Data News > Exploring The Key Risk Factors Detailed In Firstenergy Corp. (FE) Latest Annual SEC 10-K Filing

Exploring The Key Risk Factors Detailed In Firstenergy Corp. (FE) Latest Annual SEC 10-K Filing

By KlickAnalytics Data Insights  |   February 13, 2024 08:05AM ET

In 2023, the company experienced positive revenue growth due to higher revenues from regulated investment programs, increased weather-adjusted customer usage and demand, and lower other operating expenses. However, operating expenses increased by $193 million, primarily driven by a decrease in fuel expenses and an increase in purchased power costs. Despite this, total operating expenses decreased by $152 million. Net income margin decreased in 2023 compared to 2022 as a result of lower customer usage and higher expenses. The management has implemented a long-term strategy focused on prioritizing their mission statement and is taking steps to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions. FE faces risks from external factors such as natural disasters and evolving regulatory requirements. The report does not provide specific details about key performance indicators, corporate governance and sustainability initiatives, or future market plans. However, the company is committed to meeting investor and stakeholder expectations and ensuring responsible business practices. They are actively monitoring supply chain risk and taking steps to maintain operations and financial condition. Investments in 2023 demonstrate their commitment to long-term growth and competitiveness.

Executive Summary

Financials
The trend in revenue growth over the past three years has been positive. The primary drivers behind this trend are higher revenues from regulated investment programs, higher weather-adjusted customer usage and demand, and lower other operating expenses. Operating expenses increased by $193 million in 2023 compared to 2022. This was primarily due to a decrease in fuel expenses by $192 million and an increase in purchased power costs by $245 million. However, total operating expenses decreased by $152 million in 2023 compared to 2022. The company's net income margin decreased in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to lower customer usage and higher expenses. The context information does not provide any information about the net income margin compared to industry peers.
Management Discussion and Analysis
Management has implemented a long-term strategy focused on prioritizing their mission statement. The strategy emphasizes customer-centered experiences, new growth, and affordable energy bills. While the success of these initiatives is not explicitly mentioned, the company is proud of the steps taken to demonstrate commitment and improve performance. Management assesses the company's competitive position in the industry by monitoring supply chain disruptions and taking steps to mitigate risks. They highlight post-pandemic economic conditions, labor shortages, raw material availability, inflationary pressures, and increased costs. They anticipate these challenges to continue into 2024. The major risks and challenges identified by management include legislative and regulatory developments, physical and cyber attacks, achieving EESG goals, changing market conditions, mitigating exposure for remedial activities, changes in environmental laws and regulations, changes in customer demand for power, accessing capital markets, actions by credit rating agencies, and changes in assumptions. Mitigation strategies include monitoring and compliance, strengthening information technology systems, continuous improvement culture, forecasting and asset valuation adjustments, retired asset remediation, staying updated on environmental laws, customer engagement, financial planning, and resource availability assessment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The company's key performance metrics include pursuing excellence, seeking growth and innovation, positively impacting stakeholders, and protecting the environment. It is not mentioned how these metrics have changed over the past year or if they are in line with the company's long-term goals. The context information does not provide any direct information about the company's return on investment (ROI) or its cost of capital. Therefore, it is not possible to determine how the ROI compares to the cost of capital or if the company is generating value for shareholders. The context information does not provide any details about the company's market share or its evolution compared to competitors. It also does not mention any plans for market expansion or consolidation.
Risk Assessment
The company's operations and financial performance are at risk from external factors such as natural disasters, political crises, negative global climate patterns, and disruptions in the supply chain. Additionally, evolving regulatory requirements and the availability of funds for environmental initiatives could also pose risks. FE has established a framework to assess and manage cybersecurity risks, including multi-layered governance by management, the Audit Committee, the Operations and Safety Committee, and the FE Board. This program is regularly reported to and overseen by the FE Board, ensuring the company can effectively address cybersecurity threats in an evolving digital business environment. Yes, there are contingent liabilities and legal issues that could impact the company's financial position and reputation. FE is addressing them by regularly assessing liabilities and contingencies, establishing reserves when appropriate, and making judgments based on currently available information.
Corporate Governance and Sustainability
The composition of the board of directors is not provided in the given context information. There is no information about any notable changes in leadership or independence. FE addresses diversity and inclusion through various initiatives such as ongoing training and education on DEI topics, enhanced transparency of DEI data, and talent processes, and enhancements to recruiting processes to increase the number of diverse candidates. There is no mention of a specific commitment to board diversity in the context information provided. The report does not explicitly disclose any specific sustainability initiatives or ESG metrics. However, it mentions the company's commitment to evolving processes and controls for reporting EESG matters and meeting investor and stakeholder expectations. There is also a reference to the company's effort to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions and ensure responsible business practices.
Forward Guidance
The company's forward-looking guidance addresses its strategic initiatives and priorities outlined in the annual report by considering environmental matters, capital requirements, and supply chain challenges. They are aware of potential disruptions but are taking steps to mitigate risks and maintain their operations, cash flow, and financial condition. FE is factoring in post-pandemic economic conditions that have led to increased supply chain lead times and decreased availability of certain materials. It plans to mitigate these risks and continue its capital spending plan by monitoring supply chain risk and taking steps to ensure the availability of materials, equipment, and contractors. Yes, the company's investments in 2023 demonstrate its commitment to long-term growth and competitiveness. These investments are mentioned in the context information and show that the company is allocating resources towards capital expenditures and other capital-like investments, which will contribute to its growth and ability to remain competitive in the market.

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