Business Wire | May 6, 2021 06:59AM EDT

NRG Energy, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

May 06, 2021

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 06, 2021--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) today reported a first quarter 2021 net loss of $(82) million, or $(0.33) per diluted common share and Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of $567 million.

"NRG is committed to helping Texans recover from the impacts of Winter Storm Uri and working with our stakeholders on lasting solutions to improve resilience in the ERCOT market," said Mauricio Gutierrez, NRG President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain focused on advancing our customer-centric strategy and strengthening our platform."

Consolidated Financial Results

Three Months Ended

($ in millions) 3/31/2021 3/31/2020

Net (Loss)/Income $ (82 ) $ 121

Cash (used)/provided by Operating Activities $ (917 ) $ 208

Adjusted EBITDA^a $ 567 $ 349

a. Excludes the loss due to Winter Storm Uri of $967 million

Loss from Winter Storm Uri

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, Winter Storm Uri's financial impact was a loss of $967 million. Based on forecasted expenses and estimated mitigants, the total cash impact from Winter Storm Uri is expected to be in the range of $500 to $700 million over time. The following impacts are further discussed in the related sections below:

($ in millions) Winter Storm Uri Impact

Net ERCOT settlements and results from other regions $ 25

ERCOT shortfall payment (reduced by $90 million for (95 ) discounting long term payable)

Uplift and ancillary service charges (395 )

Provision for credit losses for bilateral financial (393 ) hedging risk

Provision for credit losses for business counterparty risk (109 )

Total impact to Loss Before Income Taxes for quarter ended (967 ) March 31, 2021

Expenses to be incurred beyond March 31, 2021 (8 )

Total impact to Loss Before Income Taxes during 2021 (975 )

Estimated mitigants 275 - 475

Total net cash flow impact $ (500) - ) (700

Segments Results

Table 1: Net (Loss)/Income

($ in millions)

Three Months Ended

Segment

3/31/2021

3/31/2020

Texas

$

(425

)

$

162

East

353

20

West/Services/Othera

(10

)

(61

)

Net (Loss)/Income

$

(82

)

$

121

a. Includes Corporate segment

Segments Results

Table 1: Net (Loss)/Income

($ in millions) Three Months Ended

Segment 3/31/2021 3/31/2020

Texas $ (425 ) $ 162

East 353 20

West/Services/Other^a (10 ) (61 )

Net (Loss)/Income $ (82 ) $ 121

a. Includes Corporate segment

Table 2: Adjusted EBITDAa

($ in millions)

Three Months Ended

Segment

3/31/2021

3/31/2020

Texas

$

254

$

195

East

266

86

West/Services/Otherb

47

68

Adjusted EBITDA

$

567

$

349

a. Excludes the loss due to Winter Storm Uri of $967 million b. Includes Corporate segment

The following discussion of financial results exclude the impact from Winter Storm Uri:

Texas: First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $254 million, $59 million higher than first quarter of 2020. This increase is driven by the acquisition of Direct Energy as well as lower supply costs, partially offset by a reduction of load due to weather.

East: First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $266 million, $180 million higher than first quarter of 2020. This increase is driven by the acquisition of Direct Energy, prior year write-down of oil inventory by $29 million, and lower plant operating costs.

West/Services/Other: First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $47 million, $21 million lower than first quarter of 2020. This decrease is due to the receipt of outage insurance proceeds in 2020 of $30 million and lower equity earnings due to the sale of Agua Caliente in February 2021, partially offset by an increase due to the acquisition of Direct Energy.

Table 2: Adjusted EBITDA^a

($ in millions) Three Months Ended

Segment 3/31/2021 3/31/2020

Texas $ 254 $ 195

East 266 86

West/Services/Other^b 47 68

Adjusted EBITDA $ 567 $ 349

a. Excludes the loss due to Winter Storm Uri of $967 millionb. Includes Corporate segment

The following discussion of financial results exclude the impact from Winter Storm Uri:

Texas: First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $254 million, $59 million higher than first quarter of 2020. This increase is driven by the acquisition of Direct Energy as well as lower supply costs, partially offset by a reduction of load due to weather.

