |
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Net purchases of emission allowances | (18) | | | (18) | |
Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities | (87) | | | (151) | |
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities | 99 | | | 161 | |
Proceeds from sales of assets, net of cash disposed | 219 | | | 14 | |
Proceeds from insurance recoveries for property, plant and equipment, net | 71 | | | — | |
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Cash used by investing activities | (2,350) | | | (80) | |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net of fees | 636 | | | — | |
Payments of dividends to common stockholders | (87) | | | (85) | |
Payments for share repurchase activity | (8) | | | (188) | |
Net receipts from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements | 336 | | | 561 | |
Net proceeds of Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables Securitization Facilities | 950 | | | — | |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 731 | | | — | |
Payments of debt issuance costs | (18) | | | — | |
Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases | (4) | | | (1) | |
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Cash provided by financing activities | 2,536 | | | 287 | |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 3 | | | 3 | |
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Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash | (1,409) | | | 1,886 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | 2,178 | | | 1,110 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | 769 | | | $ | 2,996 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
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(In millions) | | | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | Retained Earnings/(Accumulated deficit) | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | | | Total Stock-holders' Equity |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 8,457 | | | $ | 1,408 | | | $ | (5,864) | | | $ | (177) | | | | | $ | 3,828 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | (1,335) | | | | | | | | | (1,335) | |
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock | | | 650 | | | | | (14) | | | | | | | | | | | 636 | |
Other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1 | | | | | 1 | |
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Equity-based awards activity, net(a) | | | | | | | 38 | | | | | | | | | | | 38 | |
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Common stock dividends and dividend equivalents declared(b) | | | | | | | | | (88) | | | | | | | | | (88) | |
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Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | $ | 650 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 8,481 | | | $ | (15) | | | $ | (5,864) | | | $ | (176) | | | | | $ | 3,080 | |
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(In millions) | | | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | | | Total Stock-holders' Equity |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 8,531 | | | $ | 464 | | | $ | (5,273) | | | $ | (126) | | | | | $ | 3,600 | |
Net income | | | | | | | 1,736 | | | | | | | | | 1,736 | |
Other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | 8 | | | | | 8 | |
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Share repurchases | | | | | | | | | (187) | | | | | | | (187) | |
Equity-based awards activity, net(a) | | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | 2 | |
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Common stock dividends and dividend equivalents declared(b) | | | | | | | (86) | | | | | | | | | (86) | |
Adoption of ASU 2020-06 | | | | | (100) | | | 57 | | | | | | | | | (43) | |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 8,433 | | | $ | 2,171 | | | $ | (5,460) | | | $ | (118) | | | | | $ | 5,030 | |
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(a)Includes $(8) million and $(6) million of equivalent shares purchased in lieu of tax withholding on equity compensation issuances for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(b)Dividends per common share were $0.3775 and $0.35 for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note 1 — Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
General
NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, is a leading energy, smart home and services company fueled by market-leading brands, proprietary technologies, and complementary sales channels. NRG brings the power of energy to customers by producing and selling energy and related products and services. Across the United States and Canada, NRG develops innovative, sustainable solutions, predominately under brand names such as NRG, Reliant, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy and Vivint. The Company has a customer base that includes approximately 7.5 million residential consumers in addition to commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers, supported by approximately 16 GW of generation.
The Company's business is segmented as follows:
•Texas, which includes all activity related to customer, plant and market operations in Texas, other than Cottonwood;
•East, which includes all activity related to customer, plant and market operations in the East;
•West/Services/Other, which includes the following assets and activities: (i) all activity related to customer, plant and market operations in the West and Canada, (ii) the Services businesses (iii) activity related to the Cottonwood facility, (iv) the remaining renewables activity, including the Company’s equity method investment in Ivanpah Master Holdings, LLC, and (v) activity related to the Company’s equity method investment for the Gladstone power plant in Australia;
•Vivint smart home; and
•Corporate activities.
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the SEC's regulations for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The following notes should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and other disclosures as set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2022 Form 10-K. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments consisting of normal and recurring accruals necessary to present fairly the Company's consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2023, and the results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and statements of stockholders' equity for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. The reclassifications did not affect consolidated results from operations, net assets or consolidated cash flows.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Vivint Flex Pay
Under the Vivint Flex Pay plan (“Vivint Flex Pay”), customers pay separately for smart home products and smart home and security services. The customer has the ability to pay for Vivint products in the following three ways: (i) qualified customers may finance the purchase through third-party financing providers ("Consumer Financing Program" or “CFP”), (ii) Vivint generally offers a limited number of customers not eligible for the CFP, but who qualify under Vivint’s underwriting criteria, the option to enter into a retail installment contract directly with Vivint or (iii) customers may conduct purchases by check, automatic clearing house payments, credit or debit card or by obtaining short term financing (generally no more than six-month installment terms) through Vivint.
Although customers pay separately for products and services under Vivint Flex Pay, the Company has determined that the sale of products and services are one single performance obligation resulting in deferred revenue for the gross amount of products sold. For products financed through the CFP, gross deferred revenues are reduced by (i) any fees the third-party financing provider (“Financing Provider”) is contractually entitled to receive at the time of loan origination, and (ii) the present value of expected future payments due to the Financing Providers. Loans are issued on either an installment or revolving basis with repayment terms ranging from 6 to 60 months.
For certain Financing Provider loans:
•Vivint pays a monthly fee based on either the average daily outstanding balance of the installment loans, or the number of outstanding loans.
•Vivint incurs fees at the time of the loan origination and receives proceeds that are net of these fees.
•Vivint also shares liability for credit losses, with Vivint being responsible for between 2.6% and 100% of lost principal balances.
Due to the nature of these provisions, the Company records a derivative liability at its fair value when the Financing Provider originates loans to customers, which reduces the amount of estimated revenue recognized on the provision of the services. The derivative liability is reduced as payments are made by Vivint to the Financing Provider. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the derivative liability are realized through other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations. For further discussion, see Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Capitalized Contract Costs
Capitalized contract costs represent the costs directly related and incremental to the origination of new contracts, modification of existing contracts or to the fulfillment of the related subscriber contracts. These costs include installed products, commissions, other compensation and cost of installation of new or upgraded customer contracts. The Company calculates amortization by accumulating all deferred contract costs into separate portfolios based on the initial month of service and amortizes those deferred contract costs on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, consistent with the pattern in which the Company provides services to its customers. The expected period of benefit for customers is approximately five years. The Company updates its estimate of the period of benefit periodically and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the period of benefit could change significantly. Such changes, if any, are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate. Amortization of capitalized contract costs are included in cost of operations and selling, general and administrative costs on the consolidated statements of operations. Contract costs not directly related and incremental to the origination of new contracts, modification of existing contracts or to the fulfillment of the related subscriber contracts are expensed as incurred.
Other Balance Sheet Information
The following table presents the accumulated depreciation included in property, plant and equipment, net and accumulated amortization included in intangible assets, net:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Property, plant and equipment accumulated depreciation | $ | 1,518 | | | $ | 1,478 | |
Intangible assets accumulated amortization | 2,290 | | | 2,112 | |
Credit Losses
Retail trade receivables are reported on the balance sheet net of the allowance for credit losses. The Company accrues a provision for current expected credit losses based on (i) estimates of uncollectible revenues by analyzing accounts receivable aging and current and reasonable forecasts of expected economic factors including, but not limited to, unemployment rates and weather-related events, (ii) historical collections and delinquencies, and (iii) counterparty credit ratings for commercial and industrial customers.
The following table represents the activity in the allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Beginning balance | $ | 133 | | | $ | 683 | | | | | |
Acquired balance from Vivint | 16 | | | — | | | | | |
Provision for credit losses | 35 | | | 25 | | | | | |
Write-offs | (78) | | | (50) | | | | | |
Recoveries collected | 9 | | | 8 | | | | | |
Ending balance | $ | 115 | | | $ | 666 | | | | | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and funds deposited by counterparties reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of cash flows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 407 | | | $ | 430 | |
Funds deposited by counterparties | 330 | | | 1,708 | |
Restricted cash | 32 | | | 40 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows | $ | 769 | | | $ | 2,178 | |
Funds deposited by counterparties consist of cash held by the Company as a result of collateral posting obligations from its counterparties related to NRG's hedging program. The decrease in funds deposited by counterparties is driven by the significant decrease in forward positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices compared to December 31, 2022. Though some amounts are segregated into separate accounts, not all funds are contractually restricted. Based on the Company's intention, these funds are not available for the payment of general corporate obligations; however, they are available for liquidity management. Depending on market fluctuations and the settlement of the underlying contracts, the Company will refund this collateral to the counterparties pursuant to the terms and conditions of the underlying trades. Since collateral requirements fluctuate daily and the Company cannot predict if any collateral will be held for more than twelve months, the funds deposited by counterparties are classified as a current asset on the Company's balance sheet, with an offsetting liability for this cash collateral received within current liabilities.
Restricted cash consists primarily of funds held to satisfy the requirements of certain financing agreements and funds held within the Company's projects that are restricted in their uses.
Goodwill
The following table represents the changes in goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint | | Total |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 710 | | | $ | 723 | | | $ | 217 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,650 | |
Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of Vivint | — | | | — | | | — | | | 3,692 | | | 3,692 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | 710 | | | $ | 723 | | | $ | 218 | | | $ | 3,692 | | | $ | 5,343 | |
Recent Accounting Developments - Guidance Adopted in 2023
ASU 2021-08 — In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2021-08, which requires that an entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination as if it had originated the contracts in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. As a result, an acquirer should recognize and measure the acquired contract assets and contract liabilities consistently with how they were recognized and measured in the acquiree’s financial statements. The amendments per ASU 2021-08 apply only to contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, as defined in Topic 606, such as refund liabilities and upfront payments to customers. Assets and liabilities under related Topics, such as deferred costs under Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs — Contracts
with Customers, are not within the scope of amendments per ASU 2021-08. The Company adopted ASU 2021-08 prospectively effective January 1, 2023 and applied the amended requirements to the acquisition of Vivint.
Note 3 — Revenue Recognition
Vivint Retail Revenue
Vivint offers its customers combinations of smart home products and services, which together create an integrated smart home system that allows the Company's customers to monitor, control and protect their home. As the products and services included in the customer's contract are integrated and highly interdependent, and because the products (including installation) and services must work together to deliver the monitoring, controlling and protection of their home, the Company has concluded that the products and services contracted for by the customer are generally not distinct within the context of the contract and, therefore, constitute a single, combined performance obligation. Revenues for this single, combined performance obligation are recognized on a straight-line basis over the customer's contract term, which is the period in which the parties to the contract have enforceable rights and obligations. The Company has determined that certain contracts that do not require a long-term commitment for monitoring services by the customer contain a material right to renew the contract, because the customer does not have to purchase the products upon renewal. Proceeds allocated to the material right are recognized over the period of the benefit. The majority of Vivint's subscription contracts are five years and are generally non-cancelable. These contracts generally convert into month-to-month agreements at the end of the initial term, while some customers are month-to-month from inception. Payment for Vivint services is generally due in advance on a monthly basis. Product sales and other one-time fees are invoiced to customers at time of sale. Revenues for any products or services that are considered separate performance obligations are recognized upon delivery. Payments received or billed in advance are reported as deferred revenues.
Performance Obligations
As of March 31, 2023, estimated future fixed fee performance obligations are $1.0 billion for the remaining nine months of fiscal year 2023, and $1.1 billion, $828 million, $510 million, $227 million and $4 million for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively. These performance obligations include Vivint products and services as well as cleared auction MWs in the PJM, ISO-NE, NYISO and MISO capacity auctions and are subject to penalties for non-performance.
Disaggregated Revenues
The following tables represent the Company’s disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2023 |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint(a) | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home(b) | $ | 1,236 | | | $ | 651 | | | $ | 625 | | | $ | 148 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,660 | |
Business | 722 | | | 3,365 | | | 616 | | | — | | | — | | | 4,703 | |
Total retail revenue(c) | 1,958 | | | 4,016 | | | 1,241 | | | 148 | | | — | | | 7,363 | |
Energy revenue(c) | 4 | | | 74 | | | 48 | | | — | | | 2 | | | 128 | |
Capacity revenue(c) | — | | | 41 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | 42 | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(d) | — | | | 35 | | | 67 | | | — | | | (11) | | | 91 | |
Contract amortization | — | | | (11) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (11) | |
Other revenue(c) | 72 | | | 21 | | | 17 | | | — | | | (1) | | | 109 | |
Total revenue | 2,034 | | | 4,176 | | | 1,374 | | | 148 | | | (10) | | | 7,722 | |
Less: Revenues accounted for under topics other than ASC 606 and ASC 815 | — | | | (1) | | | 9 | | | — | | | — | | | 8 | |
Less: Realized and unrealized ASC 815 revenue | (2) | | | 113 | | | 97 | | | — | | | (9) | | | 199 | |
Total revenue from contracts with customers | $ | 2,036 | | | $ | 4,064 | | | $ | 1,268 | | | $ | 148 | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | 7,515 | |
(a) Vivint includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023 |
(b) Home includes Services and Vivint |
(c) The following table represents the realized revenues related to derivative instruments that are accounted for under ASC 815 and included in the amounts above: |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail revenue | $ | — | | | $ | 27 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 27 | |
Energy revenue | — | | | 47 | | | 17 | | | — | | | 2 | | | 66 | |
Capacity revenue | — | | | 6 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6 | |
Other revenue | (2) | | | (2) | | | 13 | | | — | | | — | | | 9 | |
(d) Revenue relates entirely to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for under ASC 815 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2022 |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail revenue: | | | | | | | | | |
Home(a) | $ | 1,283 | | | $ | 579 | | | $ | 703 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,565 | |
Business | 663 | | | 3,942 | | | 400 | | | — | | | 5,005 | |
Total retail revenue | 1,946 | | | 4,521 | | | 1,103 | | | — | | | 7,570 | |
Energy revenue(b) | 15 | | | 204 | | | 54 | | | 5 | | | 278 | |
Capacity revenue(b) | — | | | 115 | | | 1 | | | — | | | 116 | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities(c) | (2) | | | (130) | | | (18) | | | 17 | | | (133) | |
Contract amortization | — | | | (9) | | | — | | | — | | | (9) | |
Other revenue(b) | 61 | | | 14 | | | 4 | | | (5) | | | 74 | |
Total revenue | 2,020 | | | 4,715 | | | 1,144 | | | 17 | | | 7,896 | |
Less: Revenues accounted for under topics other than ASC 606 and ASC 815 | — | | | (9) | | | 11 | | | — | | | 2 | |
Less: Realized and unrealized ASC 815 revenue | (7) | | | (66) | | | (42) | | | 20 | | | (95) | |
Total revenue from contracts with customers | $ | 2,027 | | | $ | 4,790 | | | $ | 1,175 | | | $ | (3) | | | $ | 7,989 | |
(a) Home includes Services |
(b) The following table represents the realized revenues related to derivative instruments that are accounted for under ASC 815 and included in the amounts above: |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Energy revenue | $ | — | | | $ | 45 | | | $ | (20) | | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 29 | |
Capacity revenue | — | | | 13 | | | — | | | — | | | 13 | |
Other revenue | (5) | | | 6 | | | (4) | | | (1) | | | (4) | |
(c) Revenue relates entirely to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments accounted for under ASC 815 |
Contract Balances
The following table reflects the contract assets and liabilities included in the Company’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Deferred customer acquisition costs | $ | 188 | | | $ | 126 | |
| | | |
Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers | 3,416 | | | 4,704 | |
Accounts receivable, net - Accounted for under topics other than ASC 606 | 87 | | | 64 | |
Accounts receivable, net - Affiliate | 16 | | | 5 | |
Total accounts receivable, net | $ | 3,519 | | | $ | 4,773 | |
| | | |
Unbilled revenues (included within Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers) | $ | 1,290 | | | $ | 1,952 | |
| | | |
Deferred revenues(a) | 1,536 | | | 186 | |
(a) Deferred revenues from contracts with customers for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 were approximately $1.5 billion and $175 million, respectively. The increase in deferred revenues is primarily due to acquisition of Vivint
The revenue recognized from contracts with customers during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 relating to the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of each period was $168 million and $117 million, respectively. The change in deferred revenue balances recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was primarily due to the timing difference of when consideration was received and when the performance obligation was transferred.
Note 4 — Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions
Vivint Smart Home Acquisition
On March 10, 2023 (the "Acquisition Closing Date"), the Company completed the acquisition of Vivint Smart Home Inc., pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 6, 2022, by and among the Company, Vivint and Jetson Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”) pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Vivint, with Vivint surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Dedicated to redefining the home experience with intelligent products and services, Vivint brings nearly two million customers to NRG. Vivint's single, expandable platform incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning into its operating system and its vertically integrated business model includes hardware, software, sales, installation, support and professional monitoring, enabling superior customer experiences and a complete end-to-end smart home experience. The acquisition accelerates the realization of NRG's consumer-focused growth strategy and creates a leading essential home services platform fueled by market-leading brands, unparalleled insights, proprietary technologies and complementary sales channels.
NRG paid $12 per share, or $2.609 billion in cash. The Company funded the acquisition using:
•proceeds of $724 million from newly issued $740 million 7.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2033, net of issuance costs and discount;
•proceeds of $636 million from newly issued $650 million 10.25% Series A Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs;
•proceeds of approximately $900 million drawn from its Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables Securitization Facilities; and
•cash on hand.
In February 2023, the Company increased its Revolving Credit Facility by $600 million to meet the additional liquidity requirements related to the acquisition. For further discussion see Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.
Acquisition costs of $36 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are included in acquisition-related transaction and integration costs in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
The acquisition has been recorded as a business combination under ASC 805, with identifiable assets and liabilities acquired provisionally recorded at their estimated fair values on the Acquisition Closing Date. The initial accounting for the business combination is not complete because the evaluation necessary to assess the fair value of certain net assets acquired and the amount of goodwill to be recognized is still in process. The provisional amounts are subject to revision until the evaluations are completed to the extent that additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the Acquisition Closing Date.
The total consideration of $2.623 billion includes:
| | | | | | | | |
| | (In millions) |
Vivint common shares outstanding as of March 10, 2023 of 216,901,639 at $12.00 per share | | $ | 2,603 | |
Other Vivint equity instruments (Cash out RSUs and PSUs, Stock Appreciation Rights, Private Placement Warrants) | | 6 | |
Total Cash Consideration | | $ | 2,609 | |
Fair value of acquired Vivint equity awards attributable to pre-combination service | | 14 | |
Total Consideration | | $ | 2,623 | |
The purchase price is provisionally allocated as follows:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Current Assets | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 120 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 60 | |
Inventory | 113 | |
Prepayments and other current assets | 37 | |
Total current assets | 330 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 49 | |
Other Assets | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 35 | |
Goodwill(a) | 3,692 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Intangibles assets, net | 2,500 | |
Deferred income taxes | 451 | |
Other non-current assets | 14 | |
Total other assets | 6,692 | |
Total Assets | $ | 7,071 | |
| |
Current Liabilities | |
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases | $ | 14 | |
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 13 | |
Accounts payable | 109 | |
Derivatives instruments | 80 | |
Deferred revenue current | 517 | |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 207 | |
Total current liabilities | 940 | |
Other Liabilities | |
Long-term debt and finance leases | 2,572 | |
Non-current operating lease liabilities | 28 | |
Derivatives instruments | 32 | |
Deferred income taxes | 18 | |
Deferred revenue non-current | 835 | |
Other non-current liabilities | 23 | |
Total other liabilities | 3,508 | |
Total Liabilities | $ | 4,448 | |
| |
Vivint Purchase Price | $ | 2,623 | |
(a) Goodwill arising from the acquisition is attributed to the value of the platform acquired, cross-selling opportunities, customer growth and the synergies expected from combining the operations of Vivint with NRG's existing businesses. None of the goodwill recorded is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Fair Value Measurement of Intangible Assets
The fair values of intangible assets as of the Acquisition Closing Date were measured primarily based on significant inputs that are observable and unobservable in the market and thus represent Level 2 and Level 3 measurements, respectively. Significant inputs were as follows:
Customer relationships — Customer relationships, reflective of Vivint’s customer base, were valued using an excess earning method of the income approach, and is classified as level 3. Under this approach, the Company estimated the present
value of expected future cash flows resulting from existing customer relationships, considering attrition and charges for contributory assets (such as net working capital, fixed assets, workforce, trade name and technology) utilized in the business, discounted using a weighted average cost of capital of comparable companies. The customer relationships are amortized to depreciation and amortization, ratably based on discounted future cash flows.
Technology – Developed technology was valued using a "relief from royalty" method of the income approach, and is classified as Level 3. Under this approach, the fair value was estimated to be the present value of royalties saved which assumed the value of the asset based on discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid by a hypothetical market participant had they not owned the asset and instead licensed the asset from another company. The estimated cash flows from the developed technology considered the obsolescence factor and was discounted using a weighted average cost of capital of comparable companies. The developed technology is amortized to depreciation and amortization, ratably based on discounted future cash flows.
Trade name — Trade name was valued using a "relief from royalty" method of the income approach, and is classified as level 3. Under this approach, the fair value is estimated to be the present value of royalties saved which assumed the value of the asset based on discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid by a hypothetical market participant had they not owned the asset and instead licensed the asset from another company. The estimated cash flows from the trade name considered the expected probable use of the asset and was discounted using a weighted average cost of capital of comparable companies. The trade name is amortized to depreciation and amortization, on a straight line basis, over the expected life of the asset.
Fair Value Measurement of Acquired Vivint’s Debt
The Company acquired $2.7 billion in aggregate principal of Vivint’s 2027 Senior Secured Notes, 2029 Senior notes and 2028 Senior Secured Term Loan (together, the Acquired Vivint’s Debt) which were recorded at fair value as of the Acquisition Closing Date. The difference between the fair value at the Acquisition Closing Date and the principal outstanding of the Acquired Vivint’s Debt, of $152 million, is being amortized through interest expense over the remaining term of the debt. The Acquired Vivint’s Debt are classified as level 2 and were measured at fair value using observable market inputs based on interest rates at the Acquisition Closing Date. For additional discussion see Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.
Fair Value Measurement of Derivatives Liabilities
The derivative liabilities are recorded in connection with the contractual future payment obligations with the financing providers under Vivint’s Consumer Financing Program. The fair values of the derivatives liabilities as of the Acquisition Closing Date were valued using a discounted cash flow model, with inputs consisting of available market data, such as market yield discount rates, as well as unobservable internally derived assumptions, such as collateral prepayment rates, collateral default rates and loss severity rates. These derivatives are priced using a credit valuation adjustment methodology, and are classified as level 3. Changes to the fair value are recorded through other income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For additional discussion see Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
The following table provides pro forma combined financial information of NRG and Vivint, after giving effect to the Vivint acquisition and related financing transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2022. The pro forma financial information has been prepared for illustrative and informational purposes only, and is not intended to project future operating results or be indicative of what the Company's financial performance would have been had the transactions occurred on the date acquired. No effect has been given to operating synergies.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Three months ended March 31, 2023 | | Three months ended March 31, 2022 |
Total operating revenues | $ | 8,008 | | | $ | 8,288 | |
Net (loss)/ income | (1,329) | | | 1,558 | |
Amounts above reflect certain pro forma adjustments that were directly attributable to the Vivint acquisition. These adjustments include the following:
(i)Income statement effects of fair value adjustments based on the preliminary purchase price allocation including amortization of intangible assets, reversal of historical Vivint amortization of capitalized contract costs and reversal of historical Vivint other income recorded for the change in fair value of warrant derivative liabilities, as the warrants are assumed to be cashed out upon the close of the Acquisition.
(ii)Adjustments to record additional stock-based compensation expense related to acquired Vivint equity awards in the 2022 period. Additionally, one-time stock-based compensation expense related primarily to the acceleration of Vivint equity awards is removed from the three months ended March 31, 2023 and reflected in the 2022 period.
(iii)Adjustments to reflect all acquisition and related transactions costs occurring during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
(iv)Interest expense assumes the financing transactions directly attributable to the Vivint acquisition occurred on January 1, 2022.
(v)Adjustments related to recording Vivint's historical debt at Acquisition Closing Date fair value.
(vi)Adjustments to reflect the write-off of short-term deferred financing costs related to the bridge facility put in place for the acquisition prior to securing permanent financing during the 2022 period instead of the 2023 period.
(vii)Tax effects of pro forma adjustments on both periods and the shifting of the recognition of one-time tax benefits resulting from the acquisition from the three months ended March 31, 2023 to the 2022 period.
Dispositions
Sale of Astoria
On January 6, 2023, the Company closed on the sale of land and related generation assets from the Astoria site, within the East region of operations, for initial proceeds of $212 million, subject to transaction fees of $3 million and certain indemnifications, resulting in a $199 million gain. As part of the transaction, NRG entered into an agreement to lease the land back for the purpose of operating the Astoria gas turbines. The lease agreement is expected to terminate by the end of the year.
Note 5 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
For cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable, and cash collateral paid and received in support of energy risk management activities, the carrying amounts approximate fair values because of the short-term maturity of those instruments and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
The estimated carrying value and fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current portion, is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
(In millions) | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value | | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value |
| |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Convertible Senior Notes | $ | 575 | | | $ | 595 | | | $ | 575 | | | $ | 576 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other long-term debt, including current portion | 11,784 | | | 11,012 | | | 7,523 | | | 6,432 | |
Total long-term debt, including current portion(a) | $ | 12,359 | | | $ | 11,607 | | | $ | 8,098 | | | $ | 7,008 | |
(a)Excludes deferred financing costs, which are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt in the Company's consolidated balance sheets
The fair value of the Company's publicly-traded long-term debt and the Vivint Senior Secured Term Loan are based on quoted market prices and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of the borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility and Receivable Securitization Facilities approximates the carrying value because the interest rates vary with market interest rates, and is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the level within the fair value hierarchy for long-term debt, including current portion, as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
(In millions) | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Convertible Senior Notes | $ | 595 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 576 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | |
Other long-term debt, including current portion | 10,062 | | | 950 | | | 6,432 | | | — | |
Total long-term debt, including current portion | $ | 10,657 | | | $ | 950 | | | $ | 7,008 | | | $ | — | |
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Debt securities, equity securities, and trust fund investments, which are comprised of various U.S. debt and equity securities, and derivative assets and liabilities, are carried at fair market value.
