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8-K - 8-K - NRG ENERGY, INC.nrg8-kxq22017pr.htm
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Exhibit 99.1

PRESS RELEASE

NRG Energy, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results and Reaffirms 2017 Financial Guidance

Key Highlights
Launched Transformation Plan targeting cost savings, asset sales and debt reduction
Reaffirming 2017 Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow before Growth (FCFbG) guidance
Closed drop down of remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco to NRG Yield; offered 38 MW portfolio of distributed and small utility-scale solar assets to NRG Yield; offered NRG Yield the opportunity to form a new distributed solar partnership
Reached agreement with creditors to restructure GenOn Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries through consensual bankruptcy process

PRINCETON, NJ - August 3, 2017 - NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) today reported second quarter income from continuing operations of $99 million. The loss from continuing operations for the first six months in 2017 of $70 million, or $0.05 per diluted common share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $220 million, or $0.34 per diluted common share for the first six months in 2016. Adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, was $685 million and $1,071 million, respectively. Year-to-date cash from continuing operations totaled $112 million.

"NRG delivered another quarter of solid operational and financial performance,” said Mauricio Gutierrez, NRG President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are fully engaged in implementing the Transformation Plan we announced in July that will enhance our leading integrated platform, provide a low-cost structure, and create a best-in-class balance sheet needed to thrive in all market cycles.”

Consolidated Financial Results
GenOn's results are excluded from the results for three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and for 2016 following the bankruptcy filing of GenOn and certain of its subsidiaries on June 14, 2017. As a result, NRG no longer consolidates GenOn and its subsidiaries for financial reporting purposes.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
($ in millions)

 
6/30/17
 
6/30/16
 
6/30/17
 
6/30/16
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations
 
$
99

 
$
(163
)
 
$
(70
)
 
$
(220
)
Cash From Continuing Operations
 
$
195

 
$
533

 
$
112

 
$
880

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
685

 
$
698

 
$
1,071

 
$
1,339

Free Cash Flow Before Growth Investments (FCFbG)
 
$
240

 
$
209

 
$
208

 
$
259









Segment Results
Table 1: Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations
($ in millions)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Segment
 
6/30/17
 
6/30/16
 
6/30/17
 
6/30/16
Generation
 
$
(90
)
 
$
(458
)
 
$
(56
)
 
$
(433
)
Retail
 
341

 
657

 
311

 
807

Renewables 1 
 
(47
)
 
(71
)
 
(79
)
 
(111
)
NRG Yield 1 
 
45

 
64

 
44

 
66

Corporate
 
(150
)
 
(355
)
 
(290
)
 
(549
)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations 2
 
$
99

 
$
(163
)
 
$
(70
)
 
$
(220
)
1. 
In accordance with GAAP, 2016 results have been restated to include full impact of the assets in the NRG Yield Drop Down transactions which closed on September 1, 2016, and March 27, 2017.
2. 
Includes mark-to-market gains and losses of economic hedges.

Table 2: Adjusted EBITDA
($ in millions)

Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Segment

6/30/17
 
6/30/16
 
6/30/17
 
6/30/16
Generation 1

$
152

 
$
203

 
$
205

 
$
471

Retail

203

 
216

 
336

 
372

Renewables 2

56

 
33

 
82

 
65

NRG Yield 2

270

 
257

 
454

 
455

Corporate

4

 
(11
)
 
(6
)
 
(24
)
Adjusted EBITDA 3

$
685


$
698

 
$
1,071


$
1,339

1. 
Generation regional Reg G reconciliations are included in Appendices A-1 through A-4.
2. 
In accordance with GAAP, 2016 results have been restated to include full impact of the assets in the NRG Yield Drop Down transactions, which closed on September 1, 2016, and March 27, 2017.
3. 
See Appendices A-1 through A-4 for Operating Segment Reg G reconciliations.

Generation: Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $152 million, $51 million lower than second quarter 2016 primarily driven by:
Gulf Coast Region: $70 million decrease due primarily to lower realized energy margins in Texas from lower hedged prices and higher coal transportation costs, which was partially offset by lower operating expenses in South Central
East/West1: $19 million increase following the distribution from our Doga (Turkey) asset and favorable trading results in BETM

Retail: Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $203 million, $13 million lower than second quarter 2016 due primarily to lower margins from mild weather and higher supply costs, which was partially offset by customer growth and reduced operating costs.
Renewables: Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $56 million, $23 million higher than second quarter 2016 due to higher solar and wind generation, and insurance recoveries at Ivanpah for property damage incurred during 2016.
NRG Yield: Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $270 million, $13 million higher than second quarter 2016 due to the acquisition of the Utah utility-scale solar assets, partially offset by a forced outage at Walnut Creek.
Corporate: Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $4 million, $15 million higher than the second quarter 2016 due to the elimination of operating losses at residential solar following its full wind down of operations.




1 Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.

2



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Table 3: Corporate Liquidity
($ in millions)
 
6/30/17
 
12/31/16
Cash at NRG-Level 1
 
$
514

 
$
570

Revolver Availability
 
1,497

 
989

NRG-Level Liquidity
 
$
2,011

 
$
1,559

Restricted Cash
 
469

 
446

Cash at Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
238

 
368

Total Liquidity
 
$
2,718

 
$
2,373

1 Includes unrestricted cash held at Midwest Generation (a non-guarantor subsidiary), which can be distributed to NRG without limitation.

