di 40
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated May 31, 2016
•g a PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
..„; IS (To prospectus dated July 8, 2015)
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NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.
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Series K Junior Subordinated Debentures due June 1, 2076
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The Series K Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
Unconditionally and Irrevocably Guaranteed by
NextEra Energy, Inc.
= ,n The Scrics K Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Junior Subordinated Debentures") will bear interest at % per year.
ro '"'
CI NextEra Energy Capital Holdings. Inc. ("NEE Capital") will pay interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on March I. June I.
Z .= di September I and December I of each year. beginning September I. 2016. The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued in
ct 4-. registered form and in denominations of $25 and integral multiples thereof. The Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on
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ca = June 1. 2076. NEE Capital. at its option. may redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures at the times and prices described in this
c sr prospectus supplement.
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.c NEE Capital may defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on one or more occasions for up to 10
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co consecutive years per deferral period as described in this prospectus supplement. Deferred interest payments will accrue additional
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interest at a rate equal to the interest rate on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
..... NEE Capital intends to apply to list the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange. If approved for
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E 41 listing, trading on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within 30 days after the Junior Subordinated Debentures
in ca arc first issued.
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m= 72
m= See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement to read about certain factors
15 2 you should consider before making an investment in the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
a en
0 I— Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other securities commission in any jurisdiction has approved or
m =to disapproved of the Junior Subordinated Debentures or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is
.... ••••
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truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
ea .2 Per Junior
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Subordinated Debenture Total
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E .. Price to Public (I) $ $
o ..= Underwriting Discount (2) $ $
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Proceeds to NEE Capital (before expenses) (2) $ $
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= a) (I) In addition to the Price to Public set forth above, each purchaser will pay an amount equal to the interest. if any. accrued on the
m Junior Subordinated Debentures from the date that the Junior Subordinated Debentures are originally issued to the date that they
ea
r; .= are delivered to that purchaser.
a) (2) Underwriting commissions of S per Junior Subordinated Debenture (or up to S for all Junior Subordinated Debentures)
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0 V) will be deducted from the proceeds paid to NEE Capital by the underwriters. However, the commission will be S per Junior
... o Subordinated Debenture for sales to institutions and. to the extent of such sales, the total underwriting discount will be less than
a —
›.. .- the amount set forth herein. As a result of sales to institutions. the total proceeds to NEE Capital increased by S . Other
•-•
,,,, 2 expenses of the offering will be paid by NEE Capital except as discussed under "Underwriting' in this prospectus supplement.
E,
The underwriters will have the option to purchase up to an additional $ in principal amount of the Junior Subordinated
E c Debentures in order to cover over-allotments, if any. If the option is exercised, any such Junior Subordinated Debentures are expected
- to
op ta to be delivered on or about the same date set forth below. Should the underwriters exercise this option in full, the total public offering
ci. ea price, underwriting discount and proceeds. before expenses. to NEE Capital will be $ .$ and S . respectively.
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es
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are expected to be delivered in book-entry only form through The Depository Trust
Company for the accounts of its participants. including Clearstrearn Banking. societe anonyme. and/or Euroclear Bank S.AJN.V.. as
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operator of the Euroclear System. against payment in New York. New York on or about June . 2016.
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a a. Joint Book-Running Managers
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Ca-Managers
Raymond James RBC Capital Markets
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0I C The date of this prospectus supplement is . 2016.
EFTA01129863
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus
supplement and in the accompanying prospectus and in any written communication from NEE Capital,
NextEra Energy, Inc. ("NEE") or the underwriters specifying the final terms of the offering. None of NEE
Capital, NEE or the underwriters have authorized anyone else to provide you with additional or different
information. None of NEE Capital, NEE or the underwriters are making an offer of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that
the information in this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any
date other than the date on the front of those documents or that the information incorporated by reference
is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Prospectus Supplement
Prospectus Supplement Summary S-I
Risk Factors S-6
Use of Proceeds S-27
Selected Consolidated Income Statement Data of NEE and Subsidiaries S-27
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges S-27
Consolidated Capitalization of NEE and Subsidiaries 5-28
Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures S-28
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences S•40
Underwriting S•45
Prospectus
About this Prospectus 3
Risk Factors 3
NEE 3
NEE Capital 4
Use of Proceeds 4
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
Preferred Stock Dividends 4
Where You Can Find More Information 4
Incorporation by Reference 5
Forward Looking Statements 5
Description of NEE Common Stock 6
Description of NEE Preferred Stock 10
Description of NEE Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units 12
Description of NEE Warrants 12
Description of NEE Senior Debt Securities 12
Description of NEE Subordinated Debt Securities 12
Description of NEE Junior Subordinated Debentures 13
Description of NEE Capital Preferred Stock 13
Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Preferred Stock 14
Description of NEE Capital Senior Debt Securities 14
Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Senior Debt Securities 25
Description of NEE Capital Subordinated Debt Securities and NEE Subordinated Guarantee 26
Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee 27
Information Concerning the Trustees 41
Plan of Distribution 41
Experts 43
Legal Opinions 43
EFTA01129864
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
You should read the following summary in conjunction with the more detailed information incorporated by
reference or provided in this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus containforward•looking statements (as that term is defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Forward-looking statements should be read with the
cautionary statements in the accompanying prospectus under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" and
the important factors discussed in this prospectus supplement and in the incorporated documents. To the extent
the following information is inconsistent with the information in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely
on thefollowing information. You shouldpay special attention to the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page
S-6 of this prospectus supplement to determine whether an investment in the Junior Subordinated Debentures is
appropriate for you.
NEE CAPITAL
The information in this section supplements the information in the "NEE Capital" section on page 4 of the
accompanying prospectus.
NEE Capital owns and provides funding for all of NEE's operating subsidiaries other than Florida Power &
Light Company ("FPL") and its subsidiaries. NEE Capital was incorporated in 1985 as a Florida corporation and
is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEE.
NEE Capital's principal executive offices are located at 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, Florida
33408, telephone number (561) 694-4000, and its mailing address is P.O. Box 14000, Juno Beach, Florida
33408-0420.
NEE
The information in this section supplements the information in the "NEE" section on page 3 of the
accompanying prospectus.
NEE is a holding company incorporated in 1984 as a Florida corporation and conducts its operations
principally through two wholly owned subsidiaries, FPL and, indirectly through NEE Capital. NextEra Energy
Resources, LLC ("NEER"). FPL is a rate-regulated electric utility engaged primarily in the generation,
transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in Florida. NEER produces the majority of its electricity
from clean and renewable sources, including wind and solar. NEER also provides full energy and capacity
requirements services, engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities and invests in natural gas.
natural gas liquids and oil production and pipeline infrastructure assets.
NEE's principal executive offices are located at 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, Florida 33408,
telephone number (561) 694-4000. and its mailing address is P.O. Box 14000, Juno Beach, Florida 33408.0420.
S-1
EFTA01129865
SUMMARY—Q&A
What securities are being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement?
NEE Capital is offering $ aggregate principal amount ($ if the underwriters exercise their
over-allotment option in full) of its Series K Junior Subordinated Debentures due June I, 2076, which will be
referred to as the "Junior Subordinated Debentures" in this prospectus supplement. NEE Capital's corporate
parent, NEE, has agreed to unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the payment of principal, interest and
premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued in
denominations of $25 and integral multiples thereof.
What interest will be paid by NEE Capital?
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will bear interest at % per year. Subject to NEE Capital's right to
defer interest payments as described below, interest is payable quarterly in arrears on March I, June I.
September I and December I of each year, beginning September I. 2016.
For a more complete description of interest payable on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, see "Certain
Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Interest and Payment."
What are the record dates for the payment of interest?
So long as all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures remain in book-entry only form, the record date for
each interest payment date will be the close of business on the business day (as defined below under "Certain
Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Interest and Payment") immediately preceding the applicable
interest payment date. If any of the Junior Subordinated Debentures do not remain in book-entry only form, the
record date for each interest payment date will be the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day immediately
preceding the applicable interest payment date.
When can payment of interest be deferred?
So long as there is no event of default under the subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be issued. NEE Capital may defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, from time to time, for one or more periods (each, an "Optional Deferral Period") of up to 10
consecutive years per Optional Deferral Period. In other words, NEE Capital may declare at its discretion up to a
10-year interest payment moratorium on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and may choose to do that on more
than one occasion. NEE Capital may not defer payments beyond the maturity date of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures (which is June I, 2076). Any deferred interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will accrue
additional interest at a rate equal to the interest rate on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, to the extent
permitted by applicable law. Once all accrued and unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures has
been paid, NEE Capital can begin a new Optional Deferral Period. However, NEE Capital has no current
intention of deferring interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
For a more complete description of NEE Capital's ability to defer the payment of interest, see "Certain
Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Option to Defer Interest Payments" and "Certain Terms of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures—Modification of the Subordinated Indenture" in this prospectus supplement
and "Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—
Option to Defer Interest Payments" in the accompanying prospectus.
S-2
EFTA01129866
What restrictions are imposed on NEE Capital and NEE during an Optional Deferral Period?
During any period in which NEE Capital defers interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
neither NEE nor NEE Capital will, and each will cause their majority-owned subsidiaries not to. do any of the
following (with limited exceptions):
• declare or pay any dividend or distribution on NEE's or NEE Capital's capital stock;
• redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of NEE's or NEE
Capital's capital stock;
• pay any principal, interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem any of NEE's or NEE
Capital's debt securities that are equal or junior in right of payment with the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or NEE's guarantee (the "Junior Subordinated Guarantee") of NEE Capital's payment
obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures (as the case may be); or
• make any payments with respect to any NEE or NEE Capital guarantee of debt securities if such
guarantee is equal or junior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee (as the case may be).
See "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Option to Defer Interest Payments" and "Certain
Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Modification of the Subordinated Indenture" (which describes
the right of NEE and NEE Capital to modify the restrictions described above) in this prospectus supplement and
"Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Option
to Defer Interest Payments" (which includes a description of the limited exceptions to the restrictions described
above) in the accompanying prospectus.
Even though you will not receive any interest payments on your Junior Subordinated Debentures during an
Optional Deferral Period, you likely will be required to include amounts in income for United States federal
income tax purposes during such period, regardless of your method of accounting for United States federal
income tax purposes. You should consult with your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of an
investment in the Junior Subordinated Debentures. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences—U.S. Holders" in this prospectus supplement.
If NEE Capital defers interest for a period of 10 consecutive years from the commencement of an Optional
Deferral Period, NEE Capital will be required to pay all accrued and unpaid interest at the conclusion of the
10-year period, and to the extent it does not do so, NEE will be required to make guarantee payments in
accordance with the Junior Subordinated Guarantee with respect thereto. If NEE Capital fails to pay in full all
accrued and unpaid interest at the conclusion of the 10-year period, such failure continues for 30 days and NEE
fails to make guarantee payments with respect thereto, an event of default that gives rise to acceleration of
principal and interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will occur under the subordinated indenture
pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued. See "Description of NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Events of Default" and "Description of NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Remedies" in the
accompanying prospectus.
When can NEE Capital redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures?
NEE Capital may redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures at its option before their maturity:
• in whole or in part on one or more occasions before June I. 2021 at 100% of their principal amount
plus accrued and unpaid interest plus any applicable "make-whole premium•;"
• in whole or in part on one or more occasions on or after June 1, 2021 at 100% of their principal amount
plus accrued and unpaid interest;
S-3
EFTA01129867
• in whole but not in part before June 1, 2021 at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if certain changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations occur; or
• in whole but not in part before June 1, 2021 at 102% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest if a rating agency makes certain changes in the equity credit methodology for securities such as
the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The circumstances under which the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed, and the redemption
prices, are more fully described below under the captions "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures—Optional Redemption," "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Right to Redeem
Upon a Tax Event," and "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Right to Redeem Upon a
Rating Agency Event" in this prospectus supplement.
What is the ranking of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee?
NEE Capital's payment obligation under the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be unsecured and will rank
junior and be subordinated in right of payment and upon liquidation to all of NEE Capital's Senior Indebtedness,
and NEE's payment obligation under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will be unsecured and will rank junior and
be subordinated in right of payment and upon liquidation to all of NEE's Senior Indebtedness. Senior Indebtedness
of NEE Capital and NEE are defined below under "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Ranking
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee." However, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will rank equally in right of payment with any Pari Passu
Securities, as defined below under "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Ranking of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee."
While NEE Capital is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating
subsidiaries, NEE Capital's subsidiaries arc separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make
any payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to make any funds available for such payment.
Therefore, the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by NEE Capital's subsidiaries. In
addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE Capital's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their
business activities. All of this indebtedness will be effectively senior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The
subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued does not place any
limit on the amount of Senior Indebtedness that NEE Capital may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur or the
amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE Capital's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or
otherwise incur. NEE Capital expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities and
to guarantee indebtedness that will be senior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. At May 27, 2016, NEE
Capital's Senior Indebtedness, on an unconsolidated basis, totaled approximately $9.8 billion.
While NEE is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating subsidiaries.
NEE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and, other than NEE Capital, have no obligation to
make any payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to make any funds available for such payment.
Therefore, the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock incurred or issued by NEE's subsidiaries. In
addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their business
activities. All of this indebtedness will be effectively senior to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. The
subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued does not place any
limit on the amount of Senior Indebtedness that NEE may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur or the amount of
liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur.
NEE expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities and to guarantee
indebtedness that will be senior to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. At May 27, 2016, NEE's Senior
S-4
EFTA01129868
Indebtedness, on an unconsolidated basis, totaled approximately $9.8 billion, which amount consisted solely of
NEE's guarantees of NEE Capital indebtedness referred to in the paragraph above.
Will the Junior Subordinated Debentures be listed on a stock exchange?
NEE Capital intends to apply to list the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange.
If approved for listing, trading of the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange is
expected to commence within 30 days after they are first issued.
In what form will the Junior Subordinated Debentures be issued?
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be represented by one or more global certificates and registered in
the name of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee, and deposited with the subordinated
indenture trustee on behalf of DTC. This means that you will not receive a certificate for your Junior
Subordinated Debentures and that your broker will maintain your position in the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
NEE Capital expects that the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be ready for delivery through DTC on or about
the date indicated on the cover of this prospectus supplement.
What are the principal United States federal income tax consequences related to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures?
In connection with the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, NEE Capital and NEE will receive
an opinion from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP that, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of NEE Capital (although there is no controlling
authority directly on point). This opinion is subject to certain customary conditions and is not binding on the
Internal Revenue Service. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Classification of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures."
Each holder of Junior Subordinated Debentures will, by accepting the Junior Subordinated Debentures or a
beneficial interest therein, be deemed to have agreed that the holder intends that the Junior Subordinated
Debentures constitute indebtedness and will treat the Junior Subordinated Debentures as indebtedness for all
United States federal, state and local tax purposes. NEE Capital intends to treat the Junior Subordinated
Debentures in the same manner.
If NEE Capital elects to defer interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for one or more Optional
Deferral Periods, the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures likely will be required to include amounts in
income for United States federal income tax purposes during such period, regardless of such holder's method of
accounting for United States federal income tax purposes and notwithstanding that no interest payments will be
made on the Junior Subordinated Debentures during such periods.
May additional Junior Subordinated Debentures of the same series be issued?
All Junior Subordinated Debentures need not be issued at the same time, and the series may be re-opened
for issuances of additional Junior Subordinated Debentures of that series. This means that NEE Capital may from
time to time, without notice to, or the consent of, the existing holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
create and issue additional Junior Subordinated Debentures. Such additional Junior Subordinated Debentures will
have the same terms as the Junior Subordinated Debentures in all respects (except for the payment of interest
accruing prior to the issue date of the additional Junior Subordinated Debentures or except for the first payments
of interest following the issue date of the additional Junior Subordinated Debentures) so that the additional Junior
Subordinated Debentures may be consolidated and form a single series with the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
In addition. NEE Capital has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional S in
principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in order to cover over-allotments, if any.
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EFTA01129869
RISK FACTORS
The information in this section supplements the information in the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page
3 of the accompanying prospectus.
Before purchasing the Junior Subordinated Debentures, investors should carefilly consider the following
risk factors together with the risk factors and other information incorporated by reference or provided in the
accompanying prospectus or in this prospectus supplement in order to evaluate an investment in the Junior
Subordinated Debentures.
Risks Relating to NEE's and NEE Capital's Business
Regulatory, Legislative and Legal Risks
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be
materially adversely affected by the extensive regulation of their business.
The operations of NEE and NEE Capital are subject to complex and comprehensive federal, state and other
regulation. This extensive regulatory framework, portions of which are more specifically identified in the
following risk factors, regulates, among other things and to varying degrees, NEE's and NEE Capital's
industries, businesses, rates and cost structures, operation of nuclear power facilities, construction and operation
of electricity generation, transmission and distribution facilities and natural gas and oil production, natural gas,
oil and other fuel transportation processing and storage facilities, acquisition, disposal, depreciation and
amortization of facilities and other assets, decommissioning costs and funding, service reliability, wholesale and
retail competition, and commodities trading and derivatives transactions. In their business planning and in the
management of their operations, NEE and NEE Capital must address the effects of regulation on their business
and any inability or failure to do so adequately could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be
materially adversely affected if they are unable to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of
costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost
recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise.
FPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEE, is a regulated entity subject to the jurisdiction of the Florida Public
Service Commission ("FPSC") over a wide range of business activities, including, among other items, the retail
rates charged to its customers through base rates and cost recovery clauses, the terms and conditions of its
services, procurement of electricity for its customers, issuances of securities, and aspects of the siting,
construction and operation of its generation plants and transmission and distribution systems for the sale of
electric energy. The FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery by FPL of costs that it considers excessive or
imprudently incurred and to determine the level of return that FPL is permitted to earn on invested capital. The
regulatory process, which may be adversely affected by the political, regulatory and economic environment in
Florida and elsewhere, limits FPL's ability to increase earnings. The regulatory process also does not provide any
assurance as to achievement of authorized or other earnings levels, or that FPL will be permitted to earn an
acceptable return on capital investments it wishes to make. NEE's business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected if any material amount of costs, a return on
certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital cannot be recovered through base rates, cost recovery
clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise. Certain other subsidiaries of NEE are regulated electric
transmission utilities subject to the jurisdiction of their regulators and are subject to similar risks.
Regulatory decisions that are important to NEE and NEE Capital may be materially adversely affected by
political, regulatory and economic factors.
The local and national political, regulatory and economic environment has had, and may in the future have,
an adverse effect on FPSC decisions with negative consequences for FPL. These decisions may require, for
S•6
EFTA01129870
example, FPL to cancel or delay planned development activities, to reduce or delay other planned capital
expenditures or to pay for investments or otherwise incur costs that it may not be able to recover through rates.
each of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects of NEE. Certain other subsidiaries of NEE are subject to similar risks.
FPL's use of derivative instruments could be subject to prudence challenges and, if found imprudent,
could result in disallowances of cost recovery for such use by the FPSC.
The FPSC engages in an annual prudence review of FPL's use of derivative instruments in its risk
management fuel procurement program and should it find any such use to be imprudent, the FPSC could deny
cost recovery for such use by FPL. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Any reductions to, or the elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support utility scale
renewable energy, including, but not limited to, tax incentives, renewable portfolio standards ("RPS") or
feed-in tariffs or the US. Environmental Protection Agency's final rule under Section 111(d) of the Clean
Air Act ("Clean Power Plan"), or the imposition of additional taxes or other assessments on renewable
energy, could result in, among other items, the lack of a satisfactory market for the development of new
renewable energy projects, NEER abandoning the development of renewable energy projects, a loss of
NEER's investments in renewable energy projects and reduced project returns, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects.
NEER, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEE Capital, depends heavily on government policies that support
utility scale renewable energy and enhance the economic feasibility of developing and operating wind and solar
energy projects in regions in which NEER operates or plans to develop and operate renewable energy facilities.
The federal government, a majority of the 50 U.S. states and portions of Canada and Spain provide incentives,
such as tax incentives. RPS, feed-in tariffs or the Clean Power Plan, that support or are designed to support the
sale of energy from utility scale renewable energy facilities, such as wind and solar energy facilities. As a result
of budgetary constraints, political factors or otherwise, governments from time to time may review their policies
that support renewable energy and consider actions that would make the policies less conducive to the
development and operation of renewable energy facilities. Any reductions to, or the elimination of. governmental
incentives that support renewable energy, such as those reductions that have been enacted in Spain and arc
applicable to NEER's solar generation facilities in that country. or the imposition of additional taxes or other
assessments on renewable energy, could result in, among other items, the lack of a satisfactory market for the
development of new renewable energy projects, NEER abandoning the development of renewable energy
projects. a loss of NEER's investments in the projects and reduced project returns, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be
materially adversely affected as a result of new or revised laws, regulations, interpretations or other
regulatory initiatives.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business is influenced by various legislative and regulatory initiatives, including,
but not limited to, new or revised laws, regulations, interpretations and other regulatory initiatives regarding
deregulation or restructuring of the energy industry, regulation of the commodities trading and derivatives
markets, and regulation of environmental matters, such as regulation of air emissions, regulation of water
consumption and water discharges, and regulation of gas and oil infrastructure operations, as well as associated
environmental permitting. Changes in the nature of the regulation of NEE's and NEE Capital's business could
have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects. NEE and NEE Capital are unable to predict future legislative or regulatory changes. initiatives or
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interpretations, although any such changes, initiatives or interpretations may increase costs and competitive
pressures on NEE and NEE Capital, which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
FPL has limited competition in the Florida market for retail electricity customers. Any changes in Florida
law or regulation which introduce competition in the Florida retail electricity market, such as government
incentives that facilitate the installation of solar generation facilities on residential or other rooftops at below
cost, or would permit third-party sales of electricity, could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects. There can be no assurance that FPL will be able to
respond adequately to such regulatory changes, which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEER is subject to U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") rules related to transmission
that are designed to facilitate competition in the wholesale market on practically a nationwide basis by providing
greater certainty, flexibility and more choices to wholesale power customers. NEE and NEE Capital cannot
predict the impact of changing FERC rules or the effect of changes in levels of wholesale supply and demand,
which are typically driven by factors beyond NEE's and NEE Capital's control. There can be no assurance that
NEER will be able to respond adequately or sufficiently quickly to such rules and developments, or to any other
changes that reverse or restrict the competitive restructuring of the energy industry in those jurisdictions in which
such restructuring has occurred. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE
Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be
materially adversely affected if the rules implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act") broaden the scope of its provisions regarding the regulation
of over-the-counter ("OTC") financial derivatives and make certain provisions applicable to NEE and
NEE Capital.
The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted into law in July 2010 provides for, among other things, substantially
increased regulation of the OTC derivatives market and futures contract markets. While the legislation is broad
and detailed, there are still portions of the legislation that either require implementing rules to be adopted by
federal governmental agencies or otherwise require further interpretive guidance.
NEE and NEE Capital continue to monitor the development of rules related to the Dodd-Frank Act and have
taken steps to comply with those rules that affect their businesses. A number of rules have been finalized and are
effective, but there are rules yet to be finalized and rules that have been finalized but may be amended in the
future.
NEE and NEE Capital cannot predict the impact any proposed rules will have on their ability to hedge their
commodity and interest rate risks or on OTC derivatives markets as a whole, but they could potentially have a
material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's risk exposure, as well as reduce market liquidity and further
increase the cost of hedging activities.
NEE and NEE Capital are subject to numerous environmental laws, regulations and other standards that
may result in capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities, and may require NEE
and NEE Capital to limit or eliminate certain operations.
NEE and NEE Capital are subject to domestic and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including,
but not limited to, extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air
quality, water quality and usage. climate change, emissions of greenhouse gases, including, but not limited to,
carbon dioxide ("CO2"), waste management, hazardous wastes, marine, avian and other wildlife mortality and
habitat protection, historical artifact preservation, natural resources, health (including, but not limited to, electric
and magnetic fields from power lines and substations), safety and RPS, that could, among other things, prevent or
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delay the development of power generation, power or natural gas transmission, or other infrastructure projects,
restrict the output of some existing facilities, limit the availability and use of some fuels required for the
production of electricity, require additional pollution control equipment. and otherwise increase costs, increase
capital expenditures and limit or eliminate certain operations.
There are significant capital. operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental
statutes, rules and regulations. and those costs could be even more significant in the future as a result of new
requirements, the current trend toward more stringent standards, and stricter or more expansive application of
existing environmental regulations. For example, among other new, potential or pending changes are federal
regulation of CO2 emissions under the Clean Power Plan and state and federal regulation of the use of hydraulic
fracturing or similar technologies to drill for natural gas and related compounds used by NEE's gas infrastructure
business.
Violations of current or future laws, rules, regulations or other standards could expose NEE and NEE
Capital to regulatory and legal proceedings, disputes with, and legal challenges by, third parties, and potentially
significant civil fines, criminal penalties and other sanctions. Proceedings could include, for example. litigation
regarding property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance and enforcement by citizens or governmental
authorities of environmental requirements such as air, water and soil quality standards.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business could be negatively affected by federal or state laws or regulations
mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions.
Federal or state laws or regulations may be adopted that would impose new or additional limits on the
emissions of greenhouse gases, including, but not limited to, CO2 and methane, from electric generation units
using fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. Although it is currently subject to a stay issued by the U.S. Supreme
Court, the Clean Power Plan is an example of such a new regulation at the federal level. The potential effects of
greenhouse gas emission limits on NEE's and NEE Capital's electric generation units are subject to significant
uncertainties based on, among other things, the timing of the implementation of any new requirements, the
required levels of emission reductions, the nature of any market-based or tax-based mechanisms adopted to
facilitate reductions, the relative availability of greenhouse gas emission reduction offsets, the development of
cost-effective, commercial-scale carbon capture and storage technology and supporting regulations and liability
mitigation measures, and the range of available compliance alternatives.
While NEE's and NEE Capital's electric generation units emit greenhouse gases at a lower rate of emissions
than most of the U.S. electric generation sector, the results of operations of NEE and NEE Capital could be
materially adversely affected to the extent that new federal or state laws or regulations impose any new
greenhouse gas emission limits. Any future limits on greenhouse gas emissions could:
• create substantial additional costs in the form of taxes or emission allowances:
• make some of NEE's and NEE Capital's electric generation units uneconomical to operate in the long
term:
require significant capital investment in carbon capture and storage technology, fuel switching, or the
replacement of high-emitting generation facilities with lower-emitting generation facilities; or
affect the availability or cost of fossil fuels.
There can be no assurance that NEE or NEE Capital would be able to completely recover any such costs or
investments, which could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
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Extensive federal regulation of the operations of NEE and NEE Capital exposes NEE and NEE Capital to
significant and increasing compliance costs and may also expose them to substantial monetary penalties
and other sanctions for compliance failures.
NEE and NEE Capital are subject to extensive federal regulation, which generally imposes significant and
increasing compliance costs on NEE's and NEE Capital's operations. Additionally. any actual or alleged
compliance failures could result in significant costs and other potentially adverse effects of regulatory
investigations, proceedings, settlements, decisions and claims, including, among other items, potentially
significant monetary penalties. As an example, under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, NEE and NEE Capital, as
owners and operators of bulk-power transmission systems and/or electric generation facilities, are subject to
mandatory reliability standards. Compliance with these mandatory reliability standards may subject NEE and
NEE Capital to higher operating costs and may result in increased capital expenditures. If NEE or NEE Capital is
found not to be in compliance with these standards, it may incur substantial monetary penalties and other
sanctions. Both the costs of regulatory compliance and the costs that may be imposed as a result of any actual or
alleged compliance failures could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
Changes in tax laws, as we0 as judgments and estimates used in the determination of tax-related asset and
liability amounts, could materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's provision for income taxes and reporting of tax-related assets and liabilities
require significant judgments and the use of estimates. Amounts of tax-related assets and liabilities involve
judgments and estimates of the timing and probability of recognition of income, deductions and tax credits.
including, but not limited to, estimates for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that have been
taken and the ability to utilize tax benefit carryfonvards, such as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
Actual income taxes could vary significantly from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of, among other
things, changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, the financial condition and results of operations of
NEE and NEE Capital, and the resolution of audit issues raised by taxing authorities. Ultimate resolution of
income tax matters may result in material adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities, which could materially
adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be
materially adversely affected due to adverse results of litigation.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be
materially affected by adverse results of litigation. Unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings in which NEE is
involved or other future legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, class action lawsuits, may have a
material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and NEE
Capital.
Operational Risks
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could suffer if
NEE and NEE Capital do not proceed with projects under development or are unable to complete the
construction of, or capital improvements to, electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities,
gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget.