East: First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $266 million, $180 million higher than first quarter of 2020. This increase is driven by the acquisition of Direct Energy, prior year write-down of oil inventory by $29 million, and lower plant operating costs.

West/Services/Other: First quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $47 million, $21 million lower than first quarter of 2020. This decrease is due to the receipt of outage insurance proceeds in 2020 of $30 million and lower equity earnings due to the sale of Agua Caliente in February 2021, partially offset by an increase due to the acquisition of Direct Energy.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Table 3: Corporate Liquidity

($ in millions) 05/04/ 03/31/21 12/31/20 21

Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 575 $ 501 $ 3,905

Restricted Cash 15 18 6

Total 590 $ 519 $ 3,911

Total credit facilities available 3,473 2,724 3,129

Total Liquidity, excluding collateral 4,063 $ 3,243 $ 7,040 received

As of March 31, 2021, NRG cash was at $0.5 billion, and $2.7 billion was available under the Company's credit facilities. Total liquidity was $3.2 billion, including restricted cash. Overall liquidity as of the end of the first quarter 2021 was approximately $3.8 billion lower than at the end of 2020, driven by the closing of the $3.6 billion Direct Energy acquisition. As of May 4, 2021, NRG had $4.1 billion of liquidity available to continue to support its operations.

NRG Strategic Developments

Winter Storm Uri

During February 2021, Texas experienced unprecedented cold temperatures for a prolonged duration, resulting in a power emergency, blackouts, and an estimated all-time peak demand of 77 GWs (without load shed). Ahead of the event, NRG launched residential customer communications calling for conservation across all of its brands and initiated residential, commercial and industrial demand response programs to curtail customer load. The Company maximized available generating capacity and brought in additional resources to supplement in-state staff with technical and operating experts from the rest of its U.S. fleet.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, Winter Storm Uri's financial impact was a loss of $967 million. The impact is driven by resettlement data, ERCOT system wide counterparty defaults, provisions for credits losses, increased uplift charges to load, ancillary charges and other estimates including results from other regions. The Company expects the total 2021 loss before income tax to be $975 million, and a net cash flow impact of $350-550 million, after deducting $150 million of bill credits owed to large Commercial and Industrial (C&I) customers to be paid in 2022 and $275-475 million of estimated mitigants that the Company is pursuing. These potential offsets include, but are not limited to, customer bad debt mitigation, counterparty default recovery, ERCOT default and uplift regulatory securitization, and one-time cost savings.

In February 2021, NRG announced an initial $10 million commitment to provide relief for Texans impacted by the unprecedented effects of Winter Storm Uri. The relief effort included $3 million in cash donations and $7 million covering in-kind relief efforts and customer assistance. The funding addressed the immediate needs of the community, including food, water, and temporary or damaged housing; providing financial relief for customers through this difficult time; and aiding affected employees. Following the initial announcement, NRG provided additional tranches of financial support totaling over $1.5 million, volunteer support for several community events, and continues to provide assistance to customers.

Sale of 4.8GW of fossil generation assets in East and West regions

On February 28, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Generation Bridge, an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners, to sell approximately 4,850 MWs of fossil generating assets from its East and West regions of operations for total proceeds of $760 million, subject to standard purchase price adjustments and certain other indemnifications. As part of the transaction, NRG is entering into a tolling agreement for its 866 MW Arthur Kill plant in New York City through April 2025.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021, and is subject to various closing conditions, approvals and consents, including Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC), and antitrust review under Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

Closed sale of remaining ownership in Agua Caliente

On February 3, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its remaining 35% ownership in the Agua Caliente solar project to Clearway Energy for $202 million.