The following tables present assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 |
| Fair Value |
(In millions) | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Investments in securities (classified within other current and non-current assets) | $ | 19 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 19 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | |
Nuclear trust fund investments: | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 13 | | | 13 | | | — | | | — | |
U.S. government and federal agency obligations | 98 | | | 96 | | | 2 | | | — | |
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities | 101 | | | — | | | 101 | | | — | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 34 | | | — | | | 34 | | | — | |
Corporate debt securities | 113 | | | — | | | 113 | | | — | |
Equity securities | 430 | | | 430 | | | — | | | — | |
Foreign government fixed income securities | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Other trust fund investments (classified within other non-current assets): | | | | | | | |
U.S. government and federal agency obligations | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Derivative assets: | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange contracts | 15 | | | — | | | 15 | | | — | |
Commodity contracts | 7,725 | | | 1,331 | | | 5,360 | | | 1,034 | |
Interest rate contracts | 10 | | | — | | | 10 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
Measured using net asset value practical expedient: | | | | | | | |
Equity securities — nuclear trust fund investments | 89 | | | | | | | |
Equity securities (classified within other non-current assets) | 6 | | | | | | | |
Total assets | $ | 8,655 | | | $ | 1,872 | | | $ | 5,654 | | | $ | 1,034 | |
Derivative liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange contracts | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | |
Commodity contracts | 6,116 | | | 1,422 | | | 4,131 | | | 563 | |
Interest rate contracts | 15 | | | — | | | 15 | | | — | |
Consumer Financing Program | 111 | | | — | | | — | | | 111 | |
Total liabilities | $ | 6,243 | | | $ | 1,422 | | | $ | 4,147 | | | $ | 674 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2022 |
| |
(In millions) | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Investments in securities (classified within other current and non-current assets) | $ | 19 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 19 | | | $ | — | |
Nuclear trust fund investments: | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 15 | | | 15 | | | — | | | — | |
U.S. government and federal agency obligations | 86 | | | 84 | | | 2 | | | — | |
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities | 101 | | | — | | | 101 | | | — | |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 35 | | | — | | | 35 | | | — | |
Corporate debt securities | 114 | | | — | | | 114 | | | — | |
Equity securities | 403 | | | 403 | | | — | | | — | |
Foreign government fixed income securities | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | |
Other trust fund investments (classified within other non-current assets): | | | | | | | |
U.S. government and federal agency obligations | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Derivative assets: | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange contracts | 18 | | | — | | | 18 | | | — | |
Commodity contracts | 11,976 | | | 1,929 | | | 8,796 | | | 1,251 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Measured using net asset value practical expedient: | | | | | | | |
Equity securities — nuclear trust fund investments | 83 | | | | | | | |
Equity securities (classified within other non-current assets) | 6 | | | | | | | |
Total assets | $ | 12,858 | | | $ | 2,432 | | | $ | 9,086 | | | $ | 1,251 | |
Derivative liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange contracts | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | |
Commodity contracts | 8,439 | | | 1,244 | | | 6,449 | | | 746 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | $ | 8,441 | | | $ | 1,244 | | | $ | 6,451 | | | $ | 746 | |
The following table reconciles, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the beginning and ending balances for financial instruments that are recognized at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements, using significant unobservable inputs, for commodity derivatives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| Commodity Derivatives(a) |
(In millions) | Three months ended March 31, 2023 | | Three months ended March 31, 2022 | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | $ | 505 | | | $ | 293 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total (losses)/gains realized/unrealized included in earnings | (91) | | | 166 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Purchases | 41 | | | 23 | | | | | |
Transfers into Level 3(b) | 24 | | | 53 | | | | | |
Transfers out of Level 3(b) | (8) | | | (7) | | | | | |
Ending balance | $ | 471 | | | $ | 528 | | | | | |
(Losses)/Gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets or liabilities still held as of period end | $ | (55) | | | $ | 237 | | | | | |
(a)Consists of derivative assets and liabilities, net, excluding derivatives liabilities from Consumer Financing Program, which are presented in a separate table below.
(b)Transfers into/out of Level 3 are related to the availability of external broker quotes and are valued as of the end of the reporting period. All transfers in/out are with Level 2
Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings that are related to the commodity derivatives are recorded in revenues and cost of operations.
The following table reconciles, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 the beginning and ending balances of the contractual obligations from the Consumer Financing Program that are recognized at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements, using significant unobservable inputs:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | | | | |
| Consumer Financing Program | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Three months ended March 31, 2023 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | $ | — | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Contractual obligations added from the acquisition of Vivint | 112 | | | | | | | |
New contractual obligations | 2 | | | | | | | |
Settlements | (3) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Ending balance | $ | 111 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Gains and losses, when they occur, are recorded in other income, net.
Derivative Fair Value Measurements
A portion of NRG's contracts are exchange-traded contracts with readily available quoted market prices. A majority of NRG's contracts are non-exchange-traded contracts valued using prices provided by external sources, primarily price quotations available through brokers or over-the-counter and on-line exchanges. The remainder of the assets and liabilities represent contracts for which external sources or observable market quotes are not available. These contracts are valued based on various valuation techniques including, but not limited to, internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of the observable market data with similar characteristics. As of March 31, 2023, contracts valued with prices provided by models and other valuation techniques make up 13% of derivative assets and 11% of derivative liabilities.
NRG's significant positions classified as Level 3 include physical and financial natural gas and power contracts executed in illiquid markets, as well as FTRs. The significant unobservable inputs used in developing fair value include illiquid natural gas and power location pricing, which is derived as a basis to liquid locations. The basis spread is based on observable market data when available or derived from historic prices and forward market prices from similar observable markets when not available. For FTRs, NRG uses the most recent auction prices to derive the fair value. The Consumer Financing Program derivatives are valued using a discounted cash flow model, with inputs consisting of available market data, such as market yield discount rates, as well as unobservable internally derived assumptions, such as collateral prepayment rates, collateral default rates and loss severity rates. These derivatives are priced quarterly using a credit valuation adjustment methodology.
The following tables quantify the significant, unobservable inputs used in developing the fair value of the Company's Level 3 positions as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| March 31, 2023 |
| Fair Value | | | | Input/Range |
(In millions) | Assets | | Liabilities | | Valuation Technique | | Significant Unobservable Input | | Low | | High | | Weighted Average |
Natural Gas Contracts | $ | 152 | | | $ | 196 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Forward Market Price (per MMBtu) | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 4 | |
Power Contracts | 827 | | | 292 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Forward Market Price (per MWh) | | 2 | | | 326 | | | 45 | |
FTRs | 55 | | | 75 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Auction Prices (per MWh) | | (30) | | | 145 | | | 0 |
Consumer Financing Program | — | | | 111 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Collateral Default Rate | | 1.80 | % | | 52.50 | % | | 6.16 | % |
| | | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Collateral Prepayment Rate | | 2.00 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 2.87 | % |
| | | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Loss Severity Rates | | 6.00 | % | | 36.00 | % | | 10.88 | % |
| $ | 1,034 | | | $ | 674 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| December 31, 2022 |
| Fair Value | | | | Input/Range |
(In millions) | Assets | | Liabilities | | Valuation Technique | | Significant Unobservable Input | | Low | | High | | Weighted Average |
Natural Gas Contracts | $ | 340 | | | $ | 448 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Forward Market Price (per MMBtu) | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 48 | | | $ | 6 | |
Power Contracts | 843 | | | 216 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Forward Market Price (per MWh) | | 3 | | | 431 | | | 48 | |
FTRs | 68 | | | 82 | | | Discounted Cash Flow | | Auction Prices (per MWh) | | (32) | | | 610 | | | 0 |
| $ | 1,251 | | | $ | 746 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table provides sensitivity of fair value measurements to increases/(decreases) in significant, unobservable inputs as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Significant Unobservable Input | | Position | | Change In Input | | Impact on Fair Value Measurement |
Forward Market Price Natural Gas/Power | | Buy | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Higher/(Lower) |
Forward Market Price Natural Gas/Power | | Sell | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Lower/(Higher) |
FTR Prices | | Buy | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Higher/(Lower) |
FTR Prices | | Sell | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Lower/(Higher) |
Collateral Default Rates | | n/a | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Higher/(Lower) |
Collateral Prepayment Rates | | n/a | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Lower/(Higher) |
Loss Severity Rates | | n/a | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Higher/(Lower) |
The fair value of each contract is discounted using a risk-free interest rate. In addition, the Company applies a credit reserve to reflect credit risk, which is calculated based on published default probabilities. As of March 31, 2023, the credit reserve resulted in a $10 million decrease primarily within cost of operations. As of December 31, 2022, the credit reserve resulted in a $9 million decrease primarily within cost of operations.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In addition to the credit risk discussion as disclosed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Company's 2022 Form 10-K, the following is a discussion of the concentration of credit risk for the Company's contractual obligations. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. NRG is exposed to counterparty credit risk through various activities including wholesale sales, fuel purchases and retail supply arrangements, as well as retail customer credit risk through its retail load activities.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company's counterparty credit risk policies are disclosed in its 2022 Form 10-K. As of March 31, 2023, counterparty credit exposure, excluding credit exposure from RTOs, ISOs, registered commodity exchanges and certain long-term agreements, was $1.7 billion and NRG held collateral (cash and letters of credit) against those positions of $554 million, resulting in a net exposure of $1.1 billion. NRG periodically receives collateral from counterparties in excess of their exposure. Collateral amounts shown include such excess while net exposure shown excludes excess collateral received. Approximately 52% of the Company's exposure before collateral is expected to roll off by the end of 2024. Counterparty credit exposure is valued through observable market quotes and discounted at a risk free interest rate. The following tables highlight net counterparty credit exposure by industry sector and by counterparty credit quality. Net counterparty credit exposure is defined as the aggregate net asset position for NRG with counterparties where netting is permitted under the enabling agreement and includes all cash flow, mark-to-market and NPNS, and non-derivative transactions. The exposure is shown net of collateral held and includes amounts net of receivables or payables.
| | | | | |
| Net Exposure(a)(b) |
Category by Industry Sector | (% of Total) |
| |
Utilities, energy merchants, marketers and other | 71 | % |
Financial institutions | 29 | |
| |
Total as of March 31, 2023 | 100 | % |
| | | | | |
| Net Exposure (a)(b) |
Category by Counterparty Credit Quality | (% of Total) |
Investment grade | 55 | % |
Non-investment grade/non-rated | 45 | |
Total as of March 31, 2023 | 100 | % |
(a)Counterparty credit exposure excludes uranium and coal transportation contracts because of the unavailability of market prices
(b)The figures in the tables above exclude potential counterparty credit exposure related to RTOs, ISOs, registered commodity exchanges and certain long-term contracts
The Company currently has exposure to two wholesale counterparties in excess of 10% of total net exposure as of March 31, 2023. Changes in hedge positions and market prices will affect credit exposure and counterparty concentration.
RTOs and ISOs
The Company participates in the organized markets of CAISO, ERCOT, AESO, IESO, ISO-NE, MISO, NYISO and PJM, known as RTOs or ISOs. Trading in the majority of these markets is approved by FERC, whereas in the case of ERCOT, it is approved by the PUCT, and whereas in the case of AESO and IESO, both exist provincially with AESO primarily subject to Alberta Utilities Commission and the IESO to the Ontario Energy Board. These ISOs may include credit policies that, under certain circumstances, require that losses arising from the default of one member on spot market transactions be shared by the remaining participants. As a result, the counterparty credit risk to these markets is limited to NRG’s share of the overall market and are excluded from the above exposures.
Exchange Traded Transactions
The Company enters into commodity transactions on registered exchanges, notably ICE, NYMEX and Nodal. These clearinghouses act as the counterparty and transactions are subject to extensive collateral and margining requirements. As a result, these commodity transactions have limited counterparty credit risk.
Long-Term Contracts
Counterparty credit exposure described above excludes credit risk exposure under certain long-term contracts, primarily Renewable PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not always available to estimate such exposure, the Company values these contracts based on various techniques including, but not limited to, internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Based on these valuation techniques, as of March 31, 2023, aggregate credit risk exposure managed by NRG to these counterparties was approximately $1.1 billion for the next five years.
Retail Customer Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to retail credit risk through the Company's retail electricity and gas providers as well as through Vivint, which serve both Home and Business customers. Retail credit risk results in losses when a customer fails to pay for services rendered. The losses may result from both non-payment of customer accounts receivable and the loss of in-the-money
forward value. The Company manages retail credit risk through the use of established credit policies, which include monitoring of the portfolio and the use of credit mitigation measures such as deposits or prepayment arrangements.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's retail customer credit exposure to Home and Business customers was diversified across many customers and various industries, as well as government entities. Current economic conditions may affect the Company’s customers’ ability to pay bills in a timely manner, which could increase customer delinquencies and may lead to an increase in credit losses.
Note 6 — Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund
NRG's Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund assets, which are for the decommissioning of its 44% interest in STP, are comprised of securities classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value based on actively quoted market prices. NRG accounts for the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund in accordance with ASC 980, Regulated Operations, because the Company's nuclear decommissioning activities are subject to approval by the PUCT with regulated rates that are designed to recover all decommissioning costs and that can be charged to and collected from the ratepayers per PUCT mandate. Since the Company is in compliance with PUCT rules and regulations regarding decommissioning trusts and the cost of decommissioning is the responsibility of the Texas ratepayers, not NRG, all realized and unrealized gains or losses (including other-than-temporary impairments) related to the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund are recorded to the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust liability and are not included in net income or accumulated OCI, consistent with regulatory treatment.
The following table summarizes the aggregate fair values and unrealized gains and losses for the securities held in the trust funds, as well as information about the contractual maturities of those securities.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2023 | | As of December 31, 2022 |
(In millions, except maturities) | Fair Value | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Weighted-average Maturities (In years) | | Fair Value | | Unrealized Gains | | Unrealized Losses | | Weighted-average Maturities (In years) |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 13 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | — | |
U.S. government and federal agency obligations | 98 | | | 1 | | | 4 | | | 11 | | 86 | | | — | | | 5 | | | 11 |
Federal agency mortgage-backed securities | 101 | | | — | | | 8 | | | 26 | | 101 | | | — | | | 11 | | | 26 |
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 34 | | | — | | | 3 | | | 29 | | 35 | | | — | | | 4 | | | 30 |
Corporate debt securities | 113 | | | 1 | | | 9 | | | 11 | | 114 | | | — | | | 13 | | | 12 |
Equity securities | 519 | | | 374 | | | — | | | — | | | 486 | | | 346 | | | 3 | | | — | |
Foreign government fixed income securities | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | 20 | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | 17 |
Total | $ | 879 | | | $ | 376 | | | $ | 24 | | | | | $ | 838 | | | $ | 346 | | | $ | 36 | | | |
The following table summarizes proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities held in the trust funds and the related realized gains and losses from these sales. The cost of securities sold is determined on the specific identification method.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 |
Realized gains | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1 | |
Realized losses | (5) | | | (4) | |
Proceeds from sale of securities | 99 | | | 161 | |
Note 7 — Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Energy-Related Commodities
As of March 31, 2023, NRG had energy-related derivative instruments extending through 2036. The Company marks these derivatives to market through the statement of operations. NRG has executed energy-related contracts extending through 2038 that qualified for the NPNS exception and were therefore exempt from fair value accounting treatment.
Interest Rate Swaps
NRG is exposed to changes in interest rate through the Company's issuance of variable rate debt. In order to manage the Company's interest rate risk, NRG enters into interest rate swap agreements. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company entered into $1.0 billion of interest rate swaps through 2027 to hedge the floating rate on the Term Loan acquired with the Vivint
acquisition. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2023, the Company entered into a $720 million interest rate swap to hedge the floating rate on the Revolving Credit Facility extending through 2024.
Foreign Exchange Contracts
NRG is exposed to changes in foreign currency primarily associated with the purchase of USD denominated natural gas for its Canadian business. In order to manage the Company's foreign exchange risk, NRG entered into foreign exchange contracts. As of March 31, 2023, NRG had foreign exchange contracts extending through 2026. The Company marks these derivatives to market through the statement of operations.
Consumer Financing Program
Under the Consumer Financing Program, Vivint pays a monthly fee to Financing Providers based on either the average daily outstanding balance of the Loans or the number of outstanding Loans. For certain loans, Vivint incurs fees at the time of the loan origination and receives proceeds that are net of these fees. Vivint also shares the liability for credit losses, depending on the credit quality of the customer. Due to the nature of certain provisions under the Consumer Financing Program, the Company records a derivative liability that is not designated as a hedging instrument and is adjusted to fair value, measured using the present value of the estimated future payments. Changes to the fair value are recorded through other income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The following represent the contractual future payment obligations with the Financing Providers under the Consumer Financing Program that are components of the derivative:
• Vivint pays either a monthly fee based on the average daily outstanding balance of the Loans, or the number of outstanding Loans, depending on the Financing Provider;
• Vivint shares the liability for credit losses depending on the credit quality of the customer; and
• Vivint pays transactional fees associated with customer payment processing.
The derivative is classified as a Level 3 instrument. The derivative positions are valued using a discounted cash flow model, with inputs consisting of available market data, such as market yield discount rates, as well as unobservable internally derived assumptions, such as collateral prepayment rates, collateral default rates and loss severity rates. These derivatives are priced quarterly using a credit valuation adjustment methodology. In summary, the fair value represents an estimate of the present value of the cash flows Vivint will be obligated to pay to the Financing Provider for each component of the derivative.
Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions
The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of NRG's open derivative transactions broken out by category, excluding those derivatives that qualified for the NPNS exception, as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Option contracts are reflected using delta volume. Delta volume equals the notional volume of an option adjusted for the probability that the option will be in-the-money at its expiration date.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total Volume (In millions) |
Category | Units | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Emissions | Short Ton | — | | | 1 | |
Renewable Energy Certificates | Certificates | 13 | | | 15 | |
Coal | Short Ton | 14 | | | 11 | |
Natural Gas | MMBtu | 667 | | | 422 | |
Oil | Barrels | — | | | 1 | |
Power | MWh | 198 | | | 192 | |
Consumer Financing Program | Dollars | 863 | | | — | |
Foreign Exchange | Dollars | 594 | | | 569 | |
Interest | Dollars | 1,720 | | | — | |
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value |
| Derivative Assets | | Derivative Liabilities |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 | | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges: | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts - current | $ | 10 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Interest rate contracts - long-term | — | | | — | | | 15 | | | — | |
Foreign exchange contracts - current | 9 | | | 11 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Foreign exchange contracts - long-term | 6 | | | 7 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Consumer Financing Program - short-term | — | | | — | | | 80 | | | — | |
Consumer Financing Program - long-term | — | | | — | | | 31 | | | — | |
Commodity contracts - current | 4,381 | | | 7,875 | | | 4,270 | | | 6,194 | |
Commodity contracts - long-term | 3,344 | | | 4,101 | | | 1,846 | | | 2,245 | |
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow or Fair Value Hedges | $ | 7,750 | | | $ | 11,994 | | | $ | 6,243 | | | $ | 8,441 | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. In addition, collateral received or paid on the Company's derivative assets or liabilities are recorded on a separate line item on the balance sheet. The following table summarizes the offsetting of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position |
(In millions) | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities | | Derivative Instruments | | Cash Collateral (Held) /Posted | | Net Amount |
As of March 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange contracts: | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 15 | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (1) | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Total foreign exchange contracts | | $ | 14 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14 | |
Commodity contracts: | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 7,725 | | | $ | (5,750) | | | $ | (307) | | | $ | 1,668 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (6,116) | | | 5,750 | | | 8 | | | (358) | |
Total commodity contracts | | $ | 1,609 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (299) | | | $ | 1,310 | |
Consumer Financing Program: | | | | | | | | |
Derivative liabilities | | $ | (111) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (111) | |
Interest rate contracts: | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 10 | | | $ | (8) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (15) | | | 8 | | | — | | | (7) | |
Total interest rate contracts | | (5) | | | — | | | — | | | (5) | |
Total derivative instruments | | $ | 1,507 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (299) | | | $ | 1,208 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position | | |
(In millions) | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / Liabilities | | Derivative Instruments | | Cash Collateral (Held) /Posted | | Net Amount | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange contracts: | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 18 | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16 | | | |
Derivative liabilities | | (2) | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | |
Total foreign exchange contracts | | $ | 16 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16 | | | |
Commodity contracts: | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 11,976 | | | $ | (7,897) | | | $ | (1,659) | | | $ | 2,420 | | | |
Derivative liabilities | | (8,439) | | | 7,897 | | | 20 | | | (522) | | | |
Total commodity contracts | | $ | 3,537 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,639) | | | $ | 1,898 | | | |
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Total derivative instruments | | $ | 3,553 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,639) | | | $ | 1,914 | | | |
Impact of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not accounted for as cash flow and fair value hedges are reflected in current period results of operations.
The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of economic hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges and trading activity on the Company's statement of operations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Three months ended March 31, | | |
Unrealized mark-to-market results | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges | $ | (846) | | | $ | (408) | | | | | |
Reversal of acquired (gain) positions related to economic hedges | (25) | | | (60) | | | | | |
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on open positions related to economic hedges | (1,073) | | | 2,745 | | | | | |
Total unrealized mark-to-market (losses)/gains for economic hedging activities | (1,944) | | | 2,277 | | | | | |
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on settled positions related to trading activity | 1 | | | 1 | | | | | |
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Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to trading activity | 11 | | | (15) | | | | | |
Total unrealized mark-to-market gains/(losses) for trading activity | 12 | | | (14) | | | | | |
Total unrealized (losses)/gains - commodities and foreign exchange | $ | (1,932) | | | $ | 2,263 | | | | | |
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| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses) included in revenues - commodities | $ | 103 | | | $ | (147) | | | | | |
Unrealized (losses)/gains included in cost of operations - commodities | (2,037) | | | 2,414 | | | | | |
Unrealized gains/(losses) included in cost of operations - foreign exchange | 2 | | | (4) | | | | | |
Total impact to statement of operations - commodities and foreign exchange | $ | (1,932) | | | $ | 2,263 | | | | | |
Total impact to statement of operations - interest rate contracts | $ | (5) | | | $ | — | | | | | |
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The effect of foreign exchange and commodity hedges are included within revenues and cost of operations. The effect of the interest rate contracts are included within interest expense.
The reversals of acquired gain positions were valued based upon the forward prices on the acquisition date. The roll-off amounts were offset by realized gains or losses at the settled prices and are reflected in revenue or cost of operations during the same period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the $1.1 billion unrealized losses from open economic hedge positions was primarily the result of a decrease in value of forward positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the $2.7 billion unrealized gain from open economic hedge positions was primarily the result of an increase in value of forward positions as a result of increases in natural gas and power prices.
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features
Certain of the Company's trading agreements contain provisions that entitle the counterparty to demand that the Company post additional collateral if the counterparty determines that there has been deterioration in the Company's credit quality, generally termed “adequate assurance” under the agreements, or require the Company to post additional collateral if there were a downgrade in the Company's credit rating. The collateral potentially required for all contracts with adequate assurance clauses that are in a net liability position as of March 31, 2023 was $612 million. The Company is also party to certain marginable agreements under which it has net liability position, but the counterparty has not called for the collateral due, which was approximately $124 million as of March 31, 2023. In the event of a downgrade in the Company's credit rating and if called for by the counterparty, $33 million of additional collateral would be required for all contracts with credit rating contingent features as of March 31, 2023.
See Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.
Note 8 — Long-term Debt and Finance Leases
Long-term debt and finance leases consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions, except rates) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 | | Interest rate % |
Recourse debt: | | | | | |
Senior Notes, due 2027 | $ | 375 | | | $ | 375 | | | 6.625 |
Senior Notes, due 2028 | 821 | | | 821 | | | 5.750 |
Senior Notes, due 2029 | 733 | | | 733 | | | 5.250 |
Senior Notes, due 2029 | 500 | | | 500 | | | 3.375 |
Senior Notes, due 2031 | 1,030 | | | 1,030 | | | 3.625 |
Senior Notes, due 2032 | 1,100 | | | 1,100 | | | 3.875 |
Convertible Senior Notes, due 2048(a) | 575 | | | 575 | | | 2.750 |
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 2024 | 600 | | | 600 | | | 3.750 |
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 2025 | 500 | | | 500 | | | 2.000 |
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 2027 | 900 | | | 900 | | | 2.450 |
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 2029 | 500 | | | 500 | | | 4.450 |
Senior Secured First Lien Notes, due 2033 | 740 | | | — | | | 7.000 |
Revolving Credit Facility | 725 | | | — | | | SOFR + 1.720 |
Receivables Facility | 150 | | | — | | | various |
Repurchase Facility | 75 | | | — | | | SOFR + 1.300 |
Tax-exempt bonds | 466 | | | 466 | | | 1.250 - 4.750 |
Subtotal recourse debt | 9,790 | | | 8,100 | | | |
Non-recourse debt: | | | | | |
Vivint Senior Secured Notes, due 2027 | 600 | | | — | | | 6.750 |
Vivint Senior Notes, due 2029 | 800 | | | — | | | 5.750 |
Vivint Senior Secured Term Loan, due 2028 | 1,330 | | | — | | | various |
Subtotal all Vivint non-recourse debt | 2,730 | | | — | | | |
Subtotal long-term debt (including current maturities) | 12,520 | | | 8,100 | | | |
Finance leases | 19 | | | 11 | | | various |
Subtotal long-term debt and finance leases (including current maturities) | 12,539 | | | 8,111 | | | |
Less current maturities | (971) | | | (63) | | | |
Less debt issuance costs | (75) | | | (70) | | | |
Discounts | (161) | | | (2) | | | |
Total long-term debt and finance leases | $ | 11,332 | | | $ | 7,976 | | | |
(a)As of the ex-dividend date of April 28, 2023, the Convertible Senior Notes were convertible at a price of $42.57, which is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 23.4925 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount
Recourse Debt
Issuance of 2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes
On March 9, 2023, the Company issued $740 million of aggregate principal amount of 7.000% senior secured first lien notes due 2033 (the "2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes"). The 2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes are senior secured obligations of NRG and are guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. The 2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in the same collateral that is pledged for the benefit of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility and existing senior secured notes, which collateral consists of a substantial portion of the property and assets owned by the Company and the guarantors. The collateral securing the 2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes will be released at the Company’s request if the senior unsecured long-term debt securities of the Company are rated investment grade by any two of the three rating agencies, subject to reversion if such rating agencies withdraw such investment grade rating or downgrade such rating below investment grade. Interest is paid semi-annually beginning on September 15, 2023 until the maturity date of March 15, 2033. The proceeds of the 2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes, along with cash on hand and other proceeds, were used to fund the acquisition of Vivint.
