Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.
XPLR Infrastructure disclosed 60 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. XPLR Infrastructure reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q4, 2024
Risk Distribution
40% Finance & Corporate
20% Legal & Regulatory
15% Production
12% Ability to Sell
7% Tech & Innovation
7% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
XPLR Infrastructure Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 24 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 24 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
60
+2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 32
60
+2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 32
Recent Changes
8Risks added
6Risks removed
49Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
8Risks added
6Risks removed
49Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
Number of Risk Changed
49
+49
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 4
49
+49
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 4
See the risk highlights of XPLR Infrastructure in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 60
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 24/60 (40%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights12 | 20.0%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Unitholders may have liability to repay distributions that were wrongfully distributed to them.
Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. Under Delaware law, XPLR may not make a distribution to its unitholders if the distribution would cause XPLR's liabilities to exceed the fair value of its assets. Delaware law provides that for a period of three years from the date of an impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distributed amount. Transferees of common units are liable both for the obligations of the transferor to make contributions to the partnership that were known to the transferee at the time of transfer and for those obligations that were unknown if the liabilities could have been determined from XPLR's partnership agreement. Neither liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest nor liabilities that are non-recourse to the partnership are counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR GP and its affiliates may have conflicts of interest with XPLR and have limited duties to XPLR and its unitholders.
The board will appoint officers of XPLR (including its chief executive officer) designated by the manager in accordance with the terms of the MSA and XPLR's partnership agreement. As a result, all of XPLR's executive officers could be officers or employees of NEE or one of its affiliates. XPLR's partnership agreement provides contractual standards governing the duties of directors and officers, and directors and officers will not have fiduciary duties to XPLR or its unitholders. Conflicts of interest exist and may arise as a result of the relationships between NEE and the directors and officers of XPLR affiliated with NEE, on the one hand, and XPLR and XPLR's limited partners, on the other hand. To the extent any directors or officers of XPLR are also officers or employees of NEE, such directors and officers will have fiduciary and other duties to NEE but not to XPLR, and the interests of NEE and XPLR may be different or in conflict. In resolving such conflicts of interest, the directors and officers of XPLR affiliated with NEE may favor NEE's interests and the interests of NEE's affiliates over the interests of XPLR and its unitholders. These conflicts include the following situations, among others:
- No agreement requires NEE or its affiliates to pursue a business strategy that favors XPLR or uses XPLR's projects or dictates what markets to pursue or grow.
- NEE and its affiliates are not limited in their ability to compete with XPLR, and neither XPLR GP nor its affiliates have any obligation to present business opportunities to XPLR.
- So long as the officers of XPLR are officers or employees of NEE or its affiliates, they will or may also devote significant time to the business of NEE or its affiliates and will or may be compensated by NEE or its affiliates.
- The board may cause XPLR and/or its subsidiaries to borrow funds in order to permit the payment of cash distributions, even if another purpose or effect of the borrowing is to settle payment obligations to NEE.
- XPLR's partnership agreement replaces the fiduciary duties that would otherwise be owed by XPLR GP and the directors and officers of XPLR with contractual standards governing their duties and limits XPLR GP's and such directors' and officers' liabilities and the remedies available to XPLR's unitholders for actions that, without these limitations, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty under applicable Delaware law.
- Except in limited circumstances, the board has the power and authority to conduct XPLR's business without the approval of XPLR GP or XPLR's unitholders.
- Actions taken by the board may affect the amount of cash available to pay distributions to XPLR's unitholders.
- XPLR GP has limited liability regarding XPLR's contractual and other obligations.
- The board controls the exercise of the rights of XPLR against NEE and its affiliates, and the enforcement of the obligations that NEE and its affiliates owe to XPLR.