Closed acquisition of Direct Energy

On January 5, 2021, the Company closed on the Direct Energy acquisition, paying an aggregate purchase price of $3.625 billion in cash, plus an initial purchase price adjustment of $77 million. As part of the acquisition, Direct Energy had cash and margin collateral totaling $385 million. The Company funded the acquisition using $715 million of cash on hand, a $166 million draw on its corporate revolver, and approximately $2.9 billion in newly issued secured and unsecured corporate debt. In addition, the Company increased its collective liquidity and collateral facilities by $3.4 billion. The final purchase price adjustment resulted in a reduction of $38 million and the Company is expecting to receive this payment from Centrica during the second quarter.

The Company remains on track to achieve operational and cost synergies of $135 million in 2021 and an annual run-rate of $300 million to be achieved in 2023 by leveraging NRG's scalable operational platform and best-in-class cost discipline. This includes $51 million from realized synergies in the first quarter of 2021.

Today, NRG announced the designation of Houston, TX as the Company's sole Corporate Headquarters. The move to a single headquarters simplifies business operations, as a significant portion of the Company's employees and customers reside in Texas. NRG will maintain regional offices in the markets that it serves as the Company continues to grow. As the company makes progress against Direct Energy integration milestones, it will continue to evaluate real estate needs and consolidate as appropriate.

COVID-19

NRG continues to remain focused on protecting the health and well-being of its employees, while supporting its customers and the communities in which it operates and assuring the continuity of its operations. During 2020, summer-critical office employees returned to the offices and safety protocols were successfully implemented. The Company is currently planning to begin returning certain employees to the offices through a phased approach expected to be completed by the end of summer.

2021 Guidance Reinstated

NRG is reinstating guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash from Operations and Free Cash Flow before Growth Investments (FCFbG) for 2021 which excludes the full year impact of Winter Storm Uri.

Table 4: 2021 Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Cash from Operations, and FCFbGGuidance

2021

(In millions) Guidance

Adjusted EBITDA^a $2,400 - $2,600

Adjusted Cash Flow From Operations $1,630 - $1,830

FCFbG $1,440 - $1,640

a.

Non-GAAP financial measure; see Appendix Tables A-4 for GAAP Reconciliation to Net Income (Loss)/Income that excludes fair value adjustments related to derivatives. The Company is unable to provide guidance for Net Income (Loss)/Income due to the impact of such fair value adjustments related to derivatives in a given year

Capital Allocation Update

On April 19, 2021, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.325 per share, payable on May 17, 2021 to stockholders of record as of May 3, 2021.

In light of the impact of Winter Storm Uri, the Company's deleveraging program will extend into 2022. The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and continues to work closely with rating agencies to achieve investment grade credit ratings.

The Company's common stock dividend and debt reductions are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws and regulations.

Earnings Conference Call

On May 6, 2021, NRG will host a conference call at 9:00 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 www.nrg.com and clicking on "Investors" then "Presentations & Webcasts." The webcast will be archived on the site for those unable to listen in real time.

About NRG

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, the information presented in this presentation 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, the potential impact of COVID-19 or any other pandemic on the Company's operations, financial position, risk exposure and liquidity, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions and extreme weather events, competition in wholesale power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers or counterparties to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government or market regulations, the condition of capital markets generally, our ability to access capital markets, cyberterrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, 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 company-wide processes, our ability to achieve our net debt targets our ability to maintain investment grade credit metrics, our ability to proceed with projects under development or the inability to complete the construction of such projects on schedule or within budget, the inability to maintain or create successful partnering relationships, our ability to operate our business efficiently, our ability to retain retail customers, our ability to realize value through our commercial operations strategy, the ability to successfully integrate businesses of acquired companies, including Direct Energy, 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, and our ability to execute our Capital Allocation Plan. Achieving investment grade credit metrics is not an indication of or guarantee that the Company will receive investment grade credit ratings. 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 May 6, 2021. 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.

Non-GAAP financial measure; see Appendix Tables A-4 for GAAP Reconciliation to Net Income (Loss)/Income that excludes fair value adjustments related toa. derivatives. The Company is unable to provide guidance for Net Income (Loss) /Income due to the impact of such fair value adjustments related to derivatives in a given year

Capital Allocation Update

On April 19, 2021, NRG declared a quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.325 per share, payable on May 17, 2021 to stockholders of record as of May 3, 2021.