2048 Convertible Senior Notes
As of March 31, 2023, the Convertible Senior Notes were convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash or a combination of cash and the Company’s common stock at a price of $43.01 per common share, which is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 23.2527 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes. The net carrying amounts of the Convertible Senior Notes as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $571 million and $570 million, respectively. The Convertible Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2048, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. The Convertible Senior notes are convertible at the option of the holders under certain circumstances. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2024, the Convertible Senior Notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of certain events and during certain periods, and thereafter during specified periods as follows:
•from December 1, 2024 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before June 1, 2025; and
•from December 1, 2047 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date
The following table details the interest expense recorded in connection with the Convertible Senior Notes, due 2048:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
($ In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Contractual interest expense | $ | 4 | | | $ | 4 | | | | | |
Amortization of discount and deferred finance costs | 1 | | | — | | | | | |
Total | $ | 5 | | | $ | 4 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Effective Interest Rate | 0.77 | % | | 0.76 | % | | | | |
Revolving Credit Facility
On February 14, 2023, the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to: (i) increase the existing revolving commitments thereunder by $600 million, (ii) extend the maturity date of a portion of the revolving commitments thereunder to February 14, 2028, (iii) transition the benchmark rate applicable to revolving loans from LIBOR to SOFR and (iv) make certain other amendments to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility for purposes of, among other things, providing additional flexibility. For further discussion, see Note 13, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases, of the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K.
On March 13, 2023, the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, increase the existing revolving commitments by $45 million. As of March 31, 2023, there were outstanding borrowings of $725 million and there were $1.1 billion in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of April 30, 2023, there were outstanding borrowings of $650 million and $994 million in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Dunkirk Bonds
On April 3, 2023, NRG remarketed $59 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% tax-exempt refinancing bonds of the Chautauqua County Capital Resource Corporation (the "Dunkirk Bonds"). The Dunkirk Bonds are guaranteed on a first-priority basis by each of NRG's current and future subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Dunkirk Bonds are secured by a first priority security interest in the same collateral that is pledged for the benefit of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility, which consists of a substantial portion of the property and assets owned by NRG
and the guarantors. The collateral securing the Dunkirk Bonds will, at the request of NRG, be released if NRG satisfies certain conditions, including receipt of an investment grade rating on its senior, unsecured debt securities from two out of the three rating agencies, subject to reversion if those rating agencies withdraw their investment grade rating of the Dunkirk Bonds or any of NRG's senior, unsecured debt securities or downgrade such ratings below investment grade. The Dunkirk Bonds are subject to mandatory tender and purchase on April 3, 2028 and have a final maturity date of April 1, 2042.
Non-recourse Debt
The following are descriptions of certain indebtedness of NRG's subsidiaries. All of NRG's non-recourse debt is secured by the assets in the subsidiaries as further described below.
Vivint Acquired Debt
On March 10, 2023, in connection with the Vivint acquisition, Vivint's wholly owned indirect subsidiary, APX Group, Inc. ("APX"), retained its 6.750% senior secured notes due 2027, 5.750% senior notes due 2029, senior secured term loan credit agreement and senior secured revolving credit facility.
Vivint 2027 Senior Secured Notes
As of March 31, 2023, Vivint had outstanding $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.750% senior secured notes due 2027 (the "Vivint 2027 Senior Secured Notes"). The Vivint 2027 Senior Secured Notes are senior secured obligations of APX and are guaranteed by APX Group Holdings, Inc., each of APX's existing and future wholly owned U.S. restricted subsidiaries (subject to customary exclusions and qualifications) and Vivint. Interest on the Vivint 2027 Senior Secured Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 until the maturity date of February 15, 2027.
Vivint 2029 Senior Notes
As of March 31, 2023, Vivint had outstanding $800 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due 2029 (the "Vivint 2029 Senior Notes"). The Vivint 2029 Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of APX and are guaranteed by APX Group Holdings, Inc., each of APX's existing and future wholly owned U.S. restricted subsidiaries (subject to customary exclusions and qualifications) and Vivint. Interest on the Vivint 2029 Senior Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 until the maturity date of July 15, 2029.
Vivint Senior Secured Credit Facilities
The Vivint senior secured credit agreement (the “Vivint Credit Agreement”) provides for (i) a term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.4 billion (the “Vivint Term Loan Facility”, and the loans thereunder, the “Vivint Term Loans”) and (ii) a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $370 million (the “Vivint Revolving Credit Facility,” and the loans thereunder, the “Vivint Revolving Loans”).
All of APX’s obligations under the Vivint Credit Agreement are guaranteed by APX Group Holdings, Inc. and each of APX’s existing and future wholly-owned U.S. restricted subsidiaries (subject to customary exclusions and qualifications). The obligations under the Vivint Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority perfected security interest in (1) substantially all of the present and future tangible and intangible assets of APX, and the guarantors, including without limitation equipment, subscriber contracts and communication paths, intellectual property, general intangibles, investment property, material intercompany notes and proceeds of the foregoing, subject to permitted liens and other customary exceptions, (2) substantially all personal property of APX and the guarantors consisting of accounts receivable arising from the sale of inventory and other goods and services (including related contracts and contract rights, inventory, cash, deposit accounts, other bank accounts and securities accounts), inventory and intangible assets to the extent attached to the foregoing books and records of APX and the guarantors, and the proceeds thereof, subject to permitted liens and other customary exceptions, in each case held by APX and the guarantors and (3) a pledge of all of the capital stock of APX, each of its subsidiary guarantors and each restricted subsidiary of APX and its subsidiary guarantors, in each case other than excluded assets and subject to the limitations and exclusions provided in the applicable collateral documents.
The Vivint Credit Agreement contains customary covenants, which, among other things, require APX to maintain a maximum first lien net leverage ratio when amounts outstanding under the Vivint Revolving Facility exceed a certain threshold and restrict, subject to certain exceptions, APX and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to:
•incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock;
•pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock;
•make certain investments;
•incur certain liens;
•enter into transactions with affiliates;
•merge or consolidate;
•materially change the nature of their business;
•enter into agreements that restrict the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to APX or grant liens on their assets;
•designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries;
•amend, prepay, redeem or purchase certain material contractually subordinated debt; and
•transfer or sell certain assets.
As of March 31, 2023, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Vivint Term Loans was $1.3 billion. As of March 31, 2023, Vivint had $11 million in letters of credit issued under the Vivint Revolving Credit Facility and there were no Vivint Revolving Loans outstanding. As of May 4, 2023, there were $10 million in letters of credit issued under the Vivint Revolving Credit Facility.
Note 9 — Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs
Entities that are not Consolidated
NRG accounts for the Company's significant investments using the equity method of accounting. NRG's carrying value of equity investments can be impacted by a number of elements including impairments and movements in foreign currency exchange rates.
Variable Interest Entities that are Consolidated
The Company has a controlling financial interest that has been identified as a VIE under ASC 810 in NRG Receivables LLC, which has entered into financing transactions related to the Receivables Facility as further described in Note 13, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases, to the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K.
The summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIE consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Accounts receivable and Other current assets | $ | 730 | | | $ | 2,108 | |
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Current liabilities | 303 | | | 152 | |
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Net assets | $ | 427 | | | $ | 1,956 | |
Note 10 — Changes in Capital Structure
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized and 500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized. The following table reflects the changes in NRG's preferred and common stock issued and outstanding:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred | | Common |
| Issued and Outstanding | | Issued | | Treasury | | Outstanding |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | — | | | 423,897,001 | | | (194,335,971) | | | 229,561,030 | |
Shares issued under LTIPs | — | | | 395,408 | | | — | | | 395,408 | |
| | | | | | | |
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock | 650,000 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 650,000 | | | 424,292,409 | | | (194,335,971) | | | 229,956,438 | |
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Common Stock
Share Repurchases
In December 2021, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized $1 billion for share repurchases as part of NRG’s Capital Allocation policy. The program began with $44 million of share repurchases in December 2021, and an incremental $601 million was repurchased in 2022. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company purchased $8 million in equivalent shares in lieu of tax withholdings on equity compensation issuances. The balance of $347 million under the current program is expected to be repurchased in 2023, subject to the availability of excess cash and full visibility of the achievement of the Company's 2023 targeted credit metrics.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company offers participation in the ESPP which allows eligible employees to elect to withhold between 1% and 10% of their eligible compensation to purchase shares of NRG common stock at the lesser of 95% of its market value on the offering date or 95% of the fair market value on the exercise date. On April 27, 2023, NRG stockholders approved the adoption of the Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective April 1, 2023, which includes a reduction in the price at which eligible employees may purchase shares of NRG common stock from 95% to 90% of the fair market value of the shares on the applicable date. NRG stockholders also approved an increase of 4,400,000 shares available for issuance under the ESPP. An offering date occurs each April 1 and October 1. An exercise date occurs each September 30 and March 31.
NRG Common Stock Dividends
During the first quarter of 2023, NRG increased the annual dividend to $1.51 from $1.40 per share and expects to target an annual dividend growth rate of 7%-9% per share in subsequent years. A quarterly dividend of $0.3775 per share was paid on the Company's common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2023. On April 19, 2023, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.3775 per share, payable on May 15, 2023 to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2023.
The Company's common stock dividends are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations.
Preferred Stock
Series A Preferred Stock
On March 9, 2023, the Company issued 650,000 shares of 10.25% Series A Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). The net proceeds of $636 million, net of issuance costs, were used to fund the Vivint acquisition.
The Series A Preferred Stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other securities or property and has limited voting rights. The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions, at the option of the Company at any time after March 15, 2028 ("Series A First Reset Date") and in certain other circumstances prior to the Series A First Reset Date.
The annual dividend rate on each share of Series A Preferred Stock is 10.25% from the Series A Issuance Date to, but excluding the Series A First Reset Date. On and after the Series A First Reset Date, the dividend rate on each share of Series A Preferred Stock shall equal the five-year U.S. Treasury rate as of the most recent reset dividend determination date (subject to a floor of 1.00%), plus a spread of 5.92% per annum. The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, plus accumulated but unpaid dividends. Cumulative cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are payable semiannually, in arrears, on each March 15 and September 15, commencing on September 15, 2023, when, as and if declared by the board of directors.
Note 11 — (Loss)/Income Per Share
Basic (loss)/income per common share is computed by dividing net (loss)/income less cumulative dividends attributable to preferred stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Shares issued and treasury shares repurchased during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding. Diluted (loss)/income per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic (loss)/income per share while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period when there is net income. The relative performance stock units, non-vested restricted stock units, and non-qualified stock options are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing basic (loss)/income per share. However, these instruments are included in the denominator for purposes of computing diluted income per share under the treasury stock method for periods when there is net income. The Convertible Senior Notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash or combination of cash and Company’s common stock. The Company is including the potential share settlements, if any, in the denominator for purposes of computing diluted income per share under the if converted method for periods when there is net income. The potential shares settlements are calculated as the excess of the Company's conversion obligation over the aggregate principal amount (which will be settled in cash), divided by the average share price for the period. For the period ended March 31, 2023, there was no dilutive effect for the Convertible Senior Notes since there was a net loss. For the period ending March 31, 2022, there was no dilutive effect for the Convertible Senior Notes since there were no potential share settlements for the period.
NRG's basic and diluted (loss)/income per share is shown in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions, except per share data) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Basic and diluted (loss)/income per share: | | | | |
Net (loss)/income | $ | (1,335) | | | $ | 1,736 | | | | | |
Less: Cumulative dividends attributable to Series A Preferred Stock | 4 | | | — | | | | | |
Net (loss)/income available for common stockholders | (1,339) | | | 1,736 | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 230 | | | 242 | | | | | |
(Loss)/Income per weighted average common share — basic and diluted | $ | (5.82) | | | $ | 7.17 | | | | | |
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As of March 31, 2023, the Company had 7 million outstanding equity instruments that are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of the Company's diluted loss per share. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had 1 million outstanding equity instruments that are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of the Company's diluted income per share.
Note 12 — Segment Reporting
The Company’s segment structure reflects how management currently makes financial decisions and allocates resources. The Company manages its operations based on the combined results of the retail and wholesale generation businesses with a geographical focus.
NRG’s chief operating decision maker, its chief executive officer, evaluates the performance of its segments based on operational measures including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and allocation of capital, as well as net income/(loss).
The acquired operations from the Vivint acquisition are reported within the Vivint segment.
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| | Three months ended March 31, 2023 |
(In millions) | | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint(a) | | Corporate | | Eliminations | | Total |
Revenue | | $ | 2,034 | | | $ | 4,176 | | | $ | 1,374 | | | $ | 148 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (10) | | | $ | 7,722 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 75 | | | 30 | | | 24 | | | 52 | | | 9 | | | — | | | 190 | |
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Gain on sale of assets | | — | | | 199 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 199 | |
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates | | — | | | — | | | 5 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 5 | |
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Income/(loss) before income taxes | | 284 | | | (1,402) | | | (351) | | | (39) | | | (163) | | | — | | | (1,671) | |
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Net income/(loss) | | $ | 284 | | | $ | (1,402) | | | $ | (304) | | | $ | (39) | | | $ | 126 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,335) | |
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(a)Vivint includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023
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| | Three months ended March 31, 2022 |
(In millions) | | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Corporate | | Eliminations | | Total |
Revenue | | $ | 2,020 | | | $ | 4,715 | | | $ | 1,144 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 7,896 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 77 | | | 77 | | | 21 | | | 8 | | | — | | | 183 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) on sale of assets | | — | | | — | | | (1) | | | (2) | | | — | | | (3) | |
Equity in (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates | | (1) | | | — | | | (14) | | | — | | | — | | | (15) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income/(loss) before income taxes | | 771 | | | 1,538 | | | 129 | | | (131) | | | — | | | 2,307 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income/(loss) | | $ | 771 | | | $ | 1,538 | | | $ | 130 | | | $ | (703) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,736 | |
Note 13 — Income Taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate
The income tax provision consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions, except rates) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
(Loss)/Income before income taxes | $ | (1,671) | | | $ | 2,307 | | | | | |
Income tax (benefit)/expense | (336) | | | 571 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Effective income tax rate | 20.1 | % | | 24.8 | % | | | | |
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was lower than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to current state tax expense and permanent differences which when applied to year-to-date financial statement losses have an inverted effect and reduced the overall effective tax rate. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state tax expense.
The Inflation Reduction Act ("IRA") enacted on August 16, 2022, introduced new provisions including a 15% corporate book minimum tax and a 1% excise tax on net share repurchases with both taxes effective beginning in fiscal year 2023 for NRG. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of the corporate book minimum tax when the U.S. Treasury and the IRS release further guidance. Additionally, the IRA establishes a tax credit associated with existing nuclear facilities which begins in 2024 and terminates at the end of 2031. The production tax credit will fully apply when gross revenues are at or below $25 per MWh and phases out completely at $43.75 per MWh. The U.S. Treasury is in the process of defining the methods by which gross revenues may be calculated pursuant to the IRA.
Uncertain Tax Benefits
As of March 31, 2023, NRG had a non-current tax liability of $43 million for uncertain tax benefits from positions taken on various federal and state income tax returns inclusive of accrued interest. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, NRG accrued an immaterial amount of interest relating to the uncertain tax benefits. As of March 31, 2023, NRG had cumulative interest and penalties related to these uncertain tax benefits of $2 million. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits in income tax expense.
NRG is subject to examination by taxing authorities for income tax returns filed in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions including operations located in Australia and Canada. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2019. With few exceptions, state and Canadian income tax examinations are no longer open for years prior to 2014.
Note 14 — Related Party Transactions
NRG provides services to some of its related parties, who are accounted for as equity method investments, under operations and maintenance agreements. Fees for the services under these agreements include recovery of NRG's costs of operating the plants. Certain agreements also include fees for administrative service, a base monthly fee, profit margin and/or annual incentive bonus.
The following table summarizes NRG's material related party transactions with third-party affiliates:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Revenues from Related Parties Included in Revenue | | | | | | | |
Gladstone | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Ivanpah(a) | 34 | | | 13 | | | | | |
Midway-Sunset | 1 | | | 2 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total | $ | 36 | | | $ | 16 | | | | | |
(a)Also includes fees under project management agreements with each project company
Note 15 — Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
First Lien Structure
NRG has granted first liens to certain counterparties on a substantial portion of property and assets owned by NRG and the guarantors of its senior debt. NRG uses the first lien structure to reduce the amount of cash collateral and letters of credit that it would otherwise be required to post from time to time to support its obligations under out-of-the-money hedges. To the extent that the underlying hedge positions for a counterparty are out-of-the-money to NRG, the counterparty would have a claim under the first lien program. As of March 31, 2023, hedges under the first lien program were out-of-the-money for NRG on a counterparty aggregate basis.
Contingencies
The Company's material legal proceedings are described below. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to these legal proceedings and intends to defend them vigorously. NRG records accruals for estimated losses from contingencies when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated. As applicable, the Company has established an adequate accrual for the applicable legal matters, including regulatory and environmental matters as further discussed in Note 16, Regulatory Matters, and Note 17, Environmental Matters. In addition, legal costs are expensed as incurred. Management has assessed each of the following matters based on current information and made a judgment concerning its potential outcome, considering the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought, and the probability of success. Unless specified below, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these legal proceedings or reasonably estimate the scope or amount of any associated costs and potential liabilities. As additional information becomes available, management adjusts its assessment and estimates of such contingencies accordingly. Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of the Company's liabilities and contingencies could be at amounts that are different from its currently recorded accruals and that such difference could be material.
In addition to the legal proceedings noted below, NRG and its subsidiaries are party to other litigation or legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In management's opinion, the disposition of these ordinary course matters will not materially adversely affect NRG's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Environmental Lawsuits
Sierra club et al. v. Midwest Generation LLC — In 2012, several environmental groups filed a complaint against Midwest Generation with the Illinois Pollution Control Board ("IPCB") alleging violations of environmental law resulting in groundwater contamination. In June 2019, the IPCB found in an interim order that Midwest Generation violated the law because it had improperly handled coal ash at four facilities in Illinois and caused or allowed coal ash constituents to impact groundwater. On September 9, 2019, Midwest Generation filed a Motion to Reconsider numerous issues, which the court granted in part and denied in part on February 6, 2020. During the second quarter of 2023, the IPCB will hold hearings regarding the appropriate relief. Midwest Generation has been working with the Illinois EPA to address the groundwater issues since 2010.
Consumer Lawsuits
Similar to other energy service companies (“ESCOs”) operating in the industry, from time-to-time, the Company and/or its subsidiaries may be subject to consumer lawsuits in various jurisdictions where they sell natural gas and electricity.
Variable Price Cases — In the cases set forth below, referred to as the Variable Price Cases, such actions involve consumers alleging that one of the Company’s ESCOs promised that consumers would pay the same or less than they would have paid if they stayed with their default utility or previous energy supplier. The underlying claims of each case are similar and the Company continues to deny the allegations and is vigorously defending these matters. These matters were known and accrued for at the time of each acquisition.
XOOM Energy
Mirkin v. XOOM Energy (E.D.N.Y. Aug. 2019) is a defendant in a putative class action lawsuit pending in New York. This case is in the summary judgment phase.
Direct Energy
There are two putative class actions pending against Direct Energy: (1) Richard Schafer v. Direct Energy (W.D.N.Y. Dec. 2019; on appeal 2nd Cir. N.Y.) - The Second Circuit sent the matter back to the trial court in December 2021. After discovery, Direct Energy filed summary judgment. Direct Energy won summary judgment and Schafer appealed. The parties are now briefing the appeal. Given the result of Martin Forte v. Direct Energy (N.D.N.Y. Mar. 2017), the trial court's summary
judgment will be upheld and Direct Energy is expected to prevail; and (2) Andrew Gant v. Direct Energy and NRG (D.N.J. Aug. 2022) - Direct Energy and NRG filed a Motion to Dismiss on October 18, 2022.
Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") Cases — In the cases set forth below, referred to as the TCPA Cases, such actions involve consumers alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, as amended, by receiving calls, texts or voicemails without consent in violation of the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, and/or state counterpart legislation. The underlying claims of each case are similar. The Company denies the allegations asserted by plaintiffs and intends to vigorously defend these matters. These matters were known and accrued for at the time of the acquisition.
There are two putative class actions pending against Direct Energy: (1) Holly Newman v. Direct Energy, LP (D. Md Sept 2021) - Direct Energy filed its Motion to Dismiss asserting the ruling in the Brittany Burk v. Direct Energy (S.D. Tex. Feb 2019) preempts the Plaintiff's ability to file suit based on the same facts. The Court denied Direct Energy's motion stating the Court does not have the benefit of all of the facts that were in front of the Burk court to issue a similar ruling. On October 19, 2022, Direct Energy filed a Motion to Transfer Venue asking the Court to transfer the case to the Southern District where the Burk case was filed. On April 12, 2023, the Court granted Direct Energy’s Motion to Transfer Venue, moving to the case to the Southern District of Texas; and (2) Matthew Dickson v. Direct Energy (N.D. Ohio Jan. 2018) - The case was stayed pending the outcome of an appeal to the Sixth Circuit based on the unconstitutionality of the TCPA during the period from 2015-2020. The Sixth Circuit found the TCPA was in effect during that period and remanded the case back to the trial court. Direct Energy refiled its motions along with supplements. On March 25, 2022, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of Direct Energy and dismissed the case. Dickson appealed. The Court held oral arguments on January 17, 2023. The Company anticipates a ruling with the next six months.
Sales Practice Lawsuits
There are three ongoing litigation matters relating to claims made by Vivint competitors against Vivint alleging, among other things, that Vivint's sales representatives used deceptive sales practices: (1) CPI Security Systems, Inc. ("CPI") v. Vivint (W.D.N.C. Sept. 2020); (2) ADT LLC, et al. ("ADT") v. Vivint Smart Home, Inc. f/k/a Mosaic Acquisition Corporation, et al.(S.D.Fl. Aug. 2020); and (3) Alert 360 Opco, Inc, et al. ("Alert 360") v. Vivint Smart Home, Inc., et al (N.D.Ok. March 2023). The CPI and ADT matters were filed in 2020 and relate to, among other things, alleged deceptive sales practices by Vivint sales representatives. The CPI matter went to trial, and in February 2023, the jury issued a verdict against Vivint, in favor of CPI for $50 million of compensatory damages and an additional $140 million of punitive damages. Vivint filed its post-trial motion in March 2023 and continues to evaluate its post-trial and appeal options. While Vivint believes the CPI jury verdict is not legally or factually supported and intends to pursue post judgment remedies and file an appeal, there can be no assurance that such defense efforts will be successful. Trial in the ADT matter is scheduled to commence in August 2023. On March 1, 2023, Alert 360 filed a complaint against Vivint alleging, among other things, deceptive sales practices. These matters were known and accrued for, as necessary, at the time of the acquisition. Vivint intends to vigorously defend these matters. In management's opinion, the disposition of these matters will not materially adversely affect NRG's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Contract Disputes
In September 2022, Vivint sent Alarm.com a notice asserting that it was no longer obligated to pay certain license fees under the Patent Cross License Agreement between the parties on the basis that Vivint no longer practices any claim under any valid Alarm.com patent and, therefore, no license fees are due. Alarm.com filed an arbitration demand against Vivint alleging, among other things, breach of the agreement due to continued use of the patents in question. The arbitration panel recently determined that Vivint's challenge to the validity of certain Alarm.com patents will be considered as part of the arbitration proceeding.
Winter Storm Uri Lawsuits
The Company has been named in certain property damage and wrongful death claims that have been filed in connection with Winter Storm Uri in its capacity as a generator and a REP. Most of the lawsuits related to Winter Storm Uri are consolidated into a single multi-district litigation matter in Harris County District Court. NRG's REPs have since been severed from the multi-district litigation and will be seeking dismissal in any remaining cases. As a power generator, the Company is named in various cases with claims ranging from: wrongful death; personal injury only; property damage and personal injury; property damage only; and subrogation. The case is currently stayed pending appeal by other parties on other issues. The Company intends to vigorously defend these matters.
Indemnifications and Other Contractual Arrangements
Washington-St. Tammany and Claiborne Electric Cooperative v. LaGen — On June 28, 2017, plaintiffs Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Claiborne Electric Cooperative, Inc. filed a lawsuit against LaGen in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The plaintiffs claimed breach of contract against LaGen for allegedly improperly charging the plaintiffs for costs related to the installation and maintenance of certain pollution control technology.
Plaintiffs sought damages for the alleged improper charges and a declaration as to which charges were proper under the contract. In February 2020, the federal court dismissed this lawsuit without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. On March 17, 2020, plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge in Louisiana alleging substantially the same matters. On February 4, 2019, NRG sold the South Central Portfolio, including the entities subject to this litigation. However, NRG has agreed to indemnify the purchaser for certain losses suffered in connection with this litigation.
Note 16 — Regulatory Matters
Environmental regulatory matters are discussed within Note 17, Environmental Matters.
NRG operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to regulation by various federal, state and provincial agencies. As such, NRG is affected by regulatory developments at the federal, state and provincial levels and in the regions in which NRG operates. In addition, NRG is subject to the market rules, procedures, and protocols of the various ISO and RTO markets in which NRG participates. These power markets are subject to ongoing legislative and regulatory changes that may impact NRG's wholesale and retail operations.
In addition to the regulatory proceeding noted below, NRG and its subsidiaries are parties to other regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business or have other regulatory exposure. In management's opinion, the disposition of these ordinary course matters will not materially adversely affect NRG's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
California Station Power — As the result of unfavorable final and non-appealable litigation, the Company accrued a liability associated with consumption of station power at the Company's Encina power plant facility in California after August 30, 2010. The Company has established an appropriate accrual pending potential regulatory action by San Diego Gas & Electric regarding the Company's Encina facility.
Note 17 — Environmental Matters
NRG is subject to a wide range of environmental laws in the development, construction, ownership and operation of power plants. These laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained before construction and maintained during operation of power plants. The electric generation industry has been facing increasingly stringent requirements regarding air quality, GHG emissions, combustion byproducts, water discharge and use, and threatened and endangered species. In general, future laws are expected to require the addition of emissions controls or other environmental controls or to impose additional restrictions on the operations of the Company's facilities, which could have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company has elected to use a $1 million disclosure threshold, as permitted, for environmental proceedings to which the government is a party.