NRG-Level Cash as of June 30, 2017, was $514 million, a decrease of $56 million from December 31, 2016, and $1.5 billion was available under the Company’s credit facilities at the end of the second quarter 2017. Total liquidity was $2.7 billion, including restricted cash and cash at non-guarantor subsidiaries (primarily NRG Yield).

NRG Strategic Developments
Transformation Plan
On July 12, 2017, NRG announced its Transformation Plan designed to significantly strengthen earnings and cost competitiveness, lower risk and volatility, and create significant shareholder value. The three-part, three-year plan is comprised of the following targets:

Operations and cost excellence — Cost savings and margin enhancement of $1,065 million recurring, which consists of $590 million of annual cost savings, $215 million net margin enhancement program, $50 million annual reduction in maintenance capital expenditures, and $210 million in permanent SG&A reduction associated with asset sales.

Portfolio optimization — Targeting $2.5-$4.0 billion of asset sale net cash proceeds, including divestitures of 6 GWs of conventional generation and businesses (excluding GenOn) and the monetization of 50-100% of its interest in NRG Yield, Inc. and its renewables platform.

Capital structure and allocation — A prioritized capital allocation strategy that targets a reduction in consolidated total (net) debt from $19.5 billion ($18 billion, net) to $6.5 billion ($6 billion, net). Following the completion of the contemplated asset sales, the Company expects $4.8-$6.3 billion in excess cash to be available for allocation through 2020 after achieving its targeted 3.0x net debt / Adjusted EBITDA corporate credit ratio.

The Company expects to fully implement the Transformation Plan by the end of 2020, with significant completion by the end of 2018. The plan also expects to realize (i) $370 million non-recurring working capital improvements through 2020 and (ii) approximately $290 million in one-time costs to achieve.

The full Board of Directors will maintain oversight of the execution of the Transformation Plan with monthly updates provided to the Board’s Finance and Risk Management Committee. A scorecard will be provided to the investment community and will be updated on future quarterly earnings calls.

NRG Yield Drop Downs
On August 1, 2017, the Company closed on the sale of its remaining 25% interest in NRG Wind TE Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, to NRG Yield for total cash consideration of $41.5 million, excluding working capital adjustments. The transaction also includes potential additional payments to NRG dependent upon actual energy prices for merchant periods beginning in 2027.

The Company offered NRG Yield a 38 MW portfolio of distributed and small utility-scale solar assets, primarily comprised of assets from NRG's Solar Power Partners (SPP) funds, in addition to other projects developed since the acquisition of SPP. NRG’s interest in SPP is not part of the ROFO Agreement.


3



In addition, NRG offered NRG Yield, Inc. the opportunity to form a new distributed solar partnership enabling up to $50 million in investment by NRG Yield, Inc.

GenOn Energy Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
On June 12, 2017, NRG, GenOn and certain of its subsidiaries, and the ad hoc group of Noteholders entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA). Pursuant to the RSA, on June 14, 2017, GenOn, GenOn Americas Generation and certain of their directly and indirectly-owned subsidiaries, (collectively the GenOn Entities) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.

As a result of the bankruptcy filings and beginning on June 14, 2017, GenOn and its subsidiaries were deconsolidated from NRG’s consolidated financial statements. NRG has determined that this disposal of GenOn and its subsidiaries is a discontinued operation; and, accordingly, the financial information for all historical periods have been recast to reflect GenOn as a discontinued operation. In connection with the disposal, NRG has recorded a loss on disposal of $208 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017.

2017 Guidance

After adjusting for the deconsolidation of GenOn and the impact of the Transformation Plan on 2017 as announced on July 12, 2017, NRG is reaffirming its guidance range for fiscal year 2017 with respect to both Adjusted EBITDA and FCFbG.

Table 4: 2017 Adjusted EBITDA and FCF before Growth Investments Guidance
 
2017
($ in millions)
Guidance Range
Adjusted EBITDA1
$2,565 - $2,765
Cash From Operations
$1,760 - $1,960
Free Cash Flow Before Growth Investments (FCFbG)
$1,290 - $1,490
1. 
Non-GAAP financial measure; see Appendix Tables A-1 through A-5 for GAAP Reconciliation to Net Income that excludes fair value adjustments related to derivatives. The Company is unable to provide guidance for Net Income due to the impact of such fair value adjustments related to derivatives in a given year.  


Capital Allocation Update
On July 20, 2017, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the company's common stock of $0.03 per share, payable August 15, 2017, to stockholders of record as of August 1, 2017, representing $0.12 on an annualized basis.

The Company’s common stock dividend, debt reduction and share repurchases are subject to available capital, market conditions and compliance with associated laws and regulations.

Earnings Conference Call
On August 3, 2017, NRG will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern to discuss these results. Investors, the news media and others may access the live webcast of the conference call and accompanying presentation materials by logging on to NRG’s website at http://www.nrg.com and clicking on “Investors.” The webcast will be archived on the site for those unable to listen in real time.