NEE's and NEE Capital's ability to complete construction of, and capital improvement projects for, their
electric generation. transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities on
schedule and within budget may be adversely affected by escalating costs for materials and labor and regulatory
compliance, inability to obtain or renew necessary licenses, rights-of-way, permits or other approvals on
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acceptable terms or on schedule, disputes involving contractors, labor organizations, land owners, governmental
entities, environmental groups, Native American and aboriginal groups. lessors, joint venture partners and other
third parties, negative publicity, transmission interconnection issues and other factors. If any development project
or construction or capital improvement project is not completed, is delayed or is subject to cost overruns, certain
associated costs may not be approved for recovery or othenvise be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms
that may be available, and NEE and NEE Capital could become obligated to make delay or termination payments
or become obligated for other damages under contracts, could experience the lass of tax credits or tax incentives,
or delayed or diminished returns, and could be required to write off all or a portion of their investment in the
project. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE and NEE Capital may face risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting,
governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements that may impede their
development and operating activities.
NEE and NEE Capital own, develop, construct, manage and operate electric-generation and transmission
facilities and natural gas transmission facilities. A key component of NEE's and NEE Capital's growth is their
ability to construct and operate generation and transmission facilities to meet customer needs. As part of these
operations, NEE and NEE Capital must periodically apply for licenses and permits from various local, state,
federal and other regulatory authorities and abide by their respective conditions. Should NEE or NEE Capital be
unsuccessful in obtaining necessary licenses or permits on acceptable terms, should there be a delay in obtaining
or renewing necessary licenses or permits or should regulatory authorities initiate any associated investigations or
enforcement actions or impose related penalties or disallowances on NEE or NEE Capital, NEE's and NEE
Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.
Any failure to negotiate successful project development agreements for new facilities with third parties could
have similar results.
The operation and maintenance of NEE's and NEE Capital's electric generation, transmission and
distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities are subject to many operational risks,
the consequences of which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure
facilities and other facilities are subject to many operational risks. Operational risks could result in, among other
things, lost revenues due to prolonged outages, increased expenses due to monetary penalties or fines for
compliance failures, liability to third parties for property and personal injury damage, a failure to perform under
applicable power sales agreements or other agreements and associated loss of revenues from terminated
agreements or liability for liquidated damages under continuing agreements, and replacement equipment costs or
an obligation to purchase or generate replacement power at higher prices.
Uncertainties and risks inherent in operating and maintaining NEE's and NEE Capital's facilities include,
but are not limited to:
• risks associated with facility start-up operations, such as whether the facility will achieve projected
operating performance on schedule and othenvise as planned;
failures in the availability, acquisition or transportation of fuel or other necessary supplies;
the impact of unusual or adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, including, but not limited to.
hurricanes, tornadoes, icing events, floods, earthquakes and droughts:
performance below expected or contracted levels of output or efficiency;
breakdown or failure, including, but not limited to, explosions, fires, leaks or other major events, of
equipment, transmission and distribution lines or pipelines;
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• availability of replacement equipment;
• risks of property damage or human injury from energized equipment. hazardous substances or
explosions, fires, leaks or other events;
• availability of adequate water resources and ability to satisfy water intake and discharge requirements;
• inability to identify, manage properly or mitigate equipment defects in NEE's and NEE Capital's
facilities;
• use of new or unproven technology;
• risks associated with dependence on a specific type of fuel or fuel source, such as commodity price
risk, availability of adequate fuel supply and transportation, and lack of available alternative fuel
sources;
• increased competition due to, among other factors, new facilities, excess supply, shifting demand and
regulatory changes; and
• insufficient insurance, warranties or performance guarantees to cover any or all lost revenues or
increased expenses from the foregoing.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be
negatively affected by a lack of growth or slower growth in the number of customers or in customer usage.
Growth in customer accounts and growth of customer usage each directly influence the demand for
electricity and the need for additional power generation and power delivery facilities, as well as the need for
energy-related commodities such as natural gas. Customer growth and customer usage are affected by a number
of factors outside the control of NEE and NEE Capital, such as mandated energy efficiency measures, demand
side management requirements. and economic and demographic conditions, such as population changes, job and
income growth, housing starts, new business formation and the overall level of economic activity. A lack of
growth, or a decline, in the number of customers or in customer demand for electricity or natural gas and other
fuels may cause NEE and NEE Capital to fail to fully realize the anticipated benefits from significant
investments and expenditures and could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's growth.
business, financial condition. results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects can be
materially adversely affected by weather conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of severe
weather.
Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas and other fuels and affect
the price of energy and energy-related commodities. In addition, severe weather and natural disasters, such as
hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, icing events and earthquakes, can be destructive and cause power outages and
property damage, reduce revenue, affect the availability of fuel and water, and require NEE and NEE Capital to
incur additional costs, for example, to restore service and repair damaged facilities, to obtain replacement power
and to access available financing sources. Furthermore, NEE's and NEE Capital's physical plant could be placed
at greater risk of damage should changes in the global climate produce unusual variations in temperature and
weather patterns, resulting in more intense, frequent and extreme weather events, abnormal levels of precipitation
and, particularly relevant to FPL. a change in sea level. FPL operates in the east and lower west coasts of Florida,
an area that historically has been prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes. A disruption or failure of
electric generation, transmission or distribution systems or natural gas production, transmission, storage or
distribution systems in the event of a hurricane, tornado or other severe weather event, or otherwise, could
prevent NEE and NEE Capital from operating their business in the normal course and could result in any of the
adverse consequences described above. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and
NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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At FPL and other businesses of NEE where cost recovery is available, recovery of costs to restore service
and repair damaged facilities is or may be subject to regulatory approval, and any determination by the regulator
not to permit timely and full recovery of the costs incurred could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and,
with respect to businesses other than FPL, NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
Changes in weather can also affect the production of electricity at power generation facilities, including, but
not limited to. NEER's wind and solar facilities. For example, the level of wind resource affects the revenue
produced by wind generation facilities. Because the levels of wind and solar resources are variable and difficult
to predict, NEER's results of operations for individual wind and solar facilities specifically. and NEE's and NEE
Capital's results of operations generally, may vary significantly from period to period, depending on the level of
available resources. To the extent that resources are not available at planned levels, the financial results from
these facilities may be less than expected.
Threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyber attacks, or
individuals and/or groups attempting to disrupt NEE's and NEE Capital's business, or the businesses of
third parties, may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects.
NEE and NEE Capital are subject to the potentially adverse operating and financial effects of terrorist acts
and threats, as well as cyber attacks and other disruptive activities of individuals or groups. There have been
cyber attacks on energy infrastructure such as substations, gas pipelines and related assets in the past and there
may be such attacks in the future. NEE's and NEE Capital's generation. transmission and distribution facilities,
fuel storage facilities, information technology systems and other infrastructure facilities and systems could be
direct targets of, or otherwise be materially adversely affected by, such activities.
Terrorist acts, cyber attacks or other similar events affecting NEE's and NEE Capital's systems and
facilities, or those of third parties on which NEE and NEE Capital rely, could harm NEE's and NEE Capital's
business, for example, by limiting their ability to generate, purchase or transmit power. natural gas or other
energy-related commodities by limiting their ability to bill customers and collect and process payments, and by
delaying their development and construction of new generation, distribution or transmission facilities or capital
improvements to existing facilities. These events, and governmental actions in response. could result in a
material decrease in revenues, significant additional costs (for example. to repair assets, implement additional
security requirements or maintain or acquire insurance), significant fines and penalties and reputational damage,
could materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's operations (for example, by contributing to
disruption of supplies and markets for natural gas, oil and other fuels), and could impair NEE's and NEE
Capital's ability to raise capital (for example, by contributing to financial instability and lower economic
activity). In addition, the implementation of security guidelines and measures has resulted in and is expected to
continue to result in increased costs. Such events or actions may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE
Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The ability of NEE and NEE Capital to obtain insurance and the terms of any available insurance
coverage could be materially adversely affected by international, national, state or local events and
company-specific events, as well as the financial condition of insurers. NEE's and NEE Capital's insurance
coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses.
Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be available at rates or on terms similar to
those presently available to NEE and NEE Capital. The ability of NEE and NEE Capital to obtain insurance and
the terms of any available insurance coverage could be materially adversely affected by international, national.
state or local events and company-specific events, as well as the financial condition of insurers. If insurance
coverage is not available or obtainable on acceptable terms, NEE or NEE Capital may be required to pay costs
associated with adverse future events. NEE and NEE Capital generally are not fully insured against all significant
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losses. For example, FPL is not fully insured against huricane•related losses, but would instead seek recovery of
such uninsured losses from customers subject to approval by the FPSC, to the extent losses exceed restricted
funds set aside to cover the cost of storm damage. A loss for which NEE or NEE Capital is not fully insured
could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
NEE and NEE Capital invest in gas and oil producing and transmission assets through NEER's gas
infrastructure business. The gas infrastructure business is exposed to fluctuating market prices of natural
gas, natural gas liquids, oil and other energy commodities. A prolonged period of low gas and oil prices
could impact NEER's gas infrastructure business and cause NEER to delay or cancel certain gas
infrastructure projects and for certain existing projects to be impaired, which could materially adversely
affect NEE's and NEE Capital's results of operations.
Natural gas and oil prices are affected by supply and demand, both globally and regionally. Factors that
influence supply and demand include operational issues, natural disasters, weather, political instability, conflicts,
new discoveries, technological advances, economic conditions and actions by major oil•producing countries.
There can be significant volatility in market prices for gas and oil, and price fluctuations could have a material
effect on the financial performance of gas and oil producing and transmission assets. For example, in a low gas
and oil price environment, NEER would generate less revenue from its gas infrastructure investments in gas and
oil producing properties, and as a result certain investments might become less profitable or incur losses.
Prolonged periods of low oil and gas prices could also result in oil and gas production and transmission projects
to be delayed or cancelled or to experience lower returns, and for certain projects to become impaired, which
could materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's results of operations.
If supply costs necessary to provide NEER's full energy and capacity requirement services are not
favorable, operating costs could increase and materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEER provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities, which
include load-following services and various ancillary services, to satisfy all or a portion of such utilities' power
supply obligations to their customers. The supply costs for these transactions may be affected by a number of
factors, including, but not limited to, events that may occur after such utilities have committed to supply power,
such as weather conditions, fluctuating prices for energy and ancillary services, and the ability of the distribution
utilities' customers to elect to receive service from competing suppliers. NEER may not be able to recover all of
its increased supply costs, which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business.
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Due to the potential for significant volatility in market prices for fuel, electricity and renewable and other
energy commodities, NEER's inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity
risks within its portfolios could materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
There can be significant volatility in market prices for fuel, electricity and renewable and other energy
commodities. NEE's and NEE Capital's inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively its assets or
positions against changes in commodity prices, volumes, interest rates, counterparty credit risk or other risk
measures, based on factors both from within, or wholly or partially outside of, NEE's and NEE Capital's control.
may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
Sales of power on the spot market or on a short-term contractual basis may cause NEE's and NEE
Capital's results of operations to be volatile.
A portion of NEER's power generation facilities operate wholly or partially without long-term power
purchase agreements. Power from these facilities is sold on the spot market or on a short-term contractual basis.
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Spot market sales are subject to market volatility, and the revenue generated from these sales is subject to
fluctuation that may cause NEE's and NEE Capital's results of operations to be volatile. NEER and NEE may not
be able to manage volatility adequately, which could then have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE
Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Reductions in the liquidity of energy markets may restrict the ability of NEE and NEE Capital to manage
their operational risks, which, in turn, could negatively affect NEE's and NEE Capital's results of
operations.
NEE and NEE Capital are active participants in energy markets. The liquidity of regional energy markets is
an important factor in NEE's and NEE Capital's ability to manage risks in these operations. Over the past several
years. other market participants have ceased or significantly reduced their activities in energy markets as a result
of several factors, including, but not limited to. government investigations, changes in market design and
deteriorating credit quality. Liquidity in the energy markets can be adversely affected by price volatility,
restrictions on the availability of credit and other factors, and any reduction in the liquidity of energy markets
could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's hedging and trading procedures and associated risk management tools may not
protect against significant losses.
NEE and NEE Capital have hedging and trading procedures and associated risk management tools, such as
separate but complementary financial, credit, operational, compliance and legal reporting systems, internal
controls, management review processes and other mechanisms. NEE and NEE Capital are unable to assure that
such procedures and tools will be effective against all potential risks, including, without limitation, employee
misconduct. If such procedures and tools are not effective, this could have a material adverse effect on NEE's
and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
If price movements significantly or persistently deviate from historical behavior, NEE's and NEE
Capital's risk management tools associated with their hedging and trading procedures may not protect
against significant losses.
NEE's and NEE Capital's risk management tools and metrics associated with their hedging and trading
procedures, such as daily value at risk, earnings at risk, stop loss limits and liquidity guidelines, are based on
historical price movements. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in price movements and potential deviation
from historical pricing behavior, NEE and NEE Capital are unable to assure that their risk management tools and
metrics will be effective to protect against material adverse effects on their business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects.
If power transmission or natural gas, nuclear fuel or other commodity transportation facilities are
unavailable or disrupted, FPL's and NEER's ability to sell and deliver power or natural gas may be
limited.
FPL and NEER depend upon power transmission and natural gas. nuclear fuel and other commodity
transportation facilities, many of which they do not own. Occurrences affecting the operation of these facilities
that may or may not be beyond FPL's and NEER's control (such as severe weather or a generation or
transmission facility outage, pipeline rupture, or sudden and significant increase or decrease in wind generation)
may limit or halt the ability of FPL and NEER to sell and deliver power and natural gas. or to purchase necessary
fuels and other commodities, which could materially adversely impact NEE's and NEE Capital's business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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NEE and NEE Capital are subject to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties
and vendors.
NEE and NEE Capital are exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness and performance of their
customers, hedging counterparties and vendors under contracts for the supply of equipment, materials, fuel and
other goods and services required for their business operations and for the construction and operation of, and for
capital improvements to. their facilities. Adverse conditions in the energy industry or the general economy. as
well as circumstances of individual customers, hedging counterparties and vendors. may adversely affect the
ability of some customers, hedging counterparties and vendors to perform as required under their contracts with
NEE and NEE Capital. For example. the prolonged downturn in oil and natural gas prices has adversely affected
the financial stability of a number of enterprises in the energy industry, including some with which NEE and
NEE Capital do business.
If any hedging, vending or other counterparty fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, NEE and NEE
Capital may need to make arrangements with other counterparties or vendors, which could result in material
financial losses, higher costs, untimely completion of power generation facilities and other projects, and/or a
disruption of their operations. If a defaulting counterparty is in poor financial condition. NEE and NEE Capital
may not be able to recover damages for any contract breach.
NEE and NEE Capital could recognize financial losses or a reduction in operating cash flows if a
counterparty fails to perform or make payments in accordance with the terms of derivative contracts or if
NEE or NEE Capital is required to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts.
NEE and NEE Capital use derivative instruments, such as swaps, options, futures and fonvards, some of
which are traded in the OTC markets or on exchanges, to manage their commodity and financial market risks,
and for NEE to engage in trading and marketing activities. Any failures by their counterparties to perform or
make payments in accordance with the terms of those transactions could have a material adverse effect on NEE's
or NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Similarly, any requirement
for NEE or NEE Capital to post margin cash collateral under its derivative contracts could have a material
adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. These risks may be
increased during periods of adverse market or economic conditions affecting the industries in which NEE and
NEE Capital participate.
NEE and NEE Capital are highly dependent on sensitive and complex information technology systems,
and any failure or breach of those systems could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE and NEE Capital operate in a highly regulated industry that requires the continuous functioning of
sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure. Despite NEE's and NEE Capital's
implementation of security measures, all of their technology systems are vulnerable to disability, failures or
unauthorized access due to such activities. If NEE's or NEE Capital's information technology systems were to
fail or be breached, sensitive confidential and other data could be compromised and NEE and NEE Capital could
be unable to fulfill critical business functions.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business is highly dependent on their ability to process and monitor, on a daily
basis, a very large number of transactions, many of which are highly complex and cross numerous and diverse
markets. Due to the size, scope, complexity and geographical reach of NEE's and NEE Capital's business, the
development and maintenance of information technology systems to keep track of and process information is
critical and challenging. NEE's and NEE Capital's operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly
or become disabled as a result of events that are either within, or wholly or partially outside of, their control, such
as operator error, severe weather or terrorist activities. Any such failure or disabling event could materially
adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's ability to process transactions and provide services, and their business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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NEE and NEE Capital add, modify and replace information systems on a regular basis. Modifying existing
information systems or implementing new or replacement information systems is costly and involves risks.
including, but not limited to, integrating the modified. new or replacement system with existing systems and
processes, implementing associated changes in accounting procedures and controls, and ensuring that data
conversion is accurate and consistent. Any disruptions or deficiencies in existing information systems, or
disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the modification or implementation of new information systems, could
result in increased costs, the inability to track or collect revenues and the diversion of management's and
employees' attention and resources, and could negatively impact the effectiveness of the companies' control
environment, and/or the companies' ability to timely file required regulatory reports.
NEE and NEE Capital also face the risks of operational failure or capacity constraints of third parties,
including, but not limited to, those who provide power transmission and natural gas transportation services.
NEE's and NEE Capital's retail businesses are subject to the risk that sensitive customer data may be
compromised, which could result in a material adverse impact to their reputation and/or the results of
operations of the retail business.
NEE's and NEE Capital's retail businesses require access to sensitive customer data in the ordinary course
of business. NEE's and NEE Capital's retail businesses may also need to provide sensitive customer data to
vendors and service providers who require access to this information in order to provide services, such as call
center services, to the retail businesses. If a significant breach occurred, the reputation of NEE and NEE Capital
could be materially adversely affected, customer confidence could be diminished, or customer information could
be subject to identity theft. NEE and NEE Capital would be subject to costs associated with the breach and/or
NEE and NEE Capital could be subject to fines and legal claims, any of which may have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and NEE Capital.
NEE and NEE Capital could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market values of
derivative instruments and limited liquidity in OTC markets.
NEE and NEE Capital execute transactions in derivative instruments on either recognized exchanges or via
the OTC markets, depending on management's assessment of the most favorable credit and market execution
factors. Transactions executed in OTC markets have the potential for greater volatility and less liquidity than
transactions on recognized exchanges. As a result, NEE and NEE Capital may not be able to execute desired
OTC transactions due to such heightened volatility and limited liquidity.
In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation
of derivative instruments involves management's judgment and use of estimates. As a result, changes in the
underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these
derivative instruments and have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE and NEE Capital may be materially adversely affected by negative publicity.
From time to time, political and public sentiment may result in a significant amount of adverse press
coverage and other adverse public statements affecting NEE and NEE Capital. Adverse press coverage and other
adverse statements, whether or not driven by political or public sentiment, may also result in investigations by
regulators, legislators and law enforcement officials or in legal claims. Responding to these investigations and
lawsuits, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the proceeding, can divert the time and effort of senior
management from NEE's and NEE Capital's business.
Addressing any adverse publicity, governmental scrutiny or enforcement or other legal proceedings is time
consuming and expensive and, regardless of the factual basis for the assertions being made, can have a negative
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impact on the reputation of NEE and NEE Capital, on the morale and performance of their employees and on
their relationships with their respective regulators. It may also have a negative impact on their ability to take
timely advantage of various business and market opportunities. The direct and indirect effects of negative
publicity, and the demands of responding to and addressing it, may have a material adverse effect on NEE's and
NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely
affected if FPL is unable to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate franchise agreements on acceptable terms
with municipalities and counties in Florida.
FPL must negotiate franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida to provide electric
services within such municipalities and counties, and electricity sales generated pursuant to these agreements
represent a very substantial portion of FPL's revenues. If FPL is unable to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate such
franchise agreements on acceptable terms, it could contribute to lower earnings and FPL may not fully realize the
anticipated benefits from significant investments and expenditures, which could materially adversely affect
NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Increasing costs associated with health care plans may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE
Capital's results of operations.
The costs of providing health care benefits to employees and retirees have increased substantially in recent
years. NEE and NEE Capital anticipate that their employee benefit costs, including, but not limited to, costs
related to health care plans for employees and former employees, will continue to rise. The increasing costs and
funding requirements associated with NEE's and NEE Capital's health care plans may materially adversely affect
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be
negatively affected by the lack of a qualified workforce or the loss or retirement of key employees.
NEE and NEE Capital may not be able to service customers, grow their business or generally meet their
other business plan goals effectively and profitably if they do not attract and retain a qualified workforce.
Additionally, the loss or retirement of key executives and other employees may materially adversely affect
service and productivity and contribute to higher training and safety costs.
Over the next several years. a significant portion of NEE's and NEE Capital's workforce, including, but not
limited to, many workers with specialized skills maintaining and servicing the nuclear generation facilities and
electrical infrastructure, will be eligible to retire. Such highly skilled individuals may not be able to be replaced
quickly due to the technically complex work they perform. If a significant amount of such workers retire and are
not replaced, the subsequent loss in productivity and increased recruiting and training costs could result in a
material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be
materially adversely affected by work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs.
Employee strikes or work stoppages could disrupt operations and lead to a loss of revenue and customers.
Personnel costs may also increase due to inflationary or competitive pressures on payroll and benefits costs and
revised terms of collective bargaining agreements with union employees. These consequences could have a
material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
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NEE's and NEE Capital's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions is subject to
significant risks, including, but not limited to, the effect of increased competition for acquisitions resulting
from the consolidation of the power industry.
NEE and NEE Capital are likely to encounter significant competition for acquisition opportunities that may
become available as a result of the consolidation of the power industry in general. In addition, NEE and NEE
Capital may be unable to identify attractive acquisition opportunities at favorable prices and to complete and
integrate them successfully and in a timely manner.
NextEra Energy Partners, LP's ("NEP") acquisitions may not be completed and, even if completed, NEE
and NEE Capital may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, which could materially
adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
During 2014, NEE formed NEP to acquire. manage and own contracted clean energy projects with stable.
long-term cash flows. NEE and NEE Capital may not realize the anticipated benefits from the acquisition, in
October 2015, of the membership interests in NET Holdings Management, LLC, a developer, owner and operator
of a portfolio of seven intrastate long-term contracted natural gas pipeline assets located in Texas ("Texas
pipeline business"). Although NEP has made a number of acquisitions of wind and solar generation projects. the
Texas pipeline business is the first third party acquisition by NEP and is NEP's first acquisition of natural gas
pipeline assets.
In the future NEP may make additional acquisitions of assets which are inherently risky and NEE and NEE
Capital may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, which could materially adversely affect
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Nuclear Generation Risks
The construction, operation and maintenance of NEE's and NEE Capital's nuclear generation facilities
involve environmental, health and financial risks that could result in fines or the closure of the facilities
and in increased costs and capital expenditures.
NEE's and NEE Capital's nuclear generation facilities are subject to environmental, health and financial
risks, including, but not limited to, those relating to site storage of spent nuclear fuel, the disposition of spent
nuclear fuel, leakage and emissions of tritium and other radioactive elements in the event of a nuclear accident or
otherwise, the threat of a terrorist attack and other potential liabilities arising out of the ownership or operation of
the facilities. NEE and NEE Capital maintain decommissioning funds and external insurance coverage which are
intended to reduce the financial exposure to some of these risks; however, the cost of decommissioning nuclear
generation facilities could exceed the amount available in NEE's and NEE Capital's decommissioning funds, and
the exposure to liability and property damages could exceed the amount of insurance coverage. If NEE or NEE
Capital is unable to recover the additional costs incurred through insurance or, in the case of FPL, through
regulatory mechanisms, NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects could be materially adversely affected.
In the event of an incident at any nuclear generation facility in the U.S. or at certain nuclear generation
facilities in Europe, NEE and NEE Capital could be assessed significant retrospective assessments and/or
retrospective insurance premiums as a result of their participation in a secondary financial protection
system and nuclear insurance mutual companies.
Liability for accidents at nuclear power plants is governed by the Price-Anderson Act, which limits the
liability of nuclear reactor owners to the amount of insurance available from both private sources and an industry
retrospective payment plan. In accordance with this Act, NEE maintains $375 million of private liability
insurance per site, which is the maximum obtainable, and participates in a secondary financial protection system,
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which provides up to $13.1 billion of liability insurance coverage per incident at any nuclear reactor in the U.S.
Under the secondary financial protection system, NEE is subject to retrospective assessments and/or
retrospective insurance premiums of up to $1.0 billion, plus any applicable taxes, per incident at any nuclear
reactor in the U.S. or at certain nuclear generation facilities in Europe, regardless of fault or proximity to the
incident, payable at a rate not to exceed $152 million per incident per year. Such assessments. if levied, could
materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
US. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") orders or new regulations related to increased security
measures and any future safety requirements promulgated by the NRC could require NEE and NEE
Capital to incur substantial operating and capital expenditures at their nuclear generation facilities.
The NRC has broad authority to impose licensing and safety-related requirements for the operation and
maintenance of nuclear generation facilities, the addition of capacity at existing nuclear generation facilities and
the construction of nuclear generation facilities, and these requirements are subject to change. In the event of
non-compliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines or shut down a nuclear generation facility, or to take
both of these actions, depending upon its acc.rssment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved.
Any of the foregoing events could require NEE and NEE Capital to incur increased costs and capital
expenditures. and could reduce revenues.
Any serious nuclear incident occurring at a NEE or NEE Capital plant could result in substantial
remediation costs and other expenses. A major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world could cause
the NRC to limit or prohibit the operation or licensing of any domestic nuclear generation facility. An incident at
a nuclear facility anywhere in the world also could cause the NRC to impose additional conditions or other
requirements on the industry, or on certain types of nuclear generation units, which could increase costs, reduce
revenues and result in additional capital expenditures.
The inability to operate any of NEER's or FPL's nuclear generation units through the end of their
respective operating licenses could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The operating licenses for NEE's and NEE Capital's nuclear generation facilities extend through at least
2030. If the facilities cannot be operated for any reason through the life of those operating licenses, NEE or NEE
Capital may be required to increase depreciation rates, incur impairment charges and accelerate future
decommissioning expenditures, any of which could materially adversely affect their business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects.
Various hazards posed to nuclear generation facilities, along with increased public attention to and
awareness of such hazards, could result in increased nuclear licensing or compliance costs which are
difficult or impossible to predict and could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The threat of terrorist activity, as well as recent international events implicating the safety of nuclear
facilities, could result in more stringent or complex measures to keep facilities safe from a variety of hazards.
including, but not limited to, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as terrorist or other
criminal threats. This increased focus on safety could result in higher compliance costs which, at present, cannot
be assessed with any measure of certainty and which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE
Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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NEE's and NEE Capital's nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate normal
refueling and maintenance outages, and for other purposes. If planned outages last longer than anticipated
or if there are unplanned outages, NEE's and NEE Capital's results of operations and financial condition
could be materially adversely affected.
NEE's and NEE Capital's nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate normal
refueling and maintenance outages, including, but not limited to, inspections, repairs and certain other
modifications. In addition, outages may be scheduled, often in connection with a refueling outage, to replace
equipment, to increase the generating capacity at a particular nuclear unit, or for other purposes, and those
planned activities increase the time the unit is not in operation. In the event that a scheduled outage lasts longer
than anticipated or in the event of an unplanned outage due to, for example, equipment failure, such outages
could materially adversely affect NEE's or NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects.
Liquidity and Capital Requirements Risks
Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets may negatively affect NEE's and
NEE Capital's ability to fund their liquidity and capital needs and to meet their growth objectives, and can
also materially adversely affect the results of operations and financial condition of NEE and NEE Capital.
NEE and NEE Capital rely on access to capital and credit markets as significant sources of liquidity for
capital requirements and other operations requirements that are not satisfied by operating cash flows.
Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in those capital and credit markets, including, but not limited to, the
conditions of the most recent financial crises in the U.S. and abroad, could increase NEE' s and NEE Capital's
cost of capital. If NEE or NEE Capital is unable to access regularly the capital and credit markets on terms that
are reasonable, it may have to delay raising capital, issue shorter-term securities and incur an unfavorable cost of
capital, which, in turn, could adversely affect its ability to grow its business, could contribute to lower earnings
and reduced financial flexibility, and could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects.
Although NEE's and NEE Capital's competitive energy subsidiaries have used non-recourse or limited-
recourse, project-specific or other financing in the past, market conditions and other factors could adversely
affect the future availability of such financing. The inability of NEE's and NEE Capital's subsidiaries including,
without limitation, NEP and its subsidiaries, to access the capital and credit markets to provide project-specific or
other financing for electric-generation or other facilities or acquisitions on favorable terms, whether because of
disruptions or volatility in those markets or otherwise, could necessitate additional capital raising or borrowings
by NEE and/or NEE Capital in the future.