Air
CPP/ACE Rules — On July 8, 2019, the EPA promulgated the ACE rule, which rescinded the CPP, which had sought to broadly regulate CO2 emissions from the power sector. The ACE rule required states that have coal-fired EGUs to develop plans to seek heat rate improvements from coal-fired EGUs. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated the ACE rule (but on February 22, 2021, at the EPA's request, stayed the issuance of the portion of the mandate that would vacate the repeal of the CPP). On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the "generation shifting" approach in the CPP exceeded the powers granted to the EPA by Congress. The Court did not address the related issues of whether the EPA may adopt only measures applied at each source. The Company anticipates that there will be additional rulemaking by the EPA over the next several years.
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") — On March 15, 2023, the EPA signed and released a prepublication of a final rule that if and when published in the Federal Register would have significantly revised the CSAPR to address the good-neighbor obligations of the 2015 ozone NAAQS for 23 states after earlier having disapproved numerous state plans to address the issue. Several states, including Texas, challenged the EPA's disapproval of their state plans. On May 1, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the EPA's disapproval of Texas' and Louisiana's state plans, which disapprovals are a condition precedent to the EPA imposing its plan on Texas and Louisiana. Accordingly, the EPA may not publish this rule in the Federal Register or if it does publish the rule, it would be ineffective in Texas and Louisiana while the stay is pending. The rule would have decreased over time the ozone-season NOx allowances allocated to generators in the 23 states beginning this summer by assuming that participants in this cap-and-trade program had or would optimize existing NOx controls and later install additional NOx controls. The Company cannot predict the outcome of: (i) the legal challenges to the various state disapprovals; (ii) whether the EPA will proceeds with publication in the Federal Register; and (iii) legal challenges to the final rule if it is published in the Federal Register.
Water
Effluent Limitations Guidelines — In November 2015, the EPA revised the Effluent Limitations Guidelines ("ELG") for Steam Electric Generating Facilities, which imposed more stringent requirements (as individual permits were renewed) for wastewater streams from FGD, fly ash, bottom ash and flue gas mercury control. On September 18, 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule that, among other things, postponed the compliance dates to preserve the status quo for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water by two years to November 2020 until the EPA amended the rule. On October 13, 2020, the EPA amended the 2015 ELG rule by: (i) altering the stringency of certain limits for FGD wastewater; (ii) relaxing the zero-discharge requirement for bottom ash transport water; and (iii) changing several deadlines. On July 26, 2021, the EPA announced that it is initiating a new rulemaking to evaluate revising the ELG rule. While the EPA is developing the new rule, the existing rule (as amended in 2020) will stay in place, and the EPA expects permitting authorities to continue to implement the current regulation. On March 29, 2023, the EPA proposed revisions to the ELG and is accepting comments on the proposal until May 30, 2023. In October 2021, NRG informed its regulators that the Company intends to comply with the ELG by ceasing combustion of coal by the end of 2028 at its domestic coal units outside of Texas, and installing appropriate controls by the end of 2025 at its two plants that have coal-fired units in Texas.
Byproducts, Wastes, Hazardous Materials and Contamination
In April 2015, the EPA finalized the rule regulating byproducts of coal combustion (e.g., ash and gypsum) as solid wastes under the RCRA. On July 30, 2018, the EPA promulgated a rule that amended the ash rule by extending some of the deadlines and providing more flexibility for compliance. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit found, among other things, that the EPA had not adequately regulated unlined ponds and legacy surface impoundments. On August 28, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Close Part A: Deadline to Initiate Closure," which amended the April 2015 Rule to address the August 2018 D.C. Circuit decision and extend some of the deadlines. On November 12, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B," which further amended the April 2015 Rule to, among other things, provide procedures for requesting approval to operate existing impoundments with an alternative liner. NRG anticipates further rulemaking related to the Federal Permit Program and legacy surface impoundments.
ITEM 2 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The discussion and analysis below has been organized as follows:
•Executive summary, including introduction and overview, business strategy, and changes to the business environment during the period, including environmental and regulatory matters;
•Results of operations;
•Liquidity and capital resources including liquidity position, financial condition addressing credit ratings, material cash requirements and commitments, and other obligations; and
•Known trends that may affect NRG's results of operations and financial condition in the future.
As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to NRG's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations to this Form 10-Q, which present the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Also refer to NRG's 2022 Form 10-K, which includes detailed discussions of various items impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition, including: General section; Strategy section; Business Overview section, including how regulation, weather, and other factors affect NRG's business; and Critical Accounting Estimates section.
Executive Summary
Introduction and Overview
NRG Energy, Inc., or NRG or the Company, is a leading energy, smart home and services company fueled by market-leading brands, proprietary technologies, and complementary sales channels. NRG brings the power of energy to customers by producing and selling energy and related products and services. Across the United States and Canada, NRG develops innovative, sustainable solutions, predominately under brand names such as NRG, Reliant, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy and Vivint. The Company has a customer base that includes approximately 7.5 million residential consumers in addition to commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers, supported by approximately 16 GW of generation.
Strategy
NRG's strategy is to maximize stockholder value through the safe production and sale of reliable electricity and natural gas to its customers in the markets it serves, while also providing innovative solutions to the end-use energy or service consumer. This strategy is intended to enable the Company to optimize the integrated model to generate stable and predictable cash flow, significantly strengthen earnings and cost competitiveness, and lower risk and volatility. Sustainability is a philosophy that underpins and facilitates value creation across NRG's business for its stakeholders. It is an integral piece of NRG's strategy and ties directly to business success, reduced risks and enhanced reputation.
To effectuate the Company’s strategy, NRG is focused on: (i) serving the energy needs of end-use residential, commercial and industrial, and wholesale counterparties in competitive markets and optimizing on cross selling opportunities through its multiple brands and channels; (ii) offering a variety of energy products and services, including renewable energy solutions and smart home products and services that are differentiated by innovative features, premium service, integrated platforms, sustainability, and loyalty/affinity programs; (iii) excellence in operating performance of its assets; (iv) optimal hedging of its portfolio; and (v) engaging in disciplined and transparent capital allocation.
Energy Regulatory Matters
The Company’s regulatory matters are described in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business — Regulatory Matters. These matters have been updated below and in Note 16, Regulatory Matters.
As participants in wholesale and retail energy markets and owners and operators of power plants, certain NRG entities are subject to regulation by various federal and state government agencies. These include the CFTC, FERC, NRC and the PUCT, as well as other public utility commissions in certain states where NRG's generation or distributed generation assets are located. In addition, NRG is subject to the market rules, procedures and protocols of the various ISO and RTO markets in which it participates. Likewise, certain NRG entities participating in the retail markets are subject to rules and regulations established by the states and provinces in which NRG entities are licensed to sell at retail. NRG must also comply with the mandatory reliability requirements imposed by NERC and the regional reliability entities in the regions where NRG operates.
NRG's operations within the ERCOT footprint are not subject to rate regulation by FERC, as they are deemed to operate solely within the ERCOT market and not in interstate commerce. These operations are subject to regulation by the PUCT, as well as to regulation by the NRC with respect to NRG's ownership interest in STP.
Regional Regulatory Developments
NRG is affected by rule/tariff changes that occur in the ISO regions. For further discussion on regulatory developments see Note 16, Regulatory Matters.
Texas
Public Utility Commission of Texas’ Actions with Respect to Wholesale Pricing and Market Design — In September 2021, the PUCT opened a rulemaking project to evaluate whether it should amend its rules to modify the High System Wide Offer cap ("HCAP") and the ORDC, which is intended to ensure prices in the competitive market appropriately reflect the value of operating reserves as the system approaches scarcity conditions. This rulemaking project concluded in December 2021, resulting in a rule amendment that lowered the HCAP to $5,000 per MWh and which expands the minimum contingency level to 3,000 MW in Phase I. These two changes are broadly offsetting in their effect on overall average energy prices. In 2022, the PUCT has focused on the development of a winter firm fuel product. The PUCT directed ERCOT to issue a Request for Proposal to procure dual fuel capability with on-site fuel storage as part of the initial firm fuel procurement for the winter of 2022 and 2023. The procurement amount was 2,940MW with a total cost of $53 million.
The PUCT engaged an independent consultant, E3, to evaluate various resource adequacy proposals and recommend a policy direction to increase incentives for investment in dispatchable generation in ERCOT. On November 10, 2022, the independent consultant provided a report including various market design options such as a Forward Reliability Market, Load Servicing Entity Reliability Obligation and a new concept called a Performance Credit Mechanism ("PCM"). The PCM measures real-time contribution to system reliability and provides compensation for resources to be available. The PUCT staff filed a summary of comments and their recommendations, which support PCM. On January 19, 2023, the Commission approved an order adopting the PCM as their policy direction for resource adequacy in ERCOT, however, implementation is delayed until the legislature reviews.
Ruling on Pricing during Winter Storm Uri — On March 17, 2023, the Third Court of Appeals issued a ruling in Luminant Energy Co. v. PUCT, which is an appeal relating to the validity of two orders issued by the PUCT on February 15 and 16, 2021, respectively, governing scarcity pricing in the ERCOT wholesale electricity market during Winter Storm Uri. The Third Court found that the PUCT exceeded its statutory authority by ordering the market price of energy to be set at the high system wide offer cap due to scarcity conditions as a result of firm load shed occurring in ERCOT. The Third Court reversed the PUCT's orders and remanded the case. At the March 23, 2023 open meeting, the PUCT voted to appeal the Third Court's ruling to the Supreme Court of Texas. The outcome of this case could require a repricing of the market prices during that time.
Voluntary Mitigation ("VMP") Changes — On March 13, 2023, the PUCT Staff determined that a portion of NRG's VMP should be terminated due to the increase in procurement of ancillary services by ERCOT, specifically non-spin reserve services, following Winter Storm Uri. As such, PUCT Staff terminated part of the VMP for NRG which provides protection from wholesale market power abuse accusations related to offers for ancillary services. NRG agreed with these changes to the VMP. At the March 23, 2023 open meeting, the PUCT approved the amended VMP.
PJM
PJM Delays Base Residual Auction Results and Files to Update Tariff — The Base Residual Auction for the 2024/2025 delivery year commenced on December 7, 2022 and closed on December 13, 2022. On December 19, 2022, PJM announced that it would delay the publication of the auction results. On December 23, 2022, PJM made a filing at FERC to revise the definition of Locational Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement in the Tariff. This would allow PJM to exclude certain resources from the calculation of the Local Deliverability Area Reliability Requirement. On February 21, 2023, FERC accepted PJM's filing. Multiple parties, including NRG, have filed for rehearing. The price of the auction cleared was significantly lower as a result of the PJM Tariff change.
Capacity Performance Penalties and Bonuses from Winter Storm Elliott — PJM experienced approximately 23 hours of Capacity Performance events from December 23-24, 2022 across PJM's entire footprint. The Company will be subject to penalty or bonus payments related to the events with settlements to occur in 2023. PJM anticipates that certain market participants who incurred penalties may encounter challenges in paying penalties levied upon them. This may result in bonus payments being prorated. On February 2, 2023, PJM made a filing at FERC that, if approved, would give PJM the ability to extend the payment period for PJM members who incurred penalties for an additional 9 months. On April 3, 2023, FERC approved PJM's request to allow Winter Storm Elliott penalty payments to be spread over 9 months (with interest) and allow future penalties to have a 9 month window to be satisfied without interest. In addition, multiple generators filed various complaints against PJM at FERC alleging that PJM violated its Tariff in, among other things, the manner in which it operated the system during Winter Storm Elliott and the resulting assessment of capacity performance penalties.
PJM Files at FERC to Delay the Upcoming Base Residual Auctions — On April 11, 2023, PJM filed to delay the Base Residual Auctions for the 2025/2026 to 2028/2029 delivery years. PJM proposes to develop market reforms to improve the operation of the capacity market, and plans to make a filing regarding those reforms by October 1, 2023. PJM proposes to restart the auctions after FERC's ruling on these market changes.
California
California Resource Adequacy Proceedings — As part of the Integrated Resource Procurement docket, the CPUC approved a decision on June 24, 2021 that requires all LSEs to procure a pro rata share of 11.5 GW of new non-fossil resource adequacy from 2023 to 2026. In that same docket, the CPUC ordered the state's major investor-owned utilities to procure additional summer reliability resources through 2023, with recent staff proposals recommending an extension of these order through 2025. Further procurement order in this docket issued in February 2023 directed LSEs to procure an additional four GW of clean resources in the 2026 to 2028 timeframe. Reserve margin increased from 15 percent to 16 percent in 2023 and at least 17 percent in 2024. SB846 establishes a pathway for PG&E's Diablo Canyon Nuclear power plant, which units are scheduled to close in 2024 and 2025, to remain open for at least five additional years. Recently opened rulemaking will determine how the resource adequacy from the extension will be treated. Finally, the CPUC released a proposed order in March 2023 regarding details for implementation of a new Resource Adequacy ("RA") program beginning in 2025 which will require procurement to meet needs during every hour of the day. The result of these changes will likely keep RA prices elevated in the near term and if LSEs cannot meet their RA obligations, penalties may be issued.
Environmental Regulatory Matters
NRG is subject to numerous environmental laws in the development, construction, ownership and operation of power plants. These laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained before construction and maintained during operation of power plants. Federal and state environmental laws historically have become more stringent over time. Future laws may require the addition of emissions controls or other environmental controls or impose restrictions on the Company's operations. Complying with environmental laws often involves specialized human resources and significant capital and operating expenses, as well as occasionally curtailing operations. NRG decides to invest capital for environmental controls based on the relative certainty of the requirements, an evaluation of compliance options, and the expected economic returns on capital.
A number of regulations that affect the Company have been revised recently and continue to be revised by the EPA, including ash storage and disposal requirements, NAAQS revisions and implementation and effluent limitation guidelines. NRG will evaluate the impact of these regulations as they are revised but cannot fully predict the impact of each until anticipated revisions and legal challenges are resolved. The Company’s environmental matters are described in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K in Item 1, Business - Environmental Matters and Item 1A, Risk Factors. These matters have been updated in Note 17, Environmental Matters, to the condensed consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-Q and as follows.
Air
The CAA and related regulations (as well as similar state and local requirements) have the potential to affect air emissions, operating practices and pollution control equipment required at power plants. Under the CAA, the EPA sets NAAQS for certain pollutants including SO2, ozone, and PM2.5. Many of the Company's facilities are located in or near areas that are classified by the EPA as not achieving certain NAAQS (non-attainment areas). The relevant NAAQS may become more stringent. In January 2023, the EPA proposed increasing the stringency of the PM2.5 NAAQS. The Company maintains a comprehensive compliance strategy to address continuing and new requirements. Complying with increasingly stringent air regulations could require the installation of additional emissions control equipment at some NRG facilities or retiring of units if installing such controls is not economic. Significant changes to air regulatory programs affecting the Company are described below.
CPP/ACE Rules — The attention in recent years on GHG emissions has resulted in federal and state regulations. In October 2015, the EPA promulgated the CPP, addressing GHG emissions from existing EGUs. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the CPP. In July 2019, EPA promulgated the ACE rule, which rescinded the CPP, which had sought to broadly regulate CO2 emissions from the power sector. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated the ACE rule (but on February 22, 2021, at the EPA's request, stayed the issuance of the portion of the mandate that would vacate the repeal of the CPP). On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the "generation shifting" approach in the CPP exceeded the powers granted to the EPA by Congress. The Court did not address the related issues of whether the EPA may adopt only measures applied at each source. The Company anticipates that there will be additional rulemaking by the EPA over the next several years.
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") — On March 15, 2023, the EPA signed and released a prepublication of a final rule that if and when published in the Federal Register would have significantly revised the CSAPR to address the good-
neighbor obligations of the 2015 ozone NAAQS for 23 states after earlier having disapproved numerous state plans to address the issue. Several states, including Texas, challenged the EPA's disapproval of their state plans. On May 1, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the EPA's disapproval of Texas' and Louisiana's state plans, which disapprovals are a condition precedent to the EPA imposing its plan on Texas and Louisiana. Accordingly, the EPA may not publish this rule in the Federal Register or if it does publish the rule, it would be ineffective in Texas and Louisiana while the stay is pending. The rule would have decreased over time the ozone-season NOx allowances allocated to generators in the 23 states beginning this summer by assuming that participants in this cap-and-trade program had or would optimize existing NOx controls and later install additional NOx controls. The Company cannot predict the outcome of: (i) the legal challenges to the various state disapprovals; (ii) whether the EPA will proceeds with publication in the Federal Register; and (iii) legal challenges to the final rule if it is published in the Federal Register.
Byproducts, Wastes, Hazardous Materials and Contamination
In April 2015, the EPA finalized the rule regulating byproducts of coal combustion (e.g., ash and gypsum) as solid wastes under the RCRA. On July 30, 2018, the EPA promulgated a rule that amended the ash rule by extending some of the deadlines and providing more flexibility for compliance. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit found, among other things, that the EPA had not adequately regulated unlined ponds and legacy surface impoundments. On August 28, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part A: Deadline to Initiate Closure," which amended the April 2015 Rule to address the August 2018 D.C. Circuit decision and extend some of the deadlines. On November 12, 2020, the EPA finalized "A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternative Demonstration for Unlined Surface Impoundments," which further amended the April 2015 Rule to, among other things, provide procedures for requesting approval to operate existing ash impoundments with an alternate liner. NRG anticipates further rulemaking related to the Federal Permit Program and legacy surface impoundments.
Domestic Site Remediation Matters
Under certain federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of a facility, including an electric generating facility, may be required to investigate and remediate releases or threatened releases of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products. NRG may be responsible for property damage, personal injury and investigation and remediation costs incurred by a party in connection with hazardous material releases or threatened releases. These laws impose liability without regard to whether the owner knew of or caused the presence of the hazardous substances, and the courts have interpreted liability under such laws to be strict (without fault) and joint and several. Cleanup obligations can often be triggered during the closure or decommissioning of a facility, in addition to spills during its operations.
Nuclear Waste — The federal government's program to construct a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada was discontinued in 2010. Since 1998, the U.S. DOE has been in default of the federal government's obligations to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel, or SNF, and high-level radioactive waste, or HLW, under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. Owners of nuclear plants, including the owners of STP, had been required to enter into contracts setting out the obligations of the owners and the U.S. DOE, including the fees to be paid by the owners for the U.S. DOE's services to license a spent fuel repository. Effective May 16, 2014, the U.S. DOE stopped collecting the fees.
On February 5, 2013, STPNOC entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. DOE for payment of damages relating to the U.S. DOE's failure to accept SNF and HLW under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act through December 31, 2013, which has been extended four times through addendums to cover payments through December 31, 2025. There are no facilities for the reprocessing or permanent disposal of SNF currently in operation in the U.S., nor has the NRC licensed any such facilities. STPNOC currently stores all SNF generated by its nuclear generating facilities on-site. STPNOC plans to continue to assert claims against the U.S. DOE for damages relating to the U.S. DOE's failure to accept SNF and HLW.
Under the federal Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980, as amended in 1985, the state of Texas is required to provide, either on its own or jointly with other states in a compact, for the disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated within the state. Texas is currently in a compact with the state of Vermont, and the compact low-level waste facility located in Andrews County in Texas has been operational since 2012.
Water
The Company is required under the CWA to comply with intake and discharge requirements, requirements for technological controls and operating practices. As with air quality regulations, federal and state water regulations have become more stringent and imposed new requirements.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines — In November 2015, the EPA revised the ELG for Steam Electric Generating Facilities, which imposed more stringent requirements (as individual permits were renewed) for wastewater streams from FGD, fly ash, bottom ash and flue gas mercury control. On September 18, 2017, the EPA promulgated a final rule that, among other things, postponed the compliance dates to preserve the status quo for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water by two years to November 2020 until the EPA amended the rule. On October 13, 2020, the EPA amended the 2015 ELG rule by: (i) altering the stringency of certain limits for FGD wastewater; (ii) relaxing the zero-discharge requirement for bottom ash transport water;
and (iii) changing several deadlines. On July 26, 2021, the EPA announced that it is initiating a new rulemaking to evaluate revising the ELG rule. While the EPA is developing the new rule, the existing rule (as amended in 2020) will stay in place, and the EPA expects permitting authorities to continue to implement the current regulation. On March 29, 2023, the EPA proposed revisions to the ELG and is accepting comments on the proposal until May 30, 2023. In October 2021, NRG informed its regulators that the Company intends to comply with the ELG by ceasing combustion of coal by the end of 2028 at its domestic coal units outside of Texas, and installing appropriate controls by the end of 2025 at its two plants that have coal-fired units in Texas.
Regional Environmental Developments
Ash Regulation in Illinois — On July 30, 2019, Illinois enacted legislation that required the state to promulgate regulations regarding coal ash at surface impoundments. On April 15, 2021, the state promulgated the implementing regulation, which became effective on April 21, 2021. NRG has applied for initial operating permits and has begun to apply for construction permits (for closure) as required by the regulation.
Houston Nonattainment for 2008 Ozone Standard — During the fourth quarter of 2022, the EPA changed the Houston area's classification from Serious to Severe nonattainment for the 2008 Ozone Standard. Accordingly, Texas is required to develop a new control strategy and submit it to the EPA.
Significant Events
The following significant events have occurred during 2023 as further described within this Management's Discussion and Analysis and the condensed consolidated financial statements:
Vivint Acquisition
On March 10, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Vivint. The Company paid $12 per share, or $2.6 billion in cash. For further discussion, see Note 4, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Series A Preferred Stock
On March 9, 2023, the Company issued 650,000 shares of 10.25% Series A Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, of $636 million were used to fund the Vivint acquisition. For further discussion, see Note 10, Changes in Capital Structure.
Issuance of 2033 Senior Secured First Lien Notes
On March 9, 2023, the Company issued $740 million of aggregate principal amount of 7.000% senior secured first lien notes due 2023. The net proceeds of $724 million, net of issuance costs, were used to fund the Vivint acquisition. For further discussion, see Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases.
Astoria
On January 6, 2023, NRG closed on the sale of land and related assets from the Astoria site, within the East region of operations, for initial proceeds of $212 million, subject to transaction fees of $3 million and certain indemnifications. NRG recognized a gain on the sale of $199 million. As part of the transaction, NRG entered into an agreement to lease the land back for the purpose of operating the Astoria gas turbines. The lease agreement is expected to terminate by the end of the year.
W.A. Parish Extended Outage
In May 2022, W.A. Parish Unit 8 came offline as a result of damage to the steam turbine/generator. Based on work completed to date, the Company is targeting to return the unit to service by the end of the second quarter of 2023.
Dividend Increase
In the first quarter of 2023, NRG increased the annual dividend to $1.51 from $1.40 per share, representing an 8% increase from 2022. The Company expects to target an annual dividend growth rate of 7-9% per share in subsequent years.
Renewable Power Purchase Agreements
The Company's strategy is to procure mid to long-term generation through power purchase agreements. NRG has entered into Renewable PPAs totaling approximately 1.9 GW with third-party project developers and other counterparties, of which approximately 1.1 GW are operational as of April 30, 2023. The average tenure of these agreements is eleven years. The Company expects to continue evaluating and executing similar agreements that support the needs of the business. The total GW procured through Renewable PPAs may be impacted by contract terminations when they occur.
Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance
The Company’s trends are described in the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Business Environment.
Changes in Accounting Standards
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion of recent accounting developments.
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table provides selected financial information for the Company: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions, except as otherwise noted) | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | | | | | |
Revenue | | | | | | | | | | | |
Retail revenue | $ | 7,363 | | | $ | 7,570 | | | $ | (207) | | | | | | | |
Energy revenue(a) | 128 | | | 278 | | | (150) | | | | | | | |
Capacity revenue(a) | 42 | | | 116 | | | (74) | | | | | | | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities | 91 | | | (133) | | | 224 | | | | | | | |
Contract amortization | (11) | | | (9) | | | (2) | | | | | | | |
Other revenues(a)(b) | 109 | | | 74 | | | 35 | | | | | | | |
Total revenue | 7,722 | | | 7,896 | | | (174) | | | | | | | |
Operating Costs and Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of fuel | 163 | | | 329 | | | 166 | | | | | | | |
Purchased energy and other cost of sales(c) | 6,002 | | | 6,452 | | | 450 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities | 2,035 | | | (2,410) | | | (4,445) | | | | | | | |
Contract and emissions credit amortization(c) | 108 | | | 138 | | | 30 | | | | | | | |
Operations and maintenance | 385 | | | 336 | | | (49) | | | | | | | |
Other cost of operations | 85 | | | 85 | | | — | | | | | | | |
Cost of operations (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below) | 8,778 | | | 4,930 | | | (3,848) | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 190 | | | 183 | | | (7) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Selling, general and administrative costs | 426 | | | 347 | | | (79) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs | 71 | | | 8 | | | (63) | | | | | | | |
Total operating costs and expenses | 9,465 | | | 5,468 | | | (3,997) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain/(loss) on sale of assets | 199 | | | (3) | | | 202 | | | | | | | |
Operating (Loss)/Income | (1,544) | | | 2,425 | | | (3,969) | | | | | | | |
Other Income/(Expense) | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates | 5 | | | (15) | | | 20 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income, net | 16 | | | — | | | 16 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | (148) | | | (103) | | | (45) | | | | | | | |
Total other expense | (127) | | | (118) | | | (9) | | | | | | | |
(Loss)/Income Before Income Taxes | (1,671) | | | 2,307 | | | (3,978) | | | | | | | |
Income tax (benefit)/expense | (336) | | | 571 | | | 907 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (Loss)/Income | $ | (1,335) | | | $ | 1,736 | | | $ | (3,071) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Business Metrics | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average natural gas price — Henry Hub ($/MMBtu) | $ | 3.42 | | | $ | 4.95 | | | (31) | % | | | | | | |
(a)Includes gains and losses from financially settled transactions
(b)Includes trading gains and losses and ancillary revenues
(c)Includes amortization of SO2 and NOx credits and excludes amortization of RGGI credits
Management’s discussion of the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
Electricity Prices
The following table summarizes average on peak power prices for each of the major markets in which NRG operates for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Texas, East and West average on-peak power prices decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 as a result of lower natural gas prices, while average CAISO on-peak power prices increased primarily driven by colder winter weather in California in 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Average on Peak Power Price ($/MWh) |
| Three months ended March 31, |
Region | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change % |
Texas | | | | | |
ERCOT - Houston(a) | $ | 26.98 | | | $ | 48.69 | | | (45) | % |
ERCOT - North(a) | 26.72 | | | 46.27 | | | (42) | % |
| | | | | |
East | | | | | |
NY J/NYC(b) | $ | 45.40 | | | $ | 104.26 | | | (56) | % |
NEPOOL(b) | 52.63 | | | 116.48 | | | (55) | % |
COMED (PJM)(b) | 29.78 | | | 44.69 | | | (33) | % |
PJM West Hub(b) | 36.49 | | | 58.33 | | | (37) | % |
| | | | | |
West | | | | | |
MISO - Louisiana Hub(b) | $ | 29.78 | | | $ | 43.49 | | | (32) | % |
CAISO - SP15(b) | 92.54 | | | 45.20 | | | 105 | % |
(a)Average on peak power prices based on real time settlement prices as published by the respective ISOs
(b)Average on peak power prices based on day ahead settlement prices as published by the respective ISOs
Gross Margin
The Company calculates gross margin in order to evaluate operating performance as revenues less cost of fuel, purchased energy and other costs of sales, mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, contract and emission credit amortization and depreciation and amortization.