In light of the impact of Winter Storm Uri, the Company's deleveraging program will extend into 2022. The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and continues to work closely with rating agencies to achieve investment grade credit ratings.

The Company's common stock dividend and debt reductions are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws and regulations.

Earnings Conference Call

On May 6, 2021, NRG will host a conference call at 9:00 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 www.nrg.com and clicking on "Investors" then "Presentations & Webcasts." The webcast will be archived on the site for those unable to listen in real time.

About NRG

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, the information presented in this presentation 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, the potential impact of COVID-19 or any other pandemic on the Company's operations, financial position, risk exposure and liquidity, general economic conditions, hazards customary in the power industry, weather conditions and extreme weather events, competition in wholesale power markets, the volatility of energy and fuel prices, failure of customers or counterparties to perform under contracts, changes in the wholesale power markets, changes in government or market regulations, the condition of capital markets generally, our ability to access capital markets, cyberterrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, 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 company-wide processes, our ability to achieve our net debt targets our ability to maintain investment grade credit metrics, our ability to proceed with projects under development or the inability to complete the construction of such projects on schedule or within budget, the inability to maintain or create successful partnering relationships, our ability to operate our business efficiently, our ability to retain retail customers, our ability to realize value through our commercial operations strategy, the ability to successfully integrate businesses of acquired companies, including Direct Energy, 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, and our ability to execute our Capital Allocation Plan. Achieving investment grade credit metrics is not an indication of or guarantee that the Company will receive investment grade credit ratings. 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 May 6, 2021. 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.

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three months ended March 31,

(In millions, except for per share amounts) 2021 2020

Operating Revenues

Total operating revenues $ 8,091 $ 2,019

Operating Costs and Expenses

Cost of operations 6,864 1,457

Depreciation and amortization 317 109

Selling, general and administrative costs 330 190

Provision for credit losses 611 24

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs 42 1

Total operating costs and expenses 8,164 1,781

Gain on sale of assets 17 6

Operating (Loss)/Income (56 ) 244

Other (Expense)/Income

Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates (6 ) (11 )

Impairment losses on investments - (18 )

Other income, net 22 27

Interest expense (127 ) (98 )

Total other expense (111 ) (100 )

(Loss)/Income Before Income Taxes (167 ) 144

Income tax (benefit)/expense (85 ) 23

Net (Loss)/Income (82 ) 121

(Loss)/Income per Share

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 245 248 - basic

(Loss)/Income per Weighted Average Common Share - $ (0.33 ) $ 0.49 Basic

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 245 249 - diluted

(Loss)/Income per Weighted Average Common Share - $ (0.33 ) $ 0.49 Diluted

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

Three months ended March 31,

(In millions)

2021

2020

Net (Loss)/Income

$

(82

)

$

121

Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

3

(15

)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

3

(15

)

Comprehensive (Loss)/Income

(79

)

106

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

Three months ended March 31,

(In millions) 2021 2020

Net (Loss)/Income $ (82 ) $ 121

Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Foreign currency translation adjustments 3 (15 )

Other comprehensive income/(loss) 3 (15 )

Comprehensive (Loss)/Income (79 ) 106

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

(In millions, except share data)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