The inability of subsidiaries that have existing project-specific or other financing arrangements to meet the
requirements of various agreements relating to those financings could give rise to a project-specific financing
default which, if not cured or waived, might result in the specific project, and potentially in some limited
instances its parent companies, being required to repay the associated debt or other borrowings earlier than
otherwise anticipated, and if such repayment were not made, the lenders or security holders would generally have
rights to foreclose against the project assets and related collateral. Such an occurrence also could result in NEE
and NEE Capital expending additional funds or incurring additional obligations over the shorter term to ensure
continuing compliance with project-specific financing arrangements based upon the expectation of improvement
in the project's performance or financial returns over the longer term. Any of these actions could materially
adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as
well as the availability or terms of future financings for NEE, NEE Capital or their respective subsidiaries.
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NEE's, NEE Capital's and FPL's inability to maintain their current credit ratings may materially
adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's liquidity and results of operations, limit the ability of NEE and
NEE Capital to grow their business, and increase interest costs.
The inability of NEE, NEE Capital and FPL to maintain their current credit ratings could materially
adversely affect their ability to raise capital or obtain credit on favorable terms, which, in turn, could impact
NEE's, NEE Capital's and FPL's ability to grow their business and service indebtedness and repay borrowings,
and would likely increase their interest costs. In addition, certain agreements and guarantee arrangements would
require posting of additional collateral in the event of a ratings downgrade. Some of the factors that can affect
credit ratings are cash flows, liquidity, the amount of debt as a component of total capitalization, NEE's and NEE
Capital's overall business mix and political, legislative and regulatory actions. There can be no assurance that
one or more of the ratings of NEE, NEE Capital and FPL will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating
agency.
NEE's, NEE Capital's and FPL's liquidity may be impaired if their credit providers are unable to fund
their credit commitments to the companies or to maintain their current credit ratings.
The inability of NEE's, NEE Capital's and FPL's credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to
maintain their current credit ratings could require NEE, NEE Capital or FPL, among other things, to renegotiate
requirements in agreements, find an alternative credit provider with acceptable credit ratings to meet funding
requirements, or post cash collateral and could have a material adverse effect on NEE's, NEE Capital's and
FPL's ►iquidity.
Poor market performance and other economic factors could affect NEE's defined benefit pension plan's
funded status, which may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial
condition, liquidity and results of operations and prospects.
NEE sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for substantially all employees of
NEE and its subsidiaries. A decline in the market value of the assets held in the defined benefit pension plan due
to poor investment performance or other factors may increase the funding requirements for this obligation.
NEE's defined benefit pension plan is sensitive to changes in interest rates, since, as interest rates decrease
the funding liabilities increase, potentially increasing benefits costs and funding requirements. Any increase in
benefits costs or funding requirements may have a material adverse effect on NEE's and NEE Capital's business,
financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
Poor market performance and other economic factors could adversely affect the asset values of NEE's and
NEE Capital's nuclear decommissioning funds, which may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE
Capital's liquidity and results of operations.
NEE and NEE Capital are required to maintain decommissioning funds to satisfy their future obligations to
decommission their nuclear power plants. A decline in the market value of the assets held in the
decommissioning funds due to poor investment performance or other factors may increase the funding
requirements for these obligations. Any increase in funding requirements may have a material adverse effect on
NEE's and NEE Capital's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Certain of NEE's and NEE Capital's investments are subject to changes in market value and other risks,
which may materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's liquidity, financial results and results of
operations.
NEE and NEE Capital hold other investments where changes in the fair value affect NEE's and NEE
Capital's financial results. In some cases there may be no observable market values for these investments,
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requiring fair value estimates to be based on other valuation techniques. This type of analysis requires significant
judgment and the actual values realized in a sale of these investments could differ materially from those
estimated. A sale of an investment below previously estimated value, or other decline in the fair value of an
investment, could result in losses or the write-off of such investment, and may have a material adverse effect on
NEE's and NEE Capital's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
NEE and NEE Capital may be unable to meet their ongoing and future financial obligations if their
respective subsidiaries are unable to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NEE and NEE Capital.
NEE and NEE Capital are each a holding company and, as such, have no material operations of their own.
Substantially all of NEE's and NEE Capital's consolidated assets are held by their respective subsidiaries. NEE's
and NEE Capital's ability to meet their financial obligations, including, but not limited to, their guarantees. are
primarily dependent on their subsidiaries' net income and cash flows, which are subject to the risks of their
respective businesses, and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to NEE and NEE Capital.
NEE's and NEE Capital's subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no independent obligation to
provide NEE or NEE Capital with funds for their payment obligations. The subsidiaries have financial
obligations, including, but not limited to, payment of debt service, which they must satisfy before they can
provide NEE or NEE Capital with funds. In addition, in the event of a subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization,
NEE's and NEE Capital's right to participate in a distribution of assets is subject to the prior claims of the
subsidiary's creditors.
The dividend paying ability of some of the subsidiaries is limited by contractual restrictions which are
contained in outstanding financing agreements and which may be included in future financing agreements. The
future enactment of laws or regulations also may prohibit or restrict the ability of NEE's and NEE Capital's
respective subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds.
NEE and NEE Capital may be unable to meet their ongoing and future financial obligations if NEE or
NEE Capital is required to perform under guarantees of obligations of its subsidiaries.
NEE guarantees many of the obligations of its consolidated subsidiaries, other than FPL, through guarantee
agreements with NEE Capital. NEE Capital, in turn, guarantees many of the obligations of its consolidated
subsidiaries through additional guarantee agreements. These guarantees may require NEE or NEE Capital to
provide substantial funds to their respective subsidiaries or their creditors or counterparties at a time when NEE
or NEE Capital is in need of liquidity to meet its own financial obligations. Funding such guarantees may
materially adversely affect NEE's and NEE Capital's ability to meet their financial obligations or to pay
dividends.
NEP may not be able to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms, which would have a
material adverse effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NEE's limited
partner interest in NextEra Energy Operating Partners, LP ("NEP OpCo").
NEE and NEE Capital understand that NEP expects to finance acquisitions of clean energy projects partially
or wholly through the issuance of additional common units. NEP needs to be able to access the capital markets
on commercially reasonable terms when acquisition opportunities arise. NEP's ability to access the equity capital
markets is dependent on, among other factors, the overall state of the capital markets and investor appetite for
investment in clean energy projects in general and NEP's common units in particular. An inability to obtain
equity financing on commercially reasonable terms could limit NEP's ability to consummate future acquisitions
and to effectuate its growth strategy in the manner currently contemplated. Furthermore there may not be
sufficient availability under NEP OpCo's subsidiaries' revolving credit facility or other financing arrangements
on commercially reasonable terms when acquisition opportunities arise. If debt financing is available, it may be
available only on terms that could significantly increase NEP's interest expense, impose additional or more
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restrictive covenants and reduce cash distributions to its unitholders. An inability to access sources of capital on
commercially reasonable terms could significantly limit NEP's ability to consummate future acquisitions and to
effectuate its growth strategy. NEP's inability to effectively consummate future acquisitions could have a
material adverse effect on NEP's ability to grow its business and make cash distributions to its unitholders.
Through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, NEE owns a limited partner interest in NEP OpCo. NEP's
inability to access the capital markets on commercially reasonable terms and effectively consummate future
acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on NEP's ability to grow its cash distributions to its unitholders,
including NEE and NEE Capital. and on the value of NEE's and NEE Capital's limited partnership interest in
NEP OpCo.
Risks Relating to the Junior Subordinated Debentures
NEE Capital can defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for one or more periods
of up to 10 years each. This may affect the market price of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
So long as there is no event of default under the subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be issued, NEE Capital may defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, from time to time, for one or more Optional Deferral Periods of up to 10 consecutive years. At the
end of an Optional Deferral Period, if all amounts due are paid, NEE Capital could start a new Optional Deferral
Period of up to 10 consecutive years. During any Optional Deferral Period, interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures would be deferred but would accrue additional interest at a rate equal to the interest rate on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, to the extent permitted by applicable law. No Optional Deferral Period may extend
beyond the maturity date of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. During an Optional Deferral Period, interest
payments would not be due and payable and. therefore, NEE would not be obligated to make payments under the
Junior Subordinated Guarantee. If NEE Capital exercises this interest deferral right, the market price of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures is likely to be affected. See "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures—Option to Defer Interest Payments" and "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—
Modification of the Subordinated Indenture" in this prospectus supplement and "Description of NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Option to Defer Interest Payments"
in the accompanying prospectus.
If NEE Capital exercises its right to defer interest payments, the Junior Subordinated Debentures may trade
at a price that does not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or that is otherwise less than the price at which the Junior Subordinated Debentures may have been
traded if NEE Capital had not exercised such right. In addition, as a result of NEE Capital's right to defer interest
payments, the market price of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be more volatile than other securities that
do not have these rights.
NEE Capital is not permitted to pay current interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures until NEE
Capital has paid all outstanding deferred interest, and this could have the effect of extending interest
deferral periods.
During an Optional Deferral Period, NEE Capital will be prohibited from paying current interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE will be prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee until NEE Capital, or NEE pursuant to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee, has paid all
accrued and unpaid deferred interest plus any accrued interest thereon. As a result, NEE Capital may not be able
to pay current interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures if NEE Capital does not have available funds to
pay all accrued and unpaid deferred interest plus any accrued interest thereon.
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The obligations of NEE Capital under the Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE under the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee are subordinated.
The obligations of NEE Capital under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and will rank
junior in right of payment to NEE Capital's Senior Indebtedness. See "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures—Ranking of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee" in this
prospectus supplement. This means that NEE Capital cannot make any payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures until all holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital have been paid in full, or provision has been
made for such payment, if (i) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE Capital have
occurred, (ii) any Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital is not paid when due (after the expiration of any applicable
grace period) and that default continues without a waiver, or (iii) any other default has occurred and continues
without waiver (after the expiration of any applicable grace period) pursuant to which the holders of Senior
Indebtedness of NEE Capital are permitted to accelerate the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness. While NEE
Capital is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating subsidiaries, NEE
Capital's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make any payments on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures or to make any funds available for such payment. Therefore, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade
payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by NEE Capital's subsidiaries. In addition to trade
liabilities, many of NEE Capital's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their business activities.
All of this indebtedness will be effectively senior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The subordinated
indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued does not place any limit on the
amount of Senior Indebtedness that NEE Capital may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur or the amount of
liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE Capital's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or othenvise
incur. NEE Capital expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities and to
guarantee indebtedness that will be senior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. At May 27, 2016, NEE
Capital's Senior Indebtedness, on an unconsolidated basis, totaled approximately S9.8 billion.
The obligations of NEE under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee are unsecured and will rank junior in right
of payment to NEE's Senior Indebtedness. See "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Ranking
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee" in this prospectus supplement.
This means that NEE cannot make any payments under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee until all holders of
Senior Indebtedness of NEE have been paid in full, or provision has been made for such payment, if (i) certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE have occurred, (ii) any Senior Indebtedness of NEE is
not paid when due (after the expiration of any applicable grace period) and that default continues without a
waiver, or (iii) any other default has occurred and continues without waiver (after the expiration of any
applicable grace period) pursuant to which the holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE are permitted to accelerate
the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness. While NEE is a holding company that derives substantially all of its
income from its operating subsidiaries, NEE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and, other than
NEE Capital, have no obligation to make any payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to make any
funds available for such payment. Therefore, the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will be effectively subordinated
to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock incurred or issued by
NEE's subsidiaries. In addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to
finance their business activities. All of this indebtedness will be effectively senior to the Junior Subordinated
Guarantee. The subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued does
not place any limit on the amount of Senior Indebtedness that NEE may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur or the
amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or othenvise
incur. NEE expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities and to guarantee
indebtedness that will be senior to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. The NEE consolidated financial
statements that are incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus show the aggregate amount of
NEE subsidiary debt as of the date of those statements. At May 27, 2016, NEE's Senior Indebtedness. on an
unconsolidated basis, totaled approximately S9.8 billion, which amount consisted solely of NEE's guarantees of
NEE Capital indebtedness referred to in the paragraph above.
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If NEE Capital defers interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, there will be United
States federal income tax consequences to holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
If NEE Capital defers interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for one or more Optional
Deferral Periods, you likely will be required to include amounts in income for United States federal income tax
purposes during such period, regardless of your method of accounting for United States federal income tax
purposes.
If you sell your Junior Subordinated Debentures before the record date for the payment of interest at the end
of an Optional Deferral Period, you will not receive such interest. Instead, the accrued interest will be paid to the
holder of record on the record date regardless of who the holder of record may have been on any other date
during the Optional Deferral Period. Moreover, amounts that you were required to include in income in respect of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures during the Optional Deferral Period will be added to your adjusted tax basis
in the Junior Subordinated Debentures, but may not be reflected in the amount that you realize on the sale. To the
extent the amount realized on a sale is less than your adjusted tax basis, you will recognize a capital loss for
United States federal income tax purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. See
"Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—U.S. Holders—Sale, Exchange, Redemption or
Retirement of the Junior Subordinated Debentures" in this prospectus supplement.
Rating agencies may change their practices for rating the Junior Subordinated Debentures, which change
may affect the market price of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In addition, NEE Capital may redeem
the Junior Subordinated Debentures if a rating agency makes certain changes in the equity credit
methodology for securities such as the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The rating agencies that currently or may in the future publish a rating for NEE Capital or NEE, including
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (a Standard & Poor's Financial Services
LLC business), and Fitch Ratings, each of which is expected to initially publish a rating of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, may. from time to time in the future, change the way they analyze securities with
features similar to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. This may include, for example, changes to the
relationship between ratings assigned to an issuer's senior securities and ratings assigned to securities with
features similar to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. If the rating agencies change their practices for rating
these types of securities in the future, and the ratings of the Junior Subordinated Debentures are subsequently
lowered, that could have a negative impact on the trading price of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In
addition, NEE Capital may redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures before June 1, 2021 at its option, in
whole but not in part, if a rating agency makes certain changes in the equity credit methodology for securities
such as the Junior Subordinated Debentures. See "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Right
to Redeem Upon a Rating Agency Event" in this prospectus supplement.
Holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures will have limited rights of acceleration.
The holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the subordinated indenture trustee may accelerate
payment of the principal, interest and premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures only upon the
occurrence and continuation of certain events of default. Payment of principal, interest and premium, if any, on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default under the
subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued related to failure to
pay interest within 30 days after it is due (other than interest deferred pursuant to one or more Optional Deferral
Periods), failure to pay principal and premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures when due, certain
events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to NEE Capital or NEE and, with certain
exceptions, the cessation of effectiveness of the Junior Subordinated Guarantee or the finding by any judicial
proceeding that the Junior Subordinated Guarantee is unenforceable or invalid or denial by NEE of its obligations
under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. Holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the subordinated
indenture trustee will not have the right to accelerate payment of the principal, interest and premium, if any, on
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the Junior Subordinated Debentures upon the breach of any other covenant in the subordinated indenture
pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued. In certain circumstances, some of the other
series of junior subordinated debentures previously issued under the subordinated indenture pursuant to which
the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued have the right to accelerate payment of the principal, interest
and premium, if any, on those junior subordinated debentures upon the breach of other covenants in the
subordinated indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The information in this section supplements the information in the "Use of Proceeds" section on page 4 of
the accompanying prospectus. Please read these two sections together.
NEE Capital will add the net proceeds from the sale of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, which are
expected to be approximately $ million (after deducting the underwriting discount and other offering
expenses and without giving effect to any exercise of the over-allotment option), to its general funds. NEE
Capital expects to use its general funds to repay a portion of NEE Capital's total outstanding commercial paper
obligations and for other general corporate purposes. As of May 27, 2016, NEE Capital had approximately $819
million of outstanding commercial paper obligations which had maturities of up to 24 days and which had annual
interest rates ranging from 0.70% to 0.75%. NEE Capital will temporarily invest in short-term instruments any
proceeds that are not immediately used for these purposes.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA OF NEE AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following material, which is presented in this prospectus supplement solely to furnish limited
introductory information, is qualified in its entirety by, and should be considered in conjunction with, the more
detailed information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying
prospectus. In the opinion of NEE, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary
for a fair financial statement presentation of the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016
and 2015 have been made. The results of operations for an interim period generally will not give a true indication
of results for the year.
Three Months Ended
March 31. Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 2015 2014 2013
(In Millions. Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Operating revenues $3,835 $4,104 $17,486 $17,021 $15,136
Net income attributable to NEE $ 636 $ 650 $ 2,752 $ 2,465 $ 1,908
Weighted•average number of common shares outstanding
(assuming dilution) 462.9 448.8 454.0 440.1 427.0
Earnings per share of common stock attributable to NEE
(assuming dilution) $ 1.37 $ 1.45 $ 6.06 $ 5.60 $ 4.47
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The information in this section supplements the information in the "Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends" section on page 4 of
the accompanying prospectus.
NEE's consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 3.81 and
for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 2.55.
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CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION OF NEE AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following table shows NEE's consolidated capitalization as of March 31, 2016, and as adjusted to
reflect the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures (assuming no exercise of the underwriters'
over-allotment option) and the other transactions described below. This table, which is presented in this
prospectus supplement solely to provide limited introductory information, is qualified in its entirety by, and
should be considered in conjunction with, the more detailed information incorporated by reference or provided in
this prospectus supplement or in the accompanying prospectus.
Adjusted
March 31, 2016 Amount Percent
(In Millions)
Total common shareholders' equity $22,912
Noncontrolling interests 718
Total equity 23,630
Long-term debt (excluding current maturities) 27,791 90
Total capitalization $51.421 100.0%
(a) To give effect only to (i) the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures offered by this prospectus
supplement and (ii) a total of approximately $120 million in debt borrowings for the period April 1, 2016
through May 27, 2016 (reflects U.S. dollar amounts based, where applicable, on the conversion rate as of
the date of borrowing). Adjusted amounts do not reflect the addition of any premiums or deduction of any
discounts or debt issuance costs in connection with the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Adjusted amounts also do not reflect any possible additional borrowings or issuance and sale of additional
securities by NEE and its subsidiaries, including NEE Capital, from time to time after the date of this
prospectus supplement.
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The information in this section supplements the information in the "Description of NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee" section beginning on page 27 of the
accompanying prospectus. Please read these two sections together.
General NEE Capital will issue the Junior Subordinated Debentures under an indenture, dated as of
September 1, 2006, as amended, among NEE Capital, NEE, as guarantor. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as
subordinated indenture trustee, and referred to in this prospectus supplement as the "Subordinated Indenture." An
officer's certificate will supplement the Subordinated Indenture and create the specific terms of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. Under the Subordinated Indenture. NEE Capital may issue an unlimited amount of
additional subordinated debt securities. The Subordinated Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of
indebtedness NEE Capital. NEE or their respective subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or incur.
The subordinated indenture trustee will initially be the security registrar and the paying agent for the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. All transactions with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, including
registration, transfer and exchange of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, will be handled by the security
registrar at an office in New York City designated by NEE Capital. NEE Capital has initially designated the
corporate trust office of the subordinated indenture trustee as that office. In addition, holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures should address any notices to NEE Capital regarding the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to that office. NEE Capital will notify holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures of any change
in the location of that office.
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Interest and Payment. NEE Capital will pay interest quarterly on the Junior Subordinated Debentures at
the rate of % per year. The Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on June 1, 2076. NEE Capital will pay
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on March I. June I, September I and December 1 of each year,
each such date referred to as an "interest payment date," until maturity or earlier redemption. The first interest
payment date will be September I. 2016. The record date for interest payable on any interest payment date on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures shall be the close of business (1) on the business day immediately preceding
such interest payment date so long as all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures remain in book-entry only form,
or (2) on the 15th calendar day immediately preceding each interest payment date if any of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures do not remain in book-entry only form. See "—Book-Entry Only Issuance." Interest on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures will accrue from and including the date of original issuance to but excluding
the first interest payment date. Starting on the first interest payment date, interest on each Junior Subordinated
Debenture will accrue from and including the last interest payment date to which NEE Capital has paid, or duly
provided for the payment of, interest on that Junior Subordinated Debenture to but excluding the next succeeding
interest payment date. No interest will accrue on a Junior Subordinated Debenture for the day that the Junior
Subordinated Debenture matures. The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis of
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest payable for any period shorter than a
full quarterly period for which interest is computed will be computed on the basis of the number of days in the
period using 30-day calendar months. If any date on which interest, principal or premium, if any, is payable on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures falls on a day that is not a business day, then payment of the interest.
principal or premium payable on that date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a business day. and
no interest will be paid or other payment made in respect of such delay. A "business day" is any day that is not a
Saturday, a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in New York City are generally
authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed.
In this prospectus supplement the term "interest" includes quarterly interest payments and applicable
interest on interest payments accrued but not paid on the applicable interest payment date.
Ranking of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. NEE
Capital's payment obligation under the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be unsecured and will rank junior
and be subordinated in right of payment and upon liquidation to all of NEE Capital's Senior Indebtedness, and
NEE's payment obligation under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will be unsecured and will rank junior and
be subordinated in right of payment and upon liquidation to all of NEE's Senior Indebtedness. However, the
Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will rank equally in right of payment
with any Pan Passu Securities.
"Senior Indebtedness," when used with respect to NEE Capital or NEE. means all of NEE Capital's or
NEE's obligations, as the case may be, whether presently existing or from time to time hereafter incurred,
created, assumed or existing, to pay principal, premium, interest, penalties. fees and any other payment in respect
of any of the following:
obligations for borrowed money. including without limitation, such obligations as are evidenced by
credit agreements. notes. debentures, bonds or other securities or instruments;
capitalized lease obligations;
all obligations of the types referred to in the two preceding bullet points of others which NEE or NEE
Capital, as the case may be. has assumed, endorsed, guaranteed, contingently agreed to purchase or
provide funds for the payment of, or otherwise becomes liable for, under any agreement; or
all renewals, extensions or refundings of obligations of the kinds described in any of the preceding
categories.
Any such obligation, indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding, however, will not be Senior Indebtedness if
the instrument creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee of it provides that it is not superior in
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right of payment to or is equal in right of payment with the Junior Subordinated Debentures or the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee, as the case may be. Furthermore, trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities arising
in the ordinary course of business will not be Senior Indebtedness. Senior Indebtedness will be entitled to the
benefits of the subordination provisions in the Subordinated Indenture irrespective of the amendment,
modification or waiver of any term of the Senior Indebtedness.
No payment of the principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of, or interest, or premium,
if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be made by NEE Capital until all holders of Senior
Indebtedness have been paid in full (or provision has been made for such payment), if any of the following
occurs:
• certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE Capital;
• any Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital is not paid when due (after the expiration of any applicable
grace period) and that default continua without waiver; or
• any other default has occurred and continua without waiver (after the expiration of any applicable
grace period) pursuant to which the holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital are permitted to
accelerate the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness.
Upon any distribution of assets of NEE Capital to creditors in connection with any insolvency, bankruptcy
or similar proceeding, all principal of, and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on all Senior
Indebtedness of NEE Capital must be paid in full before the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
entitled to receive or retain any payment from such distribution. See "Description of NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Subordination" in the accompanying
prospectus.
"Pari Passu Securities" means:
indebtedness and other securities that, among other things, by its terms ranks equally with the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, with respect to NEE Capital, and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee, with
respect to NEE, in right of payment and upon liquidation; and
guarantees of indebtedness or other securities described in the preceding bullet point.
"Pari Passu Securities" also include NEE Capital's trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities arising in the
ordinary course of business, but does not include junior subordinated debentures previously issued by NEE
Capital or the subordinated guarantee previously issued by NEE of those junior subordinated debentures in
connection with the outstanding preferred trust securities of FPL Group Capital Trust I, which will rank senior to
the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. "Pari Passu Securities" include
approximately $339 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE
Capital, and guaranteed by NEE, in September 2006, approximately $380 million aggregate principal amount of
junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE Capital, and guaranteed by NEE, in June 2007, $250 million
aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE Capital, and guaranteed by NEE, in
September 2007, $400 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE
Capital, and guaranteed by NEE, in March 2012, $350 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated
debentures issued by NEE Capital, and guaranteed by NEE, in June 2012, 5500 million aggregate principal
amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE Capital, and guaranteed by NEE, in November 2012,
and $450 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE Capital, and
guaranteed by NEE, in January 2013.
While NEE Capital is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating
subsidiaries, NEE Capital's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make
any payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to make any funds available for such payment.
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Therefore, the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by NEE Capital's subsidiaries. In
addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE Capital's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their
business activities. All of this indebtedness will be effectively senior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The
Subordinated Indenture does not place any limit on the amount of Senior Indebtedness that NEE Capital may
issue, guarantee or otherwise incur or the amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE
Capital's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur. NEE Capital expects from time to time to incur
additional indebtedness and other liabilities and to guarantee indebtedness that will be senior to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. At May 27, 2016, NEE Capital's Senior Indebtedness, on an unconsolidated basis,
totaled approximately $9.8 billion.
While NEE is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating subsidiaries.
NEE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and, other than NEE Capital, have no obligation to
make any payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to make any funds available for such payment.
Therefore, the Junior Subordinated Guarantee will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade payables. debt and preferred stock incurred or issued by NEE's subsidiaries. In
addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their business
activities. All of this indebtedness will be effectively senior to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. The
Subordinated Indenture does not place any limit on the amount of Senior Indebtedness that NEE may issue,
guarantee or otherwise incur or the amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE's
subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or otherwise incur. NEE expects from time to time to incur additional
indebtedness and other liabilities and to guarantee indebtedness that will be senior to the Junior Subordinated
Guarantee. At May 27, 2016, NEE's Senior Indebtedness, on an unconsolidated basis, totaled approximately $9.8
billion, which amount consisted solely of NEE's guarantees of NEE Capital indebtedness referred to in the
paragraph above.
Optional Redemption. NEE Capital may redeem some or all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, at its
option. at any time or from time to time, on any date prior to their maturity (each a "Redemption Date"). NEE
Capital will give notice of its intent to redeem some or all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at least 30 but
no more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date (a "Redemption Notice"). If NEE Capital redeems all or any
part of the Junior Subordinated Debentures before June 1, 2021, it will (except as otherwise specified in this
prospectus supplement under "—Right to Redeem Upon a Tax Event," and "—Right to Redeem Upon a Rating
Agency Event") pay a redemption price ("Redemption Price") equal to the sum of: (1) 100% of the principal
amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed plus (2) accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if
any, to but excluding the Redemption Date plus (3) any applicable "make-whole premium." If NEE Capital
redeems all or any part of the Junior Subordinated Debentures at any time on or after June I, 2021, it will pay a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed.
plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to but excluding the Redemption Date. The Redemption Price
for the Junior Subordinated Debentures will never be less than 100% of the principal amount of those Junior
Subordinated Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest on those Junior Subordinated Debentures, if any. to
but excluding the Redemption Date.
The amount of the make-whole premium with respect to any Junior Subordinated Debentures to be
redeemed in accordance with the foregoing paragraph will be equal to the excess, if any, of:
(1) the sum of the present values (calculated as of the Redemption Date) of:
(a) each interest payment that, but for such redemption, would have been payable on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures being redeemed on each interest payment date occurring during the
period from and including the Redemption Date to June I. 2021 (excluding any interest accruing
(i) from and including the last interest payment date preceding the Redemption Date as of which
all then-accrued interest was paid (ii) to but excluding the Redemption Date); and
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(b) the principal amount that, but for such redemption, would have been payable at the final maturity
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed; over
(2) the principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed.
The present values of interest and principal payments referred to in clause (1) above will be determined in
accordance with generally accepted principles of financial analysis. Such present values will be calculated by
discounting the amount of each payment of interest or principal from the date that each such payment would have
been payable. but for the redemption, to the Redemption Date at a discount rate equal to the Treasury Yield (as
defined below) plus basis points.
NEE Capital will appoint an independent investment banking institution of national standing to calculate the
make-whole premium when and as applicable; provided that Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC will make such
calculation if (1) NEE Capital fails to make such appointment at least 30 days prior to the Redemption Date, or
(2) the institution so appointed is unwilling or unable to make such calculation. If Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
is to make such calculation but if none is willing or able to do so, then NEE Capital will appoint an independent
investment banking institution of national standing to make such calculation. In any case, the institution making
such calculation is referred to in this prospectus supplement as an "Independent Investment Banker."
For purposes of determining the make-whole premium. "Treasury Yield" means a rate of interest per year
equal to the weekly average yield to maturity of United States Treasury Notes that have a constant maturity that
corresponds to the remaining term to June 1, 2021 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be redeemed,
calculated to the nearest 1/12th of a year (the "Remaining Term"). The Independent Investment Banker will
determine the Treasury Yield as of the third business day immediately preceding the applicable Redemption
Date.