Economic Gross Margin
In addition to gross margin, the Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of economic gross margin, which is not a GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Economic gross margin should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for the Company's presentation of gross margin, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Economic gross margin is not intended to represent gross margin. The Company believes that economic gross margin is useful to investors as it is a key operational measure reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. Economic gross margin is defined as the sum of retail revenue, energy revenue, capacity revenue and other revenue, less cost of fuel, purchased energy and other cost of sales. Economic gross margin does not include mark-to-market gains or losses on economic hedging activities, contract amortization, emissions credit amortization, depreciation and amortization, operations and maintenance, or other cost of operations.
The below tables present the composition and reconciliation of gross margin and economic gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2023 |
($ In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint(a) | | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail revenue | $ | 1,958 | | | $ | 4,016 | | | $ | 1,241 | | | $ | 148 | | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,363 | |
Energy revenue | 4 | | | 74 | | | 48 | | | — | | | | 2 | | | 128 | |
Capacity revenue | — | | | 41 | | | 1 | | | — | | | | — | | | 42 | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities | — | | | 35 | | | 67 | | | — | | | | (11) | | | 91 | |
Contract amortization | — | | | (11) | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | (11) | |
Other revenue(b) | 72 | | | 21 | | | 17 | | | — | | | | (1) | | | 109 | |
Total revenue | 2,034 | | | 4,176 | | | 1,374 | | | 148 | | | | (10) | | | 7,722 | |
Cost of fuel | (112) | | | (23) | | | (28) | | | — | | | | — | | | (163) | |
Purchased energy and other cost of sales(c)(d)(e) | (1,255) | | | (3,577) | | | (1,157) | | | (11) | | | | (2) | | | (6,002) | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities | 129 | | | (1,790) | | | (385) | | | — | | | | 11 | | | (2,035) | |
Contract and emission credit amortization | (1) | | | (104) | | | (3) | | | — | | | | — | | | (108) | |
Depreciation and amortization | (75) | | | (30) | | | (24) | | | (52) | | | | (9) | | | (190) | |
Gross margin | $ | 720 | | | $ | (1,348) | | | $ | (223) | | | $ | 85 | | | | $ | (10) | | | $ | (776) | |
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net | 129 | | | (1,755) | | | (318) | | | — | | | | — | | | (1,944) | |
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net | (1) | | | (115) | | | (3) | | | — | | | | — | | | (119) | |
Less: Depreciation and amortization | (75) | | | (30) | | | (24) | | | (52) | | | | (9) | | | (190) | |
Economic gross margin | $ | 667 | | | $ | 552 | | | $ | 122 | | | $ | 137 | | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | 1,477 | |
(a) Vivint includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023 | | | | | | | | | |
(b) Includes trading gains and losses and ancillary revenues | | | | | | | | | |
(c) Includes capacity and emissions credits |
(d) Includes $647 million, $49 million and $357 million of TDSP expense in Texas, East and West/Services/Other, respectively. |
(e) Excludes depreciation and amortization shown separately | | | | | | | | | |
Business Metrics | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint | | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail sales | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home power sales volume (GWh) | 7,614 | | | 3,079 | | | 636 | | | — | | | | — | | | 11,329 | |
Business power sales volume (GWh) | 8,568 | | | 10,451 | | | 2,393 | | | — | | | | — | | | 21,412 | |
Home natural gas sales volume (MDth) | — | | | 22,395 | | | 36,733 | | | — | | | | — | | | 59,128 | |
Business natural gas sales volume (MDth) | — | | | 471,121 | | | 50,879 | | | — | | | | — | | | 522,000 | |
Average retail Home customer count (in thousands)(a) | 2,871 | | | 1,770 | | | 778 | | | — | | | | — | | | 5,419 | |
Ending retail Home customer count (in thousands)(a) | 2,869 | | | 1,801 | | | 784 | | | — | | | | — | | | 5,454 | |
Ending Vivint smart home customer count(b) | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,938 | | | | — | | | 1,938 | |
Power generation | | | | | | | | | | | | |
GWh sold | 5,186 | | | 1,258 | | | 1,303 | | | — | | | | — | | | 7,747 | |
GWh generated(c) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Coal | 2,081 | | | 218 | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | 2,299 | |
Gas | 785 | | | 39 | | | 1,302 | | | — | | | | — | | | 2,126 | |
Nuclear | 2,320 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | 2,320 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Renewables | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | | — | | | 1 | |
Total | 5,186 | | | 257 | | | 1,303 | | | — | | | | — | | | 6,746 | |
(a) Home customer count includes recurring residential customers, services customers and municipal aggregations |
(b) Vivint customer count includes customers that also purchase other NRG products |
(c) Includes owned and leased generation, excludes tolled generation and equity investments |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2022 |
($ In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail revenue | $ | 1,946 | | | $ | 4,521 | | | $ | 1,103 | | | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,570 | |
Energy revenue | 15 | | | 204 | | | 54 | | | | | 5 | | | 278 | |
Capacity revenue | — | | | 115 | | | 1 | | | | | — | | | 116 | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities | (2) | | | (130) | | | (18) | | | | | 17 | | | (133) | |
Contract amortization | — | | | (9) | | | — | | | | | — | | | (9) | |
Other revenue(a) | 61 | | | 14 | | | 4 | | | | | (5) | | | 74 | |
Total revenue | 2,020 | | | 4,715 | | | 1,144 | | | | | 17 | | | 7,896 | |
Cost of fuel | (175) | | | (103) | | | (51) | | | | | — | | | (329) | |
Purchased energy and other cost of sales(b)(c)(d) | (1,282) | | | (4,164) | | | (1,005) | | | | | (1) | | | (6,452) | |
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities | 655 | | | 1,576 | | | 196 | | | | | (17) | | | 2,410 | |
Contract and emission credit amortization | 2 | | | (138) | | | (2) | | | | | — | | | (138) | |
Depreciation and amortization | (77) | | | (77) | | | (21) | | | | | (8) | | | (183) | |
Gross margin | $ | 1,143 | | | $ | 1,809 | | | $ | 261 | | | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | 3,204 | |
Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities, net | 653 | | | 1,446 | | | 178 | | | | | — | | | 2,277 | |
Less: Contract and emission credit amortization, net | 2 | | | (147) | | | (2) | | | | | — | | | (147) | |
Less: Depreciation and amortization | (77) | | | (77) | | | (21) | | | | | (8) | | | (183) | |
Economic gross margin | $ | 565 | | | $ | 587 | | | $ | 106 | | | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | 1,257 | |
(a) Includes trading gains and losses and ancillary revenues | |
(b) Includes capacity and emissions credits | | | | | | |
(c) Includes $672 million, $61 million and $389 million of TDSP expense in Texas, East, and West/Services/Other, respectively |
(d) Excludes depreciation and amortization shown separately | | | | | | |
Business Metrics | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | | | Corporate/Eliminations | | Total |
Retail sales | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home power sales volume (GWh) | 9,239 | | | 3,438 | | | 609 | | | | — | | 13,286 | |
Business power sales volume (GWh) | 8,691 | | | 12,148 | | | 2,117 | | | | — | | 22,956 | |
Home natural gas sales volume (MDth) | — | | | 24,115 | | | 39,285 | | | | — | | 63,400 | |
Business natural gas sales volume (MDth) | — | | | 545,940 | | | 41,965 | | | | — | | 587,905 | |
Average retail Home customer count (in thousands)(a) | 2,996 | | | 1,773 | | | 807 | | | | — | | 5,576 | |
Ending retail Home customer count (in thousands)(a) | 2,972 | | | 1,773 | | | 802 | | | | — | | 5,547 | |
Power generation | | | | | | | | | | | |
GWh sold | 8,021 | | 3,881 | | 1,498 | | | | — | | 13,400 |
GWh generated(b) | | | | | | | | | | | |
Coal | 4,465 | | | 2,466 | | — | | | | — | | 6,931 | |
Gas | 1,008 | | | 114 | | 1,500 | | | | — | | 2,622 | |
Nuclear | 2,548 | | | — | | — | | | | — | | 2,548 | |
Oil | — | | — | | 1 | | | | — | | 1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | 8,021 | | | 2,580 | | | 1,501 | | | | | — | | | 12,102 | |
(a) Home customer count includes recurring residential customers, services customers and municipal aggregations | | | | | | |
(b) Includes owned and leased generation, excludes tolled generation and equity investments | | | | | | |
The table below represents the weather metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | | | | | | |
Weather Metrics | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other (b) | | | | | | | | |
2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDDs (a) | 166 | | | 54 | | | 73 | | | | | | | | | |
HDDs (a) | 799 | | | 2,092 | | | 1,159 | | | | | | | | | |
2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDDs | 68 | | | 42 | | | 31 | | | | | | | | | |
HDDs | 1,177 | | | 2,404 | | | 1,151 | | | | | | | | | |
10-year average | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CDDs | 102 | | | 40 | | | 46 | | | | | | | | | |
HDDs | 978 | | | 2,525 | | | 1,093 | | | | | | | | | |
(a) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Climate Prediction Center - A Cooling Degree Day, or CDD, represents the number of degrees that the mean temperature for a particular day is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit in each region. A Heating Degree Day, or HDD, represents the number of degrees that the mean temperature for a particular day is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit in each region. The CDDs/HDDs for a period of time are calculated by adding the CDDs/HDDs for each day during the period
(b) The West/Services/Other weather metrics are comprised of the average of the CDD and HDD regional results for the West - California and West - South Central regions
Gross Margin and Economic Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased $4.0 billion and economic gross margin increased $220 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
The tables below describe the changes in gross margin and economic gross margin by segment:
Texas | | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Higher gross margin due to the net effect of: •increased net revenue rates of $8.75 per MWh, or $160 million, primarily driven by changes in customer term, product and mix; and •a $5 million decrease in cost to serve the retail load, which was primarily driven by an extended outage at Limestone in 2022 and the more conservative winter hedge profile in the first quarter of 2022, partially offset by higher supply costs | $ | 165 | |
Lower gross margin due to a decrease in load of 920,000 MWh, or $34 million, from weather, and a decrease in load of 827,000 MWh, or $32 million, driven by attrition and changes in customer mix | (66) | |
Higher gross margin due to market optimization activities | 3 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Increase in economic gross margin | $ | 102 | |
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges | (524) | |
Increase in contract and emission credit amortization | (3) | |
Decrease in depreciation and amortization | 2 | |
Decrease in gross margin | $ | (423) | |
East | | | | | | | | |
| | (In millions) |
Lower gross margin due to a decrease in generation and capacity as a result of Midwest Generation asset retirements in the second quarter of 2022 | | $ | (41) | |
Higher electric gross margin due to higher net revenue rates of $13.00 per MWh, or $175 million, as a result of changes in customer term, product and mix, partially offset by higher supply costs of $7.75 per MWh, or $104 million | | 71 | |
| | |
Lower electric gross margin of $3 million due to a decrease in load of 218,000 MWh from weather, as well as a $3 million decrease due to a reduction in customer count and change in customer mix | | (6) | |
Higher natural gas gross margin, including the impact of transportation and storage contract optimization, resulting in lower supply costs of $0.25 per Dth, primarily driven by a decrease in gas costs, totaling $124 million, partially offset by lower net revenue rates from changes in customer term, product and mix of $0.15 per Dth, or $81 million | | 43 | |
Lower natural gas gross margin from a decrease in volumes, partially offset by an increase in customer count and mix | | (50) | |
| | |
Lower gross margin primarily due to a 63% decrease in PJM capacity prices | | (28) | |
Lower gross margin primarily at Midwest Generation due to a 85% decrease in generation volumes due to dark spread contractions, partially offset by a decrease in supply costs | | (11) | |
Lower gross margin from market optimization activities | | (8) | |
Other | | (5) | |
Decrease in economic gross margin | | $ | (35) | |
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges | | (3,201) | |
Decrease in contract amortization | | 32 | |
Decrease in depreciation and amortization | | 47 | |
Decrease in gross margin | | $ | (3,157) | |
West/Services/Other | | | | | |
| (In millions) |
| |
Lower natural gas gross margin due to higher supply rates of $1.05 per Dth, or $95 million, partially offset by higher net revenue rates of $0.85 per Dth, or $76 million, and changes in customer mix of $3 million | $ | (16) | |
| |
Higher gross margin from market optimization activities | 20 | |
Higher gross margin at Cottonwood due to a reduction in commodity costs | 16 | |
| |
| |
Other | (4) | |
Increase in economic gross margin | $ | 16 | |
Decrease in mark-to-market for economic hedging primarily due to net unrealized gains/losses on open positions related to economic hedges | (496) | |
Increase in contract amortization | (1) | |
Increase in depreciation and amortization | (3) | |
Decrease in gross margin | $ | (484) | |
Vivint(a)
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Increase due to the acquisition of Vivint | $ | 137 | |
| |
Increase in economic gross margin | $ | 137 | |
| |
| |
Increase in depreciation and amortization | (52) | |
Increase in gross margin | $ | 85 | |
(a) Includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023
Mark-to-Market for Economic Hedging Activities
Mark-to-market for economic hedging activities includes asset-backed hedges that have not been designated as cash flow hedges. Total net mark-to-market results decreased by $4.2 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
The breakdown of gains and losses included in revenues and operating costs and expenses by segment was as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2023 |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Eliminations | | Total |
Mark-to-market results in revenue | | | | | | | | | |
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains)/losses on settled positions related to economic hedges | $ | — | | | $ | (13) | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | (3) | | | $ | (7) | |
Reversal of acquired (gain) positions related to economic hedges | — | | | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | (1) | |
Net unrealized gains on open positions related to economic hedges | — | | | 49 | | | 58 | | | (8) | | | 99 | |
Total mark-to-market gains in revenue | $ | — | | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 67 | | | $ | (11) | | | $ | 91 | |
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses | | | | | | | | | |
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges | $ | (79) | | | $ | (482) | | | $ | (281) | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | (839) | |
Reversal of acquired loss/(gain) positions related to economic hedges | 7 | | | (28) | | | (3) | | | — | | | (24) | |
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on open positions related to economic hedges | 201 | | | (1,280) | | | (101) | | | 8 | | | (1,172) | |
Total mark-to-market gains/(losses) in operating costs and expenses | $ | 129 | | | $ | (1,790) | | | $ | (385) | | | $ | 11 | | | $ | (2,035) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, 2022 |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | | | Eliminations | | Total |
Mark-to-market results in revenue | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses/(gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges | $ | 1 | | | $ | (22) | | | $ | 30 | | | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | 7 | |
Reversal of acquired loss positions related to economic hedges | — | | | 2 | | | — | | | | | — | | | 2 | |
Net unrealized (losses) on open positions related to economic hedges | (3) | | | (110) | | | (48) | | | | | 19 | | | (142) | |
Total mark-to-market (losses) in revenue | $ | (2) | | | $ | (130) | | | $ | (18) | | | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | (133) | |
Mark-to-market results in operating costs and expenses | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reversal of previously recognized unrealized (gains) on settled positions related to economic hedges | $ | (94) | | | $ | (261) | | | $ | (62) | | | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (415) | |
Reversal of acquired loss/(gain) positions related to economic hedges | 12 | | | (68) | | | (6) | | | | | — | | | (62) | |
Net unrealized gains on open positions related to economic hedges | 737 | | | 1,905 | | | 264 | | | | | (19) | | | 2,887 | |
Total mark-to-market gains in operating costs and expenses | $ | 655 | | | $ | 1,576 | | | $ | 196 | | | | | $ | (17) | | | $ | 2,410 | |
`
Mark-to-market results consist of unrealized gains and losses on contracts that are not yet settled. The settlement of these transactions is reflected in the same revenue or cost caption as the items being hedged.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the $91 million gain in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices. The $2.0 billion loss in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the value of open positions as a result of decreases in natural gas and power prices and the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the $133 million loss in revenues from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by a decrease in the value of open positions as a result of increases in natural gas and power prices. The $2.4 billion gain in operating costs and expenses from economic hedge positions was driven primarily by an increase in the value of open positions as a result of increases in natural gas and power prices, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains on contracts that settled during the period and acquired contracts that settled during the period.
In accordance with ASC 815, the following table represents the results of the Company's financial and physical trading of energy commodities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. The realized and unrealized financial and physical trading results are included in revenue. The Company's trading activities are subject to limits based on the Company's Risk Management Policy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 |
Trading gains/(losses) | | | |
Realized | $ | 2 | | | $ | 7 | |
Unrealized | 12 | | | (14) | |
Total trading gains/(losses) | $ | 14 | | | $ | (7) | |
Operations and Maintenance Expense
Operations and maintenance expense is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint(a) | | Eliminations | | Total |
| |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | $ | 218 | | | $ | 79 | | | $ | 71 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | 385 | |
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | 189 | | | 101 | | | 47 | | | — | | | (1) | | | 336 | |
(a) Vivint includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023
Operations and maintenance expense increased by $49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, due to the following:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Increase due to the acquisition of Vivint | $ | 18 | |
Decrease primarily due to Midwest Generation asset retirements in the second quarter of 2022, partially offset by an increase in deactivation costs in the West | (9) | |
Increase in major maintenance expenditures associated with the timing of planned outages at STP as well as the scope and duration of outages at Texas gas facilities and Cottonwood | 32 | |
Increase primarily due to higher retail operations costs | 10 | |
Decrease in variable operation and maintenance expense due to a reduction in PJM generation volumes in 2023 as compared to 2022 | (9) | |
| |
| |
Other | 7 | |
Increase in operations and maintenance expense | $ | 49 | |
Other Cost of Operations
Other cost of operations is comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | | | Total |
| |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | $ | 49 | | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 4 | | | | | $ | 85 | |
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | 42 | | | 37 | | | 6 | | | | | 85 | |
Other cost of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was flat, when compared to the same period in 2022, with fluctuations within other cost of operations shown below:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Increase due to higher property insurance premiums | $ | 8 | |
Decrease in retail gross receipt taxes due to lower revenues in the East | (7) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Other | (1) | |
Change in other cost of operations | $ | — | |
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization are comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint(a) | | Corporate | | Total |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | $ | 75 | | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 52 | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 190 | |
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | 77 | | | 77 | | | 21 | | | — | | | 8 | | | 183 | |
(a) Vivint includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023
Depreciation and amortization increased by $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to higher amortization of intangible assets due to the acquisition of Vivint in March 2023, partially offset by lower depreciation at Midwest Generation as a result of asset impairments and retirements in 2022.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative costs are comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Texas | | East | | West/Services/Other | | Vivint(a) | | Corporate | | Total |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | $ | 170 | | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 51 | | | $ | 50 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 426 | |
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | 146 | | | 132 | | | 57 | | | — | | | 12 | | | 347 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) Vivint includes results of operations following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023
Selling, general and administrative costs increased by $79 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, due to the following:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Increase due to the acquisition of Vivint | $ | 50 | |
Increase due to higher personnel costs | 20 | |
Increase in broker fee and commission expenses | 9 | |
Increase due to higher provision for credit losses primarily related to deteriorated customer payment behavior | 7 | |
Decrease due to lower consulting and legal expenses | (5) | |
| |
| |
Other | (2) | |
Increase in selling, general and administrative costs | $ | 79 | |
Acquisition-Related Transaction and Integration Costs
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs of $71 million were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023, which consisted of $36 million of acquisition costs and $30 million of integration costs related to Vivint, as well as $5 million of integration costs related to Direct Energy.
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs of $8 million were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2022, which are comprised primarily of integration costs related to Direct Energy.
Gain/(Loss) on Sale of Assets
The gain on sale of assets of $199 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was related to the sale of land and related assets from the Astoria site.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net increased by $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by higher interest income.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $45 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to the Vivint acquisition including newly issued Senior Secured First Lien Notes, acquired debt of Vivint, borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility and the Receivables Securitization Facilities as well as the write-off of the deferred financing costs associated with the cancellation of the bridge facility for the Vivint acquisition.
Income Tax (Benefit)/Expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, an income tax benefit of $336 million was recorded on a pre-tax loss of $1.7 billion. For the same period in 2022, income tax expense of $571 million was recorded on pre-tax income of $2.3 billion. The effective tax rates were a benefit of 20.1% and expense of 24.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was lower than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to current state tax expense and permanent differences which when applied to year-to-date financial statement losses have an inverted effect and reduce the overall effective income tax rate. For the same period in 2022, the effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to state tax expense.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Position
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, NRG's total liquidity, excluding funds deposited by counterparties, of approximately $3.5 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, was comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 407 | | | $ | 430 | |
Restricted cash - operating | 6 | | | 5 | |
Restricted cash - reserves | 26 | | | 35 | |
Total | 439 | | | 470 | |
Total availability under Revolving Credit Facility and collective collateral facilities(a) | 3,094 | | | 2,324 | |
Total liquidity, excluding funds deposited by counterparties | $ | 3,533 | | | $ | 2,794 | |
(a) Total capacity of Revolving Credit Facility and collective collateral facilities was $7.3 billion and $6.4 billion as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, total liquidity, excluding funds deposited by counterparties, increased by $739 million. Changes in cash and cash equivalent balances are further discussed hereinafter under the heading Cash Flow Discussion. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2023 were predominantly held in bank deposits.
Management believes that the Company's liquidity position and cash flows from operations will be adequate to finance operating and maintenance capital expenditures, to fund dividends, and to fund other liquidity commitments. Management continues to regularly monitor the Company's ability to finance the needs of its operating, financing and investing activity within the dictates of prudent balance sheet management.
The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and continues to work to achieve investment grade credit metrics over time primarily through debt reduction and the realization of growth initiatives.
Credit Ratings
On March 1, 2023, following the Vivint Acquisition financing launch, Standard and Poor's downgraded the Company's issuer credit to BB with a Stable outlook from BB+. There was no change to Moody's and Fitch ratings at the time.
Liquidity
The principal sources of liquidity for NRG's future operating and maintenance capital expenditures are expected to be derived from cash on hand, cash flows from operations, and financing arrangements. As described in Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases, to this Form 10-Q, the Company's financing arrangements consist mainly of the Senior Notes, Convertible Senior Notes, Senior Secured First Lien Notes, Revolving Credit Facility, and tax-exempt bonds. As part of the acquisition of Vivint on March 10, 2023, NRG acquired Vivint's existing debt, which includes senior secured notes, senior notes and a senior secured term-loan.
The Company's requirements for liquidity and capital resources, other than for operating its facilities, can generally be categorized by the following: (i) market operations activities; (ii) debt service obligations, as described in Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases; (iii) capital expenditures, including maintenance, repowering, development, and environmental; and (iv) allocations in connection with acquisition opportunities, debt repayments, share repurchases and dividend payments to stockholders, as described in Note 10, Changes in Capital Structure.
Vivint Acquisition
On March 10, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Vivint. The Company paid $12 per share, or $2.6 billion in cash. The Company funded the acquisition using a combination of $740 million in newly-issued secured corporate debt, $650 million in newly-issued preferred stock, $900 million drawn from its Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables Facilities, and cash on hand.
Issuance of 2033 Senior Notes
On March 9, 2023, the Company issued $740 million of aggregate principal amount of 7.000% senior notes due 2033. The 2033 Senior Notes are senior secured obligations of NRG and are guaranteed by certain of its subsidiaries. Interest is paid semi-annually beginning on September 15, 2023 until the maturity date of March 15, 2033. See Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases, for further discussion.
Series A Preferred Stock
On March 9, 2023, the Company issued 650,000 shares of 10.25% Series A Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock. See Note 10, Changes in Capital Structure, for further discussion.
Revolving Credit Facility
On February 14, 2023 (the “Revolving Credit Facility Amendment Effective Date”), the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to: (i) increase the existing revolving commitments thereunder by $600 million (the “Incremental Commitment”), (ii) extend the maturity date of a portion of the revolving commitments thereunder to February 14, 2028, (iii) transition the benchmark rate applicable to revolving loans from LIBOR to SOFR and (iv) make certain other amendments to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility for purposes of, among other things, providing additional flexibility.
On March 13, 2023, the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, increase the existing revolving commitments by $45 million. As of March 31, 2023, there were outstanding borrowings of $725 million and there were $1.1 billion in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of April 30, 2023, there were outstanding borrowings of $650 million and $994 million in letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Sale of Astoria
On January 6, 2023, the Company closed on the sale of land and related assets from the Astoria site, within the East region of operations, for initial proceeds of $212 million, subject to transaction fees of $3 million and certain indemnifications. As part of the transaction, NRG entered into an agreement to lease the land back for the purpose of operating the Astoria gas turbines. The lease agreement is expected to terminate by the end of the year.
Market Operations
The Company's market operations activities require a significant amount of liquidity and capital resources. These liquidity requirements are primarily driven by: (i) margin and collateral posted with counterparties; (ii) margin and collateral required to participate in physical markets and commodity exchanges; (iii) timing of disbursements and receipts (e.g., buying energy before receiving retail revenues); and (iv) initial collateral for large structured transactions. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had total cash collateral outstanding of $293 million and $4.1 billion outstanding in letters of credit to third parties primarily to support its market activities. As of March 31, 2023, total funds deposited by counterparties were $330 million in cash and $445 million of letters of credit.
Future liquidity requirements may change based on the Company's hedging activities and structures, fuel purchases, and future market conditions, including forward prices for energy and fuel and market volatility. In addition, liquidity requirements depend on the Company's credit ratings and general perception of its creditworthiness.
First Lien Structure
NRG has granted first liens to certain counterparties on a substantial portion of the Company's assets, subject to various exclusions including NRG's assets that have project-level financing and the assets of certain non-guarantor subsidiaries, to reduce the amount of cash collateral and letters of credit that it would otherwise be required to post from time to time to support its obligations under out-of-the-money hedge agreements. The first lien program does not limit the volume that can be hedged, or the value of underlying out-of-the-money positions. The first lien program also does not require NRG to post collateral above any threshold amount of exposure. The first lien structure is not subject to unwind or termination upon a ratings downgrade of a counterparty and has no stated maturity date.