501

$

3,905

Funds deposited by counterparties

55

19

Restricted cash

18

6

Accounts receivable, net

3,037

904

Inventory

316

327

Derivative instruments

1,816

560

Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk management activities

298

50

Prepayments and other current assets

511

257

Total current assets

6,552

6,028

Property, plant and equipment, net

2,328

2,547

Other Assets

Equity investments in affiliates

162

346

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

312

301

Goodwill

1,572

579

Intangible assets, net

3,054

668

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund

909

890

Derivative instruments

1,008

261

Deferred income taxes

2,719

3,066

Other non-current assets

625

216

Total other assets

10,361

6,327

Total Assets

$

19,241

$

14,902

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases

$

831

$

1

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

79

69

Accounts payable

2,216

649

Derivative instruments

1,606

499

Cash collateral received in support of energy risk management activities

55

19

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

1,008

678

Total current liabilities

5,795

1,915

Other Liabilities

Long-term debt and finance lease

8,705

8,691

Non-current operating lease liabilities

280

278

Nuclear decommissioning reserve

308

303

Nuclear decommissioning trust liability

580

565

Derivative instruments

834

385

Deferred income taxes

30

19

Other non-current liabilities

1,192

1,066

Total other liabilities

11,929

11,307

Total Liabilities

17,724

13,222

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' Equity

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 423,519,121 and 423,057,848 shares issued and 244,693,206 and 244,231,933 shares outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

4

4

Additional paid-in-capital

8,513

8,517

Accumulated deficit

(1,565

)

(1,403

)

Less treasury stock, at cost - 178,825,915 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020

(5,232

)

(5,232

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(203

)

(206

)

Total Stockholders' Equity

1,517

1,680

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$

19,241

$

14,902

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, December 31, 2021 2020

(In millions, except share data) (Unaudited) (Audited)

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents $ 501 $ 3,905

Funds deposited by counterparties 55 19

Restricted cash 18 6

Accounts receivable, net 3,037 904

Inventory 316 327

Derivative instruments 1,816 560

Cash collateral paid in support of energy risk 298 50 management activities

Prepayments and other current assets 511 257

Total current assets 6,552 6,028

Property, plant and equipment, net 2,328 2,547

Other Assets

Equity investments in affiliates 162 346

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 312 301

Goodwill 1,572 579

Intangible assets, net 3,054 668

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund 909 890

Derivative instruments 1,008 261

Deferred income taxes 2,719 3,066

Other non-current assets 625 216

Total other assets 10,361 6,327

Total Assets $ 19,241 $ 14,902

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt and finance $ 831 $ 1 leases

Current portion of operating lease liabilities 79 69

Accounts payable 2,216 649

Derivative instruments 1,606 499

Cash collateral received in support of energy risk 55 19 management activities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,008 678

Total current liabilities 5,795 1,915

Other Liabilities

Long-term debt and finance lease 8,705 8,691

Non-current operating lease liabilities 280 278

Nuclear decommissioning reserve 308 303

Nuclear decommissioning trust liability 580 565

Derivative instruments 834 385

Deferred income taxes 30 19

Other non-current liabilities 1,192 1,066

Total other liabilities 11,929 11,307

Total Liabilities 17,724 13,222

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' Equity

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 sharesauthorized; 423,519,121 and 423,057,848 sharesissued and 4 4 244,693,206 and 244,231,933 shares outstanding atMarch 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

Additional paid-in-capital 8,513 8,517

Accumulated deficit (1,565 ) (1,403 )

Less treasury stock, at cost - 178,825,915 at March (5,232 ) (5,232 ) 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (203 ) (206 )

Total Stockholders' Equity 1,517 1,680

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 19,241 $ 14,902

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Three months ended March 31,

(In millions)

2021

2020

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net (Loss)/Income

$

(82

)

$

121

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to cash (used)/provided by operating activities:

Distributions from and equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates

17

16

Depreciation and amortization

317

109

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

3

11

Provision for credit losses

611

24

Amortization of nuclear fuel

13

13

Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts

11

6

Amortization of emissions allowances and energy credits

7

7

Amortization of unearned equity compensation

4

5

Gain on sale and disposal of assets

(18

)

(14

)

Impairment losses

-

18

Changes in derivative instruments

(902

)

(46

)

Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for uncertain tax benefits

(71

)

19

Changes in collateral deposits in support of energy risk management activities

1

9

Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability

15

8

Changes in other working capital

(843

)

(98

)

Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Operating Activities

(917

)

208

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

(3,482

)

-

Capital expenditures

(63

)

(66

)

Net purchases of emission allowances

(5

)

(8

)

Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities

(129

)

(121

)

Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities

118

112

Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed

197

15

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

(3,364

)

(68

)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Payments of dividends to common stockholders

(80

)

(74

)

Payments for share repurchase activity

(9

)

(179

)

Net payments from settlement of acquired derivatives that include financing elements

190

(3

)

Net proceeds of Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables Securitization Facilities

825

552

Payments of debt issuance costs

(2

)

-

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

1

-

Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases

(1

)

(60

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

-

59

Purchase of and distributions to noncontrolling interests from subsidiaries

-

(2

)

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

924

293

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

1

-

Net (Decrease)/increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash

(3,356

)

433

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period

3,930

385

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

$

574

$

818

Appendix Table A-1: First Quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment

The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to Net (Loss)/Income:

NRG ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Three months ended March 31,

(In millions) 2021 2020

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net (Loss)/Income $ (82 ) $ 121

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to cash (used)/ provided by operating activities:

Distributions from and equity in losses of unconsolidated 17 16 affiliates

Depreciation and amortization 317 109

Accretion of asset retirement obligations 3 11

Provision for credit losses 611 24

Amortization of nuclear fuel 13 13

Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts 11 6

Amortization of emissions allowances and energy credits 7 7

Amortization of unearned equity compensation 4 5

Gain on sale and disposal of assets (18 ) (14 )

Impairment losses - 18

Changes in derivative instruments (902 ) (46 )

Changes in deferred income taxes and liability for (71 ) 19 uncertain tax benefits

Changes in collateral deposits in support of energy risk 1 9 management activities

Changes in nuclear decommissioning trust liability 15 8

Changes in other working capital (843 ) (98 )

Net Cash (Used)/Provided by Operating Activities (917 ) 208

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash (3,482 ) - acquired

Capital expenditures (63 ) (66 )

Net purchases of emission allowances (5 ) (8 )

Investments in nuclear decommissioning trust fund (129 ) (121 ) securities

Proceeds from the sale of nuclear decommissioning trust 118 112 fund securities

Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash disposed 197 15

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities (3,364 ) (68 )

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Payments of dividends to common stockholders (80 ) (74 )

Payments for share repurchase activity (9 ) (179 )

Net payments from settlement of acquired derivatives that 190 (3 ) include financing elements

Net proceeds of Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables 825 552 Securitization Facilities

Payments of debt issuance costs (2 ) -

Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1 -

Repayments of long-term debt and finance leases (1 ) (60 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - 59

Purchase of and distributions to noncontrolling interests - (2 ) from subsidiaries

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 924 293

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash 1 - equivalents

Net (Decrease)/increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents, (3,356 ) 433 Funds Deposited by Counterparties and Restricted Cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by 3,930 385 Counterparties and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Funds Deposited by $ 574 $ 818 Counterparties and Restricted Cash at End of Period

Appendix Table A-1: First Quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment

The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to Net (Loss)/Income:

West/ Corp/($ in millions) Texas East Services/ Elim Total Other^1

Net (Loss)/Income (425 ) 353 69 (79 ) (82 )

Plus:

Interest expense, net - 3 - 123 126

Income tax - 4 1 (90 ) (85 )

Depreciation and amortization 77 209 24 7 317

ARO Expense 2 3 (2 ) - 3

Contract amortization 1 - - - 1

EBITDA (345 ) 572 92 (39 ) 280

Winter Storm Uri Impact 1,121 (145 ) (11 ) 2 967

Adjustment to reflect NRGshare of adjusted EBITDA in - - 20 - 20 unconsolidated affiliates

Acquisition-relatedtransaction & integration - 14 - 30 44 costs

Deactivation costs - - - (9 ) (9 )

Gain on sale of business - - (17 ) - (17 )

Other non recurring charges 2 (13 ) - 14 3

Mark to market (MtM) (gains)/ (524 ) (162 ) (35 ) - (721 ) losses on economic hedges