As a result of the related nature of the management of XPLR and NEE and its affiliates, effectively managing these actual, perceived and potential conflicts may require substantial attention, and there is no assurance that all relevant actual, perceived or potential conflicts will be identified or that such conflicts will be adequately addressed. A decision by XPLR GP or the board to favor its own interests or the interests of NEE over XPLR's interests and the interests of its unitholders could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Changed
Holders of XPLR's common units currently cannot remove XPLR GP without NEE's consent and provisions in XPLR's partnership agreement may discourage or delay an acquisition of XPLR that XPLR unitholders may consider favorable.
The vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of all outstanding common units and special voting units voting together as a single class is required to remove XPLR's general partner. Further, the vote of the holders of at least a majority of all outstanding common units and special voting units voting together as a single class is required to name a new general partner of XPLR. Given XPLR GP and its affiliates current voting power with respect to XPLR's outstanding units, a vote to remove XPLR's general partner would currently require NEE's consent.
In addition, certain provisions in XPLR's partnership agreement, including limitations upon the ability of unitholders to make binding proposals of other business to be considered at annual meetings or to request special meetings, may discourage unitholders from attempting to remove the general partner or otherwise change XPLR's management. These provisions may have the effect of limiting the ability of a third party to acquire control of XPLR that might involve a premium to the market price of XPLR's common units or otherwise be in the unitholders' best interests.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Changed
NEE's interest in XPLR GP and the control of XPLR GP may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.
XPLR's partnership agreement does not restrict the ability of NEE to transfer all or a portion of its ownership interest in XPLR GP to a third party. XPLR's partnership agreement also does not restrict the ability of XPLR GP to issue equity securities in a public or private transaction. A new owner of all or a portion of an ownership interest in XPLR GP could then be in a position to designate its own representatives to the board.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Changed
XPLR's partnership agreement restricts the remedies available to holders of XPLR's common units for actions taken by XPLR's directors or XPLR GP that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duties.
XPLR's partnership agreement contains provisions that restrict the remedies available to its unitholders for actions taken by XPLR's directors or XPLR GP that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duties under state law. For example, XPLR's partnership agreement provides that:
- whenever XPLR GP or the board, or any director or any committee of the board (including, but not limited to, the conflicts committee), makes a determination or takes, or declines to take, any other action in its respective capacity, they are required to act in good faith;- XPLR GP will not have any liability to XPLR or its unitholders for decisions made in its capacity as a general partner so long as such decisions are made in good faith;- XPLR GP and its officers and directors and the officers and directors of XPLR will not be liable for monetary damages to XPLR or XPLR's limited partners resulting from any act or omission unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining such persons acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the conduct was criminal; and - XPLR GP and its affiliates and XPLR's directors will not be in breach of their obligations under XPLR's partnership agreement (including, but not limited to, any duties to XPLR or its unitholders) if a transaction with an affiliate or the resolution of a conflict of interest is:
- approved by the conflicts committee of the board, although the board is not obligated to seek such approval;- approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding any common units owned by XPLR GP and its affiliates if the conflict involves XPLR GP or any of its affiliates;- determined by the board to be on terms no less favorable to XPLR than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties; or - determined by the board to be fair and reasonable to XPLR, taking into account the totality of the relationships among the parties involved, including, but not limited to, other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to XPLR.
In connection with a situation involving a transaction with an affiliate or a conflict of interest, any determination by XPLR GP or the board, or the conflicts committee of the board, must be made in good faith. If an affiliate transaction or the resolution of a conflict of interest is not approved by XPLR's unitholders or the conflicts committee and the board determines that the resolution or course of action taken with respect to the affiliate transaction or conflict of interest satisfies either of the standards set forth in the third and fourth sub-bullets above, then it will be presumed that, in making its decision, the board acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or XPLR challenging such determination, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Changed
Holders of XPLR's units may be subject to voting restrictions.