The Company's first lien counterparties may have a claim on its assets to the extent market prices differ from the hedged prices. As of March 31, 2023, all hedges under the first liens were out-of-the-money on a counterparty aggregate basis.
The following table summarizes the amount of MW hedged against the Company's coal and nuclear assets and as a percentage relative to the Company's coal and nuclear capacity under the first lien structure as of March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Equivalent Net Sales Secured by First Lien Structure(a) | 2023 | | | | | | |
In MW | 460 | | | | | | |
As a percentage of total net coal and nuclear capacity(b) | 11% | | | | | | |
(a) Equivalent Net Sales include natural gas swaps converted using a weighted average heat rate by region
(b) Net coal and nuclear capacity represents 80% of the Company’s total coal and nuclear assets eligible under the first lien, which excludes coal assets acquired with Midwest Generation and NRG's assets that have project level financing
Capital Expenditures
The following tables and descriptions summarize the Company's capital expenditures for maintenance, environmental and growth investments for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the estimated capital expenditures forecast for the remainder of 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | Maintenance | | Environmental | | Growth Investments(a) | | Total |
Texas | $ | (100) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (20) | | | $ | (120) | |
| | | | | | | |
West/Services/Other | (7) | | | — | | | (2) | | | (9) | |
Corporate | (4) | | | — | | | (8) | | | (12) | |
Vivint(b) | (1) | | | — | | | — | | | (1) | |
Total cash capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2023 | (112) | | | — | | | (30) | | | (142) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Investments | — | | | — | | | (49) | | | (49) | |
Total capital expenditures and investments | $ | (112) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (79) | | | $ | (191) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Estimated capital expenditures and investments for the remainder of 2023(c) | $ | (438) | | | $ | (13) | | | $ | (251) | | | $ | (702) | |
(a)Includes other investments, acquisitions and integration projects
(b)Vivint includes expenditures following the acquisition date of March 10, 2023
(c)Estimated capital expenditures related to W.A. Parish do not reflect expected insurance recoveries
Growth investments for the three months ended March 31, 2023 include expenditures for a small book acquisition, integration operating expenses, as well as the Encina site improvements classified as ARO payments. NRG has completed its demolition activities at the site and has begun marketing the site.
Environmental Capital Expenditures
NRG estimates that environmental capital expenditures from 2023 through 2027 required to comply with environmental laws will be approximately $42 million, primarily driven by the cost of complying with ELG at the Company's coal units in Texas.
Common Stock Dividends
During the first quarter of 2023, NRG increased the annual dividend to $1.51 from $1.40 per share and expects to target an annual dividend growth rate of 7%-9% per share in subsequent years. A quarterly dividend of $0.3775 per share was paid on the Company's common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2023. On April 19, 2023, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.3775 per share, payable on May 15, 2023 to stockholders of record as of May 1, 2023.
Obligations under Certain Guarantees
NRG and its subsidiaries enter into various contracts that include indemnifications and guarantee provisions as a routine part of the Company’s business activities. For further discussion, see Note 27, Guarantees, to the Company's 2022 Form 10-K.
Obligations Arising Out of a Variable Interest in an Unconsolidated Entity
Variable interest in equity investments — NRG’s investment in Ivanpah is a variable interest entity for which NRG is not the primary beneficiary. NRG's pro-rata share of non-recourse debt was approximately $475 million as of March 31, 2023. This indebtedness may restrict the ability of Ivanpah to issue dividends or distributions to NRG.
Contractual Obligations and Market Commitments
NRG has a variety of contractual obligations and other market commitments that represent prospective cash requirements in addition to the Company's capital expenditure programs, as disclosed in the Company's 2022 Form 10-K. See also Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases, and Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, to this Form 10-Q for a discussion of new commitments and contingencies that also include contractual obligations and market commitments that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Cash Flow Discussion
The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the comparative three month periods: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended March 31, | | |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
Cash (used)/provided by operating activities | $ | (1,598) | | | $ | 1,676 | | | $ | (3,274) | |
Cash used by investing activities | (2,350) | | | (80) | | | (2,270) | |
Cash provided by financing activities | 2,536 | | | 287 | | | 2,249 | |
Cash (used)/provided by operating activities
Changes to cash (used)/provided by operating activities were driven by: | | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Changes in cash collateral in support of risk management activities due to change in commodity prices | $ | (3,419) | |
Increase in operating loss/income adjusted for other non-cash items | 243 | |
Decrease in working capital primarily due to lower market pricing and volumes on gas and power | (87) | |
Decrease in other working capital | (11) | |
| $ | (3,274) | |
Cash used by investing activities
Changes to cash (used)/provided by investing activities were driven by:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Increase in cash paid for acquisitions primarily due to the acquisition of Vivint in March 2023 | $ | (2,466) | |
Increase in proceeds from sale of assets primarily due to the sale of the land and related assets from the Astoria site in January 2023 | 205 | |
Increase in capital expenditures | (82) | |
Increase from insurance proceeds for property, plant and equipment, net in 2023 | 71 | |
Increase in proceeds from sales of investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities, net of purchases | 2 | |
| |
| $ | (2,270) | |
Cash provided by financing activities
Changes to cash provided/(used) by financing activities were driven by:
| | | | | |
| (In millions) |
Increase in proceeds from Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables Securitization Facilities in 2023 | $ | 950 | |
Increase in proceeds from issuance of long-term debt in 2023 | 731 | |
Increase in proceeds from issuance of preferred stock in 2023 | 636 | |
Decrease in net receipts from settlement of acquired derivatives | (225) | |
Increase due to lower payments for share repurchase activity | 180 | |
Increase in payments of deferred issuance costs | (18) | |
Decrease due to repayments of long-term debt and finance leases | (3) | |
Increase in payments of dividends to common stockholders | (2) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| $ | 2,249 | |
NOLs, Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Position Implications, under ASC 740
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company had domestic pre-tax book loss of $1.5 billion and foreign pre-tax book loss of $168 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had cumulative U.S. Federal NOL carryforwards of $8.2 billion, which do not have an expiration date, and cumulative state NOL carryforwards of $5.3 billion for financial statement purposes. NRG also has cumulative foreign NOL carryforwards of $382 million, most of which do not have an expiration date. In addition to the above NOLs, NRG has a $270 million indefinite carryforward for interest deductions, as well as $393 million of tax credits to be utilized in future years. As of March 31, 2023, additional federal and state NOLs of $2.1 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, as well as federal carryforward for interest deductions of $739 million, were added with the acquisition of Vivint. As a result of the Company's tax position, including the utilization of federal and state NOLs, and based on current forecasts, the Company anticipates net income tax payments due to federal, state and foreign jurisdictions of up to $66 million in 2023.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company has $41 million of tax-effected uncertain federal and state tax benefits, for which the Company has recorded a non-current tax liability of $43 million (inclusive of accrued interest) until final resolution is reached with the related taxing authority.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2019. With few exceptions, state and Canadian income tax examinations are no longer open for years prior to 2014.
Deferred tax assets and valuation allowance
Net deferred tax balance — As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, NRG recorded a net deferred tax asset, excluding valuation allowance, of $2.8 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively. The Company believes certain state net operating losses may not be realizable under the more-likely-than-not measurement and as such, a valuation allowance was recorded as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 as discussed below.
NOL Carryforwards — As of March 31, 2023, the Company had a tax-effected cumulative U.S. NOLs consisting of carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of $1.7 billion and $315 million, respectively. Additional federal and state NOLs of $446 million and $70 million, respectively, were added with the acquisition of Vivint. The Company estimates it will need to generate future taxable income to fully realize the net federal deferred tax asset before the expiration of certain carryforwards commences in 2030. In addition, NRG has tax-effected cumulative foreign NOL carryforwards of $102 million.
Valuation Allowance — As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s tax-effected valuation allowance was $231 million and $224 million, respectively, consisting of state NOL carryforwards and foreign NOL carryforwards. The valuation allowance was recorded based on the assessment of cumulative and forecasted pre-tax book earnings and the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences.
Guarantor Financial Information
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's outstanding registered senior notes consisted of $375 million of the 2027 Senior Notes and $821 million of the 2028 Senior Notes as shown in Note 8, Long-term Debt and Finance Leases. These Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of NRG's current and future 100% owned domestic subsidiaries, or guarantor subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). See Exhibit 22.1 for a listing of the Guarantors. These guarantees are both joint and several.
NRG conducts much of its business through and derives much of its income from its subsidiaries. Therefore, the Company's ability to make required payments with respect to its indebtedness and other obligations depends on the financial results and condition of its subsidiaries and NRG's ability to receive funds from its subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of any of the Guarantors to transfer funds to NRG. Other subsidiaries of the Company do not guarantee the registered debt securities of either NRG Energy, Inc or the Guarantors (such subsidiaries are referred to as the “Non-Guarantors”). The Non-Guarantors include all of NRG's foreign subsidiaries and certain domestic subsidiaries.
The tables below present summarized financial information of NRG Energy, Inc. and the Guarantors in accordance with Rule 3-10 under the SEC's Regulation S-X. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations or financial position of NRG Energy, Inc. and the Guarantors in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following table presents the summarized statement of operations:
| | | | | |
(In millions) | Three months ended March 31, 2023 |
Revenues(a) | $ | 6,542 | |
Operating loss(b) | (1,467) | |
Total other expense | (97) | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (1,563) | |
Net Loss | (1,275) | |
(a)Intercompany transactions with Non-Guarantors of $5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023
(b)Intercompany transactions with Non-Guarantors including cost of operations of $45 million and selling, general and administrative of $35 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023
The following table presents the summarized balance sheet information:
| | | | | |
(In millions) | March 31, 2023 |
Current assets(a) | $ | 8,393 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 1,274 | |
Non-current assets | 14,276 | |
Current liabilities(b) | 8,567 | |
Non-current liabilities | 12,332 | |
(a)Includes intercompany receivables due from Non-Guarantors of $96 million as of March 31, 2023
(b)Includes intercompany payables due to Non-Guarantors of $14 million as of March 31, 2023
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
NRG may enter into power purchase and sales contracts, fuel purchase contracts and other energy-related financial instruments to mitigate variability in earnings due to fluctuations in spot market prices and to hedge fuel requirements at power plants or retail load obligations. In order to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the issuance of the Company's variable rate debt, NRG enters into interest rate swap agreements. In addition, in order to mitigate foreign exchange rate risk primarily associated with the purchase of USD denominated natural gas for the Company's Canadian business, NRG enters into foreign exchange contract agreements.
Under Vivint Flex Pay, customers pay for smart home products by obtaining financing from a third-party financing provider under the Consumer Financing Program. Vivint pays certain fees to the financing providers and shares in credit losses depending on the credit quality of the customer.
NRG's trading activities are subject to limits in accordance with the Company's Risk Management Policy. These contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in earnings.
The tables below disclose the activities that include both exchange and non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). Specifically, these tables disaggregate realized and unrealized changes in fair value; disaggregate estimated fair values at March 31, 2023, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of contracts at March 31, 2023. For a full discussion of the Company's valuation methodology of its contracts, see Derivative Fair Value Measurements in Note 5, Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
| | | | | |
Derivative Activity Gains/(Losses) | (In millions) |
Fair Value of Contracts as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 3,553 | |
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period | (871) | |
Vivint contracts acquired during the period | (112) | |
Changes in fair value | (1,063) | |
Fair Value of Contracts as of March 31, 2023 | $ | 1,507 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value of Contracts as of March 31, 2023 |
(In millions) | Maturity |
Fair Value Hierarchy (Losses)/Gains | 1 Year or Less | | Greater than 1 Year to 3 Years | | Greater than 3 Years to 5 Years | | Greater than 5 Years | | Total Fair Value |
Level 1 | $ | (399) | | | $ | 293 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | (91) | |
Level 2 | 562 | | | 514 | | | 139 | | | 23 | | | 1,238 | |
Level 3 | (113) | | | 96 | | | 139 | | | 238 | | | 360 | |
Total | $ | 50 | | | $ | 903 | | | $ | 285 | | | $ | 269 | | | $ | 1,507 | |
The Company has elected to disclose derivative assets and liabilities on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. Also, collateral received or posted on the Company's derivative assets or liabilities are recorded on a separate line item on the balance sheet. Consequently, the magnitude of the changes in individual current and non-current derivative assets or liabilities is higher than the underlying credit and market risk of the Company's portfolio. As discussed in Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Commodity Price Risk, to this Form 10-Q, NRG measures the sensitivity of the Company's portfolio to potential changes in market prices using VaR, a statistical model which attempts to predict risk of loss based on market price and volatility. NRG's risk management policy places a limit on one-day holding period VaR, which limits the Company's net open position. As the Company's trade-by-trade derivative accounting results in a gross-up of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities, the net derivative asset and liability position is a better indicator of NRG's hedging activity. As of March 31, 2023, NRG's net derivative asset was $1.5 billion, a decrease to total fair value of $2.0 billion as compared to December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by losses in fair value, roll-off of trades that settled during the period, and Vivint contracts acquired during the period.
Based on a sensitivity analysis using simplified assumptions, the impact of a $0.50 per MMBtu increase or decrease in natural gas prices across the term of the derivative contracts would result in a change of approximately $1.7 billion in the net value of derivatives as of March 31, 2023.
Critical Accounting Estimates
NRG's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and related disclosures in compliance with GAAP requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance as well as the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance involves judgments regarding future events, including the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges, and the fair value of certain assets and liabilities. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially affect the financial statements and disclosures based on varying assumptions, which may be appropriate to use. In addition, the financial and operating environment may also have a significant effect, not only on the operation of the business, but on the results reported through the application of accounting measures used in preparing the financial statements and related disclosures, even if the nature of the accounting policies has not changed.
NRG evaluates these estimates, on an ongoing basis, utilizing historic experience, consultation with experts and other methods the Company considers reasonable. In any event, actual results may differ substantially from the Company's estimates. Any effects on the Company's business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the information that gives rise to the revision becomes known.
The Company identifies its most critical accounting estimates as those that are the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of the Company's financial position and results of operations, and require the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments by management regarding estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.
The Company's critical accounting estimates are described in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the Company's 2022 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the Company's critical accounting estimates since the 2022 Form 10-K.
ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
NRG is exposed to several market risks in the Company's normal business activities. Market risk is the potential loss that may result from market changes associated with the Company's retail operations, merchant power generation or with existing or forecasted financial or commodity transactions. The types of market risks the Company is exposed to are commodity price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and currency exchange risk. The following disclosures about market risk provide an update to, and should be read in conjunction with, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, of the Company's 2022 Form 10-K.
Commodity Price Risk
Commodity price risks result from exposures to changes in spot prices, forward prices, volatilities and correlations between various commodities, such as natural gas, electricity, coal, oil and emissions credits. NRG manages the commodity price risk of the Company's load serving obligations and merchant generation operations by entering into various derivative or non-derivative instruments to hedge the variability in future cash flows from forecasted sales and purchases of energy and fuel. NRG measures the risk of the Company's portfolio using several analytical methods, including sensitivity tests, scenario tests, stress tests, position reports and VaR. NRG uses a Monte Carlo simulation based VaR model to estimate the potential loss in the fair value of its energy assets and liabilities, which includes generation assets, gas transportation and storage assets, load obligations and bilateral physical and financial transactions, based on historical and forward values for factors such as customer demand, weather, commodity availability and commodity prices. The Company's VaR model is based on a one-day holding period at a 95% confidence interval for the forward 36 months, not including the spot month. The VaR model is not a complete picture of all risks that may affect the Company's results. Certain events such as counterparty defaults, regulatory changes, and extreme weather and prices that deviate significantly from historically observed values are not reflected in the model.
The following table summarizes average, maximum and minimum VaR for NRG's commodity portfolio, calculated using the VaR model for the three months ending March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(In millions) | 2023 | | 2022 |
VaR as of March 31, | $ | 78 | | | $ | 40 | |
Three months ended March 31, | | | |
Average | $ | 72 | | | $ | 37 | |
Maximum | 82 | | | 57 | |
Minimum | 61 | | | 27 | |
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The increase in the range of the daily VaR results was primarily due to increased commodity prices and market volatility during 2023 as compared to 2022. In order to provide additional information, the Company also uses VaR to estimate the potential loss of derivative financial instruments that are subject to mark-to-market accounting. These derivative instruments include transactions that were entered into for both asset management and trading purposes. The VaR for the derivative financial instruments calculated using the diversified VaR model for the entire term of these instruments entered into for both asset management and trading, was $330 million, as of March 31, 2023, primarily driven by asset-backed and hedging transactions.
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. NRG is exposed to counterparty credit risk through various activities including wholesale sales, fuel purchases and retail supply arrangements, and retail customer credit risk through its retail load activities. Counterparty credit risk and retail customer credit risk are discussed below. See Note 7, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to this Form 10-Q for discussion regarding credit risk contingent features.
Counterparty Credit Risk
The Company's counterparty credit risk policies are disclosed in its 2022 Form 10-K. As of March 31, 2023, counterparty credit exposure, excluding credit exposure from RTOs, ISOs, registered commodity exchanges and certain long-term agreements, was $1.7 billion and NRG held collateral (cash and letters of credit) against those positions of $554 million, resulting in a net exposure of $1.1 billion. NRG periodically receives collateral from counterparties in excess of their exposure. Collateral amounts shown include such excess while net exposure shown excludes excess collateral received. Approximately 52% of the Company's exposure before collateral is expected to roll off by the end of 2024. Counterparty credit exposure is valued through observable market quotes and discounted at a risk free interest rate. The following tables highlight net counterparty credit exposure by industry sector and by counterparty credit quality. Net counterparty credit exposure is defined as the aggregate net asset position for NRG with counterparties where netting is permitted under the enabling agreement and
includes all cash flow, mark-to-market and NPNS, and non-derivative transactions. The exposure is shown net of collateral held and includes amounts net of receivables or payables.
| | | | | |
| Net Exposure(a)(b) |
Category by Industry Sector | (% of Total) |
| |
Utilities, energy merchants, marketers and other | 71 | % |
Financial institutions | 29 | |
| |
Total as of March 31, 2023 | 100 | % |
| | | | | |
| Net Exposure (a)(b) |
Category by Counterparty Credit Quality | (% of Total) |
Investment grade | 55 | % |
Non-investment grade/non-rated | 45 | |
Total as of March 31, 2023 | 100 | % |
(a)Counterparty credit exposure excludes uranium and coal transportation contracts because of the unavailability of market prices
(b)The figures in the tables above exclude potential counterparty credit exposure related to RTOs, ISOs, registered commodity exchanges and certain long-term contracts
The Company currently has exposure to two wholesale counterparties in excess of 10% of total net exposure discussed above as of March 31, 2023. Changes in hedge positions and market prices will affect credit exposure and counterparty concentration.
RTOs and ISOs
The Company participates in the organized markets of CAISO, ERCOT, AESO, IESO, ISO-NE, MISO, NYISO and PJM, known as RTOs or ISOs. Trading in the majority of these markets is approved by FERC, whereas in the case of ERCOT, it is approved by the PUCT, and whereas in the case of AESO and IESO, both exist provincially with AESO primarily subject to Alberta Utilities Commission and the IESO to the Ontario Energy Board. These ISOs may include credit policies that, under certain circumstances, require that losses arising from the default of one member on spot market transactions be shared by the remaining participants. As a result, the counterparty credit risk to these markets is limited to NRG’s share of the overall market and are excluded from the above exposures.
Exchange Traded Transactions
The Company enters into commodity transactions on registered exchanges, notably ICE, NYMEX and Nodal. These clearinghouses act as the counterparty and transactions are subject to extensive collateral and margining requirements. As a result, these commodity transactions have limited counterparty credit risk.
Long-Term Contracts
Counterparty credit exposure described above excludes credit risk exposure under certain long-term contracts, primarily solar under Renewable PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not always available to estimate such exposure, the Company values these contracts based on various techniques including, but not limited to, internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Based on these valuation techniques, as of March 31, 2023, aggregate credit risk exposure managed by NRG to these counterparties was approximately $1.1 billion for the next five years.
Retail Customer Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to retail credit risk through the Company's retail electricity and gas providers as well as through Vivint, which serve both Home and Business customers. Retail credit risk results in losses when a customer fails to pay for services rendered. The losses may result from both non-payment of customer accounts receivable and the loss of in-the-money forward value. The Company manages retail credit risk through the use of established credit policies, which include monitoring of the portfolio and the use of credit mitigation measures such as deposits or prepayment arrangements.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's retail customer credit exposure to Home and Business customers was diversified across many customers and various industries, as well as government entities. Current economic conditions may affect the Company’s customers’ ability to pay bills in a timely manner, which could increase customer delinquencies and may lead to an increase in credit losses.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk arises from the general funding needs of the Company's activities and in the management of the Company's assets and liabilities. The Company is currently exposed to additional collateral posting if natural gas prices decline, primarily due to the long natural gas equivalent position at various exchanges used to hedge NRG's retail supply load obligations.
Based on a sensitivity analysis for power and gas positions under marginable contracts as of March 31, 2023, a $0.50 per MMBtu decrease in natural gas prices across the term of the marginable contracts would cause an increase in margin collateral posted of approximately $1.15 billion and a 1.00 MMBtu/MWh decrease in heat rates for heat rate positions would result in an increase in margin collateral posted of approximately $416 million. This analysis uses simplified assumptions and is calculated based on portfolio composition and margin-related contract provisions as of March 31, 2023.
Interest Rate Risk
NRG is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates through its issuance of variable rate debt. Exposures to interest rate fluctuations may be mitigated by entering into derivative instruments known as interest rate swaps, caps, collars and put or call options. These contracts reduce exposure to interest rate volatility and result in primarily fixed rate debt obligations when taking into account the combinations of the variable rate debt and the interest rate derivative instrument. NRG's management policies allow the Company to reduce interest rate exposure from variable rate debt obligations. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company entered into $1.0 billion of interest rate swaps through 2027 to hedge the floating rate on the Term Loan acquired with the Vivint acquisition. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2023, the Company entered into a $720 million interest rate swap to hedge the floating rate on the Revolving Credit Facility extending through 2024.
As of March 31, 2023, the fair value and related carrying value of the Company's debt was $11.6 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively. NRG estimates that a 1% decrease in market interest rates would have increased the fair value of the Company's long-term debt as of March 31, 2023 by $639 million.
Currency Exchange Risk
NRG is subject to transactional exchange rate risk from transactions with customers in countries outside of the United States, primarily within Canada, as well as from intercompany transactions between affiliates. Transactional exchange rate risk arises from the purchase and sale of goods and services in currencies other than the Company's functional currency or the functional currency of an applicable subsidiary. NRG hedges a portion of its forecasted currency transactions with foreign exchange forward contracts. As of March 31, 2023, NRG is exposed to changes in foreign currency primarily associated with the purchase of U.S. dollar denominated natural gas for its Canadian business and entered into foreign exchange contracts with a notional amount of $594 million.
The Company is subject to translation exchange rate risk related to the translation of the financial statements of its foreign operations into U.S. dollars. Costs incurred and sales recorded by subsidiaries operating outside of the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates effective during the respective period. As a result, the Company is exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the U.S. dollar, primarily the Canadian and Australian dollars. A hypothetical 10% appreciation in major currencies relative to the U.S. dollar as of March 31, 2023 would have resulted in an decrease of $12 million to net income within the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
ITEM 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of NRG's management, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, NRG conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in NRG's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred in the quarter ended March 31, 2023 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, NRG's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a discussion of material legal proceedings in which NRG was involved through March 31, 2023, see Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, to this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
The Company's Risk Factors are disclosed in their entirety below, including revisions as a result of the Vivint acquisition.
NRG's risk factors are grouped into the following categories: (i) Risks Related to the Acquisition of Vivint; (ii) Risks Related to the Operation of NRG's Business; (iii) Risks Related to Governmental Regulation and Laws; and (iv) Risks Related to Economic and Financial Market Conditions, and the Company's Indebtedness.
Risks Related to the Acquisition of Vivint
The acquisition of Vivint may not achieve its intended results and its integration may disrupt or have a negative impact on the Company’s business.
Achieving the anticipated cost savings and operating efficiencies from the acquisition of Vivint is subject to risks, including whether the businesses of NRG and Vivint are integrated in an efficient and effective manner. These risks include, but are not limited to:
•the difficulty of managing and integrating Vivint and its operations;
•difficulties in implementing and maintaining uniform processes, systems, standards, controls, procedures, practices, policies and compensation standards;
•unanticipated issues in integrating information technology, communications, and other systems;
•the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying expectations regarding the integration process;
•the potential impairment of relationships with, and loss of, employees;
•the potential difficulty in managing an increased number of locations and employees;
•difficulty addressing any possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies; and
•the effect of any government regulations which relate to the business acquired.
Many of these factors are outside of the Company’s control. Failure to address these risks effectively could result in increased costs, lower-than-expected revenues or income generated by the combined company and diversion of management's time and energy and could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial results and prospects.
Risks Related to the Operation of NRG's Business
NRG's financial performance may be impacted by price fluctuations in the retail and wholesale power and natural gas markets, as well as fluctuations in coal and oil markets and other market factors that are beyond the Company's control.
Market prices for power, capacity, ancillary services, natural gas, coal, oil and renewable energy credits are unpredictable and tend to fluctuate substantially. Electric power generally must be produced concurrently with its use. As a result, power prices are subject to significant volatility due to supply and demand imbalances, especially in the day-ahead and spot markets. Long and short-term power and gas prices may also fluctuate substantially due to other factors outside of the Company's control, including:
•changes in generation capacity in the Company’s markets, including the addition of new supplies of power as a result of the development of new plants, expansion of existing plants, the continued operation of uneconomic power plants due to state subsidies, retirement of existing plants or addition of new transmission capacity;
•changes in law, including judicial decisions, environmental regulations and environmental legislation;
•electric supply disruptions, including plant outages and transmission disruptions;
•changes in power and gas transmission infrastructure;
•transportation capacity constraints or inefficiencies;
•weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations, including the effects of climate change;
•changes in commodity prices and the supply of commodities, including but not limited to natural gas, coal and oil;
•changes in the demand for power or gas, or in patterns of power or gas usage, including the potential development of demand-side management tools and practices, distributed generation, and more efficient end-use technologies;
•development of new fuels, new technologies and new forms of competition for the production of power;
•economic and political conditions; and
•federal, state and provincial power regulations and legislation, and regulations and actions of the ISO and RTOs.