Adjusted EBITDA 254 266 49 (2 ) 567

1 Includes International and Generation eliminations

First Quarter 2021 condensed financial information byOperating Segment:

West/ Corp/($ in millions) Texas East Services/ Elim Total Other^1

Operating revenues 3,703 3,829 593 (2 ) 8,123

Cost of sales 3,606 3,121 456 - 7,183

Economic gross margin^2 97 708 137 (2 ) 940

Operations & maintenanceand other cost of 229 150 55 (1 ) 433 operations^3

Selling, marketing, 139 147 34 10 330 general and administrative

Provision for credit 602 7 2 - 611 losses

Other (income)^4 (6 ) (7 ) (14 ) (7 ) (34 )

Winter Storm Uri Impact (1,121 ) 145 11 (2 ) (967 )

Adjusted EBITDA 254 266 49 (2 ) 567

1 Includes International and Generation eliminations 2 Excludes MtM loss of $721 million and contract amortization of $1 million 3 Excludes deactivation costs of $9 million 4 Excludes acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $44 million

The following table reconciles the condensed financial information to Adjusted EBITDA:

Condensed Interest,($ in financial tax, MtM Deactivation Winter Other Adjustedmillions) information depr., Storm Uri adj. EBITDA^ amort.

Operating 8,091 - 32 - (2,660 ) 13 5,476 revenues

Cost of 6,431 1 753 - (3,009 ) (2 ) 4,174 operations

Gross margin 1,660 (1 ) (721 ) - 349 15 1,302

Operations &maintenanceand other 433 - - (9 ) (1 ) 4 427 cost ofoperations

Selling,marketing, 330 - - - - 15 345 general &administrative

Provision for 611 - - - (594 ) - 17 credit losses

Other expense/ 368 (358 ) - - (23 ) (41 ) (54 ) (income)^1

Net (Loss)/ (82 ) 357 (721 ) 9 967 37 567 Income

1 Other adj. includes gain on sale of business of $17 million, and acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $44 million

Appendix Table A-2: First Quarter 2020 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation by Operating Segment

The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and provides a reconciliation to Net (Loss)/Income:

West/ Corp/($ in millions) Texas East Services/ Elims Total Other^1

Net (Loss)/Income 162 20 45 (106 ) 121

Plus:

Interest expense, net - 4 1 89 94

Income tax - - 1 22 23

Loss on debt extinguishment - 1 - - 1

Depreciation and amortization 59 32 9 9 109

ARO Expense 3 8 - - 11

Contract amortization 1 - - - 1

EBITDA 225 65 56 14 360

Adjustment to reflect NRG share ofadjusted EBITDA in unconsolidated 1 - 24 - 25 affiliates

Acquisition-related transaction & 1 - - - 1 integration costs

Reorganization costs 1 - - 2 3

Deactivation costs - - 1 - 1

Gain on sale of business - - - (15 ) (15 )

Other non recurring charges (2 ) 1 (2 ) 3 -

Impairments 18 - - - 18

Mark to market (MtM) (gains)/ (49 ) 20 (15 ) - (44 )losses on economic hedges

Adjusted EBITDA 195 86 64 4 349

1 Includes International, remaining renewables and Generation eliminations

First Quarter 2020 condensed financial information by Operating Segment:

($ in millions) Texas East West/Services Corp/ Total /Other^1 Elim

Operating revenues 1,358 521 143 (3 ) 2,019

Cost of sales 830 268 47 - 1,145

Economic gross margin^2 528 253 96 (3 ) 874

Operations & maintenance and 204 106 32 (1 ) 341 other cost of operations^3

Selling, marketing, general & 108 61 13 8 190 administrative

Provision for credit losses 23 1 - - 24

Other (income)^4 (2 ) (1 ) (13 ) (14 ) (30 )

Adjusted EBITDA 195 86 64 4 349

1 Includes International, remaining renewables and Generation eliminations 2 Excludes MtM gain of $44 million and contract amortization of $1 million 3 Excludes deactivation costs of $1 million 4 Includes development costs. Excludes $258 million of interest expense, income tax, depreciation and amortization, gain on sale of assets, acquisition related transactions & integration costs, reorganization costs, other non recurring charges, impairments and loss on debt extinguishment

The following table reconciles the condensed financial information to Adjusted EBITDA:

Condensed Interest,($ in financial tax, MtM Deactivation Other Adjustedmillions) information depr., adj. EBITDA^ amort.