About NRG
NRG is the leading integrated power company in the U.S., built on the strength of our diverse competitive electric generation portfolio and leading retail electricity platform. A Fortune 500 company, NRG creates value through best in class operations, reliable and efficient electric generation, and a retail platform serving residential and commercial businesses. Working with electricity customers, large and small, we implement sustainable solutions for producing and managing energy, developing smarter energy choices and delivering exceptional service as our retail electricity providers serve almost three million residential and commercial customers throughout the country. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG Energy on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Safe Harbor Disclosure

4



In addition to historical information, the information presented in this communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can typically be identified by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” “think,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “predict,” “target,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s future revenues, income, indebtedness, capital structure, plans, expectations, objectives, projected financial performance and/or business results and other future events, and views of economic and market conditions.

Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated herein include, among others, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions, including wind and solar performance, competition in wholesale power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government regulations, the condition of capital markets generally, our ability to access capital markets, unanticipated outages at our generation facilities, adverse results in current and future litigation, failure to identify, execute or successfully implement acquisitions, repowerings or asset sales, our ability to implement value enhancing improvements to plant operations and companywide processes, our ability to implement and execute on our publicly announced transformation plan, including any cost savings, margin enhancement, asset sale, and net debt targets, our ability to proceed with projects under development or the inability to complete the construction of such projects on schedule or within budget, risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting, government approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements, our ability to progress development pipeline projects, the timing or completion of the GenOn restructuring, the inability to maintain or create successful partnering relationships, our ability to operate our businesses efficiently, our ability to retain retail customers, our ability to realize value through our commercial operations strategy and the creation of NRG Yield, the ability to successfully integrate businesses of acquired companies, our ability to realize anticipated benefits of transactions (including expected cost savings and other synergies) or the risk that anticipated benefits may take longer to realize than expected, our ability to close the Drop Down transactions with NRG Yield, and our ability to execute our Capital Allocation Plan. Debt and share repurchases may be made from time to time subject to market conditions and other factors, including as permitted by United States securities laws. Furthermore, any common stock dividend is subject to available capital and market conditions.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow guidance are estimates as of August 3, 2017. These estimates are based on assumptions the company believed to be reasonable as of that date. NRG disclaims any current intention to update such guidance, except as required by law. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included in this presentation should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results included in NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.


 Contacts:
 
Media:
 
Investors:
 
 
 
 
 
Sheri Woodruff

 
Kevin L. Cole, CFA
 
609.524.4608
 
609.524.4526
 
 
 
 
 
Marijke Shugrue
 
Lindsey Puchyr
 
609.524.5262
 
609.524.4527
 




5



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
(In millions, except for per share amounts)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 

 

Total operating revenues
$
2,701

 
$
2,248

 
$
5,083

 
$
4,907

Operating Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 

 

Cost of operations
1,837

 
1,443

 
3,696

 
3,271

Depreciation and amortization
260

 
262

 
517

 
528

Impairment losses
63

 
56

 
63

 
56

Selling, general and administrative
223

 
266

 
482

 
520

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs
1

 
5

 
2

 
6

Development activity expenses
18

 
18

 
35

 
44

Total operating costs and expenses
2,402

 
2,050

 
4,795

 
4,425

   Other income - affiliate
42

 
48

 
90

 
96

   Gain/(loss) on sale of assets
2

 
(83
)
 
4

 
(83
)
Operating Income
343

 
163

 
382

 
495

Other Income/(Expense)

 

 
 
 
 
Equity in (losses)/earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
(3
)
 
4

 
2

 
(3
)
Gain/(impairment loss) on investment

 
7

 

 
(139
)
Other income, net
10

 
5

 
18

 
22

Loss on debt extinguishment, net

 
(80
)
 
(2
)
 
(69
)
Interest expense
(247
)
 
(237
)
 
(471
)
 
(479
)
Total other expense
(240
)
 
(301
)
 
(453
)
 
(668
)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
103

 
(138
)
 
(71
)
 
(173
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
4

 
25

 
(1
)
 
47

Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations
99

 
(163
)
 
(70
)
 
(220
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax
(741
)
 
(113
)
 
(775
)
 
(9
)
Net Loss
(642
)
 
(276
)
 
(845
)
 
(229
)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests
(16
)
 
(5
)
 
(55
)
 
(40
)
Net Loss Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.
(626
)
 
(271
)
 
(790
)
 
(189
)
Dividends for preferred shares

 

 

 
5

Gain on redemption of preferred shares

 
(78
)
 

 
(78
)
Loss Available for Common Stockholders
$
(626
)
 
$
(193
)
 
$
(790
)
 
$
(116
)
Loss per Share Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. Common Stockholders
 
 
 
 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic and diluted
316

 
315

 
316

 
315

Income/(loss) from continuing operations per weighted average common share — basic and diluted
$
0.36

 
$
(0.25
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.34
)
Loss from discontinued operations per weighted average common share — basic and diluted
$
(2.34
)
 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
(2.45
)
 
$
(0.03
)
Loss per Weighted Average Common Share — Basic and Diluted
$
(1.98
)
 
$
(0.61
)
 
$
(2.50
)
 
$
(0.37
)
Dividends Per Common Share
$
0.03

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.18


6



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions)
Net loss
$
(642
)
 