While retail rates are generally designed to allow retail sellers of electricity and natural gas to pass through price fluctuations and other changes to costs, the Company may not be able to pass through all such changes to customers. For
example, serving retail power customers in ISOs that have a capacity market exposes the Company to the risk that capacity costs can change and may not be recoverable, or the Company may engage in sales of power at fixed prices. Additionally, increases in wholesale costs to retail customers may cause additional customer defaults or increased customer attrition, or may be impacted by regulatory rules.
Further, in low natural gas price environments, natural gas can be the more cost-competitive fuel compared to coal for generating electricity. The Company enters into guaranteed supply contracts to provide for the amount of coal needed to operate its base load coal-fired generating facilities. The Company may experience periods where it holds excess amounts of coal if fuel pricing results in the Company reducing or idling coal-fired generating facilities. In addition, the Company may incur costs to terminate supply contracts for coal in excess of its generating requirements.
Such factors and the associated fluctuations in power prices have affected the Company's wholesale and retail profitability in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.
Volatile power and gas supply costs and demand for power and gas could adversely affect the financial performance of NRG's retail operations.
The Company's earnings and cash flows could be adversely affected in any period in which the wholesale power or gas prices rise at a greater rate than the rates the Company can charge to customers. The price of wholesale electricity and gas supply purchases associated with the retail operations' energy commitments can be different than that reflected in the rates charged to customers due to, among other factors:
•varying supply procurement contracts used and the timing of entering into related contracts;
•subsequent changes in the overall price of natural gas;
•daily, monthly or seasonal fluctuations in the price of natural gas relative to the 12-month forward prices;
•transmission and transportation constraints and the Company's ability to move power or gas to its customers; and
•changes in market heat rate (i.e., the relationship between power and natural gas prices).
The Company's earnings and cash flows could also be adversely affected in any period in which its customers' actual usage of electricity or gas significantly varies from the forecasted usage, which could occur due to, among other factors, weather events, changes in usage patterns, competition and economic conditions.
NRG's trading operations and use of hedging agreements could result in financial losses that negatively impact its results of operations, and NRG's hedging activities may increase the volatility in the Company's quarterly and annual financial results.
The Company typically enters into hedging agreements, including contracts to purchase or sell commodities at future dates and at fixed prices, to manage the commodity price risks inherent in its business. The Company’s risk management policies and hedging procedures may not mitigate risk as planned, and the Company may fail to fully or effectively hedge its commodity supply and price risk. In addition, these activities, although intended to mitigate price volatility, expose the Company to other risks. When the Company sells or buys power or gas forward, it gives up the opportunity to buy or sell at the future price, which not only may result in lost opportunity costs but also may require the Company to post significant amounts of cash collateral or other credit support to its counterparties. The Company also relies on counterparty performance under its hedging agreements and is exposed to the credit quality of its counterparties under those agreements. Further, if the values of the financial contracts change in a manner that the Company does not anticipate, or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract, it could harm the Company's business, operating results or financial position.
NRG does not typically hedge the entire exposure of its operations against commodity price volatility. To the extent it does not hedge against commodity price volatility, the Company's results of operations and financial position may be improved or diminished based upon movement in commodity prices.
NRG may engage in trading activities, including the trading of power, fuel and emissions allowances that are not directly related to the operation of the Company's generation facilities or the management of related risks. These trading activities take place in volatile markets and some of these trades could be characterized as speculative. The Company would expect to settle these trades financially rather than through the production of power or the delivery of fuel. This trading activity may expose the Company to the risk of significant financial losses which could have a material adverse effect on its business and financial condition.
NRG generally attempts to balance its fixed-price physical and financial purchases and sales commitments in terms of contract volumes and the timing of performance and delivery obligations through the use of financial and physical derivative contracts. These derivatives are accounted for in accordance with the FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), which requires the Company to record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in the fair value resulting from fluctuations in the underlying commodity prices immediately recognized in earnings, unless the derivative qualifies for
cash flow hedge accounting treatment or a scope exception. As a result, the Company's quarterly and annual results are subject to significant fluctuations caused by changes in market prices.
Competition may have a material adverse effect on NRG's results of operations, cash flows and the market value of its assets.
The Company's retail operations face competition for customers. Competitors may offer different products, lower prices, and other incentives which may attract customers away from the Company. In some retail electricity markets, the principal competitor may be the incumbent utility. The incumbent utility has the advantage of long-standing relationships with its customers and strong brand recognition. Furthermore, NRG may face competition from other energy service providers, other energy industry participants, or nationally branded providers of consumer products and services, who have, and may in the future, develop businesses and offerings that compete with NRG. In the smart home market, the Company faces competition from residential security companies as well as other companies that are able to bundle their existing offerings, such as cable, telecommunications and internet service, with automation and monitored security services, and from do-it-yourself smart home systems, which customers are able to install without subscription services.
The Company’s plant operations face competition from newer or more efficient plants owned by competitors, which may put some of the Company's plants at a disadvantage to the extent these competitors are able to consume the same or less fuel as the Company's plant. Over time, the Company's plants may be unable to compete with these more efficient plants, which could result in asset retirements.
NRG’s competitors may have greater liquidity, greater access to credit and other financial resources, lower cost structures, more effective risk management policies and procedures, greater ability to incur losses, longer-standing relationships with customers, greater brand awareness, greater potential for profitability from retail sales or greater flexibility in the timing of their sale of generation capacity and ancillary services than NRG does. Competitors may also have better access to subsidies or other out-of-market payments that put NRG at a competitive disadvantage.
NRG's competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new laws or regulations or emerging technologies, or devote greater resources to marketing of retail energy and home services than NRG can. In addition, current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among current and new competitors may emerge and rapidly gain significant market share.
There can be no assurance that NRG will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors, and any failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
NRG’s strategy relies, in part, on its ability to cross-serve and optimize its network of retail and smart home services customers, and if it is unable to retain existing customers and expand their use of the Company’s products and services, its expected growth and operating results could be adversely affected.
As part of NRG’s growth strategy, it is important for the Company to cross-sell energy sales and services to smart home services subscribers and smart home services to residential retail customers. While the Company believes there are significant cross-selling opportunities between these customers, there can be no assurances that its efforts in this regard will be successful. Additionally, for the Company to be successful in such cross-selling opportunities, it must retain its existing customers. The length of the terms for which NRG’s retail customers are contracted can be for multi-year periods, but many customers are contracted for a period of one year or less, and smart home services customers historically have entered into subscriptions that range from three to five years. These customers are not obligated to, and may not, renew their contracts or subscriptions after the expirations of their original commitments. Factors that may cause non-renewals include, but are not limited to, customer dissatisfaction with NRG’s products or services, customers’ spending levels and the preference for lower pricing of competitors’ products and services over the Company’s. If customers terminate their contracts, do not renew their contracts or do not expand their use of NRG’s products and services, the Company’s growth strategy may not be successful and its expected results of operations may be adversely affected.
NRG's costs, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted by disruption of its fuel supplies.
NRG relies on natural gas, coal and oil to fuel a majority of its power generation facilities. Grid operations depend on the continuing financial viability of contractual counterparties, as well as the infrastructure (including rail lines, rail cars, barge facilities, roadways, riverways and natural gas pipelines) available to serve generation facilities and to ensure that there is sufficient power produced to meet retail demand. As a result, the Company’s wholesale generation facilities are subject to the risks of disruptions or curtailments in the production of power at its generation facilities if no fuel is available at any price, if a counterparty fails to perform or if there is a disruption in the fuel delivery infrastructure.
NRG routinely hedges both its wholesale sales and purchases to support its retail load obligations. In order to hedge these obligations, the Company may enter into long-term and short-term contracts for the purchase and delivery of fuel. Many of the forward power sales contracts do not allow the Company to pass through changes in fuel costs or discharge the power sale obligations in the case of a disruption in fuel supply due to force majeure events or the default of a fuel supplier or transporter. Disruptions in the Company's fuel supplies or power supply arrangements may therefore require it to supply replacement power either by running its other, higher cost power plants or by obtaining power from third-party sources at market prices that could substantially exceed the contract price, or to pay damages to counterparties for failure to deliver power or sell electricity or natural gas as contracted. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial performance.
NRG also buys significant quantities of energy and fuel on a short-term or spot market basis. Prices sometimes rise or fall significantly over a relatively short period of time. The price NRG can obtain for the sale of energy may not rise at the same rate, or may not rise at all, to match a rise in fuel or delivery costs. Retail rates may also not rise at the same rate or may not rise at all. This may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial performance.
NRG's plant operating characteristics and equipment, particularly at its coal-fired plants, often dictate the specific fuel quality to be combusted. The availability and price of specific fuel qualities may vary due to supplier financial or operational disruptions, transportation disruptions and force majeure. At times, coal of specific quality may not be available at any price or the Company may not be able to transport such coal to its facilities on a timely basis. In this case, the Company may not be able to run the coal facility even if it would be profitable. Operating a coal facility with different quality coal can lead to emission or operating problems. If the Company had sold forward the power from such a coal facility, it could be required to supply or purchase power from alternate sources, perhaps at a loss. This could have a material adverse impact on the financial results of specific plants and on the Company's results of operations.
There may be periods when NRG will not be able to meet its commitments under forward sale or purchase obligations at a reasonable cost or at all.
The Company may sell fixed price gas as a proxy for power. Because the obligations under most of the Company's forward sale agreements are not contingent on a unit being available to generate power, NRG is generally required to deliver power to the buyer, even in the event of a plant outage, fuel supply disruption or a reduction in the available capacity of the unit. To the extent that the Company does not have sufficient lower-cost capacity to meet its commitments under its forward sale obligations, the Company would be required to supply replacement power either by running its other, higher cost power plants or by obtaining power from third-party sources at market prices that could substantially exceed the contract price. If NRG fails to deliver the contracted power, it would be required to pay the difference between the market price at the delivery point and the contract price, and the amount of such payments could be substantial.
NRG may not have sufficient liquidity to hedge market risks effectively.
The Company is exposed to market risks through its retail and wholesale operations, which involve the purchase of electricity and natural gas for resale, the sale of energy, capacity and related products, and the purchase and sale of fuel, transmission services and emission allowances. These market risks include, among other risks, volatility arising from location and timing differences that may be associated with buying and transporting fuel, converting fuel into energy and delivering energy to a buyer.
NRG undertakes to hedge these market activities through agreements with various counterparties. Many of the Company's agreements with counterparties include provisions that require the Company to provide guarantees, offset or netting arrangements, letters of credit, a first lien on assets and/or cash collateral to protect the counterparties against the risk of the Company's default or insolvency. The amount of such credit support that must be provided typically is based on the difference between the price of the commodity in a given contract and the market price of the commodity. Significant movements in market prices can result in the Company being required to provide cash collateral and letters of credit in very large amounts. The effectiveness of the Company's strategy may depend on the amount of collateral available to enter into or maintain these contracts, and liquidity requirements may be greater than the Company anticipates or will be able to meet. Without a sufficient amount of working capital to post as collateral in support of performance guarantees or as a cash margin, the Company may not be able to manage price volatility effectively or to implement its strategy. An increase in the amount of letters of credit or cash collateral required to be provided to the Company's counterparties may negatively affect the Company's liquidity and financial condition.
Further, if retail customers use more power or gas than expected, or if any of NRG's facilities experience unplanned outages, the Company may be required to procure additional power or gas at spot market prices to fulfill contractual commitments. Without adequate liquidity to meet margin and collateral requirements, the Company may be exposed to significant losses, may miss significant opportunities, and may have increased exposure to the volatility of spot markets.
NRG relies on storage, transportation assets and suppliers, which it does not own or control, to deliver natural gas.
The Company depends on natural gas pipelines and other transportation and storage facilities owned and operated by third parties to deliver natural gas to wholesale and retail markets and to provide retail energy services to customers. The Company's ability to provide natural gas for its present and projected customers will depend upon its suppliers' ability to obtain and deliver supplies of natural gas, as well as NRG's ability to acquire supplies directly from new sources. Factors beyond the control of the Company and its suppliers may affect the Company's ability to deliver such supplies. These factors include other parties' control over the drilling of new wells and the facilities to transport natural gas to the Company's receipt points, development of additional interstate pipeline infrastructure, availability of supply sources competition for the acquisition of natural gas, priority allocations, impact of severe weather disruptions to natural gas supplies and the regulatory and pricing policies of federal and state regulatory agencies, as well as the availability of Canadian reserves for export to the U.S. Energy deregulation legislation may increase competition among natural gas utilities and impact the quantities of natural gas requirements needed for sales service. If supply, transportation or storage is disrupted, including for reasons of force majeure, the ability of the Company to sell and deliver its products and services may be hindered. As a result, the Company may be responsible for damages incurred by its customers, such as the additional cost of acquiring alternative supply at then-current market rates. These conditions could have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Operation of power generation facilities involves significant risks and hazards customary to the power industry that could have a material adverse effect on NRG's revenues and results of operations, and NRG may not have adequate insurance to cover these risks and hazards.
The ongoing operation of NRG's facilities involves risks that include the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, performance below expected levels of output or efficiency and the inability to transport the Company's products to its customers in an efficient manner due to a lack of transmission capacity. Unplanned outages of generating units, including extensions of scheduled outages due to mechanical failures or other problems occur from time to time and are an inherent risk of the Company's business. Unplanned outages typically increase the Company's operation and maintenance expenses and may reduce the Company's revenues as a result of selling fewer MWh or incurring non-performance penalties and/or require NRG to incur significant costs as a result of obtaining replacement power from third parties in the open market or running one of its higher cost units to satisfy the Company's forward power sales obligations. NRG's inability to operate the Company's plants efficiently, manage capital expenditures and costs, and generate earnings and cash flow from the Company's asset-based businesses could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In addition, NRG provides plant operations and commercial services to a variety of third parties. There is a risk that mistakes, mis-operations, or actions taken by these third parties could be attributed to NRG, including the risk of investigation or penalties being assessed to NRG in connection with the services it offers, or that regulators could question whether NRG had the appropriate safeguards in place.
Power generation involves hazardous activities, including acquiring, transporting and unloading fuel, operating large pieces of rotating equipment and delivering electricity to transmission and distribution systems. In addition to natural risks such as earthquake, flood, lightning, hurricane and wind, other hazards, such as fire, explosion, structural collapse and machinery failure are inherent risks in the Company's operations. These and other hazards can cause significant personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property, plant and equipment, contamination of, or damage to, the environment and suspension of operations. The occurrence of any one of these events may result in NRG being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting claims for substantial damages, including for environmental cleanup costs, personal injury and property damage and fines and/or penalties.
NRG maintains an amount of insurance protection that it considers adequate, obtains warranties from vendors and obligates contractors to meet certain performance levels, but the Company cannot provide any assurance that these measures will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all hazards or liabilities to which it may be subject. A successful claim for which the Company is not adequately insured or protected could hurt its financial results and materially harm NRG's financial condition. NRG cannot provide any assurance that its insurance coverage will continue to be available at all or at rates or on terms similar to those presently available. Any losses not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Supplier and/or customer concentration, the inability of suppliers to meet their obligations and dependence on third-party service providers may expose the Company to significant financial credit or performance risks and adversely affect NRG's results of operations, cash flows and financial condition..
NRG often relies on a single contracted supplier or a small number of suppliers for the provision and transportation of fuel, chemicals and other services required for the operation of certain of its facilities. If these suppliers cannot perform these services, the Company utilizes the marketplace. There can be no assurance that the marketplace can provide these services as, when and where required or at comparable prices. The Company also relies on a number of sole or limited source suppliers for
critical components for its smart home products and services, and those services are dependent on third-party cellular, telecommunications and/or internet providers.
The failure of any supplier or customer to fulfill its contractual obligations to NRG, the inability of NRG to source products and services on acceptable terms, if at all, and the failure of third parties to provide services to its customers that are necessary for the Company’s smart home services could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial results. As a result, the financial performance of the Company's facilities is dependent on the credit quality of, and continued performance by, suppliers and customers, which cannot be guaranteed.
Maintenance, expansion and refurbishment of power generation facilities involve significant risks that could result in unplanned power outages or reduced output and could have a material adverse effect on NRG's results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
NRG's facilities require periodic maintenance and repair. Any unexpected failure, including failure associated with breakdowns, forced outages or any unanticipated capital expenditures could result in reduced profitability. NRG cannot be certain of the level of capital expenditures that will be required due to changing environmental and safety laws (including changes in the interpretation or enforcement thereof), needed facility repairs and unexpected events (such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks). The unexpected requirement of large capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and financial condition.
NRG relies on power transmission and distribution facilities that it does not own or control and that are subject to transmission constraints within a number of the Company's core regions.
NRG depends on transmission and distribution facilities owned and operated by others to deliver power to its customers. If transmission or distribution is disrupted, including by force majeure events, or if the transmission or distribution infrastructure is inadequate, NRG's ability to deliver power may be adversely impacted. The Company also cannot predict whether transmission or distribution facilities will be expanded in specific markets to accommodate competitive access to those markets.
In addition, in certain of the markets in which NRG operates, energy transmission congestion may occur and the Company may be deemed responsible for congestion costs associated with power sales or purchases, or retail sales, particularly where the Company’s load is not co-located with its retail sales obligations. If NRG were liable for such congestion costs, the Company's financial results could be adversely affected.
Rates and terms for service of certain residential and commercial customers in Alberta are subject to regulatory review and approval.
The Company owns Direct Energy Regulated Services, which serves as a regulated rate supplier for residential and commercial energy customers in portions of the province of Alberta. It is required to engage in regulatory approval proceedings as a part of the process of establishing the terms and rates for sales of power and natural gas. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including governmental bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups and various consumers of energy, who have differing concerns but also have the common objective of limiting rate increases or even reducing rates. Decisions are subject to appeal, potentially leading to additional uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings. The potential duration of such proceedings creates a risk that rates ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory body may not be sufficient for the Company to recover its costs by the time the rates become effective. Established rates are also subject to subsequent reviews by regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, subject to refund or disallowed. In certain instances, the Company could agree to negotiated settlements related to various rate matters and other cost recovery elements. These settlements are subject to regulatory approval. The ultimate outcome and timing of regulatory rate proceedings have a significant effect on the Company to recover its costs or earn an adequate return. In addition, subsequent legislative or regulatory action could alter the terms on which the regulated business operates and future earnings could be negatively impacted. The Company also operates a competitive energy supply business in Alberta that is not subject to rate regulation and is subject to stringent requirements to segregate operations and information relating to the competitive business from the regulated business. Failure to comply with these and other requirements on the business could subject the Company's regulated and competitive businesses in Alberta to fines, penalties, and restrictions on the ability to continue business.
Because NRG owns less than a majority of the ownership interests of some of its project investments, the Company cannot exercise complete control over their operations.
NRG has limited control over the operation of some project investments and joint ventures because the Company's investments are in projects where it beneficially owns less than a majority of the ownership interests. NRG seeks to exert a degree of influence with respect to the management and operation of projects in which it owns less than a majority of the ownership interests by negotiating to obtain positions on management committees or to receive certain limited governance rights, such as rights to veto significant actions. However, the Company may not always succeed in such negotiations. NRG
may be dependent on its co-venturers to operate such projects. The Company's co-venturers may not have the level of experience, technical expertise, human resources management or other attributes necessary to operate these projects optimally. The approval of co-venturers also may be required for NRG to receive distributions of funds from projects or to transfer the Company's interest in projects.
Future acquisition or disposition activities could involve unknown risks and may have materially adverse effects and NRG may be subject to trailing liabilities from businesses that it disposes of or that are inactive.
NRG may in the future acquire or dispose of businesses or assets, acquire or sell books of retail customers, or pursue other business activities, directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries that involve a number of risks. The acquisition of companies and assets, and their integration, is subject to substantial risks, including the failure to identify material problems during due diligence, the risk of over-paying for assets or customers, the inability to retain customers and the inability to arrange financing for an acquisition as may be required or desired. Further, the integration and consolidation of acquisitions requires substantial human, financial and other resources and, ultimately, the Company's acquisitions may not be successfully integrated. In the case of dispositions, such risks may relate to employment matters, counterparties, regulators and other stakeholders in the disposed business, the separation of disposed assets from NRG’s business, the management of NRG’s ongoing business, and other financial, legal and operational matters related to such disposition, which may be unknown to NRG at the time. In addition, NRG may be subject to material trailing liabilities from disposed businesses. Any such risk may result in one or more costly disputes or litigation. There can be no assurances that any future acquisitions will perform as expected or that the returns from such acquisitions will support the indebtedness incurred to acquire them or the capital expenditures needed to develop them. There can also be no assurances that NRG will realize the anticipated benefits from any such dispositions. The failure to realize the anticipated returns or benefits from an acquisition or disposition could adversely affect NRG's results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The operation of the Company's businesses is subject to advanced persistent cyber-based security threats and integrity risk. Attacks on NRG's infrastructure that breach cyber/data security measures could expose the Company to significant liabilities, reputational damage, regulatory action, and disrupt business operations, which could have a material adverse effect.
Numerous functions affecting the efficient operation of NRG’s businesses depend on the secure and reliable storage, processing and communication of electronic data and the use of sophisticated computer hardware and software systems, much of which is connected (directly or indirectly) to the internet. As a result, NRG's information technology systems and infrastructure, and those of its vendors and suppliers, are susceptible to cyber-based security threats which could compromise confidentiality, integrity or availability. While the Company has controls in place designed to protect its infrastructure, such breaches and threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, requiring continuing evolution of its program. Any such breach, disruption or similar event that impairs NRG's information technology infrastructure could disrupt normal business operations and affect the Company's ability to control its generation assets, provide smart home services, maintain confidentiality, availability and integrity of restricted data, access retail customer information and limit communication with third parties, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
As part of the continuing development of new and modified reliability standards, the FERC has approved changes to its Critical Infrastructure Protection reliability standards and has established standards for assets identified as "critical cyber assets." Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the FERC can impose penalties (up to $1 million per day, per violation) for failure to comply with mandatory electric reliability standards, including standards to protect the power system against potential disruptions from cyber/data and physical security breaches.
Further, the Company's retail and home services businesses, including Vivint's smart home platform, require accessing, collecting, storing and transmitting sensitive customer data in the ordinary course of business. Concerns about data privacy have led to increased regulation and other actions that could impact NRG's businesses and changes in data privacy and data protection laws and regulations or any failure to comply with such laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and financial results. NRG's retail and home services businesses may need to provide sensitive customer data to vendors and service providers who require access to this information in order to provide services, such as call center operations, to such businesses. The services and the networks and information systems utilized by the Company may be at risk for breaches as a result of third-party actions, employee or vendor error, malfeasance or other factors.
Although the Company takes precautions to protect its infrastructure, it has been, and will likely continue to be, subject to attempts at phishing and other cybersecurity intrusions. International conflict increases the risk of state-sponsored cyber threats and escalated use of cybercriminal and cyber-espionage activities. In particular, the current geopolitical climate has further escalated cybersecurity risk, with various government agencies, including the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, issuing warnings of increased cyber threats, particularly for U.S. critical infrastructure. While the Company has not experienced a cyber/data event causing any material operational, reputational or financial impact, it recognizes the growing threat within the general marketplace and the industry, and there is no assurance that NRG will be able to prevent any such
impacts in the future. If a material breach of the Company's information technology systems were to occur, the critical operational capabilities and reputation of its business may be adversely affected, customer confidence may be diminished, and NRG may be subject to substantial legal or regulatory scrutiny and claims, any of which may contribute to potential legal or regulatory actions against the Company, loss of customers and otherwise have a material adverse effect. Any loss or disruption of critical operational capabilities to support the Company's generation, commercial or retail operations, loss of customers, or loss of confidential or proprietary data through a breach, unauthorized access, disruption, misuse or disclosure could adversely affect NRG's reputation, expose the Company to material legal or regulatory claims and impair the Company's ability to execute its business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect. In addition, NRG may experience increased capital and operating costs to implement increased security for its information technology infrastructure. NRG cannot provide any assurance that such events and impacts will not be material in the future, and the Company's efforts to deter, identify and mitigate future breaches may require additional significant capital and may not be successful.
Negative publicity may damage NRG's reputation or its brands and negatively impact its business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees.
NRG’s reputation and brands could be damaged for numerous reasons, including negative views of the Company’s environmental impact, sustainability goals, supply chain practices, product and service offerings, sponsorship relationships, charitable giving programs and public statements made by Company officials. Additionally, the Company is from time to time named in investigations, claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, and customers have in the past communicated complaints to consumer protection organizations, regulators or the media. Negative claims or publicity regarding the Company or its operations, offerings, practices or customer service may damage its brands or reputation, even if such claims are untrue. The Company may also experience criticism or backlash from media, customers, employees, government entities, advocacy groups and other stakeholders that disagree with positions taken by the Company or its executives. If the Company’s brands or reputation are damaged, it could negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees.
Risks that are beyond NRG's control, including but not limited to acts of terrorism or related acts of war, natural disaster or other catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on NRG's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
NRG's generation facilities and the facilities of third parties on which they rely may be targets of terrorist activities, as well as events occurring in response to or in connection with such activities, all of which could cause environmental repercussions and/or result in full or partial disruption of the facilities ability to generate, transmit, transport or distribute electricity or natural gas. Strategic targets, such as energy-related facilities, may be at greater risk of future terrorist activities than other domestic targets. Any such environmental repercussions or disruption could result in a significant decrease in revenues or significant reconstruction or remediation costs beyond what could be recovered through insurance policies, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, significant weather events or terrorist actions could damage or shut down the power or gas transmission and distribution facilities upon which the Company is dependent, which may reduce retail volume for extended periods of time. Power or gas supply may be sold at a loss if these events cause a significant loss of retail customer demand.
The Company has made investments focused on consumer products that may not be successful, may not achieve the intended financial results or may result in product liability and reputational risk that could adversely affect the Company.
The Company may be liable to customers for any damage caused to customers’ homes, facilities, belongings or property during the installation of Company products and systems, such as smart home systems, home back-up generators and residential HVAC system repairs, installation and replacements. Where such work is performed by independent contractors, such as repairs performed under the Company's home warranty and protection plan products, the Company may nonetheless face claims and costs for damage. In addition, shortages of skilled labor for Company projects could significantly delay a project or otherwise increase its costs. The products that the Company sells or manufactures may expose the Company to product liability claims relating to personal injury, death, or environmental or property damage, and may require product recalls or other actions. Although the Company maintains liability insurance and its service contracts limit Company liability, the Company cannot be certain that its coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that insurance will continue to be available to the Company on economically reasonable terms, or at all, or that contractual limitations will be enforced. The laws of some states limit or prohibit insurance coverage for certain liabilities and actions, and any significant uninsured damages could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and cash flows. Further, any product liability claim or damage caused by the Company could significantly impair the Company’s brand and reputation, which may result in a failure to maintain customers and achieve the Company’s desired growth initiatives in these new businesses.