The Independent Investment Banker will determine the weekly average yields of United States Treasury
Notes by reference to the most recent statistical release published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and
designated "H.I5(519) Selected Interest Rates" or any successor release (the "H.15 Statistical Release"). If the
H.15 Statistical Release sets forth a weekly average yield for United States Treasury Notes having a constant
maturity that is the same as the Remaining Term, then the Treasury Yield will be equal to such weekly average
yield. In all other cases, the Independent Investment Banker will calculate the Treasury Yield by interpolation, on
a straight-line basis, between the weekly average yields on the United States Treasury Notes that have a constant
maturity closest to and greater than the Remaining Term and the United States Treasury Notes that have a
constant maturity closest to and less than the Remaining Term (in each case as set forth in the H.15 Statistical
Release). The Independent Investment Banker will round any weekly average yields so calculated to the nearest
1/100th of 1%, and will round upward for any figure of 1/200th of 1% or above. If weekly average yields for
United States Treasury Notes are not available in the H.I5 Statistical Release or otherwise, then the Independent
Investment Banker will select comparable rates and calculate the Treasury Yield by reference to those rates.
If NEE Capital at any time elects to redeem some but not all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
subordinated indenture trustee will select the particular Junior Subordinated Debentures to be redeemed using
any method that it deems fair and appropriate. However, if the Junior Subordinated Debentures are solely
registered in the name of Cede & Co. and traded through DTC, then DTC will select the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be redeemed in accordance with its practices as described below in "—Book-Entry Only
Issuance."
The consummation of an optional redemption may be subject to the subordinated indenture trustee's receipt
of the required redemption moneys on or before the applicable Redemption Date (and in such case no such
redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the subordinated indenture trustee on or before
such date).
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Right to Redeem Upon a Tax Event. Before June 1, 2021, NEE Capital may redeem, upon a Redemption
Notice, in whole but not in part, the Junior Subordinated Debentures, at any time within 90 days after them is a
Tax Event (as defined below), at the redemption price equal to the sum of: (I) 100% of the principal amount of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed plus (2) accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any. to the
date fixed for redemption ("Tax Event Redemption Date").
The consummation of a redemption upon a Tax Event may be subject to the subordinated indenture trustee's
receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the Tax Event Redemption Date (and in such case no
such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the subordinated indenture trustee on or
before such date).
A "Tax Event" happens when NEE or NEE Capital has received an opinion of counsel experienced in tax
matters that, as a result of:
• any amendment to, clarification of, or change, including any announced prospective change. in the
laws or treaties of the United States or any of its political subdivisions or taxing authorities, or any
regulations under those laws or treaties;
• an administrative action, which means any judicial decision or any official administrative
pronouncement, ruling, regulatory procedure, notice or announcement including any notice or
announcement of intent to issue or adopt any administrative pronouncement, ruling, regulatory
procedure or regulation;
• any amendment to, clarification of, or change in the official position or the interpretation of any
administrative action or judicial decision or any interpretation or pronouncement that provides for a
position with respect to an administrative action or judicial decision that differs from the previously
generally accepted position, in each case by any legislative body, court, governmental authority or
regulatory body, regardless of the time or manner in which that amendment, clarification or change is
introduced or made known; or
• a threatened challenge asserted in writing in connection with an audit of NEE or NEE Capital or any of
their subsidiaries, or a publicly-known threatened challenge asserted in writing against any other
taxpayer that has raised capital through the issuance of securities that are substantially similar to the
Junior Subordinated Debentures,
which amendment, clarification, or change is effective or the administrative action is taken or judicial decision,
interpretation or pronouncement is issued or threatened challenge is asserted or becomes publicly-known after
the date of this prospectus supplement, there is more than an insubstantial risk that interest payable by NEE
Capital on the Junior Subordinated Debentures is not deductible, or within 90 days would not be deductible, in
whole or in part, by NEE Capital for United States federal income tax purposes.
Right to Redeem Upon a Rating Agency Event. Before June I, 2021, NEE Capital may, upon a
Redemption Notice given at any time within 90 days after the conclusion of any review or appeal process
instituted by NEE Capital or NEE following the occurrence of a Rating Agency Event (as defined below),
redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole but not in part at the redemption price equal to the sum of
(I) 102% of the principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures being redeemed plus (2) accrued and
unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date fixed for redemption ("Rating Agency Event Redemption Date").
The consummation of a redemption upon a Rating Agency Event may be subject to the subordinated
indenture trustee's receipt of the required redemption moneys on or before the Rating Agency Event Redemption
Date (and in such case no such redemption shall occur unless such moneys have been received by the
subordinated indenture trustee on or before such date).
"Rating Agency Event" means a change to the methodology or criteria that were employed by an applicable
rating agency (as defined below) for purposes of assigning equity credit to securities such as the Junior
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Subordinated Debentures on the date of initial issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "current
methodology"), which change reduces the amount of equity credit assigned to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures by the applicable rating agency as compared with the amount of equity credit that such rating agency
had assigned to the Junior Subordinated Debentures as of the date of initial issuance thereof.
The term "rating agency" means any nationally recognized statistical rating organization (within the
meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and sometimes referred to in this prospectus
supplement as a "rating agency"), and the term "applicable rating agency" means any rating agency that (i)(a)
published a rating for NEE Capital or NEE on the date of initial issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
and (b) publishes a rating for NEE Capital or NEE at such time as a Rating Agency Event occurs, or (ii) any
successor to a rating agency described in the preceding clause (i).
Option to Defer Interest Payments. So long as there is no event of default under the Subordinated
Indenture. NEE Capital may defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, from time to time,
for one or more Optional Deferral Periods of up to 10 consecutive years per Optional Deferral Period. However,
a deferral of interest payments cannot extend beyond the maturity date of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
During an Optional Deferral Period, interest will continue to accrue on the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
compounded quarterly, and deferred interest payments will accrue additional interest at a rate equal to the interest
rate on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, to the extent permitted by applicable law. No interest will be due and
payable on the Junior Subordinated Debentures until the end of the Optional Deferral Period except upon a
redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures during the deferral period.
NEE Capital may pay at any time all or any portion of the interest accrued to that point during an Optional
Deferral Period. At the end of the Optional Deferral Period or on any redemption date, NEE Capital will be
obligated to pay all accrued and unpaid interest.
Once all accrued and unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures has been paid, NEE Capital
again can defer interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures as described above, provided that an
Optional Deferral Period cannot extend beyond the maturity date of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
If NEE Capital defers interest for a period of 10 consecutive years from the commencement of an Optional
Deferral Period, NEE Capital will be required to pay all accrued and unpaid interest at the conclusion of the
10-year period, and to the extent it does not do so, NEE will be required to make guarantee payments in
accordance with the Junior Subordinated Guarantee with respect thereto. If NEE Capital fails to pay in full all
accrued and unpaid interest at the conclusion of the 10-year period, such failure continues for 30 days and NEE
fails to make guarantee payments with respect thereto, an event of default that gives rise to acceleration of
principal and interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will occur under the Subordinated Indenture. See
"Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Events
of Default" and "Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated
Guarantee—Remedies" in the accompanying prospectus.
During any period in which NEE Capital defers interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
neither NEE nor NEE Capital will, and each will cause their majority-owned subsidiaries not to. do any of the
following (with limited exceptions):
declare or pay any dividend or distribution on NEE's or NEE Capital's capital stock;
• redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of NEE's or NEE
Capital's capital stock;
• pay any principal, interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem any of NEE's or NEE
Capital's debt securities that are equal or junior in right of payment with the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or the Junior Subordinated Guarantee (as the case may be); or
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make any payments with respect to any NEE or NEE Capital guarantee of debt securities if such
guarantee is equal or junior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures or the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee (as the case may be).
See "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Modification of the Subordinated Indenture" (which
describes the right of NEE and NEE Capital to modify the restrictions described above) in this prospectus
supplement and "Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated
Guarantee—Option to Defer Interest Payments" (which includes a description of the limited exceptions to the
restrictions described above) in the accompanying prospectus.
Limitation on Remedies. Each of the following constitutes an event of default under the Subordinated
Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures:
(1) failure to pay interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures within 30 days after it is due (provided,
however, that a failure to pay interest during a valid Optional Deferral Period will not constitute an
event of default);
(2) failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Debentures when it is due;
(3) failure to comply with any other covenant in the Subordinated Indenture, other than a covenant that
does not apply to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, that continua for 90 days after NEE Capital and
NEE receive written notice of such failure to comply from the subordinated indenture trustee, or NEE
Capital, NEE and the subordinated indenture trustee receive written notice of such failure to comply
from the registered owners of at least 33% in principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures;
(4) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE Capital or NEE; and
(5) with certain exceptions, the Junior Subordinated Guarantee ceases to be effective, is found by a judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or is denied or disaffirmed by NEE.
See "Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—
Events of Default" in the accompanying prospectus for discussion of the applicable grace periods.
With respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
if any event of default, other than an event of default listed in item (3) above exists, and such event of
default is not applicable to all outstanding securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture (the
"Subordinated Indenture Securities"), then either the subordinated indenture trustee or the registered
owners of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the Subordinated Indenture Securities of each
of the affected series may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the
Subordinated Indenture Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately; or
if any event of default, other than an event of default listed in item (3) above, is applicable to all
outstanding Subordinated Indenture Securities, then only the subordinated indenture trustee or the
registered owners of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Subordinated
Indenture Securities of all series, voting as one class, and not the registered owners of any one series.
may make a declaration of acceleration.
Accordingly. if an event of default listed in item (3) above exists, the registered owners of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will not be entitled to vote to make a declaration of acceleration (and the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will not be considered outstanding for the purpose of determining whether the required
vote, described in the bullet points above, has been obtained), and the subordinated indenture trustee will not
have a right to make such declaration with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
The exception to the right to accelerate payment of the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on
Subordinated Indenture Securities for an event of default listed in item (3) above does not apply to any series of
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Subordinated Indenture Securities issued prior to the September 2007 issuance of the Series D Junior
Subordinated Debentures due 2067. Payment on each series of Subordinated Indenture Securities issued prior to
the issuance of the Series D Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 and currently outstanding can be
accelerated in the manner discussed above, upon the occurrence of each event of default listed above. and
applicable to that series, including an event of default listed in item (3) above. See "Description of NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee—Remedies" in the accompanying
prospectus for a discussion of remedies available to the registered owners of the Subordinated Indenture
Securities (modified, as described above, for the Series D Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067, the Series G
Junior Subordinated Debentures due March I, 2072, the Series H Junior Subordinated Debentures due June 15,
2072, the Series I Junior Subordinated Debentures due November 15, 2072, the Series J Junior Subordinated
Debentures due January 15, 2073 and the Series K Junior Subordinated Debentures due June 1, 2076).
Modification of the Subordinated Indenture. NEE and NEE Capital have reserved the right to amend the
Subordinated Indenture without the consent or action of the holders of any junior subordinated debentures issued
after October I, 2006, including the Junior Subordinated Debentures, to modify the exceptions to the restrictions
described above under "—Option to Defer Interest Payments" applicable during any period in which NEE
Capital defers interest payments on such junior subordinated debentures (including the Junior Subordinated
Debentures) to allow payments with respect to any preferred trust securities or debt securities, or any guarantee
thereof (including the Junior Subordinated Guarantee), executed and delivered by NEE, NEE Capital or any of
their subsidiaries, in each case that rank equal in right of payment to such junior subordinated debentures or the
related guarantee, as the case may be, so long as the amount of payments made on account of such securities or
guarantees is paid on all such securities or guarantees then outstanding on a pro rata basis in proportion to the full
payment to which each series of such securities or guarantees is then entitled if paid in full.
Book-Entry Only Issuance. The Junior Subordinated Debentures will trade through DTC. The Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be represented by one or more global certificates and registered in the name of
Cede & Co., DTC's nominee. Upon issuance of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, DTC or its nominee will
credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amount of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures represented by such global securities to the accounts of institutions that have an account with DTC or
its participants. The accounts to be credited shall be designated by the underwriters. Ownership of beneficial
interests in the global securities will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through
participants. The global certificates will be deposited with the subordinated indenture trustee as custodian for
DTC.
Purchasers of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may hold interests in a global security through DTC,
Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme ("Clearstream, Luxembourg"), or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator
of the Euroclear System ("Euroclear"), directly if they are participants in such systems, or indirectly through
organizations which are participants in such systems. Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear will hold interests
on behalf of their participants through customers' securities accounts in Clearstream, Luxembourg's and
Euroclear's names on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in
customers' securities accounts in the depositaries' names on DTC's books.
DTC. DTC is a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a
clearing agency registered under Section I7A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities for
its participants. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement of securities transactions among its participants
through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges in the participants' accounts. This eliminates
the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The participants include securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC"). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National
Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing
agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Others who clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a participant can use the DTC system. The rules that apply to DTC and those using its
systems are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Purchases of the Junior Subordinated Debentures within the DTC system must be made through
participants, who will receive a credit for the Junior Subordinated Debentures on DTC's records. The beneficial
ownership interest of each purchaser will be recorded on the appropriate participant's records. Beneficial owners
will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases. but beneficial owners should receive written
confirmations of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the participants through
whom they purchased Junior Subordinated Debentures. Transfers of ownership in the Junior Subordinated
Debentures are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of the participants acting on behalf of beneficial
owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates for their Junior Subordinated Debentures, except if use of
the book-entry system for the Junior Subordinated Debentures is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited by participants with DTC
are registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effects no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has
no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. DTC's records reflect only
the identity of the participants to whose accounts such Junior Subordinated Debentures are credited. These
participants may or may not be the beneficial owners. Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of
their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to participants, and by participants to beneficial
owners, will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory, requirements as
may be in effect from time to time. Beneficial owners of Junior Subordinated Debentures may wish to take
certain steps to augment transmission to them of notices of significant events with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, such as redemptions, tenders, defaults and proposed amendments to the Subordinated
Indenture. Beneficial owners of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may wish to ascertain that the nominee
holding the Junior Subordinated Debentures has agreed to obtain and transmit notices to the beneficial owners.
Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co., as registered holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
If less than all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot
the amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures of each participant to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to Junior Subordinated Debentures,
unless authorized by a participant in accordance with DTC's procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC would
mail an omnibus proxy to NEE Capital as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns the
consenting or voting rights of Cede & Co. to those participants to whose accounts the Junior Subordinated
Debentures are credited on the record date. NEE Capital and NEE believe that these arrangements will enable the
beneficial owners to exercise rights equivalent in substance to the rights that can be directly exercised by a
registered holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Payments of redemption proceeds, principal of, and interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by DTC. DTC's practice is to credit
participants' accounts upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from NEE Capital or its
agent, on the payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records. Payments by
participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices. Payments
will be the responsibility of participants and not of DTC, the subordinated indenture trustee, NEE Capital or
NEE, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of
redemption proceeds, principal and interest to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by DTC)
is the responsibility of NEE Capital. Disbursement of payments to participants is the responsibility of DTC, and
disbursement of payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of participants.
Except as provided in this prospectus supplement, a beneficial owner will not be entitled to receive physical
delivery of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures
of DTC to exercise any rights under the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
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DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures at any time by giving reasonable notice to NEE Capital. In the event no successor securities
depositary is obtained, certificates for the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be printed and delivered. NEE
Capital and NEE may decide to replace DTC or any successor depositary. Additionally, subject to the procedures
of DTC, NEE Capital and NEE may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC
(or a successor depositary) with respect to some or all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In that event,
certificates for such Junior Subordinated Debentures will be printed and delivered. If certificates for Junior
Subordinated Debentures are printed and delivered,
• the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued in fully registered form without coupons;
• a holder of certificated Junior Subordinated Debentures would be able to exchange those Junior
Subordinated Debentures, without charge. for an equal aggregate principal amount of Junior
Subordinated Debentures of the same series, having the same issue date and with identical terms and
provisions; and
• a holder of certificated Junior Subordinated Debentures would be able to transfer those Junior
Subordinated Debentures without cost to another holder, other than for applicable stamp taxes or other
governmental charges.
Clearstream, Luxembourg. Clearstream, Luxembourg is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a
professional depositary. Clearstream, Luxembourg holds securities for its participating organizations
("Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions
between Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of
Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates.
Clearstream, Luxembourg provides to Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants, among other things, services for
safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending
and borrowing. Clearstream, Luxembourg interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. As a registered
bank in Luxembourg, Clearstream. Luxembourg is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the
Supervision of the Financial Sector, also known as Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier.
Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including
underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Clearstream, Luxembourg is also available to
others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship
with a Clearstream, Luxembourg Participant, either directly or indirectly.
Distributions with respect to interests in the Junior Subordinated Debentures held beneficially through
Clearstream. Luxembourg will be credited to cash accounts of Clearstream. Luxembourg Participants in
accordance with its rules and procedures. to the extent received by DTC for Clearstream, Luxembourg.
Euroclear. Euroclear was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of Euroclear ("Euroclear
Participants") and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic
book-entry delivery against payment. thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any
risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear provides various other services,
including securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear
is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ("Euroclear Operator"). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear
Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash accounts are accounts with the
Euroclear Operator. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks), securities brokers and dealers
and other professional financial intermediaries and may include the underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is
also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant,
either directly or indirectly. Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator are
governed by the terms and conditions governing use of Euroclear and the related operating procedures of
Euroclear, and applicable Belgian law, which are referred to collectively as the Terms and Conditions. The
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Terms and Conditions govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and
cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear
are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts.
The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of Euroclear Participants and has no
records of or relationship with persons holding through Euroclear Participants.
Euroclear advises that investors that acquire, hold and transfer interests in the Junior Subordinated
Debentures by book-entry through accounts with the Euroclear Operator or any other securities intermediary are
subject to the laws and contractual provisions governing their relationship with their intermediary, as well as the
laws and contractual provisions governing the relationship between such an intermediary and each other
intermediary, if any, standing between themselves and the global securities.
Purchases of global securities under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which
will receive a credit for the global securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser
of each security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records
and Clearstream. Luxembourg and Euroclear will credit on their book-entry registration and transfer systems the
number of Junior Subordinated Debentures sold to certain non-U.S. persons to the account of institutions that
have accounts with Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or their respective nominee participants. Beneficial
Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings.
from the Direct Participant or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the
transaction.
Title to book-entry interests in the Junior Subordinated Debentures will pass by book-entry registration of
the transfer within the records of Clearstream, Luxembourg, Euroclear or DTC, as the case may be, in accordance
with their respective procedures. Book-entry interests in the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be transferred
within Clearstream. Luxembourg and within Euroclear and between Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear in
accordance with procedures established for these purposes by Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear. Book-
entry interests in the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be transferred within DTC in accordance with
procedures established for this purpose by DTC. Transfers of book-entry interests in the Junior Subordinated
Debentures among Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear and DTC may be effected in accordance with
procedures established for this purpose by Clearstream, Luxembourg. Euroclear and DTC. The information in
this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that NEE Capital and
NEE believe to be reliable, but none of NEE Capital, NEE or the underwriters take any responsibility for the
accuracy of this information.
Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC on the one hand, and
directly or indirectly through Clearstream, Luxembourg Participants or Euroclear Participants, on the other, will
be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules; however, such cross-market transactions will require
delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system
in accordance with its rules and procedures and within the established deadlines of such system.
Due to time-zone differences, credits of the Junior Subordinated Debentures received in Clearstream.
Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent
securities settlement processing and dated the business day following the DTC settlement date. Such credits or
any transactions in such Junior Subordinated Debentures settled during such processing will be reported to the
relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg Participant or Euroclear Participants on such business day. Cash received in
Clearstream. Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of sales of the Junior Subordinated Debentures by or through a
Clearstream, Luxembourg Participant or a Euroclear Participant to a DTC participant will be received with value
on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstrearn. Luxembourg or Euroclear cash
account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.
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Although DTC, Clearstream. Luxembourg and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of the Junior Subordinated Debentures among participants of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg
and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures
may be changed or discontinued at any time. Neither NEE nor NEE Capital will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC, Clearstream. Luxembourg and Euroclear or their direct participants or indirect participants
under the rules and procedures governing DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear, as the case may be.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system, Clearstream, Luxembourg
and Euroclear has been obtained from sources that NEE Capital and NEE believe to be reliable, but none of NEE
Capital, NEE or the underwriters take any responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
Agreement by Holders of Certain Tax Treatment. Each holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
will, by accepting the Junior Subordinated Debentures or a beneficial interest therein, be deemed to have agreed
that the holder intends that the Junior Subordinated Debentures constitute indebtedness and will treat the Junior
Subordinated Debentures as indebtedness for all United States federal, state and local tax purposes.
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and sets forth the opinions of Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP, special tax counsel to NEE Capital and NEE. This discussion only applies to Junior Subordinated
Debentures held as capital assets by holders who purchase the Junior Subordinated Debentures in the initial
offering at their "issue price." which will equal the first price to the public (not including bond houses, brokers or
similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) at which
a substantial amount of the Junior Subordinated Debentures are sold for money. This discussion does not
describe all of the material tax considerations that may be relevant to holders in light of their particular
circumstances or to holders subject to special rules, such as certain financial institutions, banks, insurance
companies, tax-exempt entities, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, dealers in securities,
traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting, partnerships and other pass-through
entities (and persons holding Junior Subordinated Debentures through a partnership or other pass-through entity),
persons holding Junior Subordinated Debentures as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion
transaction or other integrated transaction, holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, passive
foreign investment companies. controlled foreign corporations and corporations that accumulate earnings to
avoid U.S. federal income tax. In addition, this discussion does not address the effect of any state, local, foreign
or other tax laws or any U.S. federal estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations. This discussion is
based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), administrative pronouncements, judicial
decisions and final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all
of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
As used in this prospectus supplement, the term "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of a Junior
Subordinated Debenture that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
• an individual citizen or resident of the United States:
• a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
• an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
• a trust (i) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its
administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust, or (ii) that was in existence on August 20, 1996, and has a valid election in effect under
applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a domestic trust.
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As used in this prospectus supplement, the term "non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of a Junior
Subordinated Debenture that is neither a U.S. holder nor a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes).
Persons considering the purchase of Junior Subordinated Debentures should consult their own tax advisors
as to the U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase. ownership and disposition of Junior
Subordinated Debentures in light of their particular circumstances, as well as the effect of any state, local, foreign
or other tax laws.
Classification of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
The determination of whether a security should be classified as indebtedness or equity for U.S. federal
income tax purposes requires a judgment based on all relevant facts and circumstances. There is no statutory,
judicial or administrative authority that directly addresses the U.S. federal income tax treatment of securities
similar to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In the opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, under current
law and based on the facts contained in this prospectus supplement, the terms of the Subordinated Indenture and
the Junior Subordinated Debentures. and certain assumptions and representations relied upon in rendering the
opinion, the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of NEE Capital for U.S. federal
income tax purposes (although there is no controlling authority directly on point). This opinion is not binding on
the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or any court and them can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree
with this opinion. If the IRS were to successfully challenge the classification of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures as indebtedness, interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures would be treated for U.S.
federal income tax purposes as dividends to the extent of NEE Capital's or, potentially, NEE's current or
accumulated earnings and profits. In the case of non-U.S. holders, distributions treated as dividends would be
subject to withholding of U.S. income tax, except to the extent otherwise provided by an applicable income tax
treaty. NEE Capital and NEE each agree, and by acquiring an interest in a Junior Subordinated Debenture each
beneficial owner of a Junior Subordinated Debenture will agree, to treat the Junior Subordinated Debentures as
indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
tax consequences that will arise if the Junior Subordinated Debentures are not treated as indebtedness for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Junior Subordinated Debentures
will be respected as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
U.S. Holders
Payments of Interest.
Except as described below, a U.S. holder will be taxed on any stated interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures at the time that such interest is received or accrued, in accordance with such U.S. holder's method of
accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Original Issue Discount.
Special rules apply with respect to debt instruments that are issued with original issue discount ("OID").
Under applicable Treasury regulations relating to Ola the possibility that stated interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures might be deferred (see "Certain Terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures—Option
to Defer Interest Payments") could result in the Junior Subordinated Debentures being treated as issued with
OID, unless the likelihood of such deferral is considered remote. NEE Capital believes and intends to take the
position that the likelihood of exercising its option to defer payment of stated interest is remote within the
meaning of the Treasury regulations in part because the exercise of the option to defer payments of stated interest
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures would generally prevent NEE Capital (and NEE) from: (I) declaring or
paying any dividend or distribution on NEE Capital's or NEE's capital stock; (2) redeeming, purchasing,
acquiring or making a liquidation payment with respect to any of NEE Capital's or NEE's capital stock;
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(3) paying any principal. interest or premium on, or repaying, repurchasing or redeeming any of NEE Capital's or
NEE's debt securities that are equal or junior in right of payment with the Junior Subordinated Debentures or the
Junior Subordinated Guarantee; or (4) making any payments with respect to any NEE Capital or NEE guarantee
of debt securities if such guarantee is equal or junior in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures
or the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. Similarly, in certain circumstances (e.g., "Certain Terms of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures—Optional Redemption"), NEE Capital may be obligated to pay amounts in excess of
stated interest on or principal of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Such excess payments will not affect the
amount of interest income that a U.S. holder recognizes if there is only a remote likelihood that such payments
will be made. NEE Capital believes and intends to take the position that the likelihood that it will make any such
payments is remote. NEE Capital's determination regarding the remoteness of these contingencies is binding on a
holder, unless the holder discloses in the proper manner to the IRS that it is taking a different position. Based on
these positions, the Junior Subordinated Debentures should not be treated as having been issued with OID.
Accordingly, except as set forth below, each U.S. holder should include in gross income that holder's allocable
share of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures in accordance with that holder's method of tax
accounting.
However, if the IRS successfully challenged NEE Capital's position regarding the remoteness of the
contingencies described above, the Junior Subordinated Debentures would be treated as issued with OID at the
time of issuance. If the possibility of interest deferral were determined not to be remote, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures would be treated as issued with OID and all stated interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
would be treated as OID. Furthermore, if payments of stated interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
deferred, the Junior Subordinated Debentures may at that time be treated, solely for purposes of determining the
amount of OID on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, as having been retired and reissued with OID, and the
sum of the remaining interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures would be OID. In the event the
Junior Subordinated Debentures are treated as issued with OID, each U.S. holder would be required to accrue and
include OID in taxable income on a constant yield basis before the receipt of the cash attributable to the interest
(regardless of that U.S. holder's method of tax accounting), and actual distributions of stated interest would not
be reported as taxable income.
If the possibility of excess payments were determined not to be remote, the Junior Subordinated Debentures
could be treated as "contingent payment debt instruments," in which case a U.S. holder would be required to
accrue interest income on the Junior Subordinated Debentures in excess of stated interest and treat as ordinary
income rather than as capital gain any income realized on the taxable disposition of Junior Subordinated
Debentures. In the event excess payments are made, the U.S. holder will be required to recognize such amounts
as income. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the Junior Subordinated Debentures will not be treated
as contingent payment debt instruments.
Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Retirement of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Upon the sale. exchange. redemption or retirement of a Junior Subordinated Debenture, a U.S. holder will
generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange,
redemption or retirement and that U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the Junior Subordinated Debenture. For
these purposes, the amount realized does not include any amount attributable to accrued but unpaid interest not
previously included in income, which will constitute ordinary income. If the Junior Subordinated Debentures
have not been subject to the OID rules, then a U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in the Junior Subordinated
Debentures generally will be its initial purchase price. If the Junior Subordinated Debentures have been subject
to the OID rules, then a U.S. holder's tax basis in a Junior Subordinated Debenture would be increased by any
OID previously includible in that U.S. holder's gross income through the date of disposition and decreased by
payments received by that U.S. holder on the Junior Subordinated Debentures in respect of accrued OID. Gain or
loss realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or retirement of a Junior Subordinated Debenture will generally
be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale, exchange, redemption or
retirement the Junior Subordinated Debenture has been held by that U.S. holder for more than one year. A U.S.
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holder that is an individual is generally entitled to preferential treatment for net long-term capital gains. Any
capital losses realized generally may be used by a corporate taxpayer only to offset capital gains, and by an
individual taxpayer only to the extent of capital gains plus $3,000 of other income.
Medicare Tax.
Certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a
portion of their "net investment income," which may include all or a portion of their interest income and net
gains from the disposition of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Each U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or
trust is urged to consult its tax advisors regarding the applicability of this Medicare tax to its income and gains in
respect of its investment in the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.