Operating 2,019 - 4 - (4 ) 2,019 revenues

Cost of 1,102 (1 ) 48 - (4 ) 1,145 operations

Gross margin 917 1 (44 ) - - 874

Operations &maintenance 355 - - (3 ) (11 ) 341 and other costof operations

Selling,marketing, 190 - - - - 190 general &administrative

Provision for 24 - - - - 24 credit losses

Other expense/ 227 (226 ) - - (31 ) (30 )(income) ^1

Net (Loss)/ 121 227 (44 ) 3 42 349 Income

1 Other adj. includes impairments of $18 million, gain on sale of business of $15 million, acquisition-related transaction & integration costs of $1 million and reorganization costs of $3 million

Appendix Table A-3: First Quarter 2021 Sources and Uses of Liquidity

The following table summarizes the sources and uses of liquidity through first quarter of 2021:

Three Months($ in millions) Ended March 31, 2021

Sources:

Net proceeds of Revolving Credit Facility and Receivables 825 Securitization Facilities

Proceeds from asset sales 197

Net payments from settlement of acquired derivatives that 190 include financing elements

Uses:

Cash (used)/provided by Operating Activities (917 )

Payments for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (3,482 )

Decrease in Credit Facility (405 )

Growth investments and acquisitions, net (14 )

Maintenance and Environmental CapEx, net (49 )

Net nuclear decommissioning trust liability (11 )

Share repurchases (9 )

Common Stock Dividends (80 )

Change of Restricted Cash (12 )

Other Investing and Financing (30 )

Change in Total Liquidity (3,797 )

Appendix Table A-4: 2021 Guidance Reconciliation

The following table summarizes the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA providing reconciliation to Net (Loss)/Income, and the calculation of Free Cash Flow before Growth providing reconciliation to Cash from Operations:

2021

($ in millions) Guidance

Net (Loss)/Income^1 $ 80-280

Winter Storm Uri 975

Interest expense, net 450

Income tax 55

Depreciation, Amortization, Contract Amortization and ARO Expense 660

Adjustment to reflect NRG share of adjusted EBITDA in 85 unconsolidated affiliates

Other Costs^2 95

Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,400 - 2,600

Interest payments, net (460 )

Income tax (25 )

Working capital / other assets and liabilities (315 )

Cash (used)/provided by Operating Activities $ 1,600 - 1,800

Adjustments: Acquired Derivatives, Integration Costs, Return ofCapital Dividends, Collateral, GenOn Pension 30 and Other

Adjusted Cash flow from Operations $ 1,630 - 1,830

Maintenance capital expenditures, net (180) - ) (195

Environmental capital expenditures, net (5) - ) (10

Free Cash Flow before Growth $ 1,440 - 1,640

1 For purposes of guidance fair value adjustments related to derivatives are assumed to be zero 2 Includes deactivation costs and integration expenses

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 expense (loss on debt extinguishment), income taxes, depreciation and amortization, asset retirement obligation expenses, contract amortization consisting of amortization of power and fuel contracts and amortization of emission allowances. 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 forward position of economic hedges, 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 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, related restructuring costs and changes in the nuclear decommissioning trust liability. 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. The company excludes changes in the nuclear decommissioning trust liability as these amounts are offset by changes in the decommissioning fund shown in cash from investing.

Free Cash Flow (before Growth) 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 as a measure of cash available for discretionary expenditures.

Free Cash Flow before Growth is utilized by Management in making decisions regarding the allocation of capital. Free Cash Flow before Growth 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 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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CONTACT: Investors: Kevin L. Cole, CFA 609.524.4526