Under XPLR's partnership agreement, limited partners are allowed to vote for four of the seven members of the board. Moreover, any person, together with the members of any related group, who beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding units will be permitted to vote not more than 5% of such outstanding units in an election or removal of certain directors. Further, if, after giving effect to the 5% limitation, any person, together with the members of any related group, still has the power to cast votes equal to or greater than 10% of the units present and actually voted on any matter (including an election or removal of certain directors), such person will be entitled to direct the voting of only the units held by such person representing not more than 9.99% of the units actually voted on such matter, and any units held by such person equal to 10% or more of such voting power will be voted proportionally with the votes cast by other unitholders on such matter. However, if such person is XPLR's general partner or any of its affiliates, the 9.99% limitation on voting power applies only to the election or removal of certain directors.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Changed
The liability of holders of XPLR's units, which represent limited partnership interests in XPLR, may not be limited if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of XPLR's business.
A general partner of a limited partnership generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the limited partnership except for those contractual obligations of the limited partnership that are expressly made without recourse to the general partner. XPLR is organized under Delaware law and XPLR conducts business in a number of other states. The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partnership interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some of the other states in which XPLR does business. A unitholder could be liable for any and all of XPLR's obligations as if the unitholder were a general partner if a court or government agency were to determine that:
- XPLR was conducting business in a state but had not complied with that particular state's limited partnership statute; or - the unitholder's right to act with other unitholders to remove or replace XPLR GP, to approve some amendments to XPLR's partnership agreement or to take other actions under XPLR's partnership agreement constitute "control" of XPLR's business.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Changed
XPLR's partnership agreement replaces the fiduciary duties that XPLR GP and XPLR's directors and officers might have to holders of its common units with contractual standards governing their duties and the NYSE does not require a publicly traded limited partnership like XPLR to comply with certain of its corporate governance requirements.
XPLR's partnership agreement contains provisions that eliminate the fiduciary standards to which XPLR GP or any of XPLR's directors and officers would otherwise be held by state fiduciary duty law and replaces those standards with several different contractual standards.
For example, XPLR's partnership agreement permits the board to make some decisions in its sole discretion, free of any duties to XPLR or its unitholders other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing (which means that a court will enforce the reasonable expectations of the partners where the language of the XPLR partnership agreement does not provide for a clear course of action). These provisions entitle the board to consider only the interests and factors that the board desires and relieves the board of any duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, XPLR, its affiliates or XPLR's limited partners.
XPLR's partnership agreement permits XPLR GP to make a number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as XPLR's general partner, free of any duties to XPLR or its unitholders other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. These provisions entitle XPLR GP and its affiliates to consider only the interests and factors that they desire and relieve them of any duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, XPLR, its affiliates or XPLR's limited partners. Examples of decisions that XPLR GP and its affiliates may make in their individual capacities include:
- appointment of three directors of XPLR;- how to exercise voting rights with respect to the units XPLR GP or its affiliates own in XPLR OpCo and XPLR;- whether to exchange XPLR OpCo common units owned by NEE Equity for XPLR common units or, with the approval of the conflicts committee, to have XPLR OpCo redeem XPLR OpCo common units owned by NEE Equity for cash; and - whether to consent to, among other things, XPLR's participation in certain activities or lines of business, the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of XPLR, any merger, consolidation or conversion of XPLR, dissolution of XPLR or an amendment to XPLR OpCo's partnership agreement.
Additionally, as XPLR is a publicly traded limited partnership listed on the NYSE, it is not required to have, and it does not currently have, a majority of independent directors on the board and is not required to establish a compensation committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Changed
Certain agreements which XPLR or its subsidiaries are parties to have provisions which may limit or preclude XPLR from engaging in specified change of control and similar transactions.
The indebtedness, financing and other agreements of XPLR and its subsidiaries, including the agreements under which the noncontrolling Class B investors own membership interests in certain XPLR subsidiaries, contain provisions that may trigger acceleration of indebtedness or specified payment obligations of XPLR or its subsidiaries upon or in connection with specified transactions, including specified change of control and similar transactions. Because these provisions may materially increase the capital XPLR may need to expend to complete such a transaction, these provisions may limit or preclude XPLR from pursuing or consummating such transactions and limit the types of transactions XPLR is able to consummate.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Changed
The issuance of common units, or other limited partnership interests, or securities convertible into, or settleable with, common units, and any subsequent conversion or settlement, will dilute common unitholders' ownership in XPLR, will impact the relative voting strength of outstanding XPLR common units and issuance of such securities, or the possibility of issuance of such securities, as well as the resale, or possible resale following conversion or settlement, may result in a decline in the market price for XPLR's common units.