$
(276
)
 
$
(845
)
 
$
(229
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

 

 

 

Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income tax expense of $0, $1, $1, and $2
(5
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(35
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $0
1

 
(3
)
 
8

 
3

Available-for-sale securities, net of income tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $0
1

 
(2
)
 
1

 
1

Defined benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $0, $0, $0, and $0
27

 

 
27

 
1

Other comprehensive income/(loss)
24

 
(8
)
 
35

 
(30
)
Comprehensive loss
(618
)
 
(284
)
 
(810
)
 
(259
)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests
(17
)
 
(16
)
 
(56
)
 
(68
)
Comprehensive loss attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.
(601
)
 
(268
)
 
(754
)
 
(191
)
Dividends for preferred shares

 

 

 
5

Gain on redemption of preferred shares

 
(78
)
 

 
(78
)
Comprehensive loss available for common stockholders
$
(601
)
 
$
(190
)
 
$
(754
)
 
$
(118
)




7



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
June 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(In millions, except shares)
(unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
752

 
$
938

Funds deposited by counterparties
19

 
2

Restricted cash
469

 
446

Accounts receivable, net
1,162

 
1,058

Inventory
713

 
721

Derivative instruments
644

 
1,067

Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities
277

 
150

Current assets - held for sale
33

 
9

Prepayments and other current assets
400

 
404

Current assets - discontinued operations

 
1,919

Total current assets
4,469

 
6,714

Property, plant and equipment, net
15,302

 
15,369

Other Assets
 
 
 
Equity investments in affiliates
1,127

 
1,120

Notes receivable, less current portion
9

 
16

Goodwill
662

 
662

 Intangible assets, net
1,893

 
1,973

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund
637

 
610

Derivative instruments
226

 
181

Deferred income taxes
211

 
225

Non-current assets held-for-sale
10

 
10

Other non-current assets
659

 
841

Non-current assets - discontinued operations

 
2,961

Total other assets
5,434

 
8,599

Total Assets
$
25,205

 
$
30,682

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases
$
1,042

 
$
516

Accounts payable
757

 
782

Accounts payable - affiliate
17

 
31

Derivative instruments
711

 
1,092

Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities
19

 
81

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
810

 
990

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities - affiliate
164

 

Current liabilities - discontinued operations

 
1,210

Total current liabilities
3,520

 
4,702

Other Liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital leases
15,842

 
15,957

Nuclear decommissioning reserve
262

 
287

Nuclear decommissioning trust liability
367

 
339

Deferred income taxes
20

 
20

Derivative instruments
293

 
284

Out-of-market contracts, net
219

 
230

Non-current liabilities held-for-sale
13

 
11

Other non-current liabilities
1,135

 
1,151

Non-current liabilities - discontinued operations

 
3,209

Total non-current liabilities
18,151

 
21,488

Total Liabilities
21,671

 
26,190

Redeemable noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
51

 
46

Commitments and Contingencies


 


Stockholders’ Equity

 

Common stock
4

 
4

Additional paid-in capital
8,383

 
8,358

Retained deficit
(4,874
)
 
(3,787
)
Less treasury stock, at cost — 101,858,284 and 102,140,814 shares, respectively
(2,392
)
 
(2,399
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(100
)
 
(135
)
Noncontrolling interest
2,462

 
2,405

Total Stockholders’ Equity
3,483

 
4,446

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
25,205

 
$
30,682



8



NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In millions)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net loss
(845
)
 
(229
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax
(775
)
 
(9
)
Loss from continuing operations
$
(70
)
 
$
(220
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

Distributions and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
26

 
32

Depreciation and amortization
517

 
528

Provision for bad debts
18

 
20

Amortization of nuclear fuel
24

 
26

Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums
29

 
29

Adjustment for debt extinguishment

 
14

Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts
51

 
82

Amortization of unearned equity compensation
16

 
16

Impairment losses
63

 
195

Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits
8

 
1

Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability
2

 
13

Changes in derivative instruments
7

 
(7
)
Changes in collateral posted in support of risk management activities
(189
)
 
323

Proceeds from sale of emission allowances
11

 
17

Loss on sale of assets
(22
)
 
83

Changes in other working capital
(379
)
 
(272
)
Cash provided by continuing operations
112

 
880

Cash (used) by discontinued operations
(38
)
 
(69
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
74

 
811

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
(16
)
 
(17
)
Capital expenditures
(542
)
 
(442
)
Increase in notes receivable
8

 
(3
)
Purchases of emission allowances
(30
)
 
(27
)
Proceeds from sale of emission allowances
59

 
25

Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities
(279
)
 
(280
)
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities
277

 
267

Proceeds from renewable energy grants and state rebates
8

 
10

Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed of
35

 
25

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
(30
)
 
1

Other
18

 
31

Cash used by continuing operations
(492
)
 
(410
)
Cash used by discontinued operations
(53
)
 
(60
)
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities
(545
)
 
(470
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Payment of dividends to common and preferred stockholders
(19
)
 
(57
)
Payment for preferred shares

 
(226
)
Net receipts from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements
2

 
4

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
946

 
3,223

Payments for short and long-term debt
(530
)
 
(3,505
)
Receivable from affiliate
(125
)
 