Information reporting requirements generally apply in connection with payments on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to, and proceeds from a sale or other disposition of Junior Subordinated Debentures by,
non-corporate U.S. holders. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding tax on such payments and
proceeds if the U.S. holder fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number to the paying agent in the
manner required under U.S. federal income tax law, fails to comply with applicable backup withholding tax rules
or does not otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. Any amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules will entitle that U.S. holder to a credit against that U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability and may entitle that U.S. holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely and
properly furnished to the IRS.
U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of backup withholding in their
particular situation, the availability of an exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining
such an exemption, if available.
Non-US. Holders
Subject to the discussion below under "Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act" and assuming that the
Junior Subordinated Debentures will be treated as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no
withholding of U.S. federal income tax will apply to interest paid on a Junior Subordinated Debenture to a
non-U.S. holder under the "portfolio interest exemption," provided that:
the interest is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's conduct of a trade or business in the
United States;
• the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting
power of all classes of NEE Capital's or NEE's stock entitled to vote;
• the non-U.S. holder is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related directly or constructively to
NEE Capital or NEE through stock ownership; and
the non-U.S. holder provides to the withholding agent, in accordance with specified procedures, a
statement to the effect that that such non-U.S. holder is not a United States person (generally by
providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable).
If a non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements of the portfolio interest exemption described above,
interest paid on the Junior Subordinated Debentures (including payments in respect of OID, if any, on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures) made to a non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax.
unless that non-U.S. holder provides the withholding agent with a properly executed statement (i) claiming an
exemption from or reduction of withholding under an applicable U.S. income tax treaty or (ii) stating that the
interest is not subject to withholding tax because it is effectively connected with that non-U.S. holder's conduct
of a trade or business in the United States.
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If a non-U.S. holder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States (or, if an applicable U.S. income
tax treaty applies, if the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment within the United States) and the
interest is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business (or, if an applicable U.S. income tax
treaty applies, attributable to that permanent establishment), that non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal
income tax on the interest on a net income basis in the same manner as if that non-U.S. holder were a U.S.
holder. In addition, if such non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, it may also, under certain circumstances, be
subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable
income tax treaty.
Subject to the discussion below under "Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act," any gain realized on the
disposition of a Junior Subordinated Debenture generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:
that gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder's conduct of a trade or business in the
United States (or, if an applicable U.S. income tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent
establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States); or
• the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the
taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.
The amount of interest paid on the Junior Subordinated Debentures to non-U.S. holders generally must be
reported annually to the IRS. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced
or eliminated by any applicable income tax treaty. Copies of the information returns reflecting income in respect
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which
the non-U.S. holder is a resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or information sharing
agreement.
A non-U.S. holder will generally not be subject to additional information reporting or to backup withholding
with respect to payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures or to information reporting or backup
withholding with respect to proceeds from the sale or other disposition of Junior Subordinated Debentures to or
through a U.S. office of any broker, as long as the holder:
has furnished to the payor or broker a properly executed IRS Form W-SBEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E,
as applicable, certifying, under penalties of perjury, the non-U.S. holder's status as a non-U.S. person;
has furnished to the payor or broker other documentation upon which it may rely to treat the payments
as made to a non-U.S. person in accordance with applicable Treasury regulations; or
othenvise establishes an exemption.
The payment of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of Junior Subordinated Debentures to or
through a foreign office of a broker will generally not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding.
However, a sale or disposition of Junior Subordinated Debentures will be subject to information reporting, but
not backup withholding, if it is to or through a foreign office of a U.S. broker or a non-U.S. broker with certain
enumerated connections with the United States unless the documentation requirements described above are met
or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder will be
allowed as a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will othenvise be refundable,
provided that the requisite procedures are followed and the proper information is filed with the IRS on a timely
basis. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their qualification for exemption from
backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining such exemption, if applicable.
Foreign Accounts Tar Compliance Act.
Pursuant to the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA"), enacted on March 18, 2010, and under
associated Treasury regulations and related administrative guidance, a U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate
applies to interest payments, as well as gross proceeds in respect of a sale or other disposition of debt obligations
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occurring after December 31.2018, received by certain non-U.S. holders, if certain disclosure requirements
related to U.S. ownership or accounts are not satisfied (generally by providing a properly executed IRS
Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or other applicable and/or successor forms). An applicable
intergovernmental agreement regarding FATCA between the U.S. and a foreign jurisdiction may modify the
rules discussed in this paragraph. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential
application of FATCA to their investment in the Junior Subordinated Debentures. If U.S. federal withholding tax
under FATCA, or othenvise, is required on payments made to any holder of Junior Subordinated Debentures,
such withheld amount will be paid to the IRS. That payment, if made, will be treated as a payment of cash to the
holder of the Junior Subordinated Debentures with respect to whom the payment was made and will reduce the
amount of cash to which such holder would otherwise be entitled.
The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is included for general information only and
may not be applicable depending upon a holder's particular situation. Holders should consult their tax
advisors regarding the tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Junior
Subordinated Debentures, including the tax consequences under state, local, foreign and other tax laws.
UNDERWRITING
The information in this section supplements the information in the "Plan of Distribution" section beginning
on page 41 of the accompanying prospectus. Please read these two sections together.
NEE Capital is selling the Junior Subordinated Debentures to the underwriters named in the table below
pursuant to an underwriting agreement between NEE Capital, NEE and the underwriters named below, for whom
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, UBS Securities LLC and
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"). Subject to certain conditions,
NEE Capital has agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the undenvriters has severally agreed to
purchase, the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures set forth opposite that underwriter's name in
the table below:
Principal Amount
of Junior
Underwriter Subordinated Debentures
Merrill Lynch. Pierce. Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
UBS Securities LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
RBC Dain Rauscher Inc.
Total
Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters must buy all of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures when and if they buy any of them. The underwriting agreement provides that the
obligations of the underwriters pursuant thereto are subject to certain conditions. In the event of a default by an
underwriter, the underwriting agreement provides that, in certain circumstances, the purchase commitment of the
non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated. The
underwriters will sell the Junior Subordinated Debentures to the public when and if the underwriters buy the
Junior Subordinated Debentures from NEE Capital.
NEE Capital will compensate the underwriters by selling the Junior Subordinated Debentures to them at a
price that is less than the price to public by the amount of the "Underwriting Discount" set forth on the cover
page of this prospectus supplement. The undenvriters will sell the Junior Subordinated Debentures to the public
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at the price to public set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and may sell the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $ per
Junior Subordinated Debenture under the price to public; provided that the concession will be $ per Junior
Subordinated Debenture for sales to institutions. Any underwriter may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $ per Junior Subordinated Debenture to other underwriters or to other dealers.
provided that there will be no concession with respect to sales to institutions.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount to be paid to the underwriters
and proceeds. before expenses, to NEE Capital. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by
the underwriters of their option, discussed above, to purchase additional Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Without Option With Option
Price to Public $ $
Underwriting Discount (I) $ $
Proceeds to NEE Capital (before expenses) (1) $ $
(I) As a result of sales to institutions with respect to $ principal amount of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the underwriting discount decreased, and the total proceeds to NEE Capital increased by
, which amounts are reflected in the table above.
An underwriter may reject any or all offers for the Junior Subordinated Debentures. After the initial public
offering of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the underwriters may change the offering price and other selling
terms of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Overallotment Option
NEE Capital has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $ principal amount
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in order to cover over-allotments, if any. If the option is exercised, any
such Junior Subordinated Debentures are expected to be delivered on or about the same date set forth on the
cover page of this prospectus supplement. To the extent that the undenvriters exercise this option, the
underwriters are obligated to severally purchase the applicable Junior Subordinated Debentures covered by the
over-allotment option in approximately the same proportion as the proportions of the principal amount of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures indicated in the underwriting table above.
New Issue
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. NEE
Capital intends to apply to list the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange, and, if
approved for listing, trading of the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange is expected
to commence within a 30-day period after the Junior Subordinated Debentures are first issued. The underwriters
have advised NEE Capital that they intend to make a market in the Junior Subordinated Debentures prior to the
commencement of trading on the New York Stock Exchange but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue
such market-making activities at any time without notice. NEE Capital cannot give any assurance as to the
maintenance of any trading market for, or the liquidity of, the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Price Stabilization and Short Positions
In connection with the offering, the Representatives, on behalf of the underwriters. may purchase and sell
the Junior Subordinated Debentures in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment,
syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Over-allotment includes syndicate sales of Junior
Subordinated Debentures in excess of the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures to be purchased
by the undenvriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions
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involve purchases of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases
of Junior Subordinated Debentures made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures while the offering is in progress.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim an initial
dealers' concession from a syndicate member when any of the Representatives, in covering syndicate short
positions or making stabilizing purchases. repurchases the Junior Subordinated Debentures originally sold by that
syndicate member.
Any of these activities may cause the price of the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be higher than the
price that othenvise would exist in the open market in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may
be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Selling Restrictions
General
The Junior Subordinated Debentures are being offered for sale in the United States and in certain
jurisdictions outside the United States, subject to applicable law.
Canada
The Junior Subordinated Debentures may be sold only to purchasers resident in Ontario, Quebec. Alberta,
British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island purchasing, or deemed to be
purchasing, as principal, that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45.106 Prospectus
Exemptions or subsection 73.3(I) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National
Instrument 31.103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not
subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for
rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus (including any
amendment) contain a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by
the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory.
The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or
territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33.105 Underwriting Conflicts ("NI 33.105"), the
underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter
conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
European Union Prospectus Directive
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA") which has implemented the
Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), each underwriter has represented and agreed that, with
effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member
State, it has not made and will not make an offer of the Junior Subordinated Debentures which are the subject of
the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:
(a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive:
(b) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus
Directive), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant underwriter nominated by NEE Capital
for any such offer. or
(c) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,
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provided that no such offer of the Junior Subordinated Debentures referred to in (a), (b) or (c) above shall require
NEE, NEE Capital or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus
Directive.
For the purposes of these "Selling Restrictions" provisions, the expression an "offer of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to the public" in relation to any Junior Subordinated Debentures in any Relevant
Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of
the offer and the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase
or subscribe for the Junior Subordinated Debentures, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State
by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State; and the expression
"Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU) and
includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus (for the purpose of these "Selling Restrictions"
provisions, collectively referred to as the "offering document") have been prepared on the basis that all offers of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures offered hereby will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus
Directive, as implemented in Member States of the EEA, from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures offered hereby. Accordingly any person making or intending to make any offer
within the EEA of the Junior Subordinated Debentures which are the subject of the placement contemplated in this
offering document should only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for NEE, NEE Capital or any of
the underwriters to produce a prospectus for such offer. None of NEE, NEE Capital or the underwriters have
authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of the Junior Subordinated Debentures offered hereby
through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the underwriters which constitute the final placement
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures contemplated in this offering document.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, this offering document is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons
(i) who fall within Article 19(5) ("investment professionals") of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
(Financial Promotion) Order 2005 as amended (the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) who fall within
Article 49(2)(a) through (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial
Promotion Order or (iii) who are persons to whom this offering document may otherwise lawfully be
communicated without the need for such document to be approved, made or directed by an "authorised person"
(as defined by Section 31(2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA")) under Section 21 of
the FSMA (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons").
In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this offering document relates,
including the Junior Subordinated Debentures, is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only
with relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, this offering document must not be acted on or relied on by
persons who are not relevant persons.
Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:
it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be
communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of
Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to NEE Capital and
NEE; and
it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything
done by it in relation to the Junior Subordinated Debentures in, from or otherwise involving the United
Kingdom.
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Expenses and Indemnification
NEE Capital estimates that its expenses in connection with the sale of the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
other than underwriting discounts, will be approximately $750,000. This estimate includes expenses relating to
printing, rating agency fees, trustee's fees and legal fees, among other expenses. The underwriters have agreed to
reimburse NEE Capital for certain expenses incurred in connection with this offering.
NEE Capital and NEE have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against, or to contribute to payments the
underwriters may be required to make in respect of, certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933.
Certain Relationships
The underwriters and their respective affiliates may engage in transactions with, and may perform services
for, NEE. its subsidiaries (including NEE Capital) and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business and have
engaged, and may engage in the future, in commercial banking and/or investment banking transactions with
NEE, its subsidiaries and its affiliates.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make
or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities)
and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers.
Such investments and trading activities may involve securities and/or instruments of NEE Capital, NEE or their
respective affiliates. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates that have a lending relationship with NEE
Capital, NEE or their respective affiliates routinely hedge their credit exposure to NEE Capital, NEE or their
respective affiliates consistent with their customary risk management policies. A typical hedging strategy would
include the undenvriter or its affiliates hedging such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of
either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in securities of NEE Capital. NEE or
their respective affiliates, including potentially the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Any such short positions
could adversely affect future trading prices of the Junior Subordinated Debentures offered hereby. The
underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express
independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to
clients that they acquire. long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
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PROSPECTUS
NextEra Energy, Inc.
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Stock Purchase Contracts,
Stock Purchase Units, Warrants, Senior Debt Securities,
Subordinated Debt Securities and Junior Subordinated Debentures
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.
Preferred Stock, Senior Debt Securities, Subordinated Debt Securities
and Junior Subordinated Debentures
Guaranteed as described in this prospectus by
NextEra Energy, Inc.
NextEra Energy, Inc. ("NEE") and/or NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. ("NEE Capital") may offer
any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings from time to time in
amounts authorized from time to time. This prospectus may also be used by a selling securityholder of the
securities described herein.
NEE and/or NEE Capital will provide specific terms of the securities, including the offering prices, in
supplements to this prospectus. The supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplements carefully before you invest.
NEE's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol "NEE."
NEE and/or NEE Capital may offer these securities directly or through underwriters, agents or dealers. The
supplements to this prospectus will describe the terms of any particular plan of distribution, including any
underwriting arrangements. The "Plan of Distribution" section beginning on page 41 of this prospectus also
provides more information on this topic.
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 3 of this prospectus to read about certain
factors you should consider before purchasing any of the securities being offered.
NEE's and NEE Capital's principal executive offices are located at 700 Universe Boulevard. Juno Beach.
Florida 33408.0420. telephone number (561) 694.4000, and their mailing address is P.O. Box 14000. Juno
Beach, Florida 33408.0420.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
July 8, 2015
EFTA01129914
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About this Prospectus 3
Risk Factors 3
NEE 3
NEE Capital 4
Use of Proceeds 4
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
Preferred Stock Dividends 4
Where You Can Find More Information 4
Incorporation by Reference 5
Forward•Looking Statements 5
Description of NEE Common Stock 6
Description of NEE Preferred Stock 10
Description of NEE Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units 12
Description of NEE Warrants 12
Description of NEE Senior Debt Securities 12
Description of NEE Subordinated Debt Securities 12
Description of NEE Junior Subordinated Debentures 13
Description of NEE Capital Preferred Stock 13
Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Preferred Stock 14
Description of NEE Capital Senior Debt Securities 14
Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Senior Debt Securities 25
Description of NEE Capital Subordinated Debt Securities and NEE Subordinated Guarantee 26
Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee 27
Information Concerning the Trustees 41
Plan of Distribution 41
Experts 43
Legal Opinions 43
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that NEE, NEE Capital, and Florida Power & Light
Company ("FPL") have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") using a "shelf' registration
process.
Under this shelf registration process, NEE and/or NEE Capital may issue and sell any combination of the
securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings from time to time in amounts authorized by the
board of directors of NEE or NEE Capital, as the case may be. NEE may offer any of the following securities:
common stock, preferred stock, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units, warrants to purchase common
stock or preferred stock, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities and junior subordinated debentures
and guarantees related to the preferred stock, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities and junior
subordinated debentures that NEE Capital may offer. NEE Capital may offer any of the following securities:
preferred stock, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities and junior subordinated debentures.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that NEE and/or NEE Capital may
offer. Each time NEE and/or NEE Capital sells securities. NEE and/or NEE Capital will provide a prospectus
supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. Material United States federal
income tax considerations applicable to the offered securities will be discussed in the applicable prospectus
supplement if necessary. The applicable prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement
together with additional information described under the headings "Where You Can Find More Information" and
"Incorporation by Reference."
For more detailed information about the securities, you can read the exhibits to the registration statement.
Those exhibits have been either filed with the registration statement or incorporated by reference to earlier SEC
filings listed in the registration statement.
RISK FACTORS
Before purchasing the securities, investors should carefully consider the risk factors described in NEE's
annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, together with the other information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or in a related prospectus supplement in order to evaluate an investment in the
securities.
NEE
NEE is a holding company incorporated in 1984 as a Florida corporation and conducts its operations
principally through two wholly-owned subsidiaries. FPL and, indirectly through NEE Capital. NextEra Energy
Resources, LLC ("NEER"). FPL is a rate-regulated electric utility engaged primarily in the generation,
transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in Florida. NEER produces the majority of its electricity
from clean and renewable sources, including wind and solar. NEER also provides full energy and capacity
requirements services, engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities, participates in natural gas,
natural gas liquids and oil production and pipeline infrastructure development and owns a retail electricity
provider.
NEE's principal executive offices are located at 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, Florida 33408,
telephone number (561) 694-4000, and its mailing address is P.O. Box 14000, Juno Beach, Florida 33408.0420.
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NEE CAPITAL
NEE Capital owns and provides funding for all of NEE's operating subsidiaries other than FPL and its
subsidiaries. NEE Capital was incorporated in 1985 as a Florida corporation and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
NEE.
NEE Capital's principal executive offices are located at 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, Florida
33408, telephone number (561) 694-4000, and its mailing address is P.O. Box 14000, Juno Beach, Florida
33408-0420.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement. NEE and NEE Capital will each add the net proceeds
from the sale of its securities to its respective general funds. NEE uses its general funds for corporate purposes.
including to provide funds for its subsidiaries, to repurchase common stock and to repay, redeem or repurchase
outstanding debt or equity issued by its subsidiaries. NEE Capital uses its general funds for corporate purposes,
including to repay short-term borrowings and to repay. redeem or repurchase outstanding debt. NEE and NEE
Capital may each temporarily invest any proceeds that it does not need to use immediately in short-term
instruments.
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIO OF EARNINGS
TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
The following table shows NEE's consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and consolidated ratio of
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for each of its last five fiscal years:
Years Ended December 31.
2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
3.43 2.76 2.95 3.00 3.23
NEE's consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends for the three months ended March 31. 2015 was 3.61.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
NEE files annual, quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC. You can read and copy
any information filed by NEE with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain additional information about the Public Reference Room by calling the
SEC at 1.800-SEC-0330.
In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including NEE. NEE
also maintains an Internet site (www.nexteraenergy.com). Information on NEE's Internet site or any of its
subsidiaries' Internet sites is not a part of this prospectus.
NEE Capital does not file and does not intend to file reports or other information with the SEC under
Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. NEE includes summarized financial information
relating to NEE Capital in some of its reports filed with the SEC.
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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows NEE and NEE Capital to "incorporate by reference" information that NEE files with the
SEC, which means that NEE and NEE Capital may, in this prospectus, disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this
prospectus. Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
prospectus to the extent that a statement in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. NEE and NEE
Capital are incorporating by reference the documents listed below and any future filings NEE makes with the
SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this
prospectus (other than any documents, or portions of documents, not deemed to be filed) until NEE and/or NEE
Capital sell all of the securities covered by the registration statement:
(1) NEE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014,
(2) NEE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015,
(3) NEE's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015, March II, 2015
(excluding that portion furnished and not filed), May 7, 2015, May 20, 2015, May 28, 2015 and
June I1, 2015. and
(4) the description of the NEE common stock contained in NEE's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed
with the SEC on May 28, 2015, and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description.
You may request a copy of these documents, at no cost to you, by writing or calling Thomas P. Giblin, Jr.,
Esq.. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 101 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10178, (212) 309-6000. NEE will
provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all
of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this
prospectus.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, NEE
and NEE Capital are herein filing cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause NEE's and
NEE Capital's actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, made by or on behalf of NEE and NEE
Capital in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, in presentations, in response to questions or otherwise.
Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives. assumptions,
strategies, future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "may
result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated." "aim," "believe," "will," "could," "should," "would,"
"estimated," "may," "plan," "potential." "future." "projection," "goals," "target," "outlook," "predict," and
"intend" or words of similar meaning) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties. Accordingly, any such statements
are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, important factors discussed in NEE's
reports that are incorporated herein by reference (in addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to
specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements) that could have a significant impact on NEE's
and NEE Capital's operations and financial results, and could cause NEE's and/or NEE Capital's actual results to
differ materially from those contained or implied in fonvard-looking statements made by or on behalf of NEE or
NEE Capital.
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Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which that statement is made, and NEE and
NEE Capital undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances,
including, but not limited to, unanticipated events, after the date on which that statement is made, unless
otherwise required by law. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to
predict all of those factors, nor can it assess the impact of each of those factors on the business or the extent to
which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or
implied in any forward-looking statement.
The issues and associated risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that are incorporated herein by
reference are not the only ones NEE or NEE Capital may face. Additional issues may arise or become material as
the energy industry evolves. The risks and uncertainties associated with those additional issues could impair
NEE's and NEE Capital's businesses in the future.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE COMMON STOCK
The following summary description of the terms of the common stock of NEE is not intended to be
complete. The description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of NEE's Restated Articles of
Incorporation, as currently in effect ("NEE's Charter"), and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as currently in effect
("NEE's Bylaws") and the other documents described below. Each of NEE's Charter and NEE's Bylaws and the
other documents described below has previously been filed with the SEC and they are exhibits to the registration
statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus is a part. Reference is also made to the Florida Business
Corporation Act, or "Florida Act," and other applicable laws.
Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock
NEE's Charter authorizes it to issue 900,000.000 shares of capital stock, each with a par value of $.01,
consisting of:
• 800.000.000 shares of common stock, and
• 100.000.000 shares of preferred stock.
As of July 6, 2015, there were 452,103,676 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock issued
and outstanding.
Common Stock Terms
Voting Rights. In general. each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held by such
holder on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of the common stock, including the election of directors.
Each holder of common stock is entitled to attend all special and annual meetings of NEE's shareholders. The
holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights.
In general, if a quorum exists at a meeting of NEE's shareholders, unless a greater or different vote is
required by the Florida Act, NEE's Charter or NEE's Bylaws, or by action of the board of directors, (I) on all
matters other than the election of directors, action on such matters will be approved if the votes cast favoring the
action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, (2) in an uncontested director election, a nominee for director
will be elected if the votes cast for the nominee's election exceed the votes cast against the nominee's election,
and (3) in a contested director election, which is an election in which the number of persons considered for
election to the board of directors exceeds the total number of directors to be elected, a nominee for director will
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Other voting rights of shareholders are described below under "Anti-
Takeover Effects of Provisions in NEE's Charter and NEE's Bylaws."
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Dividend Rights. The holders of common stock are entitled to participate on an equal per-share basis in any
dividends declared on the common stock by NEE's board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend
payments.
The declaration and payment of dividends on the common stock is within the sole discretion of NEE's board
of directors. NEE's Charter does not limit the dividends that may be paid on the common stock.
The ability of NEE to pay dividends on the common stock is currently subject to. and in the future may be
limited by:
• various risks which affect the businesses of FPL and NEE's other subsidiaries that may in certain
instances limit the ability of such subsidiaries to pay dividends to NEE. and
• various contractual restrictions applicable to NEE and some of its subsidiaries, including those
described below.
FPL is subject to the terms of its Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January I, 1944, with Deutsche
Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the "FPL
Mortgage"), that secures its obligations under outstanding first mortgage bonds issued by it from time to time. In
specified circumstances, the terns of the FPL Mortgage could restrict the amount of retained earnings that FPL
can use to pay cash dividends on its common stock. As of the date of this prospectus, no retained earnings were
restricted by these provisions of the FPL Mortgage.
Other contractual restrictions on the dividend-paying ability of NEE and its subsidiaries are contained in
outstanding financing arrangements, and may be included in future financing arrangements. As of the date of this
prospectus. NEE has equity units outstanding. In accordance with the terms of the equity units, NEE has the
right, from time to time, to defer the payment of contract adjustment payments on the purchase contracts that
form a part of the equity units to a date no later than the purchase contract settlement date. As of the date of this
prospectus, NEE Capital has junior subordinated debentures outstanding. In accordance with the terms of the
junior subordinated debentures NEE Capital has the right, from time to time, to defer the payment of interest on
its outstanding junior subordinated debentures for a deferral period of up to 20 consecutive quarters. in the case
of one series of such securities, and on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years, in the case of other
series of such securities. NEE, FPL and NEE Capital may issue, from time to time, additional equity units, junior
subordinated debentures or other securities that (i) provide them with rights to defer the payment of interest or
other payments and (ii) contain dividend restrictions in the event of the exercise of such rights. In the event that
NEE or NEE Capital were to exercise any right to defer interest or other payments on currently outstanding or
future series of equity units, junior subordinated debentures or other securities, or if there were to occur certain
payment defaults on those securities, NEE would not be able, with limited exceptions, to pay dividends on the
common stock during the periods in which such payments were deferred or such payment defaults continued. In
the event that FPL were to issue equity units, junior subordinated debentures or other securities having similar
provisions and were to exercise any such right to defer the payment of interest or other payments on such
securities, or if there were to occur certain payment defaults on those securities, FPL would not be able, with
limited exceptions, to pay dividends to NEE or any other holder of its common stock or preferred stock during
the periods in which such payments were deferred or such payment defaults continued. In addition, NEE. NEE
Capital and FPL might issue other securities in the future containing similar or other restrictions on, or that
affect, NEE's ability to pay dividends on its common stock and on the ability of NEE's subsidiaries, including
NEE Capital and FPL, to pay dividends to any holder of their respective common stock or preferred stock,
including NEE.
In addition, the right of the holders of NEE's common stock to receive dividends might become subject to
the preferential dividend, redemption, sinking fund or other rights of the holders of any series of NEE preferred
stock that may be issued in the future, and the right of the holders (including NEE) of FPL or NEE Capital, as the
case may be, common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, to receive dividends might become subject to
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the preferential dividend, redemption, sinking fund or other rights of the holders of any series of FPL or NEE
Capital. as the case may be. preferred stock that may be issued in the future.
Liquidation Rights. If there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of NEE, the holders of common stock
are entitled to share equally and ratably in any assets remaining after NEE has paid, or provided for the payment
of. all of its debts and other liabilities, and after NEE has paid, or provided for the payment of, any preferential
amounts payable to the holders of any outstanding preferred stock.
Other Rights. The holders of common stock do not have any preemptive, subscription, conversion or
sinking fund rights. The common stock is not subject to redemption.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions in NEE's Charter and NEE's Bylaws
NEE's Charter and NEE's Bylaws contain provisions that may make it difficult and expensive for a third
party to pursue a takeover attempt that NEE's board of directors and management oppose even if a change in
control of NEE might be beneficial to the interests of holders of common stock.
NEE's Charter Provisions. Among NEE's Charter provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect are
those that:
• provide that a vacancy on the board of directors may be filled only by a majority vote of the remaining
directors.
• prohibit the shareholders from taking action by written consent in lieu of a meeting of shareholders,
• limit the persons who may call a special meeting of shareholders to the chairman of the NEE board of
directors, the president or the secretary, a majority of the board of directors or the holders of 20% of
the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote on the matter or matters to be presented at the meeting,
• require any action by shareholders to amend or repeal NEE's Bylaws, or to adopt new bylaws, to
receive the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding
shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class, and
• require the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding
shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class, to alter, amend or repeal specified provisions
of NEE's Charter, including the foregoing provisions.
NEE's Bylaw Provisions. NEE's Bylaws contain some of the foregoing provisions contained in NEE's
Charter. NEE's Bylaws also contain a provision limiting to 16 directors the maximum number of authorized
directors of NEE. In addition, NEE's Bylaws contain provisions that establish advance notice requirements for
shareholders to nominate candidates for election as directors at any annual or special meeting of shareholders or
to present any other business for consideration at any annual meeting of shareholders. These provisions generally
require a shareholder to submit in writing to NEE's secretary any nomination of a candidate for election to the
board of directors or any other proposal for consideration at any annual meeting not earlier than 120 days or later
than 90 days before the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting. NEE's Bylaws also require a
shareholder to submit in writing to NEE's secretary any nomination of a candidate for election to the board of
directors for consideration at any special meeting not earlier than 120 days before such special meeting and not
after the later of 90 days before such special meeting or the tenth day following the day of the first public
announcement of the date of the special meeting and of the fact that directors are to be elected at the meeting. For
the shareholder's notice to be in proper form, it must include all of the information specified in NEE's Bylaws.