Changes in technology may impair the value of, and the attractiveness of, its retail products, smart home services and NRG’s generation facilities.
Research and development activities are ongoing in the industry to provide alternative and more efficient technologies to produce power, including wind, photovoltaic (solar) cells, hydrogen, energy storage, and improvements in traditional technologies and equipment, such as more efficient gas turbines. Advances in these or other technologies could reduce the costs of power production to a level below what the Company has currently forecasted, which could adversely affect its cash flows, results of operations or competitive position. Technology, including distributed technology or changes in retail rate structures, may also have a material impact on the Company’s ability to retain retail customers. Further, technological innovation and changes could cause the Company’s smart home products and services to become obsolete, or otherwise more expensive and less effective than those of competitors, putting the Company at a competitive disadvantage.
Some emerging technologies, such as distributed renewable energy technologies, broad consumer adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage devices, could affect the price of energy. These emerging technologies may affect the financial viability of utility counterparties and could have significant impacts on wholesale market prices, which could ultimately have a material adverse effect on NRG's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s smart home services rely on intellectual property and any failure to adequately protect such intellectual property, or claims that the Company has infringed on others’ intellectual property rights, could have an adverse effect on its business and operations and result in a competitive disadvantage.
The Company relies on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws of the United States and other countries and a combination of confidentiality procedures, contractual provisions and other methods, to protect its intellectual property, all of which offer only limited protection. If the Company fails to acquire the necessary intellectual property rights or adequately protect or assert its intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market similar products and services or convert customers, which could adversely affect market share and results of operations for smart home services. In addition, patent rights may not prevent competitors from developing, using or selling products or services that are similar to or address the same market as the Company’s smart home products and services. Certain of the Company’s smart home solutions contain software modules licensed under “open-source” licenses, which may entail greater risks than the use of third-party commercial software, as open-source licensors generally do not provide warranties or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality of the code. Further, if proprietary software is combined with open-source software, in certain cases the Company could be required to release the source code of the proprietary software to the public, allowing competitors to create similar products with lower development effort and time.
It is possible that certain of the Company’s smart home products and services or those of third parties incorporated into its offerings could infringe the intellectual property rights of others. From time to time, Vivint has been subject to claims based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation or other violations of the intellectual property rights of others. If the Company is unable to successfully defend against such claims or license necessary third-party technology or other intellectual property on acceptable terms it may be required to develop alternative, non-infringing technology, which could require significant time, effort, and expense and may ultimately not be successful.
NRG's business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted by strikes or work stoppages by its unionized employees or inability to replace employees as they retire.
As of December 31, 2022, approximately 12% of NRG's employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the event that the Company's union employees strike, participate in a work stoppage or slowdown or engage in other forms of labor strife or disruption, NRG would be responsible for procuring replacement labor or the Company could experience reduced power generation or outages. Although NRG's ability to procure such labor is uncertain, contingency staffing planning is completed as part of each respective contract negotiation. Strikes, work stoppages or the inability to negotiate future collective bargaining agreements on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, a number of the Company's employees at NRG's plants are close to retirement. The Company's inability to replace retiring workers could create potential knowledge and expertise gaps as such workers retire.
Risks Related to Governmental Regulation and Laws
NRG's business is subject to substantial energy regulation and may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, as well as liability under, or any future inability to comply with, existing or future energy regulations or requirements.
NRG's business is subject to extensive U.S. federal, state and local laws and foreign laws. Compliance with, or changes to, the requirements under these legal regimes may cause the Company to incur significant additional costs, reduce the Company's ability to hedge exposure or to sell retail power within certain states or to certain classes of retail customers, or restrict the Company’s marketing practices, its ability to pass through costs to retail customers, or its ability to compete on favorable terms
with competitors, including the incumbent utility. Retail competition and home warranty services are regulated on a state-by-state or at the province-by-province level and are highly dependent on state and provincial laws, regulations and policies, which could change at any moment. Failure to comply with such requirements could result in the shutdown of a non-complying facility, the imposition of liens, fines, and/or civil or criminal liability.
Public utilities under the FPA are required to obtain FERC acceptance of their rate schedules for wholesale sales of electricity. Except for ERCOT generation facilities and power marketers, all of NRG's non-qualifying facility generating companies and power marketing affiliates in the U.S. make sales of electricity in interstate commerce and are public utilities for purposes of the FPA. FERC has granted each of NRG's generating and power marketing companies that make sales of electricity outside of ERCOT the authority to sell electricity at market-based rates. FERC's orders that grant NRG's generating and power marketing companies market-based rate authority reserve the right to revoke or revise that authority if FERC subsequently determines that NRG can exercise market power in transmission or generation, create barriers to entry, or engage in abusive affiliate transactions. In addition, NRG's market-based sales are subject to certain market behavior rules, and if any of NRG's generating and power marketing companies were deemed to have violated those rules, they are subject to potential disgorgement of profits associated with the violation and/or suspension or revocation of their market-based rate authority. If NRG's generating and power marketing companies were to lose their market-based rate authority, such companies would be required to obtain FERC's acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the accounting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements that are imposed on utilities with cost-based rate schedules. This could have a material adverse effect on the rates NRG charges for power from its facilities.
Substantially all of the Company's generation assets are also subject to the reliability standards promulgated by the designated Electric Reliability Organization (currently NERC) and approved by FERC. If NRG fails to comply with the mandatory reliability standards, NRG could be subject to sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties and increased compliance obligations. NRG is also affected by legislative and regulatory changes, as well as changes to market design, market rules, tariffs, cost allocations, and bidding rules that occur in the existing ISOs. The ISOs that oversee most of the wholesale power markets impose, and in the future may continue to impose, mitigation, including price limitations, offer caps, non-performance penalties and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility and the potential exercise of market power in these markets. These types of price limitations and other regulatory mechanisms may have a material adverse effect on the profitability of NRG's generation facilities that sell energy and capacity into the wholesale power markets.
The regulatory environment is subject to significant changes due to state and federal policies affecting wholesale and retail competition and the creation of incentives for the addition of large amounts of new renewable generation and, in some cases, transmission. These changes are ongoing, and the Company cannot predict the future design of the wholesale power markets or the ultimate effect that the changing regulatory environment will have on NRG's business. In addition, in some of these markets, interested parties have proposed material market design changes. If competitive restructuring of the electric power markets is reversed, discontinued, or delayed, the Company's business prospects and financial results could be negatively impacted. In addition, there have been a number of reforms to the regulation of the derivatives markets, both in the United States and internationally. These regulations, and any further changes thereto, or adoption of additional regulations, including any regulations relating to position limits on futures and other derivatives or margin for derivatives, could negatively impact NRG’s ability to hedge its portfolio in an efficient, cost-effective manner by, among other things, potentially decreasing liquidity in the forward commodity and derivatives markets or limiting NRG’s ability to utilize non-cash collateral for derivatives transactions.
NRG’s business may be affected by interference in the competitive wholesale marketplace.
NRG’s generation and competitive retail operations rely on a competitive wholesale marketplace. The competitive wholesale marketplace may be impacted by out-of-market subsidies, including bailouts of uneconomic nuclear plants, imports of power from Canada, renewable mandates or subsidies, mandates to sell power below its cost of acquisition and associated costs as well as out-of-market payments to new or existing generators. These out-of-market subsidies to existing or new generation undermine the competitive wholesale marketplace, which can lead to premature retirement of existing facilities, including those owned by the Company. If these measures continue, capacity and energy prices may be suppressed, and the Company may not be successful in its efforts to insulate the competitive market from this interference. The Company's retail operations may be materially impacted by rules or regulations that allow regulated utilities to participate in competitive retail markets or own and operate facilities that could be provided by competitive market participants.
Additions or changes in tax laws and regulations could potentially affect the Company’s financial results or liquidity.
NRG is subject to various types of tax arising from normal business operations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Any additions or changes to tax legislation, or their interpretation and application, including those with retroactive effect, could have a material adverse effect on NRG’s financial condition and results of operations, including income tax provision and accruals reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted on August 16, 2022, includes the implementation of a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) effective in 2023. The CAMT may
lead to volatility in the Company’s cash tax payment obligations, particularly in periods of significant commodity or currency variability resulting from potential changes in the fair value of derivative instruments. There remains unanswered questions on how the operative rules for CAMT will be implemented and interpreted. The Company continuously monitors and assesses proposed tax legislation that could negatively impact its business.
The integration of the Capacity Performance product into the PJM market could lead to substantial changes in capacity income and non-performance penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on NRG’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
PJM operates a pay-for-performance model where capacity payments are modified based on real-time generator performance. Capacity market prices are sensitive to design parameters, as well as additions of new capacity. NRG may experience substantial changes in capacity income and incur non-performance penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on NRG’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
NRG's ownership interest in a nuclear power facility subjects the Company to regulations, costs and liabilities uniquely associated with these types of facilities.
Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ("AEA"), ownership and operation of STP, of which NRG indirectly owns a 44% interest, is subject to regulation by the NRC. Such regulation includes licensing, inspection, enforcement, testing, evaluation and modification of all aspects of nuclear reactor power plant design and operation, environmental and safety performance, technical and financial qualifications, decommissioning funding assurance and transfer and foreign ownership restrictions. The current facility operating licenses for STP expire on August 20, 2047 (Unit 1) and December 15, 2048 (Unit 2).
There are unique risks to owning and operating a nuclear power facility. These include liabilities related to the handling, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, release and use of radioactive materials, particularly with respect to spent nuclear fuel, and uncertainties regarding the ultimate, and potential exposure to, technical and financial risks associated with modifying or decommissioning a nuclear facility. The NRC could require the shutdown of the plant for safety reasons or refuse to permit restart of the unit after unplanned or planned outages. New or amended NRC safety and regulatory requirements may give rise to additional operation and maintenance costs and capital expenditures. Additionally, aging equipment may require more capital expenditures to keep each of these nuclear power plants operating efficiently. This equipment is also likely to require periodic upgrading and improvement. Any unexpected failure, including failure associated with breakdowns, forced outages, or any unanticipated capital expenditures, could result in reduced profitability. STP will be obligated to continue storing spent nuclear fuel if the U.S. DOE continues to fail to meet its contractual obligations to STP made pursuant to the U.S. Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to accept and dispose of STP's spent nuclear fuel. Costs associated with these risks could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on NRG's results of operations, financial condition or cash flow to the extent not covered by the Decommissioning Trusts or recovered from ratepayers. In addition, to the extent that all or a part of STP is required by the NRC to permanently or temporarily shut down or modify its operations, or is otherwise subject to a forced outage, NRG may incur additional costs to the extent it is obligated to provide power from more expensive alternative sources — either NRG's own plants, third-party generators or the ERCOT — to cover the Company's then existing forward sale obligations. Such shutdown or modification could also lead to substantial costs related to the storage and disposal of radioactive materials and spent nuclear fuel.
While STP maintains property and liability insurance for losses related to nuclear operations, there may be limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available. See also Item 15 — Note 23, Commitments and Contingencies, Nuclear Insurance, of the Company's 2022 Form 10-K. An accident at STP or another nuclear facility could have a material adverse effect on NRG's financial condition, its operational results, reputation, or liquidity as losses may exceed the insurance coverage available and/or may result in the obligation to pay retrospective premium obligations.
NRG is subject to environmental laws that impose extensive and increasingly stringent requirements on the Company's ongoing operations, as well as potentially substantial liabilities arising out of environmental contamination. These environmental requirements and liabilities could adversely impact NRG's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
NRG is subject to the environmental laws of foreign and U.S., federal, state and local authorities. The Company must comply with numerous environmental laws and obtain numerous governmental permits and approvals to build and operate the Company's plants. Federal and state environmental laws generally have become more stringent over time. Should NRG fail to comply with any environmental requirements that apply to its operations, the Company could be subject to administrative, civil and/or criminal liability and fines, and regulatory agencies could take other actions seeking to curtail the Company's operations. In addition, when new requirements take effect or when existing environmental requirements are revised, reinterpreted or subject to changing enforcement policies, NRG's business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected.
NRG's businesses are subject to physical, market and economic risks relating to potential effects of climate change, and policies at the national, regional and state levels to regulate GHG emissions and mitigate climate change which could adversely impact NRG's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Fluctuations in weather and other environmental conditions, including temperature and precipitation levels, may affect consumer demand for electricity or natural gas. In addition, the potential physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events, could disrupt NRG's operations and supply chain, and cause it to incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to these effects. These or other changes in climate could lead to increased operating costs or capital expenses. NRG's customers may also experience the potential physical impacts of climate change and may incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to these efforts, including changing the fuel mix and resiliency of their energy solutions and supply.
Hazards customary to the power production industry include the potential for unusual weather conditions, which could affect fuel pricing and availability, the Company's route to market or access to customers, i.e., transmission and distribution lines, transportation and delivery, or critical plant assets. The contribution of climate change to the frequency or intensity of weather-related events could affect NRG's operations and planning process.
Climate change could also affect the availability of a secure and economical supply of water in some locations, which is essential for the continued operation of NRG's generation plants. NRG monitors water supply risk carefully. If it is determined that a water supply risk exists that could impact projected generation levels at any plant, risk mitigation efforts are identified and evaluated for implementation.
Further, demand for NRG's energy-related services could be similarly impacted by consumers’ preferences or market or regulatory factors favoring energy efficiency, lower carbon energy sources or reduced electricity or natural gas usage.
NRG's GHG emissions reduction targets can be found in Item 1, Business —Environmental Regulatory Matters, of the Company's 2022 Form 10-K. The Company's ability to achieve these targets depends on many factors, including the ability to retire high emitting assets, ability to reduce emissions based on technological advances and innovation, and ability to source energy from less carbon intense resources. In addition, any future decarbonization efforts may increase costs, or NRG may otherwise be limited in its ability to apply them. The cost associated with NRG's GHG emissions reduction goals could be significant. Failure to achieve the Company's emissions targets could result in a negative impact on access to and cost of capital, changing investor sentiment regarding investment in the Company or reputation harm.
Enhanced data privacy and data protection laws and regulations or any non-compliance with such laws and regulations, could adversely affect NRG’s business and financial results.
The consumer privacy landscape continues to experience momentum for greater privacy protection and reform at the state and federal level in response to precedents set forth by the General Data Protection Regulation (the "GDPR") and the California Consumer Privacy Act (the "CCPA"). The development and evolving nature of domestic and international privacy regulation and enforcement could impact and potentially limit how NRG processes personally identifiable information. Beginning January 1, 2023, California residents have increased access rights (including the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information), which are enforced by a new state privacy regulator, resulting in more scrutiny of business practices and disclosures. Additional states including Virginia, Utah, Connecticut, Colorado, and Nevada have similarly adopted enhanced data privacy legislation effective in 2023 and patterned after the standards set forth by CCPA, including broader data access rights, with Virginia going a step further requiring businesses to perform data protection assessments for certain processing activities. The Company is also bound by contractual requirements relating to privacy and data protection, and may agree to additional contractual requirements addressing these matters from time to time.
As new laws and regulations are created, amended or expanded, requiring businesses to implement processes to enable customers access to their data and enhanced data protection and management standards, NRG cannot forecast with any certainty the impact that they may have on the Company’s business; however, it is possible the Company may find it necessary or desirable to change certain of its business practices or to expend resources to modify its home products and services and otherwise adapt to these changes. It is possible that the Company may be unable to make such changes and modifications in a commercially reasonable manner or at all, and its ability to develop new home services and features could be limited. Any non-compliance with laws may result in proceedings or actions against the Company by governmental entities or individuals. Moreover, any inquiries or investigations, government penalties or sanctions, or civil actions by individuals may be costly to comply with, resulting in negative publicity, increased operating costs, significant management time and attention, and may lead to remedies that harm the business, including fines, demands or orders that existing business practices be modified or terminated.
NRG's retail operations and smart home services are subject to changing rules and regulations that could have a material impact on the Company's profitability.
The competitiveness of NRG's retail operations partially depends on regulatory policies that establish the structure, rules, terms and conditions on which services are offered to retail customers. These policies can include, among other things, controls on the retail rates that NRG can charge, the imposition of additional costs on sales, restrictions on the Company's ability to obtain new customers through various marketing channels and disclosure requirements. The Company's retail operations may be materially impacted by rules or regulations that allow regulated utilities to participate in competitive retail markets or own and operate facilities that could be provided by competitive market participants. Additionally, state, federal or provincial imposition of net metering or RPS programs can make it more or less expensive for retail customers to supplement or replace their reliance on grid power.
The Company’s smart home services focus on transactions with residential customers, subjecting it to a variety of laws, regulations and licensing requirements governing interactions with residential consumers, including those pertaining to privacy and data security, consumer financial and credit transactions, home improvements, warranties and door-to-door solicitation. In certain jurisdictions, the Company is required to obtain licenses or permits to comply with standards governing marketing and sales efforts, installation of equipment or servicing of subscribers, and monitoring station employee selection and training. Increased regulation of matters relating to interactions with residential consumers could require modification to the Company’s home services operations and the incurrence of additional expenses. Further, any expansion of the scope of products or services into new markets may require additional licenses and expenditures to otherwise maintain compliance with additional laws, regulations or licensing requirements. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, and any new laws, regulations or licensing requirements could negatively affect the Company’s ability to acquire new residential customers. Any of these measures could increase costs for providing, or reduce customer satisfaction with respect to, smart home services.
The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") and the Federal Communications Commission have issued regulations that restrict direct-to-home marketing, telemarketing, email marketing and other sales practices, including limitations on methods of communication, requirements to maintain a “do not call” list, cancellation rights and required training for personnel to comply with these restrictions. Any noncompliance, or alleged noncompliance, of applicable regulations by the Company, third-party vendors used for marketing, telemarketing or lead generation activities or independent, third-party authorized dealers of smart home services could result in private rights of actions or enforcement actions for civil or criminal penalties. Changes in regulations or interpretations that further restrict lead generating activities also could result in a reduction in the number of new smart home services customers.
The Company’s smart home business exposes it to risks of liability for the acts or omissions of its employees, including with respect to sales practices.
Activities in connection with sales efforts by employees, independent contractors, and other agents, including predatory door-to-door sales tactics and fraudulent misrepresentations, have in the past subjected it to, and could in the future subject the Company to, governmental investigations and class action lawsuits for, among others, false advertising and deceptive trade practice damage claims. Any litigation or regulatory proceedings resulting from such activities could adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company is subject to various risks in connection with Vivint’s ongoing settlement administration process involving the FTC, and may be subject to FTC Actions in the future.
In 2021, Vivint entered into a settlement with the FTC where Vivint paid a total of $20 million to the United States and agreed to implement various compliance-related measures. The settlement requires a biennial assessments by an independent third-party assessor of Vivint’s compliance programs and for the assessor to provide a report to the FTC staff on ongoing compliance with the settlement. Although Vivint took action to enhance its compliance programs, these and other measures that the Company may take in the future may not be successful. If any assessments identify deficiencies in the Company’s efforts to comply, and should the FTC determine that Vivint is not in full compliance with the settlement, it could take further action, such as seeking judicial remedies for any noncompliance, and Vivint could be subject to additional sanctions and restrictions on its smart home operations. In addition, the filing of an application with the court for noncompliance with the settlement could lead to regulatory actions by other agencies or private litigation, impact Vivint’s ability to obtain regulatory approvals necessary to carry out present or future plans and operations, and result in negative publicity.
The Company's international operations are exposed to political and economic risks, commercial instability and events beyond the Company's control in the countries in which it operates, which risks may negatively impact the Company's business.
The Company's international operations depend on products manufactured, purchased and sold in the U.S. and internationally. In some cases, these countries have greater political and economic volatility and greater vulnerability to infrastructure labor, and supply chain disruptions than in NRG's other markets. Operating a business in a number of different
regions and countries exposes the Company to a number of risks, including: imposition of burdensome tariffs or quotas, multiple and potentially conflicting laws, regulations and policies that are subject to change, imposition of currency restrictions on repatriation of earnings or other restraints, national and international conflict, including terrorist acts and political and economic instability or civil unrest that may severely disrupt economic activity in affected countries and result in increased cost.
The occurrence of one or more of these events may negatively impact the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to the Economic and Financial Market Conditions, and the Company's Indebtedness
NRG's level of indebtedness could adversely affect its ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations or return capital to stockholders. It could also expose it to the risk of increased interest rates and limit its ability to react to changes in the economy or its industry.
NRG's substantial debt could have negative consequences, including:
•increasing NRG's vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;
•requiring a substantial portion of NRG's cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on its indebtedness, therefore reducing NRG's ability to pay dividends or to use its cash flow to fund its operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
•limiting NRG's ability to enter into long-term power sales or fuel purchases which require credit support;
•limiting NRG's ability to obtain additional financing for working capital including collateral postings, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;
•limiting NRG's ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing it at a competitive disadvantage compared to its competitors who have less debt; and
•exposing NRG to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of its borrowings are at variable rates of interest, primarily through its Revolving Credit Facility.
The Company’s credit documents contain financial and other restrictive covenants that may limit the Company's ability to return capital to stockholders or otherwise engage in activities that may be in its long-term best interests. NRG's failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of the Company's indebtedness. The Company's corporate credit agreement includes a sustainability-linked metric and sustainability-linked bonds, which could result in increased interest expense to the Company if the sustainability metrics set forth therein are not met. Furthermore, financial and other restrictive covenants contained in any project level subsidiary debt may limit the ability of NRG to receive distributions from such subsidiary.
In addition, NRG's ability to arrange financing, either at the corporate level, a non-recourse project-level subsidiary or otherwise, and the costs of such capital, are dependent on numerous factors, including: general economic and capital market conditions; credit availability from banks and other financial institutions; investor confidence in NRG, its partners and the regional wholesale power markets; NRG's financial performance and the financial performance of its subsidiaries; NRG's level of indebtedness and compliance with covenants in debt agreements; maintenance of acceptable credit ratings; cash flow; and provisions of tax and securities laws that may impact raising capital.
NRG may not be successful in obtaining additional capital for these or other reasons. The failure to obtain additional capital from time to time may have a material adverse effect on its business and operations.
Adverse economic conditions could adversely affect NRG’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Adverse economic conditions, including inflation, and declines in wholesale energy prices, partially resulting from adverse economic conditions, may impact NRG's results of operations, including by reducing the demand for energy commodities. Reduced demand from negative economic conditions continues to impact the key domestic wholesale energy markets NRG serves. In general, economic and commodity market conditions will continue to impact NRG’s unhedged future energy margins, liquidity, earnings growth and overall financial condition. Macroeconomic factors may also impact consumer spending, which could adversely affect the Company’s smart home services, and increase the Company’s costs for such products and services, which it may not be able to pass on to customers. In addition, adverse economic conditions, declines in wholesale energy prices, reduced demand for energy and other factors may negatively impact the trading price of NRG’s common stock and impact forecasted cash flows, which may require NRG to evaluate its goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment. Any such impairment could have a material impact on NRG’s financial condition.
Goodwill and other intangible assets that NRG has recorded in connection with its acquisitions are subject to impairment evaluations and, as a result, the Company could be required to write off some or all of this goodwill and other intangible assets, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed annually or more frequently for impairment. Other intangibles are also reviewed at least annually or more frequently, if certain conditions exist, and are amortized. Any reduction in or impairment of the value of goodwill or other intangible assets will result in a charge against earnings, which could materially adversely affect NRG's reported results of operations and financial position in future periods.
ITEM 2 — UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, no purchases of NRG's common stock were made by or on behalf of NRG or any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act).
ITEM 3 — DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4 — MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
There have been no events that are required to be reported under this Item.
ITEM 5 — OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6 — EXHIBITS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Number | | Description | | Method of Filing |
2.1 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 6, 2022. |
3.1 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2023. |
4.1 | | Sixth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2023, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral trustee.
| | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2023. |
4.2 | | Seventh Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2023, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., its subsidiaries party thereto, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto, Citicorp North America, Inc., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral trustee.
| | Filed herewith. |
4.3 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2023. |
4.4 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2023. |
4.5 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 19, 2020). |
4.6 | | | | Included in Exhibit 4.5 above |
4.7 | | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 6, 2020, among Vivint Smart Home, Inc., the indirect parent company of APX Group, Inc., and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee relating to APX Group, Inc’s 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2027. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020 |
4.8 | | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 13, 2020, among Vivint Amigo, Inc., Vivint Warranty and Home Insurance, LLC, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee relating to APX Group, Inc’s 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2027. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-Kfiled on February 24, 2023 |
4.9 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022 |
4.10 | | Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2021, between APX Group, Inc., as the Issuer, the guarantors party hereto, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, payment agent and registrar, relating to the Company's 5.75% Senior Notes due 2029. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2021 |
4.11 | | | | Included in Exhibit 4.10 above |
4.12 | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022 |
4.13 | | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2021, among APX Group Holdings, Inc., as Holdings, APX Group, Inc., as the borrower, the guarantors party hereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and an L/C issuer. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2021 |
10.1* | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Vivint's Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2020 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
10.2* | | | | Filed herewith. |
10.3* | | | | Filed herewith. |
10.4* | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023. |
10.5* | | | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2022. |
10.6* | | | | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Vivint Smart Home, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 |
22.1 | | | | Filed herewith. |
31.1 | | | | Filed herewith. |
31.2 | | | | Filed herewith. |
31.3 | | | | Filed herewith. |
32 | | | | Furnished herewith. |
101 INS | | Inline XBRL Instance Document. | | The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. |
101 SCH | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. | | Filed herewith. |
101 CAL | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. | | Filed herewith. |
101 DEF | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. | | Filed herewith. |
101 LAB | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. | | Filed herewith. |
101 PRE | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. | | Filed herewith. |
104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page interactive data file does not appear in Exhibit 104 because it's Inline XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | | Filed herewith. |
| | | | | | | | |
* | | Exhibit relates to compensation arrangements. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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| NRG ENERGY, INC. (Registrant) | |
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| /s/ MAURICIO GUTIERREZ | |
| Mauricio Gutierrez | |
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |
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| /s/ ALBERTO FORNARO | |
| Alberto Fornaro | |
| Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |
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| /s/ EMILY PICARELLO | |
| Emily Picarello | |
Date: May 4, 2023 | Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | |
|