Distributions to, net of contributions from, noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
14

 
(21
)
Payment of debt issuance costs
(36
)
 
(35
)
Other - contingent consideration
(10
)
 
(10
)
Cash provided/(used) by continuing operations
242

 
(627
)
Cash used by discontinued operations
(224
)
 
97

Net Cash provided/(used) by Financing Activities
18

 
(530
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(8
)
 
(3
)
Change in Cash from discontinued operations
(315
)

(32
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash
(146
)
 
(160
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period
1,386

 
1,322

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period
$
1,240

 
$
1,162




9



Appendix Table A-1: Second Quarter 2017 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment
The following table summarizes the calculation of Adj. EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to income/(loss) from continuing operations:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(148
)
58

(90
)
341

(47
)
45

(150
)
99

Plus:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
0

8

8

1

29

84

122

244

Income tax
(2
)
3

1

(11
)
(5
)
8

11

4

Depreciation and amortization
69

26

95

29

50

78

8

260

ARO Expense
4

2

6


1

1

(1
)
7

Contract amortization
4

1

5



17


22

Lease amortization
0

(2
)
(2
)




(2
)
EBITDA
(73
)
96

23

360

28

233

(10
)
634

Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated affiliates
15

5

20

(3
)
(5
)
34

1

47

Acquisition-related transaction & integration costs
(10
)

(10
)


1


(9
)
Reorganization costs






9

9

Deactivation costs

(1
)
(1
)



5

4

Other non recurring charges
(13
)
(3
)
(16
)
2

8

2



(4
)
Impairments
41


41


22



63

Mark to market (MtM) (gains)/losses on economic hedges
105

(11
)
94

(156
)
3



(59
)
Adjusted EBITDA
65

87

152

203

56

270

4

685

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.
Second Quarter 2017 condensed financial information by Operating Segment:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
Operating revenues
607

349

956

1,605

126

301

(314
)
2,674

Cost of sales
363

134

497

1,213

3

14

(305
)
1,422

Economic gross margin
244

215

459

392

123

287

(9
)
1,252

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations (b)
130

124

254

80

39

63

(15
)
421

Selling, marketing, general and administrative(c)
29

19

48

106

14

6

40

214

Other expense/(income)
20

(15
)
5

3

14

(52
)
(38
)
(68
)
Adjusted EBITDA
65

87

152

203

56

270

4

685

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.
(b) Excludes deactivation costs of $4 million.
(c) Excludes reorganization costs of $9 million.











10



The following table reconciles the condensed financial information to Adjusted EBITDA:
($ in millions)
Condensed financial information
Interest, tax, depr., amort.
MtM
Deactivation
Other adj.
Adjusted EBITDA 
Operating revenues
2,701

14

(41
)


2,674

Cost of operations
1,412

(8
)
18



1,422

Gross margin
1,289

22

(59
)


1,252

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations
425




(4
)

421

Selling, marketing, general & administrative (a)

223




(9
)
214

Other expense/(income)
542

(260
)


(348
)
(66
)
Income/(Loss) from Continuing Operations
99

282

(59
)
4

357

685

(a) Other adj. includes reorganization costs of $9 million.


11



Appendix Table A-2: Second Quarter 2016 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment
The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to income/(loss) from continuing operations:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(341
)
(117
)
(458
)
657

(71
)
64

(355
)
(163
)
Plus:
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net

11

11


24

68

133

236

Income tax




(4
)
12

17

25

Loss on debt extinguishment






80

80

Depreciation and amortization
70

27

97

29

47

75

14

262

ARO Expense
3

4

7





7

Contract amortization
3

1

4

2


17


23

Lease amortization

(2
)
(2
)




(2
)
EBITDA
(265
)
(76
)
(341
)
688

(4
)
236

(111
)
468

Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated affiliates
2

6

8


2

18

4

32

Acquisition-related transaction & integration costs

1

1




4

5

Reorganization costs




1


8

9

Deactivation costs

5

5





5

Loss on sale of business






83

83

Other non recurring charges

9

(1
)
8

2

5

3

(11
)
7

Impairments

17

17


27


12

56

Mark to market (MtM) (gains)/losses on economic hedges
389

116

505

(474
)
2



33

Adjusted EBITDA
135

68

203

216

33

257

(11
)
698

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.
Second Quarter 2016 condensed financial information by Operating Segment:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
Operating revenues
655

389

1,044

1,539

103

300

(251
)
2,735

Cost of sales
334

138

472

1,123

4

14

(250
)
1,363

Economic gross margin
321

251

572

416

99

286

(1
)
1,372

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations (b)
164

155

319

84

48

63

(8
)
506

Selling, marketing, general & administrative (c)
35

39

74

112

14

3

54

257

Other expense/(income) (d)
(13
)
(11
)
(24
)
4

4

(37
)
(36
)
(89
)
Adjusted EBITDA
135

68

203

216

33

257

(11
)
698

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.
(b) Excludes deactivation costs of $5 million.
(c) Excludes reorganization costs of $9 million.
(d) Excludes loss on sale of business of $83 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $80 million, and impairments of $56 million.