Preferred Stock. The rights and privileges of holders of common stock may be adversely affected by the
rights, privileges and preferences of holders of shares of any series of preferred stock which NEE's board of
directors may authorize for issuance from time to time. NEE's board of directors has broad discretion with
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respect to the creation and issuance of any series of preferred stock without shareholder approval, subject to any
applicable rights of holders of any shares of preferred stock outstanding at any time. In that regard, NEE's
Charter authorizes NEE's board of directors from time to time and without shareholder action to provide for the
issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, and to determine the designations,
preferences, limitations and relative or other rights of any such series, including voting rights, dividend rights,
liquidation preferences, sinking fund provisions, conversion privileges and redemption rights. Among other
things, by authorizing the issuance of shares of preferred stock with particular voting, conversion or other rights,
the board of directors could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of the common stock and could
discourage any attempt to effect a change in control of NEE, even if such a transaction would be beneficial to the
interests of holders of the common stock. See the description of NEE's Preferred Stock in "Description of NEE
Preferred Stock."
Restrictions on Affiliated and Control Share Transactions Under Florida Act
Affiliated Transactions. As a Florida corporation, NEE is subject to the Florida Act, which provides that an
"affiliated transaction" of a Florida corporation with an "interested shareholder," as those terms are defined in the
statute, generally must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding voting
shares, other than the shares beneficially owned by the interested shareholder. The Florida Act defines an
"interested shareholder" as any person who is the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding voting
shares of the corporation. The affiliated transactions covered by the Florida Act include, with specified
exceptions:
• mergers and consolidations to which the corporation and the interested shareholder are parties,
• sales or other dispositions of assets representing 5% or more of the aggregate fair market value of the
corporation's assets, outstanding shares. earning power or net income to the interested shareholder,
• issuances by the corporation of 5% or more of the aggregate fair market value of its outstanding shares
to the interested shareholder.
the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of the corporation proposed by or pursuant to
an arrangement with the interested shareholder,
• any reclassification of the corporation's securities, recapitalization of the corporation, merger or
consolidation, or other transaction which has the effect of increasing by more than 5% the percentage
of the outstanding voting shares of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested shareholder.
and
the receipt by the interested shareholder of certain loans or other financial assistance from the
corporation.
The foregoing transactions generally also include transactions involving any affiliate of the interested
shareholder and involving or affecting any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the corporation.
The two-thirds approval requirement does not apply if, among other things. subject to specified
qualifications:
• the transaction has been approved by a majority of the corporation's disinterested directors,
• the interested shareholder has been the beneficial owner of at least 80% of the corporation's
outstanding voting shares for at least five years preceding the transaction,
• the interested shareholder is the beneficial owner of at least 90% of the outstanding voting shares, or
• specified fair price and procedural requirements are satisfied.
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The foregoing restrictions do not apply if the corporation's original articles of incorporation or an
amendment to its articles of incorporation or bylaws approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation (other than shares held by the interested shareholder)
contain a provision expressly electing for the corporation not to be governed by the restrictions. NEE's Charter
and NEE's Bylaws do not contain such a provision.
Control-Share Acquisitions. The Florida Act also contains a control-share acquisition statute which
provides that a person who acquires shares in an "issuing public corporation." as defined in the statute, in excess
of certain specified thresholds generally will not have any voting rights with respect to such shares unless such
voting rights are approved by the holders of a majority of the votes of each class of securities entitled to vote
separately, excluding shares held or controlled by the acquiring person. The thresholds specified in the Florida
Act are the acquisition of a number of shares representing:
• one-fifth or more, but less than one-third, of all voting power of the corporation,
• one-third or more, but less than a majority, of all voting power of the corporation, or
• a majority or more of all voting power of the corporation.
The statute does not apply if, among other things, the acquisition:
• is approved by the corporation's board of directors, or
• is effected pursuant to a statutory merger or share exchange to which the corporation is a party.
The statute also does not apply to an acquisition of shares of a corporation in excess of a specified threshold
if, before the acquisition, the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws provide that the corporation will
not be governed by the statute. The statute also permits a corporation to adopt a provision in its articles of
incorporation or bylaws providing for the redemption of the acquired shares by the corporation in specified
circumstances. NEE's Charter and NEE's Bylaws do not contain such provisions.
Indemnification
Florida law generally provides that a Florida corporation. such as NEE, may indemnify its directors,
officers, employees and agents against liabilities and expenses they may incur. Florida law also limits the liability
of directors to NEE and other persons. NEE's Bylaws contain provisions requiring NEE to indemnify its
directors, officers, employees and agents under specified conditions. In addition, NEE carries insurance
permitted by the laws of Florida on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Listing
The common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol "NEE."
DESCRIPTION OF NEE PREFERRED STOCK
General. The following statements describing NEE's preferred stock are not intended to be a complete
description. For additional information, please see NEE's Charter and NEE's Bylaws. You should read this
summary together with the articles of amendment to NEE's Charter, which will describe the terms of any
preferred stock to be offered hereby, for a complete understanding of all the provisions. Please also see the FPL
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Mortgage, which contains restrictions which may in certain instances restrict the amount of retained earnings that
FPL can use to pay cash dividends on its common stock. Each of these documents has previously been filed, or
will be filed, with the SEC and each is or will be an exhibit to the registration statement filed with the SEC of
which this prospectus is a part. Reference is also made to the Florida Act and other applicable laws.
NEE Preferred Stock. NEE may issue one or more series of its preferred stock. S.01 par value, without the
approval of its shareholders. No shares of preferred stock are presently outstanding.
Some terms of a series of preferred stock may differ from those of another series. The terms of any preferred
stock being offered will be described in a prospectus supplement. These terms will also be described in articles of
amendment to NEE's Charter, which will establish the terms of the preferred stock being offered. These terms
will include any of the following that apply to that series:
(1) the tide of that series of preferred stock,
(2) the number of shares in the series.
(3) the dividend rate, or how such rate will be determined, and the dividend payment dates for the series.
(4) whether the series will be listed on a securities exchange,
(5) the date or dates on which the series of preferred stock may be redeemed at the option of NEE and any
restrictions on such redemptions.
(6) any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate NEE to repurchase. redeem or retire the series
of preferred stock,
(7) the amount payable on the series of preferred stock in case of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of NEE and any additional amount, or method of determining such amount, payable in case any such
event is voluntary.
(8) any rights to convert the shares of the series of preferred stock into shares of another series or into
shares of any other class of capital stock,
(9) the voting rights, if any, and
(10) any other terms that are not inconsistent with the provisions of NEE's Charter.
In some cases, the issuance of preferred stock could make it difficult for another company to acquire NEE
and make it harder to remove current management. See also "Description of NEE Common Stock."
There are contractual restrictions on the dividend-paying ability of NEE and its subsidiaries contained in
outstanding financing arrangements, and may be included in future financing arrangements. As of the date of this
prospectus. NEE has equity units outstanding. In accordance with the terms of the equity units, NEE has the
right, from time to time, to defer the payment of contract adjustment payments on the purchase contracts that
form a part of the equity units to a date no later than the purchase contract settlement date. NEE Capital has
outstanding junior subordinated debentures giving NEE Capital the right. from time to time, to defer the payment
of interest on its outstanding junior subordinated debentures for a deferral period of up to 20 consecutive
quarters, in the case of one series of such securities, and on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive
years, in the case of other series of such securities. NEE. NEE Capital and FPL may issue, from time to time,
additional equity units, junior subordinated debentures or other securities that (i) provide them with rights to
defer the payment of interest or other payments and (ii) contain dividend restrictions in the event of the exercise
of such rights. In the event that NEE or NEE Capital were to exercise any right to defer interest or other
payments on currently outstanding or future series of equity units, junior subordinated debentures or such other
securities, or if there were to occur certain payment defaults on those securities, NEE would not be able, with
limited exceptions, to pay dividends on the preferred stock (and NEE Capital would not be able to pay dividends
to NEE or any other holder of its common stock) during the periods in which such payments were deferred or
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such payment defaults continued. In the event that FPL were to issue equity units, junior subordinated debentures
or other securities having similar provisions and were to exercise any such right to defer the payment of interest
or other payments on such securities, or if there were to occur certain payment defaults on those securities, FPL
would not be able, with limited exceptions, to pay dividends to NEE or any other holder of its common stock or
preferred stock during the periods in which such payments were deferred or such payment defaults continued. In
addition, NEE, NEE Capital and FPL might issue other securities in the future containing similar or other
restrictions on, or that affect, NEE's ability to pay dividends on its common stock or preferred stock and on the
ability of NEE's subsidiaries, including NEE Capital and FPL to pay dividends to any holder of their respective
common stock or preferred stock, including NEE.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS
AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
NEE may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts that obligate holders to purchase from NEE,
and NEE to sell to these holders, a specified number of shares of common stock or preferred stock at a future
date or dates. The consideration per share of common stock or preferred stock may be fixed at the time the stock
purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock
purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of stock purchase units
consisting of a stock purchase contract and either debt securities of NEE Capital, debt securities of NEE, or debt
securities of third parties including, but not limited to, U.S. Treasury securities, that would secure the holders'
obligations to purchase the common stock or preferred stock under the stock purchase contracts. The stock
purchase contracts may require NEE to make periodic payments to the holders of some or all of the stock
purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock
purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under these stock purchase contracts in a
specified manner.
The terms of any stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units being offered will be described in a
prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE WARRANTS
NEE may issue warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock. The terms of any such warrants
being offered and any related warrant agreement between NEE and a warrant agent will be described in a
prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
NEE may issue its senior debt securities, in one or more series, under one or more indentures between NEE
and The Bank of New York Mellon. as trustee. The terms of any offered senior debt securities and the applicable
indenture will be described in a prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
NEE may issue its subordinated debt securities (other than the NEE Junior Subordinated Debentures (as
defined below under "Description of NEE Junior Subordinated Debentures")), in one or more series, under one
or more indentures between NEE and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The terms of any offered
subordinated debt securities and the applicable indenture will be described in a prospectus supplement.
EFTA01129925
DESCRIPTION OF NEE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
NEE may issue its junior subordinated debentures (the "NEE Junior Subordinated Debentures"), in one or
more series, under one or more indentures between NEE and The Bank of New York Mellon. as trustee. The
terms of any offered junior subordinated debentures and the applicable indenture will be described in a
prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE CAPITAL PREFERRED STOCK
General. The following statements describing NEE Capital's preferred stock are not intended to be a
complete description. For additional information, please see NEE Capital's Articles of Incorporation, as currently
in effect ("NEE Capital's Charter"). and NEE Capital's bylaws, as currently in effect. You should read this
summary together with the articles of amendment to NEE Capital's Charter, which will describe the terms of any
preferred stock to be offered hereby, for a complete understanding of all the provisions. Each of these documents
has previously been filed, or will be filed, with the SEC and each is or will be an exhibit to the registration
statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus is a part. Reference is also made to the Florida Act and
other applicable laws.
NEE Capital Preferred Stock. NEE Capital may issue one or more series of its preferred stock, $.01 par
value, without the approval of its shareholders. The NEE Capital preferred stock will be guaranteed by NEE as
described under "Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Preferred Stock." No shares of preferred stock
are presently outstanding.
Some terms of a series of preferred stock may differ from those of another series. The terms of any preferred
stock being offered will be described in a prospectus supplement. These terms will also be described in articles of
amendment to NEE Capital's Charter, which will establish the terms of the preferred stock being offered. These
terms will include any of the following that apply to that series:
(I) the tide of that series of preferred stock,
(2) the number of shares in the series.
(3) the dividend rate, or how such rate will be determined, and the dividend payment dates for the series.
(4) whether the series will be listed on a securities exchange,
(5) the date or dates on which the series of preferred stock may be redeemed at the option of NEE Capital
and any restrictions on such redemptions,
(6) any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate NEE Capital to repurchase. redeem or retire
the series of preferred stock,
(7) the amount payable on the series of preferred stock in case of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of NEE Capital and any additional amount, or method of determining such amount, payable in case any
such event is voluntary.
(8) any rights to convert the shares of the series of preferred stock into shares of another series or into
shares of any other class of capital stock,
(9) the voting rights, if any, and
(10) any other terms that are not inconsistent with the provisions of NEE Capital's Charter.
There are contractual restrictions on the dividend-paying ability of NEE Capital contained in outstanding
financing arrangements, and may be included in future financing arrangements. As of the date of this prospectus,
NEE Capital has outstanding junior subordinated debentures giving NEE Capital the right, from time to time, to
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defer the payment of interest on its outstanding junior subordinated debentures for a defend period of up to
20 consecutive quarters, in the case of one series of such securities, and on one or more occasions for up to ten
consecutive years, in the case of other series of such securities. NEE Capital may issue, from time to time.
additional junior subordinated debentures or other securities that (i) provide it with rights to defer the payment of
interest or other payments and (ii) contain dividend restrictions in the event of the exercise of such rights. In the
event that NEE Capital were to exercise any right to defer interest or other payments on currently outstanding or
future series of junior subordinated debentures or other such securities, or if there were to occur certain payment
defaults on those securities, NEE Capital would not be able, with limited exceptions, to pay dividends on the
preferred stock during the periods in which such payments were deferred or such payment defaults continued. In
addition, NEE Capital might issue other securities in the future containing similar or other restrictions on NEE
Capital's ability to pay dividends to any holder of its preferred stock.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE GUARANTEE OF NEE CAPITAL PREFERRED STOCK
The following statements describing NEE's guarantee of NEE Capital's preferred stock are not intended to
be a complete description. For additional information, please see NEE's guarantee agreement relating to NEE
Capital's preferred stock. You should read this summary together with the guarantee agreement for a complete
understanding of all the provisions. Please also see the FPL Mortgage, which contains restrictions which may in
certain instances limit the ability of FPL to pay dividends to NEE. Each of these documents has previously been
filed with the SEC and each is an exhibit to the registration statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus
is a part.
NEE will absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee the payment of accumulated and unpaid
dividends, and payments due on liquidation or redemption, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of
set-off or counterclaim that NEE Capital may have or assert. NEE's guarantee of NEE Capital's preferred stock
will be an unsecured obligation of NEE and will rank (1) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of NEE (except those made pari passu or subordinate by their terms), (2) equal in right of payment with
the most senior preferred or preference stock that may be issued by NEE and with any other guarantee that may
be entered into by NEE in respect of any preferred or preference stock of any affiliate of NEE, and (3) senior to
NEE's common stock. The terms of NEE's guarantee of NEE Capital's preferred stock will be described in a
prospectus supplement.
While NEE is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating subsidiaries.
NEE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make any payments under the
NEE guarantee of NEE Capital preferred stock or to make any funds available for such payment. Therefore, the
NEE guarantee of NEE Capital preferred stock will effectively be subordinated to all indebtedness and other
liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by NEE's subsidiaries. In
addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their business
activities. All of this indebtedness will effectively be senior to the NEE guarantee of NEE Capital preferred
stock. NEE's guarantee of NEE Capital preferred stock does not place any limit on the amount of liabilities,
including debt or preferred stock, that NEE's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or incur. See "Description of
NEE Common Stock—Common Stock Terms—Dividend Rights" for a description of contractual restrictions on
the dividend-paying ability of some of NEE's subsidiaries.
DESCRIPTION OF NEE CAPITAL SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
General. NEE Capital may issue its senior debt securities, in one or more series, under an Indenture, dated
as of June I, 1999, between NEE Capital and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. This Indenture, as it
may be amended and supplemented from time to time, is referred to in this prospectus as the "Indenture." The
Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee under the Indenture, is referred to in this prospectus as the "Indenture
Trustee." These senior debt securities are referred to in this prospectus as the "Offered Senior Debt Securities."
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The Indenture provides for the issuance from time to time of debentures. notes or other senior debt by NEE
Capital in an unlimited amount. The Offered Senior Debt Securities and all other debentures. notes or other debt
of NEE Capital issued under the Indenture are collectively referred to in this prospectus as the "Senior Debt
Securities."
This section briefly summarizes some of the terms of the Offered Senior Debt Securities and some of the
provisions of the Indenture. This summary does not contain a complete description of the Offered Senior Debt
Securities or the Indenture. You should read this summary together with the Indenture and the officer's
certificates or other documents creating the Offered Senior Debt Securities for a complete understanding of all
the provisions and for the definitions of some terms used in this summary. The Indenture, the form of officer's
certificate that may be used to create a series of Offered Senior Debt Securities and a form of Offered Senior
Debt Securities have previously been filed with the SEC, and are exhibits to the registration statement filed with
the SEC of which this prospectus is a part. In addition, the Indenture is qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 and is therefore subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. You should read the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for a complete understanding of its provisions.
All Offered Senior Debt Securities of one series need not be issued at the same time, and a series may be
re-opened for issuances of additional Offered Senior Debt Securities of such series. This means that NEE Capital
may from time to time, without notice to, or the consent of any existing holders of the previously-issued Offered
Senior Debt Securities of a particular series, create and issue additional Offered Senior Debt Securities of such
series. Such additional Offered Senior Debt Securities will have the same terms as the previously-issued Offered
Senior Debt Securities of such series in all respects except for the issue date and, if applicable, the initial interest
payment date. The additional Offered Senior Debt Securities will be consolidated and form a single series with
the previously-issued Offered Senior Debt Securities of such series.
Each series of Offered Senior Debt Securities may have different terms. NEE Capital will include some or
all of the following information about a specific series of Offered Senior Debt Securities in a prospectus
supplement relating to that specific series of Offered Senior Debt Securities:
(1) the title of those Offered Senior Debt Securities.
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of those Offered Senior Debt Securities,
(3) the date(s) on which NEE Capital will pay the principal of those Offered Senior Debt Securities,
(4) the rate(s) of interest on those Offered Senior Debt Securities, or how the rate(s) of interest will be
determined, the date(s) from which interest will accrue, the dates on which NEE Capital will pay
interest and the record date for any interest payable on any interest payment date,
(5) the person to whom NEE Capital will pay interest on those Offered Senior Debt Securities on any
interest payment date, if other than the person in whose name those Offered Senior Debt Securities are
registered at the close of business on the record date for that interest payment,
(6) the place(s) at which or methods by which NEE Capital will make payments on those Offered Senior
Debt Securities and the place(s) at which or methods by which the registered owners of those Offered
Senior Debt Securities may transfer or exchange those Offered Senior Debt Securities and serve notices
and demands to or upon NEE Capital,
(7) the security registrar and any paying agent or agents for those Offered Senior Debt Securities,
(8) any date(s) on which, the price(s) at which and the terms and conditions upon which NEE Capital may.
at its option, redeem those Offered Senior Debt Securities, in whole or in part. and any restrictions on
those redemptions,
(9) any sinking fund or other provisions, including any options held by the registered owners of those
Offered Senior Debt Securities, that would obligate NEE Capital to repurchase or redeem those Offered
Senior Debt Securities,
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(10) the denominations in which NEE Capital may issue those Offered Senior Debt Securities, if other than
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1.000,
(11) the currency or currencies in which NEE Capital may pay the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on those Offered Senior Debt Securities (if other than in U.S. dollars).
(12) if NEE Capital or a registered owner may elect to pay. or receive, principal of or premium. if any. or interest
on those Offered Senior Debt Securities in a currency other than that in which those Offered Senior Debt
Securities are stated to be payable, the terms and conditions upon which that election may be made.
(13) if NEE Capital will, or may, pay the principal of or premium. if any, or interest on those Offered Senior
Debt Securities in securities or other property, the type and amount of those securities or other property
and the terms and conditions upon which NEE Capital or a registered owner may elect to pay or
receive those payments.
(14) if the amount payable in respect of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on those Offered Senior
Debt Securities may be determined by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside
of the Indenture, the manner in which those amounts will be determined,
(15) the portion of the principal amount of those Offered Senior Debt Securities that NEE Capital will pay
upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of those Offered Senior Debt Securities, if other than
the entire principal amount of those Offered Senior Debt Securities,
(16) events of default, if any, with respect to those Offered Senior Debt Securities and covenants of NEE
Capital, if any, for the benefit of the registered owners of those Offered Senior Debt Securities, other
than those specified in the Indenture,
(17) the terms, if any. pursuant to which those Offered Senior Debt Securities may be converted into or
exchanged for shares of capital stock or other securities of any other entity,
(18) a definition of "Eligible Obligations" under the Indenture with respect to those Offered Senior Debt
Securities denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars,
(19) any provisions for the reinstatement of NEE Capital's indebtedness in respect of those Offered Senior
Debt Securities after their satisfaction and discharge,
(20) if NEE Capital will issue those Offered Senior Debt Securities in global form, necessary information
relating to the issuance of those Offered Senior Debt Securities in global form,
(21) if NEE Capital will issue those Offered Senior Debt Securities as bearer securities, necessary
information relating to the issuance of those Offered Senior Debt Securities as bearer securities.
(22) any limits on the rights of the registered owners of those Offered Senior Debt Securities to transfer or
exchange those Offered Senior Debt Securities or to register their transfer, and any related service charges.
(23) any exceptions to the provisions governing payments due on legal holidays or any variations in the
definition of business day with respect to those Offered Senior Debt Securities,
(24) other than the Guarantee described under "Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Senior Debt
Securities" below, any collateral security, assurance, or guarantee for those Offered Senior Debt
Securities, and
(25) any other terms of those Offered Senior Debt Securities that are not inconsistent with the provisions of
the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 301).
NEE Capital may sell Offered Senior Debt Securities at a discount below their principal amount. Some of the
important United States federal income tax considerations applicable to Offered Senior Debt Securities sold at a
discount below their principal amount may be discussed in the related prospectus supplement. In addition, some of the
important United States federal income tax or other considerations applicable to any Offered Senior Debt Securities
that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars may be discussed in the related prospectus supplement
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Except as otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, the covenants in the Indenture would not
give registered owners of Offered Senior Debt Securities protection in the event of a highly-leveraged transaction
involving NEE Capital or NEE.
Security and Ranking. The Offered Senior Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of NEE Capital.
The Indenture does not limit NEE Capital's ability to provide security with respect to other Senior Debt
Securities. All Senior Debt Securities issued under the Indenture will rank equally and ratably with all other
Senior Debt Securities issued under the Indenture, except to the extent that NEE Capital elects to provide security
with respect to any Senior Debt Security (other than the Offered Senior Debt Securities) without providing that
security to all outstanding Senior Debt Securities in accordance with the Indenture. The Offered Senior Debt
Securities will rank senior to NEE Capital's Subordinated Debt Securities and NEE Capital's Junior
Subordinated Debentures. The Indenture does not limit NEE Capital's ability to issue other unsecured debt.
While NEE Capital is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating
subsidiaries, NEE Capital's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make
any payments on the Senior Debt Securities or to make any funds available for such payment. Therefore, the
Senior Debt Securities will effectively be subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade
payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by NEE Capital's subsidiaries. In addition to trade
liabilities, many of NEE Capital's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their business activities.
All of this indebtedness will effectively be senior to the Senior Debt Securities. The Indenture does not place any
limit on the amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE Capital's subsidiaries may issue,
guarantee or incur.
Payment and Paying Agents. Except as stated in the related prospectus supplement. on each interest
payment date NEE Capital will pay interest on each Offered Senior Debt Security to the person in whose name
that Offered Senior Debt Security is registered as of the close of business on the record date relating to that
interest payment date. However, on the date that the Offered Senior Debt Securities mature. NEE Capital will
pay the interest to the person to whom it pays the principal. Also, if NEE Capital has defaulted in the payment of
interest on any Offered Senior Debt Security, it may pay that defaulted interest to the registered owner of that
Offered Senior Debt Security:
(1) as of the close of business on a date that the Indenture Trustee selects, which may not be more than
15 days or less than 10 days before the date that NEE Capital proposes to pay the defaulted interest, or
(2) in any other lawful manner that does not violate the requirements of any securities exchange on which
that Offered Senior Debt Security is listed and that the Indenture Trustee believes is acceptable.
(Indenture, Section 307).
Unless otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement. the principal, premium, if any, and interest on
the Offered Senior Debt Securities at maturity will be payable when such Offered Senior Debt Securities are
presented at the main corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon, as paying agent, in New York
City. NEE Capital may change the place of payment on the Offered Senior Debt Securities, appoint one or more
additional paying agents, including NEE Capital. and remove any paying agent. (Indenture. Section 602).
Transfer and Exchange. Unless otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement. Offered Senior Debt
Securities may be transferred or exchanged at the main corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon,
as security registrar, in New York City. NEE Capital may change the place for transfer and exchange of the
Offered Senior Debt Securities and may designate one or more additional places for that transfer and exchange.
Except as otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, there will be no service charge for any
transfer or exchange of the Offered Senior Debt Securities. However, NEE Capital may require payment of any
tax or other governmental charge in connection with any transfer or exchange of the Offered Senior Debt
Securities.
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NEE Capital will not be required to transfer or exchange any Offered Senior Debt Security selected for
redemption. Also, NEE Capital will not be required to transfer or exchange any Offered Senior Debt Security
during a period of 15 days before selection of Offered Senior Debt Securities to be redeemed. (Indenture.
Section 305).
Defeasance. NEE Capital may, at any time, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to all
or a portion of any Senior Debt Securities. To do so, NEE Capital must irrevocably deposit with the Indenture
Trustee or any paying agent, in trust:
(1) money in an amount that will be sufficient to pay all or that portion of the principal, premium, if any,
and interest due and to become due on those Senior Debt Securities, on or prior to their maturity, or
(2) in the case of a deposit made prior to the maturity of that series of Senior Debt Securities,
(a) direct obligations of, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States and entitled
to the benefit of its full faith and credit that do not contain provisions permitting their redemption
or other prepayment at the option of their issuer, and
(b) certificates, depositary receipts or other instruments that evidence a direct ownership interest in
those obligations or in any specific interest or principal payments due in respect of those
obligations that do not contain provisions permitting their redemption or other prepayment at the
option of their issuer.
the principal of and the interest on which, when due, without any regard to reinvestment of that
principal or interest, will provide money that, together with any money deposited with or held by the
Indenture Trustee, will be sufficient to pay all or that portion of the principal, premium, if any, and
interest due and to become due on those Senior Debt Securities, on or prior to their maturity, or
(3) a combination of (I) and (2) that will be sufficient to pay all or that portion of the principal, premium,
if any, and interest due and to become due on those Senior Debt Securities, on or prior to their
maturity. (Indenture, Section 701).
Limitation on Liens. So long as any Senior Debt Securities remain outstanding, NEE Capital will not
secure any indebtedness with a lien on any shares of the capital stock of any of its majority-owned subsidiaries.
which shares of capital stock NEE Capital now or hereafter directly owns, unless NEE Capital equally secures all
Senior Debt Securities. However, this restriction does not apply to or prevent:
any lien on capital stock created at the time NEE Capital acquires that capital stock, or within 270 days
after that time, to secure all or a portion of the purchase price for that capital stock,
(2) any lien on capital stock existing at the time NEE Capital acquires that capital stock (whether or not
NEE Capital assumes the obligations secured by the lien and whether or not the lien was created in
contemplation of the acquisition).
(3) any extensions, renewals or replacements of the liens described in (I) and (2) above, or of any
indebtedness secured by those liens; provided, that,
(a) the principal amount of indebtedness secured by those liens immediately after the extension.
renewal or replacement may not exceed the principal amount of indebtedness secured by those
liens immediately before the extension, renewal or replacement. and
(b) the extension, renewal or replacement lien is limited to no more than the same proportion of all
shares of capital stock as were covered by the lien that was extended, renewed or replaced, or
(4) any lien arising in connection with court proceedings; provided that, either
(a) the execution or enforcement of that lien is effectively stayed within 30 days after entry of the
corresponding judgment (or the corresponding judgment has been discharged within that 30 day
period) and the claims secured by that lien are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings,
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(b) the payment of that lien is covered in full by insurance and the insurance company has not denied
or contested coverage, or
(c) so long as that lien is adequately bonded, any appropriate legal proceedings that have been duly
initiated for the review of the corresponding judgment. decree or order have not been fully
terminated or the periods within which those proceedings may be initiated have not expired.
Liens on any shares of the capital stock of any of NEE Capital's majority-owned subsidiaries, which shares
of capital stock NEE Capital now or hereafter directly owns, other than liens described in (I) through (4) above,
are referred to in this prospectus as "Restricted Liens." The foregoing limitation does not apply to the extent that
NEE Capital creates any Restricted Liens to secure indebtedness that, together with all other indebtedness of
NEE Capital secured by Restricted Liens, does not at the time exceed 5% of NEE Capital's Consolidated
Capitalization. (Indenture, Section 608).
For this purpose, "Consolidated Capitalization" means the sum of:
(1) Consolidated Shareholders' Equity,
(2) Consolidated Indebtedness for borrowed money (exclusive of any amounts which are due and payable
within one year); and, without duplication, and
(3) any preference or preferred stock of NEE Capital or any Consolidated Subsidiary which is subject to
mandatory redemption or sinking fund provisions.