12



The following table reconciles the condensed financial information to Adjusted EBITDA:
($ in millions)
Condensed financial information
Interest, tax, depr., amort.
MtM
Deactivation
Other adj.
Adjusted EBITDA
Operating revenues
2,248

14

473



2,735

Cost of operations
932

(9
)
440



1,363

Gross margin
1,316

23

33



1,372

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations
511




(5
)

506

Selling, marketing, general & administrative (a)
266




(9
)
257

Other expense/(income) (b)
702

(555
)


(226
)
(89
)
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(163
)
578

33

5

235

698

(a) Other adj. includes reorganization costs of $9 million.
(b) Other adj. includes loss on sale of business of $83 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $80 million, and impairments of $56 million.

13



Appendix Table A-3: YTD Second Quarter 2017 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment
The following table summarizes the calculation of Adj. EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to income/(loss) from continuing operations:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(105
)
49

(56
)
311

(79
)
44

(290
)
(70
)
Plus:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net

17

17

3

50

160

236

466

Income tax

2

2

(8
)
(10
)
7

8

(1
)
Loss on debt extinguishment




2



2

Depreciation and amortization
138

54

192

57

99

153

16

517

ARO Expense
7

6

13


1

2


16

Contract Amortization
8

2

10

1


34


45

Lease amortization

(4
)
(4
)




(4
)
EBITDA
48

126

174

364

63

400

(30
)
971

Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated affiliates
21

12

33

(6
)
(10
)
47

1

65

Acquisition-related transaction & integration costs
(10
)

(10
)


2


(8
)
Reorganization costs






16

16

Deactivation costs

1

1




4

5

Other non recurring charges

(13
)
(3
)
(16
)
(2
)
10

5

3


Impairments
41


41


22



63

Market to market (MtM) (gains)/losses on economic hedges
(17
)
(1
)
(18
)
(20
)
(3
)


(41
)
Adjusted EBITDA
70

135

205

336

82

454

(6
)
1,071

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.

YTD Second Quarter 2017 condensed financial information by Operating Segment:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
Operating revenues
1,103

694

1,797

2,939

217

536

(536
)
4,953

Cost of sales
655

294

949

2,211

7

30

(514
)
2,683

Economic gross margin
448

400

848

728

210

506

(22
)
2,270

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations (b)
298

236

534

159

73

131

(23
)
874

Selling, marketing, general & administrative (c)
35

69

104

226

28

10

98

466

Other expense/(income) (d)
45

(40
)
5

7

27

(89
)
(91
)
(141
)
Adjusted EBITDA
70

135

205

336

82

454

(6
)
1,071

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.
(b) Excludes deactivation costs of $5 million.
(c) Excludes reorganization costs of $16 million.
(d) Excludes impairments of $63 million, acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $8 million, and loss on debt extinguishment of $2 million.







14



The following table reconciles the condensed financial information to Adjusted EBITDA:
($ in millions)
Condensed financial information
Interest, tax, depr., amort.
MtM
Deactivation
Other adj.
Adjusted EBITDA 
Operating revenues
5,083

29

(159
)


4,953

Cost of operations
2,817

(16
)
(118
)


2,683

Gross margin
2,266

45

(41
)


2,270

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations
879

 

(5
)

874

Selling, marketing, general & administrative(a)
482







(16
)
466

Other expense/(income) (b)
975

(1,039
)


(136
)
(141
)
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(70
)
1,084

(41
)
5

152

1,071

(a) Other adj. includes reorganization costs of $16 million.
(b) Other adj. includes impairments of $63 million, acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $8 million, and loss on debt extinguishment of $2 million.

15



Appendix Table A-4: YTD Second Quarter 2016 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment
The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to income/(loss) from continuing operations:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(471
)
38

(433
)
807

(111
)
66

(549
)
(220
)
Plus:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Interest expense, net

17

17


51

142

266

476

Income tax



1

(11
)
12

45

47

Loss on debt extinguishment






69

69

Depreciation and amortization
143

54

197

57

95

149

30

528

ARO Expense
5

8

13


1

1

(1
)
14

Contract Amortization
6

4

10

4


40

(2
)
52

Lease amortization

(4
)
(4
)




(4
)
EBITDA
(317
)
117

(200
)
869

25

410

(142
)
962

Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated affiliates
5

12

17


2

42

5

66

Acquisition-related transaction & integration costs

1

1




6

7

Reorganization costs
1


1

5

3


10

19

Deactivation costs

13

13





13

Loss on sale of business






83

83

Other non recurring charges

10

(4
)
6

6

7

3


22

Impairments

17

17


27


12

56

Impairment loss on investment
137


137




2

139

MtM (gains)/losses on economic hedges
414

65

479

(508
)
1



(28
)
Adjusted EBITDA
250

221

471

372

65

455

(24
)
1,339

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.