The term "Consolidated Shareholders' Equity" as used above means the total assets of NEE Capital and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries less all liabilities of NEE Capital and its Consolidated Subsidiaries. As used in this
definition, the term "liabilities" means all obligations which would, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, be classified on a balance sheet as liabilities, including without limitation:
indebtedness secured by property of NEE Capital or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries whether or
not NEE Capital or such Consolidated Subsidiary is liable for the payment thereof unless, in the case
that NEE Capital or such Consolidated Subsidiary is not so liable, such property has not been included
among the assets of NEE Capital or such Consolidated Subsidiary on such balance sheet.
(2) deferred liabilities, and
(3) indebtedness of NEE Capital or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries that is expressly subordinated in
right and priority of payment to other liabilities of NEE Capital or such Consolidated Subsidiary.
As used in this definition, "liabilities" includes preference or preferred stock of NEE Capital or any Consolidated
Subsidiary only to the extent of any such preference or preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption or
sinking fund provisions.
The term "Consolidated Indebtedness" means total indebtedness as shown on the consolidated balance sheet
of NEE Capital and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.
The term "Consolidated Subsidiary," means at any date any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary
whose financial statements would be consolidated with those of NEE Capital in NEE Capital's consolidated
financial statements as of such date in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. (Indenture.
Section 608).
The foregoing limitation does not limit in any manner the ability of:
(1) NEE Capital to place liens on any of its assets other than the capital stock of directly held,
majority-owned subsidiaries,
(2) NEE Capital or NEE to cause the transfer of its assets or those of its subsidiaries, including the capital
stock covered by the foregoing restrictions,
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(3) NEE to place liens on any of its assets, or
(4) any of the direct or indirect subsidiaries of NEE Capital or NEE (other than NEE Capital) to place liens
on any of their assets.
Consolidation, Merger, and Sale of Assets. Under the Indenture, NEE Capital may not consolidate with or
merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any
entity, unless:
(1) the entity formed by that consolidation, or the entity into which NEE Capital is merged. or the entity
that acquires or leases NEE Capital's property and assets, is an entity organized and existing under the
laws of the United States, any state or the District of Columbia and that entity expressly assumes NEE
Capital's obligations on all Senior Debt Securities and under the Indenture.
(2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default under the Indenture and no event
that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default under the Indenture exists,
and
(3) NEE Capital delivers an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel to the Indenture Trustee, as
provided in the Indenture. (Indenture. Section 1101).
The Indenture does not restrict NEE Capital in a merger in which NEE Capital is the surviving entity.
Events of Default. Each of the following is an event of default under the Indenture with respect to the
Senior Debt Securities of any series:
(1) failure to pay interest on the Senior Debt Securities of that series within 30 days after it is due,
(2) failure to pay principal or premium, if any. on the Senior Debt Securities of that series when it is due,
(3) failure to comply with any other covenant in the Indenture, other than a covenant that does not relate to
that series of Senior Debt Securities, that continues for 90 days after (i) NEE Capital receives written
notice of such failure to comply from the Indenture Trustee or (ii) NEE Capital and the Indenture
Trustee receive written notice of such failure to comply from the registered owners of at least 33% in
principal amount of the Senior Debt Securities of that series,
(4) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE Capital, or
(5) any other event of default specified with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of that series. (Indenture,
Section 801).
In the case of the third event of default listed above, the Indenture Trustee may extend the grace period. In
addition, if registered owners of a particular series have given a notice of default, then registered owners of at
least the same percentage of Senior Debt Securities of that series, together with the Indenture Trustee. may also
extend the grace period. The grace period will be automatically extended if NEE Capital has initiated and is
diligently pursuing corrective action. (Indenture, Section 801). An event of default with respect to the Senior
Debt Securities of a particular series will not necessarily constitute an event of default with respect to Senior
Debt Securities of any other series issued under the Indenture.
Remedies. If an event of default applicable to the Senior Debt Securities of one or more series, but not
applicable to all outstanding Senior Debt Securities, exists, then either (i) the Indenture Trustee or (ii) the
registered owners of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Debt Securities of each of the
affected series may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Senior Debt Securities of
that series to be due and payable immediately. However, under the Indenture, some Senior Debt Securities may
provide for a specified amount less than their entire principal amount to be due and payable upon that
declaration. These Senior Debt Securities are defined as "Discount Securities" in the Indenture.
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If an event of default is applicable to all outstanding Senior Debt Securities, then only the Indenture Trustee
or the registered owners of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Senior Debt Securities
of all series, voting as one class, and not the registered owners of any one series, may make a declaration of
acceleration. However, the event of default giving rise to the declaration relating to any series of Senior Debt
Securities will be automatically waived, and that declaration and its consequences will be automatically
rescinded and annulled, if, at any time after that declaration and before a judgment or decree for payment of the
money due has been obtained:
(1) NEE Capital deposits with the Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:
(a) all overdue interest on all Senior Debt Securities of that series.
(b) the principal of and any premium on any Senior Debt Securities of that series that have become
due for reasons other than that declaration, and interest that is then due,
(c) interest on overdue interest for that series, and
(d) all amounts then due to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture, and
(2) any other event of default with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of that series has been cured or
waived as provided in the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 802).
Other than its obligations and duties in case of an event of default under the Indenture, the Indenture Trustee
is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the
registered owners, unless those registered owners offer reasonable indemnity to the Indenture Trustee.
(Indenture, Section 903). If they provide this reasonable indemnity, the registered owners of a majority in
principal amount of any series of Senior Debt Securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Indenture Trustee, with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of that series. However, if an event
of default under the Indenture relates to more than one series of Senior Debt Securities, only the registered
owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all affected series of Senior Debt Securities, considered as
one class, will have the right to make that direction. Also, the direction must not violate any law or the Indenture,
and may not expose the Indenture Trustee to personal liability in circumstances where the indemnity would not.
in the Indenture Trustee's sole discretion, be adequate. (Indenture, Section 812).
A registered owner of a Senior Debt Security has the right to institute a suit for the enforcement of payment
of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on that Senior Debt Security on or after the applicable due date
specified in that Senior Debt Security. (Indenture, Section 808). No registered owner of Senior Debt Securities of
any series will have any other right to institute any proceeding under the Indenture, or any other remedy under
the Indenture, unless:
(1) that registered owner has previously given to the Indenture Trustee written notice of a continuing event
of default with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of that series,
(2) the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of all series in respect of which an event of default under the Indenture exists, considered as
one class. have made written request to the Indenture Trustee to institute that proceeding in its own
name as trustee, and have offered reasonable indemnity to the Indenture Trustee against related costs,
expenses and liabilities,
(3) the Indenture Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of that notice, request and offer of indemnity has
failed to institute any such proceeding, and
(4) no direction inconsistent with that request was given to the Indenture Trustee during this 60 day period
by the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of all series in respect of which an event of default under the Indenture exists, considered as
one class. (Indenture, Section 807).
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EFTA01129934
NEE Capital is required to deliver to the Indenture Trustee an annual statement as to its compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 606).
Modification and Waiver. Without the consent of any registered owner of Senior Debt Securities, NEE
Capital and the Indenture Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture for any of the following purposes:
(1) to provide for the assumption by any permitted successor to NEE Capital of NEE Capital's obligations
under the Indenture and the Senior Debt Securities in the case of a merger or consolidation or a
conveyance, transfer or lease of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety,
(2) to add covenants of NEE Capital or to surrender any right or power conferred upon NEE Capital by the
Indenture,
(3) to add any additional events of default,
(4) to change, eliminate or add any provision of the Indenture, provided that if that change, elimination or
addition will materially adversely affect the interests of the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities
of any series or tranche, that change, elimination or addition will become effective with respect to that
particular series or tranche only
(a) when the required consent of the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities of that particular
series or tranche has been obtained, or
(b) when no Senior Debt Securities of that particular series or tranche remain outstanding under the
Indenture,
(5) to provide collateral security for all but not a part of the Senior Debt Securities,
(6) to create the form or terms of Senior Debt Securities of any other series or tranche.
(7) to provide for the authentication and delivery of bearer securities and the related coupons and for other
matters relating to those bearer securities,
(8) to accept the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of
one or more series and to change any of the provisions of the Indenture as necessary to provide for the
administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one trustee.
(9) to add procedures to permit the use of a non certificated system of registration for all, or any series or
tranche of, the Senior Debt Securities,
(10) to change any place where
(a) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all, or any series or tranche of, Senior Debt
Securities are payable,
(b) all, or any series or tranche of, Senior Debt Securities may be transferred or exchanged. and
(c) notices and demands to or upon NEE Capital in respect of Senior Debt Securities and the
Indenture may be served, or
(11) to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency or to add or change any other provisions with respect to matters
and questions arising under the Indenture, provided those changes or additions may not materially
adversely affect the interests of the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities of any series or tranche.
(Indenture, Section 1201).
The registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Debt Securities of all series
then outstanding may waive compliance by NEE Capital with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture.
(Indenture, Section 607). The registered owners of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt
Securities of any series may waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to that series, except a
default in the payment of principal, premium. if any, or interest and a default with respect to certain restrictive
covenants or provisions of the Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
registered owner of each outstanding Senior Debt Security of that series affected. (Indenture. Section 813).
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EFTA01129935
In addition to any amendments described above, if the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after the
date of the Indenture in a way that requires changes to the Indenture or in a way that permits changes to, or
the elimination of, provisions that were previously required by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
Indenture will be deemed to be amended to conform to that amendment of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
or to make those changes, additions or eliminations. NEE Capital and the Indenture Trustee may, without
the consent of any registered owners, enter into supplemental indentures to make that amendment.
(Indenture, Section 1201).
Except for any amendments described above, the consent of the registered owners of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Senior Debt Securities of all series then outstanding, considered as one
class, is required for all other modifications to the Indenture. However, if less than all of the series of
Senior Debt Securities outstanding are directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, then the
consent only of the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Senior
Debt Securities of all directly affected series, considered as one class, is required. But, if NEE Capital
issues any series of Senior Debt Securities in more than one tranche and if the proposed supplemental
indenture directly affects the rights of the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities of less than all of
those tranches, then the consent only of the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of all directly affected tranches, considered as one class, will be
required. However, none of those amendments or modifications may:
(I) change the dates on which the principal of or interest on a Senior Debt Security is due without the
consent of the registered owner of that Senior Debt Security,
(2) reduce any Senior Debt Security's principal amount or rate of interest (or the amount of any installment
of that interest) or change the method of calculating that rate without the consent of the registered
owner of that Senior Debt Security,
(3) reduce any premium payable upon the redemption of a Senior Debt Security without the consent of the
registered owner of that Senior Debt Security,
(4) change the currency (or other property) in which a Senior Debt Security is payable without the consent
of the registered owner of that Senior Debt Security,
(5) impair the right to sue to enforce payments on any Senior Debt Security on or after the date that it
states that the payment is due (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date) without
the consent of the registered owner of that Senior Debt Security,
(6) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt Security of any series or
tranche whose owners must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver without the consent
of the registered owner of each outstanding Senior Debt Security of that particular series or
tranche,
(7) reduce the requirements for quorum or voting of any series or tranche without the consent of the
registered owner of each outstanding Senior Debt Security of that particular series or tranche, or
(8) modify certain of the provisions of the Indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waivers of certain
covenants and waivers of past defaults with respect to the Senior Debt Securities of any series or
tranche, without the consent of the registered owner of each outstanding Senior Debt Security affected
by the modification.
A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any provision of the Indenture that has expressly been
included only for the benefit of one or more particular series or tranches of Senior Debt Securities, or that
modifies the rights of the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities of that particular series or tranche with
respect to that provision, will not affect the rights under the Indenture of the registered owners of the Senior Debt
Securities of any other series or tmnche. (Indenture, Section 1202).
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EFTA01129936
The Indenture provides that, in order to determine whether the registered owners of the required principal
amount of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction.
notice, consent or waiver under the Indenture, or whether a quorum is present at the meeting of the registered
owners of Senior Debt Securities, Senior Debt Securities owned by NEE Capital or any other obligor upon the
Senior Debt Securities or any affiliate of NEE Capital or of that other obligor (unless NEE Capital. that affiliate
or that obligor owns all Senior Debt Securities outstanding under the Indenture, determined without regard to this
provision) will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding. (Indenture. Section 101).
If NEE Capital solicits any action under the Indenture from registered owners of Senior Debt Securities,
NEE Capital may, at its option, fix in advance a record date for determining the registered owners of Senior Debt
Securities entitled to take that action, but NEE Capital will not be obligated to do so. If NEE Capital fixes such a
record date, that action may be taken before or after that record date, but only the registered owners of record at
the close of business on that record date will be deemed to be registered owners of Senior Debt Securities for the
purposes of determining whether registered owners of the required proportion of the outstanding Senior Debt
Securities have authorized that action. For these purposes, the outstanding Senior Debt Securities will be
computed as of the record date. Any action of a registered owner of any Senior Debt Security under the Indenture
will bind every future registered owner of that Senior Debt Security, or any Senior Debt Security replacing that
Senior Debt Security, with respect to anything that the Indenture Trustee or NEE Capital do, fail to do, or allow
to be done in reliance on that action, whether or not that action is noted upon that Senior Debt Security.
(Indenture, Section 104).
Resignation and Removal of Indenture Trustee. The Indenture Trustee may resign at any time with
respect to any series of Senior Debt Securities by giving written notice of its resignation to NEE Capital. Also,
the registered owners of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of one or more
series of Senior Debt Securities may remove the Indenture Trustee at any time with respect to the Senior Debt
Securities of that series, by delivering an instrument evidencing this action to the Indenture Trustee and NEE
Capital. The resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee will not
become effective until a successor trustee accepts its appointment.
Except with respect to an Indenture Trustee appointed by the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities,
the Indenture Trustee will be deemed to have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been appointed
as trustee in accordance with the Indenture if:
(1) no event of default under the Indenture or event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would
become an event of default under the Indenture exists, and
(2) NEE Capital has delivered to the Indenture Trustee a resolution of its Board of Directors appointing a
successor trustee and that successor trustee has accepted that appointment in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 910).
Notices. Notices to registered owners of Senior Debt Securities will be sent by mail to the addresses of those
registered owners as they appear in the security register for those Senior Debt Securities. (Indenture.
Section 106).
Title. NEE Capital, the Indenture Trustee, and any agent of NEE Capital or the Indenture Trustee. may treat
the person in whose name a Senior Debt Security is registered as the absolute owner of that Senior Debt Security.
whether or not that Senior Debt Security is overdue, for the purpose of making payments and for all other
purposes, regardless of any notice to the contrary. (Indenture, Section 308).
Governing Law. The Indenture and the Senior Debt Securities will be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of laws principles thereunder,
except to the extent that the law of any other jurisdiction is mandatorily applicable. (Indenture, Section 112).
24
EFTA01129937
DESCRIPTION OF NEE GUARANTEE OF
NEE CAPITAL SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
General. This section briefly summarizes some of the provisions of the Guarantee Agreement. dated as of June I. 1999.
between NEE and The Bank of New York Mellon. as guarantee trustee. referred to in this prospectus as the "Guarantee
Trustee." The Guarantee Agreement. referred to in this prospectus as the "Guarantee Agreement." was executed for the benefit
of the Indenture Trustee, which holds the Guarantee Agreement for the benefit of registered owners of the Senior Debt
Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement This summary does not contain a complete description of the Guarantee
Agreement. You should read this summary together with the Guarantee Agreement for a complete understanding of all the
provisions. The Guarantee Agreement has previously been filed with the SEC and is an exhibit to the registration statement
filed with the SEC of which this prospectus is a pan. In addition, the Guarantee Agreement is qualified as an indenture under
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and is therefore subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. You should read
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for a complete understanding of its provisions.
Under the Guarantee Agreement. NEE absolutely. irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the prompt and full
payment, when due and payable (including upon acceleration or redemption). of the principal, interest and premium, if
any. on the Senior Debt Securities that are covered by the Guarantee Agreement to the registered owners of those Senior
Debt Securities, according to the terms of those Senior Debt Securities and the Indenture. Pursuant to the Guarantee
Agreement. all of the Senior Debt Securities are covered by the Guarantee Agreement except Senior Debt Securities that
by their terms are expressly not entitled to the benefit of the Guarantee Agreement. All of the Offered Senior Debt
Securities will be covered by the Guarantee Agreement. This guarantee is referred to in this prospectus as the
- Guarantee." NEE is only required to make these payments if NEE Capital fails to pay or provide for punctual payment
of any of those amounts on or before the expiration of any applicable grace periods. (Guarantee Agreement.
Section 5.01). In the Guarantee Agreement. NEE has waived its right to require the Guarantee Trustee, the Indenture
Trustee or the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement to exhaust their
remedies against NEE Capital prior to bringing suit against NEE. (Guarantee Agreement. Section 5.06).
The Guarantee is a guarantee of payment when due (i.e., the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding
directly against NEE to enforce its rights under the Guarantee Agreement without first instituting a legal proceeding
against any other person or entity). The Guarantee is not a guarantee of collection. (Guarantee Agreement Section 5.01).
Except as othenvise stated in the related prospectus supplement, the covenants in the Guarantee Agreement
would not give registered owners of the Senior Debt Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement protection in
the event of a highly-leveraged transaction involving NEE.
Security and Ranking. The Guarantee is an unsecured obligation of NEE and will rank equally and ratably
with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of NEE. There is no limit on the amount of other
indebtedness, including guarantees, that NEE may incur or issue.
While NEE is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating subsidiaries.
NEE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make any payments under the
Guarantee Agreement or to make any funds available for such payment. Therefore, the Guarantee effectively is
subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or
issued by NEE's subsidiaries. In addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE's operating subsidiaries incur debt in
order to finance their business activities. All of this indebtedness will effectively be senior to the Guarantee. Neither
the Indenture nor the Guarantee Agreement places any limit on the amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred
stock, that NEE's subsidiaries may issue, guarantee or incur.
Events of Default. An event of default under the Guarantee Agreement will occur upon the failure of NEE to
perform any of its payment obligations under the Guarantee Agreement. (Guarantee Agreement, Section 1.01). The
registered owners of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities covered
by the Guarantee Agreement have the right to:
(1) direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee
Trustee under the Guarantee Agreement, or
25
EFTA01129938
(2) direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee
Agreement. (Guarantee Agreement, Section 3.01).
The Guarantee Trustee must give notice of any event of default under the Guarantee Agreement known to the
Guarantee Trustee to the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement within
90 days after the occurrence of that event of default, in the manner and to the extent provided in subsection (c) of
Section 313 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, unless such event of default has been cured or waived prior to the
giving of such notice. (Guarantee Agreement, Section 2.07). The registered owners of all outstanding Senior Debt
Securities may waive any past event of default and its consequences. (Guarantee Agreement. Section 2.06).
The Guarantee Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities covered by
the Guarantee Agreement have all of the rights and remedies available under applicable law and may sue to enforce
the terms of the Guarantee Agreement and to recover damages for the breach of the Guarantee Agreement. The
remedies of each of the Guarantee Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the registered owners of Senior Debt
Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement, to the extent permitted by law, are cumulative and in addition to
any other remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in equity. At the option of any of the Guarantee Trustee, the
Indenture Trustee or the registered owners of Senior Debt Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement, that
person or entity may join NEE in any lawsuit commenced by that person or entity against NEE Capital with respect
to any obligations under the Guarantee Agreement. Also, that person or entity may recover against NEE in that
lawsuit, or in any independent lawsuit against NEE, without first asserting, prosecuting or exhausting any remedy
or claim against NEE Capital. (Guarantee Agreement. Section 5.06).
NEE is required to deliver to the Guarantee Trustee an annual statement as to its compliance with all
conditions under the Guarantee Agreement. (Guarantee Agreement. Section 2.04).
Modification. NEE and the Guarantee Trustee may. without the consent of any registered owner of Senior Debt
Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement, agree to any changes to the Guarantee Agreement that do not materially
adversely affect the rights of registered owners. The Guarantee Agreement also may be amended with the prior approval
of the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Senior Debt Securities covered by
the Guarantee Agreement. However, the right of any registered owner of Senior Debt Securities covered by the Guarantee
Agreement to receive payment under the Guarantee Agreement on the due date of the Senior Debt Securities held by that
registered owner, or to institute suit for the enforcement of that payment on or after that due date, may not be impaired or
affected without the consent of that registered owner. (Guarantee Agreement, Section 6.01).
Termination of the Guarantee Agreement. The Guarantee Agreement will terminate and be of no further
force and effect upon full payment of all Senior Debt Securities covered by the Guarantee Agreement. (Guarantee
Agreement. Section 5.05).
Governing Law. The Guarantee Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of laws principles thereunder, except to the extent that the law
of any other jurisdiction is mandatorily applicable. (Guarantee Agreement, Section 5.07).
DESCRIPTION OF NEE CAPITAL SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
AND NEE SUBORDINATED GUARANTEE
NEE Capital may issue its subordinated debt securities (other than the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures (as defined above under "Description of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior
Subordinated Guarantee")), in one or more series, under one or more indentures between NEE Capital and The
Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee. The terms of any offered subordinated debt securities, including NEE's
guarantee of NEE Capital's payment obligations under such subordinated debt securities, and the applicable
indenture will be described in a prospectus supplement.
26
EFTA01129939
DESCRIPTION OF NEE CAPITAL
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND
NEE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED GUARANTEE
General The junior subordinated debentures issued by NEE Capital are referred to in this prospectus as the
"NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures." The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued
by NEE Capital in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of September 1, 2006. among NEE Capital,
NEE and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, or another subordinated indenture among NEE Capital, NEE
and The Bank of New York Mellon as specified in the related prospectus supplement. The indenture or
indentures pursuant to which NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may be issued, as they may be
amended from time to time, are referred to in this prospectus as the "NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture." The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, is
referred to in this prospectus as the "Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee." The NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture provides for the issuance from time to time of subordinated debt in an unlimited amount.
The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and all other subordinated debt issued previously or hereafter
under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture are collectively referred to in this prospectus as the "NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities."
This section briefly summarizes some of the terms of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures,
NEE's junior subordinated guarantee of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Junior
Subordinated Guarantee"), and some of the provisions of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. This
summary does not contain a complete description of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee or the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. You should read this summary
together with the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture and the officer's certificates or other documents
creating the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Junior Subordinated Guarantee for a complete
understanding of all the provisions and for the definitions of some terms used in this summary. The NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture which includes the Junior Subordinated Guarantee, the form of officer's certificate
that may be used to create a series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and the form of the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures have previously been filed with the SEC, and are exhibits to the
registration statement filed with the SEC of which this prospectus is a part. In addition, each NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and is therefore subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. You should read the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 for a complete
understanding of its provisions.
All NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of one series need not be issued at the same time, and a
series may be re-opened for issuances of additional NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of such series.
This means that NEE Capital may from time to time, without notice to, or the consent of any existing holders of
the previously-issued NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of a particular series, create and issue
additional NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of such series. Such additional NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures will have the same terms as the previously-issued NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures of such series in all respects except for the issue date, and, if applicable, the initial interest payment
date. The additional NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures will be consolidated and form a single series
with the previously-issued NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of such series.
The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures will be unsecured, subordinated obligations of NEE
Capital which rank junior to all of NEE Capital's Senior Indebtedness. The term "Senior Indebtedness" with
respect to NEE Capital will be defined in the related prospectus supplement. All NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures issued under a particular NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture will rank equally
and ratably with all other NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures issued under that NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, except to the extent that NEE Capital elects to provide security with respect to any series
of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures without providing that security to all outstanding NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures in accordance with the respective NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
27
EFTA01129940
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures issued under a particular NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture may rank senior to, pan passu with, or junior to, NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures issued
by NEE Capital under another NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. The NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by NEE as to payment
of principal, and any interest and premium. pursuant to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee included in the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture for such NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, which Junior
Subordinated Guarantee ranks junior to all of NEE's Senior Indebtedness, and may rank senior to, pan passu
with, or junior to, NEE's obligations under a separate junior subordinated guarantee. See "—Junior Subordinated
Guarantee of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures" below.
Each series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures that may be issued under each NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture may have different terms. NEE Capital will include some or all of the following
information about a specific series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures in a prospectus supplement
relating to that specific series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures:
(1) the tide of those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures,
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures,
(3) the date(s) on which the principal will be paid,
(4) the rate(s) of interest on those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, or how the rate(s) of
interest will be determined, the date(s) from which interest will accrue, the data on which interest will
be paid and the record date for any interest payable on any interest payment date,
(5) the person to whom interest will be paid on any interest payment date, if other than the person in whose
name those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures are registered at the close of business on the
record date for that interest payment,
(6) the place(s) at which or methods by which payments will be made on those NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures and the place(s) at which or methods by which the registered owners of those
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may transfer or exchange those NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures and serve notices and demands to or upon NEE Capital,
(7) the security registrar and any paying agent or agents for those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures,
(8) any date(s) on which, the price(s) at which and the terms and conditions upon which those NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures may be redeemed at the option of NEE Capital, in whole or in part,
and any restrictions on those redemptions,
(9) any sinking fund or other provisions, including any options held by the registered owners of those NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, that would obligate NEE Capital to repurchase or redeem
those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures,
(10) the denominations in which those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may be issued, if other
than denominations of $25 and any integral multiple of $25,
(11) the currency or currencies in which the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on those NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may be paid (if other than in U.S. dollars),
(12) if NEE Capital or a registered owner may elect to pay, or receive, principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures in a currency other than that in which
those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures are stated to be payable, the terms and conditions
upon which that election may be made,
(13) if the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures
may be paid in securities or other property, the type and amount of those securities or other property
and the terms and conditions upon which NEE Capital or a registered owner may elect to pay or
receive those payments,
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EFTA01129941
(14) if the amount payable in respect of principal of or premium. if any, or interest on those NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures may be determined by reference to an index or other fact or event
ascertainable outside of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, the manner in which those
amounts will be determined.
(15) the portion of the principal amount of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures that will be
paid by NEE Capital upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of those NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures, if other than the entire principal amount of those NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures,
(16) events of default, if any, with respect to those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and
covenants of NEE Capital, if any. for the benefit of the registered owners of those NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures, other than those specified in the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
(17) the terms, if any, pursuant to which those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may be
exchanged for shares of capital stock or other securities of any other entity,
(18) a definition of "Eligible Obligations" under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture with
respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures denominated in a currency other than U.S.
dollars,
(19) any provisions for the reinstatement of NEE Capital's indebtedness in respect of those NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures after their satisfaction and discharge.
(20) if those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued in global form, necessary
information relating to the issuance of those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures in global
form.
(21) if those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued as bearer securities, necessary
information relating to the issuance of those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures as bearer
securities,
(22) any limits on the rights of the registered owners of those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures
to transfer or exchange those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures or to register their transfer.
and any related service charges,
(23) any exceptions to the provisions governing payments due on legal holidays or any variations in the
definition of business day with respect to those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures,
(24) any collateral security, assurance, or guarantee for those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures.
including any security, assurance of guarantee in addition to, or any exceptions to, the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee.
(25) any variation in the definition of pan passu securities, if applicable.
(26) the terms relating to any additional interest that may be payable as a result of any tax, assessment or
governmental charges, and
(27) any other terms of those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures that are not inconsistent with the
provisions of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture, Section 301).
Except as otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, the covenants in the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture would not give registered owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures
protection in the event of a highly-leveraged transaction involving NEE Capital or NEE.
Subordination. The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment to all Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Article
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Fifteen). No payment of the principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of, or interest, or
premium, if any, on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may be made by NEE Capital, until all
holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital have been paid in full (or provision has been made for such
payment), if any of the following occurs:
(1) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE Capital,
(2) any Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital is not paid when due (after the expiration of any applicable
grace period) and that default continua without waiver, or
(3) any other default has occurred and continua without waiver (after the expiration of any applicable
grace period) pursuant to which the holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE Capital are permitted to
accelerate the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
Section 1502).
Upon any distribution of assets of NEE Capital to creditors in connection with any insolvency, bankruptcy
or similar proceeding, all principal of, and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on all Senior
Indebtedness of NEE Capital must be paid in full before the holders of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures are entitled to receive or retain any payment from such distribution. (NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, Section 1502).