YTD Second Quarter 2016 condensed financial information by Operating Segment:
($ in millions)
Gulf Coast
East/West(a)
Generation
Retail
Renewables
NRG Yield
Corp/Elim
Total
Operating revenues
1,229

916

2,145

2,909

198

551

(445
)
5,358

Cost of sales
596

343

939

2,148

9

30

(447
)
2,679

Economic gross margin
633

573

1,206

761

189

521

2

2,679

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations (b)
329

305

634

168

82

126

(4
)
1,006

Selling, marketing, general & administrative (c)
35

100

135

221

28

6

111

501

Other expense/(income) (d)
19

(53
)
(34
)
0

14

(66
)
(81
)
(167
)
Adjusted EBITDA
250

221

471

372

65

455

(24
)
1,339

(a) Includes International, BETM and generation eliminations.
(b) Excludes deactivation costs of $13 million.
(c) Excludes reorganization costs of $19 million.
(d) Excludes loss on sale of business of $83 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $69 million, impairments of $56 million, and acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $7 million.









16





The following table reconciles the condensed financial information to Adjusted EBITDA:
($ in millions)
Condensed financial information
Interest, tax, depr., amort.
MtM
Deactivation
Other adj.
Adjusted EBITDA 
Operating revenues
4,907

29

422



5,358

Cost of operations
2,252

(23
)
450



2,679

Gross margin
2,655

52

(28
)


2,679

Operations & maintenance and other cost of operations
1,019



(13
)

1,006

Selling, marketing, general & administrative (a)
520







(19
)
501

Other expense/(income) (b)
1,336

(1,961
)


458

(167
)
(Loss)/Income from Continuing Operations
(220
)
2,013

(28
)
13

(439
)
1,339

(a) Other adj. includes reorganization costs of $19 million.
(a) Other adj. includes loss on sale of business of $83 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $69 million, impairments of $56 million, and acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $7 million.


17



Appendix Table A-5: 2017 and 2016 QTD and YTD Second Quarter Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations Reconciliations
The following table summarizes the calculation of adjusted cash flow operating activities providing a reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Three Months Ended
($ in millions)
 
June 30, 2017
 
June 30, 2016
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
195


533

Reclassifying of net receipts for settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements
 
1


(35
)
Sale of Land
 



Merger, integration and cost-to-achieve expenses (1)
 


6

Return of capital from equity investments
 
5


6

Adjustment for change in collateral
 
140


(140
)
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operating Activities
 
341


370

Maintenance CapEx, net (2)
 
(49
)

(26
)
Environmental CapEx, net
 
(7
)

(95
)
Preferred dividends
 



Distributions to non-controlling interests
 
(45
)

(40
)
Free Cash Flow Before Growth Investments (FCFbG)
 
240


209

(1) 2016 includes cost-to-achieve expenses associated with the $150 million savings announced on September 2015 call.
(2) Includes insurance proceeds of $27 million in 2016

 
 
Six Months Ended
($ in millions)
 
June 30, 2017
 
June 30, 2016
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
112

 
880

Reclassifying of net receipts for settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements
 
2

 
4

Sale of Land
 
8

 

Merger, integration and cost-to-achieve expenses (1)
 

 
25

Return of capital from equity investments
 
18

 
11

Adjustment for change in collateral (2)
 
268

 
(323
)
Adjusted Cash Flow from Operating Activities
 
408

 
597

Maintenance CapEx, net (3)
 
(84
)
 
(92
)
Environmental CapEx, net
 
(25
)
 
(162
)
Preferred dividends
 

 
(2
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests
 
(91
)
 
(82
)
Free Cash Flow Before Growth Investments (FCFbG)
 
208

 
259

(1) 2016 includes cost-to-achieve expenses associated with the $150 million savings announced on September 2015 call.
(2) Reflects change in NRG’s cash collateral balance as of 2Q2017 including $79MM of collateral postings from our deconsolidated affiliate (GenOn)
(3) Includes insurance proceeds of $18 million and $30 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively


18



Appendix Table A-6: Second Quarter YTD 2017 Sources and Uses of Liquidity
The following table summarizes the sources and uses of liquidity through second quarter of 2017:
($ in millions)
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
Sources:
 
Adjusted cash flow from operations
408

Increase in credit facility
508

Issuance of Agua Caliente HoldCo debt
130

Growth investments and acquisitions, net
112

Asset sales
27

NYLD Equity Issuance
16

Tax Equity Proceeds
16

Uses:


Debt Repayments, net of proceeds
(381
)
Collateral (1)
(268
)
Maintenance and environmental capex, net (2)
(109
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests
(91
)
Common Stock Dividends
(19
)
Other Investing and Financing
(4
)
Change in Total Liquidity
345

(1) Reflects change in NRG’s cash collateral balance as of 2Q2017 including $79MM of collateral postings from our deconsolidated affiliate (GenOn)
(2) Includes insurance proceeds of $18 million.






19



Appendix Table A-7: 2017 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance Reconciliation
The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA providing reconciliation to net income:
 
 
2017 Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
Prior Guidance
($ in millions)
 
Low
 
High
GAAP Net Income 1
 
150

 
 
350

 
Income Tax
 
80

 
 
80

 
Interest Expense & Debt Extinguishment Costs
 
1,065

 
 
1,065

 
Depreciation, Amortization, Contract Amortization and ARO Expense
 
1,235

 
 
1,235

 
Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated affiliates
 
110

 
 
110

 
Other Costs 2
 
60

 
 
60

 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
2,700

 
 
2,900

 

 
 
2017 Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
Revised Guidance
($ in millions)
 
Low
 
High
GAAP Net Income 1
 
360

 
 
560

 
Income Tax
 
80

 
 
80

 
Interest Expense & Debt Extinguishment Costs
 
825

 
 
825

 
Depreciation, Amortization, Contract Amortization and ARO Expense
 
1,150

 
 
1,150

 
Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated affiliates
 
110

 
 
110

 
Other Costs 2
 
40

 
 
40

 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
2,565

 
 
2,765

 

(1) For purposes of guidance, fair value adjustments related to derivatives are assumed to be zero.
(2) Includes deactivation costs, gain on sale of businesses, asset write-offs, impairments and other non-recurring charges.