While NEE Capital is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating
subsidiaries. NEE Capital's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make
any payments on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities or to make any funds available for
such payment. Therefore, NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities will effectively be subordinated
to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by
NEE Capital's subsidiaries. In addition to trade liabilities, many of NEE Capital's operating subsidiaries incur
debt in order to finance their business activities. All of this indebtedness will effectively be senior to the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities. The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture does not place
any limit on the amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE Capital's subsidiaries may
issue, guarantee or incur. See "Description of NEE Common Stock—Common Stock Terms—Dividend Rights"
for a description of contractual restrictions on the dividend•paying ability of NEE Capital.
Junior Subordinated Guarantee of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures. Pursuant to the
Junior Subordinated Guarantee. NEE will absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee the payment of
principal of and any interest and premium, if any, on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, when due
and payable, whether at the stated maturity date, by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise,
in accordance with the terms of such NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture. The Junior Subordinated Guarantee will remain in effect until the entire principal of and
any premium, if any, and interest on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures has been paid in full or
otherwise discharged in accordance with the provisions of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. (NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. Article Fourteen).
The Junior Subordinated Guarantee will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior
Indebtedness of NEE. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. Section 1402). The term "Senior
Indebtedness" with respect to NEE will be defined in the related prospectus supplement. No payment of the
principal (including redemption and sinking fund payments) of, or interest, or premium, if any, on, the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures may be made by NEE under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee until all
holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE have been paid in full (or provision has been made for such payment), if
any of the following occurs:
(1) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE.
(2) any Senior Indebtedness of NEE is not paid when due (after the expiration of any applicable grace
period) and that default continues without waiver, or
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(3) any other default has occurred and continua without waiver (after the expiration of any applicable
grace period) pursuant to which the holders of Senior Indebtedness of NEE are permitted to accelerate
the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 1403).
Upon any distribution of assets of NEE to creditors in connection with any insolvency, bankruptcy or
similar proceeding, all principal of, and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on all Senior
Indebtedness of NEE must be paid in full before the holders of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures
are entitled to receive or retain any payment from such distribution. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
Section 1403).
While NEE is a holding company that derives substantially all of its income from its operating subsidiaries.
NEE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to make any payments under the
Junior Subordinated Guarantee or to make any funds available for such payment. Therefore, the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee will effectively be subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade
payables, debt and preferred stock, incurred or issued by NEE's subsidiaries. In addition to trade liabilities, many
of NEE's operating subsidiaries incur debt in order to finance their business activities. All of this indebtedness
will effectively be senior to the Junior Subordinated Guarantee. The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
does not place any limit on the amount of liabilities, including debt or preferred stock, that NEE's subsidiaries
may issue, guarantee or incur. See "Description of NEE Common Stock—Common Stock Terms—Dividend
Rights" for a description of contractual restrictions on the dividend•paying ability of some of NEE's subsidiaries.
Payment and Paying Agents. Except as stated in the related prospectus supplement, on each interest
payment date NEE Capital will pay interest on each NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture to the person in
whose name that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture is registered as of the close of business on the
record date relating to that interest payment date. However, on the date that the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures mature, NEE Capital will pay the interest to the person to whom it pays the principal. Also, if NEE
Capital has defaulted in the payment of interest on any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture, it may pay
that defaulted interest to the registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture:
(1) as of the close of business on a date that the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee selects, which may
not be more than 15 days or less than 10 days before the date that NEE Capital, or NEE, as the case
may be, proposes to pay the defaulted interest, or
(2) in any other lawful manner that does not violate the requirements of any securities exchange on which
that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture is listed and that the Junior Subordinated Indenture
Trustee believes is acceptable. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 307).
Unless otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement. the principal, premium, if any, and interest on
the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures at maturity will be payable when such NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures are presented at the main corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon, as
paying agent, in New York City. NEE Capital and NEE may change the place of payment on the NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures, appoint one or more additional paying agents, including NEE Capital, and
remove any paying agent. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 602).
Transfer and Exchange. Unless otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures may be transferred or exchanged at the main corporate trust office of The Bank of New
York Mellon, as security registrar, in New York City. NEE Capital may change the place for transfer and
exchange of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures and may designate one or more additional places
for that transfer and exchange.
Except as otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, there will be no service charge for any
transfer or exchange of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures. However, NEE Capital may require
payment of any tax or other governmental charge in connection with any transfer or exchange of the NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures.
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NEE Capital will not be required to transfer or exchange any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture
selected for redemption. Also, NEE Capital will not be required to transfer or exchange any NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debenture during a period of 15 days before selection of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be redeemed. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 305).
Defeasance. NEE Capital and NEE may, at any time, elect to have all of their obligations discharged with
respect to all or a portion of any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities. To do so, NEE Capital or
NEE must irrevocably deposit with the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee or any paying agent, in trust:
(1) money in an amount that will be sufficient to pay all or that portion of the principal, premium, if any,
and interest due and to become due on those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, on
or prior to their maturity,
(2) in the case of a deposit made prior to the maturity of that series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities,
(a) direct obligations of, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States and entitled
to the benefit of its full faith and credit that do not contain provisions permitting their redemption
or other prepayment at the option of their issuer, and
(b) certificates, depositary receipts or other instruments that evidence a direct ownership interest in
those obligations or in any specific interest or principal payments due in respect of those
obligations that do not contain provisions permitting their redemption or other prepayment at the
option of their issuer,
the principal of and the interest on which, when due, without any regard to reinvestment of that
principal or interest, will provide money that, together with any money deposited with or held by the
Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee, will be sufficient to pay all or that portion of the principal.
premium, if any, and interest due and to become due on those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities, on or prior to their maturity, or
(3) a combination of (I) and (2) that will be sufficient to pay all or that portion of the principal, premium,
if any, and interest due and to become due on those NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities, on or prior to their maturity. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 701).
Option to Defer Interest Payments. If so specified in the related prospectus supplement, NEE Capital will
have the option to defer the payment of interest from time to time on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures for one or more periods. Interest would, however, continue to accrue on the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures. Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, during any optional
deferral period neither NEE nor NEE Capital may:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or distribution on its capital stock.
(2) redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of its capital stock.
(3) pay any principal, interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities that are
equal or junior in right of payment with the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, or with the
Junior Subordinated Guarantee, or
(4) make any payments with respect to any guarantee of debt securities if such guarantee is equal or junior
in right of payment to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures or the Junior Subordinated
Guarantee.
other than
(a) purchases. redemptions or other acquisitions of its capital stock in connection with any employment
contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers,
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directors or agents or a stock purchase or dividend reinvestment plan. or the satisfaction of its
obligations pursuant to any contract or security outstanding on the date that the payment of interest is
deferred requiring it to purchase, redeem or acquire its capital stock.
(b) any payment, repayment, redemption, purchase, acquisition or declaration of dividend listed as
restricted payments in clauses (1) and (2) above as a result of a reclassification of its capital stock or
the exchange or conversion of all or a portion of one class or series of its capital stock for another class
or series of its capital stock,
(c) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of its capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange
provisions of its capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged, or in connection with the
settlement of stock purchase contracts,
(d) dividends or distributions paid or made in its capital stock (or rights to acquire its capital stock), or
repurchases. redemptions or acquisitions of capital stock in connection with the issuance or exchange
of capital stock (or of securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its capital stock) and
distributions in connection with the settlement of stock purchase contracts,
(e) redemptions, exchanges or repurchases of, or with respect to, any rights outstanding under a
shareholder rights plan or the declaration or payment thereunder of a dividend or distribution of or with
respect to rights in the future.
(f) payments under any preferred trust securities guarantee or guarantee of subordinated debentures
executed and delivered by NEE concurrently with the issuance by a trust of any preferred trust
securities, so long as the amount of payments made with respect to any preferred trust securities or
subordinated debentures (as the case may be) is paid on all preferred trust securities or subordinated
debentures (as the case may be) then outstanding on a pro rata basis in proportion to the full
distributions to which each series of preferred trust securities or subordinated debentures (as the case
may be) is then entitled if paid in full,
(g) payments under any guarantee of junior subordinated debentures executed and delivered by NEE
(including the Junior Subordinated Guarantee), so long as the amount of payments made on any junior
subordinated debentures is paid on all junior subordinated debentures then outstanding on a pro rata
basis in proportion to the full payment to which each series of junior subordinated debentures is then
entitled if paid in full,
(h) dividends or distributions by NEE Capital on its capital stock to the extent owned by NEE, or
(i) redemptions, purchases, acquisitions or liquidation payments by NEE Capital with respect to its capital
stock to the extent owned by NEE. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 608).
NEE and NEE Capital have reserved the right to amend the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
dated as of September I, 2006, without the consent or action of the holders of any NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Securities issued after October 1, 2006. including the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures, to modify the exceptions to the restrictions described in clause (f) above to allow payments with
respect to any preferred trust securities or debt securities, or any guarantee thereof (including the Junior
Subordinated Guarantee), executed and delivered by NEE, NEE Capital or any of their subsidiaries, in each case
that rank equal in right of payment to such junior subordinated debentures or the related guarantee, as the case
may be, so long as the amount of payments made on account of such securities or guarantees is paid on all such
securities or guarantees then outstanding on a pro rata basis in proportion to the full payment to which each series
of such securities or guarantees is then entitled if paid in full.
Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement, (i) before an optional deferral period ends,
NEE Capital may further defer the payment of interest and (ii) after any optional deferral period and the payment
of all amounts then due, NEE Capital may select a new optional deferral period. Unless otherwise provided in the
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related prospectus supplement. no optional deferral period may exceed the period of time specified in that
prospectus supplement. No interest period may be deferred beyond the maturity of the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Debentures.
Redemption. The redemption terms of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures, if any, will be set
forth in a prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus supplement. and except
with respect to NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures redeemable at the option of the holder. NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures will be redeemable upon notice between 30 and 60 days prior to the redemption
date. If less than all of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of any series or any tranche thereof are
to be redeemed, the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee will select the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be redeemed. In the absence of any provision for selection, the Junior Subordinated Indenture
Trustee will choose a method of random selection as it deems fair and appropriate. (NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, Sections 403 and 404).
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures selected for redemption will cease to bear interest on the
redemption date. The paying agent will pay the redemption price and any accrued interest once the NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures are surrendered for redemption. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
Section 405). If only part of a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture is redeemed, the Junior Subordinated
Indenture Trustee will deliver a new NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debenture of the same series for the
remaining portion without charge. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 406).
Any redemption at the option of NEE Capital may be conditional upon the receipt by the paying agent. on or
prior to the date fixed for redemption. of money sufficient to pay the redemption price. If the paying agent has
not received such money by the date fixed for redemption, neither NEE Capital nor NEE will be required to
redeem such NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
Section 404).
Subject to applicable law, including United States federal securities laws, NEE or its affiliates, including
NEE Capital, may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Debentures by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
Consolidation, Merger, and Sale of Assets. Under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, neither
NEE Capital nor NEE may consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity, unless:
(I) the entity formed by that consolidation, or the entity into which NEE Capital or NEE. as the case may
be. is merged, or the entity that acquires or leases the properties and assets of NEE Capital or NEE, as
the case may be, is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state or the
District of Columbia and that entity expressly assumes NEE Capital's or NEE's, as the case may be,
obligations on all NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities and under the NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture.
(2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default under the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture and no event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event
of default under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture exists, and
(3) NEE Capital or NEE, as the case may be, delivers an officer's certificate and an opinion of counsel to
the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee, as provided in the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 1101).
The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture does not prevent or restrict:
(a) any consolidation or merger after the consummation of which NEE Capital or NEE. as the case may be.
would be the surviving or resulting entity,
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(b) any consolidation of NEE Capital with NEE or any other entity all of the outstanding voting securities
of which are owned, directly or indirectly, by NEE, or any merger of any such entity into any other of
such entities, or any conveyance or other transfer, or lease, of properties or assets by any thereof to any
other thereof,
(c) any conveyance or other transfer, or lease, of any part of the properties or assets of NEE Capital or
NEE which does not constitute the entirety, or substantially the entirety, thereof, or
(d) the approval by NEE Capital or NEE of or the consent by NEE Capital or NEE to any consolidation or
merger to which any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of NEE may be a party, or any
conveyance, transfer or lease by any such subsidiary or affiliate of any or all of its properties or assets.
(NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 1103).
Events of Default. Each of the following is an event of default under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture with respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any series:
failure to pay interest on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of that series within
30 days after it is due (provided, however, that a failure to pay interest during a valid optional deferral
period will not constitute an event of default),
(2) failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of that series when it is due,
(3) failure to comply with any other covenant in the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, other
than a covenant that does not relate to that series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities, that continues for 90 days after (i) NEE Capital and NEE receive written notice of such
failure to comply from the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee or (ii) NEE Capital, NEE and the
Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee receive written notice of such failure to comply from the
registered owners of at least 33% in principal amount of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities of that series,
(4) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of NEE Capital or NEE,
(5) with certain exceptions, the Junior Subordinated Guarantee ceases to be effective, is found by a judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or is denied or disaffirmed by NEE, or
(6) any other event of default specified with respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of that series. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 801).
In the case of an event of default listed in item (3) above, the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee may
extend the grace period. In addition, if registered owners of a particular series have given a notice of default, then
registered owners of at least the same percentage of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Debentures of that series,
together with the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee, may also extend the grace period. The grace period will
be automatically extended if NEE Capital or NEE has initiated and is diligently pursuing corrective action in
good faith. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 801). An event of default with respect to the
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of a particular series will not necessarily constitute an
event of default with respect to NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any other series issued
under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
Remedies. If an event of default applicable to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of
one or more series, but not applicable to all outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities,
exists, then either (i) the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee or (ii) the registered owners of at least 33% in
aggregate principal amount of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of each of the affected
series may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture, Section 802). However, under the Indenture, some NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
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Securities may provide for a specified amount less than their entire principal amount to be due and payable upon
that declaration. Such a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security is defined as a "Discount Security"
in the Indenture.
A majority of the currently outstanding series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities
contain an exception to the right to accelerate payment of the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of those series for an event of default listed in item (3) under
"Events of Default" above. With respect to such NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, if an
event of default listed in item (3) under "Events of Default" above exists, the registered owners of the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of such series will not be entitled to vote to make a declaration
of acceleration (and these NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities will not be considered
outstanding for the purpose of determining whether the required vote, described above, has been obtained), and
the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee will not have a right to make such declaration with respect to these
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities. Unless otherwise provided in the related prospectus
supplement, the terms of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities issued in the future will
contain this exception.
If an event of default is applicable to all outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities.
then either (i) the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee or (ii) the registered owners of at least 33% in aggregate
principal amount of all outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of all series, voting as
one class, and not the registered owners of any one series, may make a declaration of acceleration. (NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 802). However, the event of default giving rise to the declaration relating
to any series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities will be automatically waived, and that
declaration and its consequences will be automatically rescinded and annulled, if, at any time after that
declaration and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained:
(I) NEE Capital or NEE deposits with the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:
(a) all overdue interest on all NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of that series,
(b) the principal of and any premium on any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of
that series that have become due for reasons other than that declaration, and interest that is then
due.
(c) interest on overdue interest for that series, and
(d) all amounts then due to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee under the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, and
(2) any other event of default with respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of
that series has been cured or waived as provided in the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
(NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 802).
Other than its obligations and duties in case of an event of default under the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or
powers under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture at the request or direction of any of the registered
owners of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, unless those registered owners offer
reasonable indemnity to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
Section 903). If they provide this reasonable indemnity, the registered owners of a majority in principal amount
of any series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities will have the right to direct the time.
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Junior Subordinated Indenture
Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee, with respect to
the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of that series. However, if an event of default under the
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture relates to more than one series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities, only the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all affected series
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of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, considered as one class, will have the right to make
that direction. Also, the direction must not violate any law or the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
and may not expose the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee to personal liability in circumstances where the
indemnity would not, in the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee's sole discretion, be adequate. (NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 812).
A registered owner of a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security has the right to institute a suit
for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on that NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Security on or after the applicable due date specified in that NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Security. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 808). No registered
owner of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any series will have any other right to institute
any proceeding under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, or any other remedy under the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, unless:
(1) that registered owner has previously given to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee written notice
of a continuing event of default with respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of that series,
(2) the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of all series in respect of which an event of default under the
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture exists, considered as one class, have made written request
to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee to institute that proceeding in its own name as trustee, and
have offered reasonable indemnity to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee against related costs.
expenses and liabilities,
(3) the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of that notice, request and offer
of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding, and
(4) no direction inconsistent with that request was given to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee
during this 60 day period by the registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of all series in respect of which an
event of default under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture exists, considered as one class.
(NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 807).
Each of NEE Capital and NEE is required to deliver to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee an annual
statement as to its compliance with all conditions and covenants applicable to it under the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 606).
Modification and Waiver. Without the consent of any registered owner of NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Securities, NEE Capital, NEE and the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee may amend
or supplement the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture for any of the following purposes:
(1) to provide for the assumption by any permitted successor to NEE Capital or NEE of NEE Capital's or
NEE's obligations with respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture and the NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities in the case of a merger or consolidation or a conveyance,
transfer or lease of NEE Capital or NEE's properties and assets substantially as an entirety,
(2) to add covenants of NEE Capital or NEE or to surrender any right or power conferred upon NEE
Capital or NEE by the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
(3) to add any additional events of default,
(4) to change, eliminate or add any provision of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, provided
that if that change, elimination or addition will materially adversely affect the interests of the registered
owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any series or tranche, that change,
elimination or addition will become effective with respect to that particular series or tranche only
37
EFTA01129950
(a) when the required consent of the registered owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of that particular series or tranche has been obtained, or
(b) when no NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of that particular series or tranche
remain outstanding under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
(5) to provide collateral security for all but not a part of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities,
(6) to create the form or terms of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any other series
or tranche,
(7) to provide for the authentication and delivery of bearer securities and the related coupons and for other
matters relating to those bearer securities,
(8) to accept the appointment of a successor Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee or co-trustee with
respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of one or more series and to
change any of the provisions of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture as necessary to provide
for the administration of the trusts under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture by more than
one trustee,
(9) to add procedures to permit the use of a non•certificated system of registration for all, or any series or
tranche of, the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities,
(10) to change any place where
(a) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all, or any series or tranche of, NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities are payable,
(b) all, or any series or tranche of, NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities may be
transferred or exchanged, and
(c) notices and demands to or upon NEE Capital or NEE in respect of NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Securities and the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture may be
served, or
(11) to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency or to add or change any other provisions with respect to matters
and questions arising under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, provided those changes or
additions may not materially adversely affect the interests of the registered owners of NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any series or tranche. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture, Section 1201).
The registered owners of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by NEE Capital or NEE with certain
restrictive provisions of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture, Section 607). The registered owners of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any series may waive any past default under the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture with respect to that series, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any,
or interest and a default with respect to certain restrictive covenants or provisions of the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the registered owner of each
outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security of that series affected. (NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, Section 813).
In addition to any amendments described above, if the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after the date
of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture in a way that requires changes to the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture or in a way that permits changes to, or the elimination of, provisions that were previously
required by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture will be deemed to
38
EFTA01129951
be amended to conform to that amendment of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or to make those changes,
additions or eliminations. NEE Capital, NEE and the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee may, without the
consent of any registered owners, enter into supplemental indentures to make that amendment. (NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 1201).
Except for any amendments described above, the consent of the registered owners of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of all series then outstanding,
considered as one class, is required for all other modifications to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
However, if less than all of the series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities outstanding are
directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the registered owners of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of
all directly affected series, considered as one class, is required. But, if NEE Capital issues any series of NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities in more than one tranche and if the proposed supplemental
indenture directly affects the rights of the registered owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of less than all of those tranches, then the consent only of the registered owners of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of all
directly affected tranches, considered as one class, will be required. However, none of those amendments or
modifications may:
(1) change the dates on which the principal of or interest (except as described above under "—Option to
Defer Interest Payments") on a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security is due without the
consent of the registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security,
(2) reduce any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security's principal amount or rate of interest
(or the amount of any installment of that interest) or change the method of calculating that rate without
the consent of the registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security,
(3) reduce any premium payable upon the redemption of a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Security without the consent of the registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Security,
(4) change the currency (or other property) in which a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security
is payable without the consent of the registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Security,
(5) impair the right to sue to enforce payments on any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security
on or after the date that it states that the payment is due (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the
redemption date) without the consent of the registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Security,
(6) impair the right to receive payments under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee or to institute suit for
enforcement of any such payment under the Junior Subordinated Guarantee,
(7) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities of any series or tranche whose owners must consent to an amendment, supplement
or waiver without the consent of the registered owner of each outstanding NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Security of that particular series or tranche,
(8) reduce the requirements for quorum or voting of any series or tranche without the consent of the
registered owner of each outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security of that
particular series or tranche, or
(9) modify certain of the provisions of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture relating to
supplemental indentures, waivers of certain covenants and waivers of past defaults with respect to the
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any series or tranche, without the consent of
the registered owner of each outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security affected
by the modification.
39
EFTA01129952
A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any provision of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture that has expressly been included only for the benefit of one or more particular series or tranches of
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, or that modifies the rights of the registered owners of
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of that particular series or tranche with respect to that
provision, will not affect the rights under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture of the registered owners
of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities of any other series or tranche. (NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, Section 1202).
The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture provides that, in order to determine whether the registered
owners of the required principal amount of the outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities
have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture, or whether a quorum is present at the meeting of the registered owners of NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities owned by NEE
Capital, NEE or any other obligor upon the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities or any affiliate
of NEE Capital, NEE or of that other obligor (unless NEE Capital, NEE, that affiliate or that obligor owns all
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities outstanding under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture, determined without regard to this provision), will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding.
(NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. Section 101).
If NEE Capital or NEE solicits any action under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture from registered
owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, each of NEE Capital or NEE may. at its option, fix in
advance a record date for determining the registered owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities
entitled to take that action. However, neither NEE Capital nor NEE will be obligated to do this. If NEE Capital or NEE
fixes such a record date, that action may be taken before or after that record date, but only the registered owners of
record at the dace of business on that record date will be deemed to be registered owners of NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Securities for the purposes of determining whether registered owners of the required proportion
of the outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities have authorized that action. For these
purposes, the outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities will be computed as of the record date.
Any action of a registered owner of any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security under the NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Indenture will bind every future registered owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Security, or any NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security replacing that NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Security, with respect to anything that the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee, NEE Capital
or NEE do, fail to do. or allow to be done in reliance on that action, whether or not that action is noted upon that NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. Section 104).
Resignation and Removal of Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee. The Junior Subordinated
Indenture Trustee may resign at any time with respect to any series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture Securities by giving written notice of its resignation to NEE Capital and NEE. Also, the registered
owners of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of one or more series of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities may remove the Junior
Subordinated Indenture Trustee at any time with respect to the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture
Securities of that series, by delivering an instrument evidencing this action to the Junior Subordinated Indenture
Trustee, NEE Capital and NEE. The resignation or removal of the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee and the
appointment of a successor trustee will not become effective until a successor trustee accepts its appointment.
Except with respect to a Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee appointed by the registered owners of NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities, the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee will be deemed to
have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been appointed as trustee in accordance with the NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture if:
(1) no event of default under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture or event that, after notice or
lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated
Indenture exists, and
40
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(2) NEE Capital and NEE have delivered to the Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee resolutions of their
Boards of Directors appointing a successor trustee and that successor trustee has accepted that
appointment in accordance with the terms of the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture. (NEE
Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture, Section 910).
Notices. Notices to registered owners of NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities will be
sent by mail to the addresses of those registered owners as they appear in the security register for those
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Securities. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
Section 106).
Title. The person in whose name a NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security is registered may be
treated as the absolute owner of that NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security, whether or not that
NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture Security is overdue, for the purpose of making payments and for all
other purposes, regardless of any notice to the contrary. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture.
Section 308).
Governing Law. The NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture and the NEE Capital Junior
Subordinated Indenture Securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the
State of New York, without regard to conflict of laws principles thereunder, except to the extent that the
law of any other jurisdiction is mandatorily applicable. (NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture,
Section 112).
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES
NEE and its subsidiaries, including NEE Capital. and various of their affiliates maintain various banking
and trust relationships with The Bank of New York Mellon and its affiliates. The Bank of New York Mellon acts,
or would act, as (i) Indenture Trustee, security registrar and paying agent under the Indenture described under
"Description of NEE Capital Senior Debt Securities" above, (ii) Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee
Agreement described under "Description of NEE Guarantee of NEE Capital Senior Debt Securities" above.
(iii) purchase contract agent under purchase contract agreements with respect to stock purchase units,
(iv) guarantee trustee under the existing guarantee agreement with respect to preferred trust securities issued by
NEE Capital and guaranteed by NEE and (v) Junior Subordinated Indenture Trustee, security registrar and
paying agent under the NEE Capital Junior Subordinated Indenture described under "Description of NEE Capital
Junior Subordinated Debentures and NEE Junior Subordinated Guarantee" above. In addition, an affiliate of The
Bank of New York Mellon acts as property trustee under a trust agreement with respect to the aforementioned
preferred trust securities.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
NEE and NEE Capital may sell the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus ("Offered Securities"):
(1) through underwriters or dealers,
(2) through agents, or
(3) directly to one or more purchasers.
This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of securities through any of these methods or
other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Through Underwriters or Dealers. If NEE and/or NEE Capital uses underwriters in the sale of the Offered
Securities, the underwriters will acquire the Offered Securities for their own account. The underwriters may
resell the Offered Securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public
offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may sell the Offered
Securities directly or through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters. Unless othenvise
stated in the prospectus supplement relating to the Offered Securities, the obligations of the underwriters to
purchase those Offered Securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all of those Offered Securities if they purchase any of them. If NEE and/or NEE Capital uses a dealer in
the sale, NEE and/or NEE Capital will sell the Offered Securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then
resell those Offered Securities at varying prices determined at the time of resale.
Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers
may be changed from time to time.
Through Agents. NEE and/or NEE Capital may designate one or more agents to sell the Offered Securities.
Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, the agents will agree to use their best efforts to solicit
purchases for the period of their appointment.
Directly. NEE and/or NEE Capital may sell the Offered Securities directly to one or more purchasers. In
this case, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved.
General Information. A prospectus supplement will state the name of any underwriter, dealer or agent and
the amount of any compensation, underwriting discounts or concessions paid, allowed or reallowed to them. A
prospectus supplement will also state the proceeds to NEE and/or NEE Capital from the sale of the Offered
Securities, any initial public offering price and other terms of the offering of those Offered Securities.
NEE and/or NEE Capital may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain
institutions to purchase the Offered Securities from NEE and/or NEE Capital at the public offering price and on
the terms described in the related prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a specified date in the future.
The Offered Securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or
repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms, which are referred to herein as the
"remarketing firms." acting as principals for their own accounts or as agent for NEE and/or NEE Capital, as
applicable. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with NEE and/or NEE
Capital, and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may
be deemed to be undenvriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, in connection with the
securities remarketed thereby.
NEE and/or NEE Capital may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not
covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus
supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this
prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party
may use securities pledged by NEE and/or NEE Capital or borrowed from any of them or others to settle those
sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from NEE and/or
NEE Capital in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third
party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in
the applicable prospectus supplement.
NEE and/or NEE Capital may have agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against, or to
contribute to payments which the undenvriters, dealers and agents may be required to make in respect of. certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
4?
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from NextEra Energy,
Inc's Annual Report on Form 10•K and the effectiveness of NextEra Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal
control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated
financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, West Palm
Beach, Florida, co-counsel to NEE and NEE Capital, will pass upon the legality of the Offered Securities for
NEE and NEE Capital. Hunton & Williams LLP, New York, New York, will pass upon the legality of the
Offered Securities for any underwriters, dealers or agents. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and Hunton &
Williams LLP may rely as to all matters of Florida law upon the opinion of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP.
Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP may rely as to all matters of New York law upon the opinion of Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or
any prospectus supplement or in any written communication from NEE or NEE Capital specifying the
final terms of a particular offering of securities. Neither NEE nor NEE Capital has authorized anyone else
to provide you with additional or different information. Neither NEE nor NEE Capital is making an offer
of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the
information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date
on the front of those documents or that the information incorporated by reference is accurate as of any
date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference.
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NEXTera
ENERGY e d
CAPITAL
HOLDINGS
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.
Series K Junior Subordinated Debentures due June 1, 2076
The Series K Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
Unconditionally and Irrevocably Guaranteed by
NextEra Energy, Inc.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
BOLA Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
UBS Investment Bank
Wells Fargo Securities
Raymond James
RBC Capital Markets
2016
EFTA01129957