20




Appendix Table A-8: 2017 FCFbG Guidance Reconciliation
The following table summarizes the calculation of Free Cash Flow before Growth providing reconciliation to Cash from Operations:




 
2017
2017
($ in millions)
 
Prior Guidance
Revised Guidance
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$2,700 - $2,900

$2,565 - $2,765

Cash Interest payments
 
(1,065)

(825
)
Cash Income tax
 
(40)

(40
)
Collateral / working capital / other
 
(240)

60

Cash From Operations
 
$1,355 - $1,555

$1,760 - $1,960

Adjustments: Acquired Derivatives, Cost-to-Achieve, Return of Capital Dividends, Collateral and Other
 


Adjusted Cash flow from operations
 
$1,355 - $1,555

$1,760 - $1,960

Maintenance capital expenditures, net
 
(280) - (310)

(210) - (240)

Environmental capital expenditures, net
 
(40) - (60)

(25) - (45)

Distributions to non-controlling interests
 
(185) - (205)

(185) - (205)

Free Cash Flow - before Growth Investments
 
$800 - $1,000

$1,290 - $1,490


EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. These measurements are not recognized in accordance with GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that NRG’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.
 
EBITDA represents net income before interest (including loss on debt extinguishment), taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because NRG considers it an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes debt-holders frequently use EBITDA to analyze operating performance and debt service capacity. EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our operating results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
EBITDA does not reflect cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;
EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs;
EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on debt or cash income tax payments;
Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and
Other companies in this industry may calculate EBITDA differently than NRG does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
 
Because of these limitations, EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to use to invest in the growth of NRG’s business. NRG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. See the statements of cash flow included in the financial statements that are a part of this news release.
 
Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a further supplemental measure of operating performance. As NRG defines it, Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding impairment losses, gains or losses on sales, dispositions or retirements of assets, any mark-to-market gains or losses from accounting for derivatives, adjustments to exclude the Adjusted EBITDA related to the non-controlling interest, gains or losses on the repurchase, modification or extinguishment of debt, the impact of restructuring and any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items plus adjustments to reflect the Adjusted EBITDA from our unconsolidated investments.  The reader is encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons NRG considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis. As an analytical tool, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to all of the limitations applicable to EBITDA. In addition, in evaluating Adjusted

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EBITDA, the reader should be aware that in the future NRG may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this news release.
 
Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors and other users of NRG's financial statements in evaluating its operating performance because it provides an additional tool to compare business performance across companies and across periods and adjusts for items that we do not consider indicative of NRG’s future operating performance. This measure is widely used by debt-holders to analyze operating performance and debt service capacity and by equity investors to measure our operating performance without regard to items such as interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of operating performance to assist in comparing performance from period to period on a consistent basis and to readily view operating trends, as a measure for planning and forecasting overall expectations, and for evaluating actual results against such expectations, and in communications with NRG's Board of Directors, shareholders, creditors, analysts and investors concerning its financial performance.
 
Adjusted cash flow from operating activities is a non-GAAP measure NRG provides to show cash from operations with the reclassification of net payments of derivative contracts acquired in business combinations from financing to operating cash flow, as well as the add back of merger, integration and related restructuring costs. The Company provides the reader with this alternative view of operating cash flow because the cash settlement of these derivative contracts materially impact operating revenues and cost of sales, while GAAP requires NRG to treat them as if there was a financing activity associated with the contracts as of the acquisition dates. The Company adds back merger, integration related restructuring costs as they are one time and unique in nature and do not reflect ongoing cash from operations and they are fully disclosed to investors.
 
Free cash flow (before Growth Investments) is adjusted cash flow from operations less maintenance and environmental capital expenditures, net of funding, preferred stock dividends and distributions to non-controlling interests and is used by NRG predominantly as a forecasting tool to estimate cash available for debt reduction and other capital allocation alternatives. The reader is encouraged to evaluate each of these adjustments and the reasons NRG considers them appropriate for supplemental analysis. Because we have mandatory debt service requirements (and other non-discretionary expenditures) investors should not rely on Free Cash Flow before Growth Investments as a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures.
 
Free Cash Flow before Growth Investments is utilized by Management in making decisions regarding the allocation of capital. Free Cash Flow before Growth Investment is presented because the Company believes it is a useful tool for assessing the financial performance in the current period. In addition, NRG’s peers evaluate cash available for allocation in a similar manner and accordingly, it is a meaningful indicator for investors to benchmark NRG's performance against its peers. Free Cash Flow before Growth Investment is a performance measure and is not intended to represent net income (loss), cash from operations (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure), or liquidity and is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


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