XPLR's partnership agreement does not limit the number of additional limited partnership interests, including, but not limited to, limited partnership interests that rank senior to the common units, which XPLR may issue at any time without the approval of its unitholders.
XPLR has issued and outstanding convertible notes and certain XPLR OpCo subsidiaries have issued and outstanding noncontrolling Class B membership interests in their subsidiaries that may be settled in whole or in part as specified in the related limited liability company agreement, at XPLR's election with XPLR common units, and may issue similar securities in the future. Subject to certain limitations, the convertible notes may be converted by the holders of such notes, with XPLR paying cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. XPLR will have the option to deliver XPLR common units for the remainder, if any, of XPLR's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. XPLR has the option, subject to certain limitations and extensions, to purchase the noncontrolling Class B membership interests in those XPLR OpCo subsidiaries. If exercised, XPLR has the right to pay all or a portion of the buyout price in XPLR non-voting common units (convertible into XPLR common units) or XPLR common units, as specified in the related limited liability company agreement, issued at the then-current market price of XPLR common units, subject to certain limitations. If holders of the noncontrolling Class B membership interests, convertible notes or any convertible securities issued in the future, were to dispose of a substantial portion of these common units in the public market following such a conversion or settlement, whether in a single transaction or series of transactions, it could adversely affect the market price for XPLR's common units. The holders of the noncontrolling Class B membership interests generally have certain registration rights that would facilitate such dispositions promptly and XPLR cannot guarantee that these holders will not dispose of a substantial portion or all of their common units promptly upon conversion or settlement.
Any issuance of XPLR common units, or other XPLR limited partnership interests, securities convertible into, or settleable with, common units as well as the issuance of XPLR non-voting common units or XPLR common units, as the case may be, upon conversion or settlement, will or may have the following effects:
- an existing common unitholder's proportionate ownership interest in XPLR may decrease; and - the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common unit may be diminished.
In addition, any issuance, or the possibility of issuance, of the securities described in the preceding sentence, as well as the resale, or possibility of resale, of XPLR common units following conversion or settlement may result in a decline in the market price of XPLR common units and could make it more difficult for XPLR to sell XPLR's common units in the future.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
Added
NEE has influence over XPLR.
Under XPLR's partnership agreement, the board oversees and directs the operations and policies of XPLR and exercises management oversight over XPLR. At each annual meeting, four of XPLR's seven directors will be elected by XPLR's limited partners. The three remaining directors will be appointed by XPLR GP, in its sole discretion. The directors appointed by XPLR GP will be, and one director elected by holders of XPLR's common units may be, officers or employees of NEE or its affiliates. In addition, NEE holds voting power over certain matters that require XPLR unitholder approval. NEE Management, subject to the terms of the MSA and XPLR's partnership agreement, will designate the officers of XPLR so long as NEE or one of its affiliates is the manager under the MSA.
The attorneys, independent accountants and others who perform services for XPLR will be selected by the board, which may be affiliated with NEE, or its conflicts committee and may perform services for NEE or its affiliates. XPLR may retain separate counsel for itself or the holders of common units in the event of a conflict of interest between NEE and its affiliates, on the one hand, and XPLR or the holders of common units, on the other, depending on the nature of the conflict. XPLR does not intend to do so in most cases.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
Added
XPLR may not make any distributions in the future to its unitholders as a result of the execution of its business plan.
XPLR may not make distributions in the future to its unitholders as a result of the execution of its business plan. XPLR's capital allocation priorities include investments to improve and expand XPLR's existing portfolio and investment opportunities adjacent to its existing clean energy assets. These investments may be highly capital-intensive and, as a result, XPLR may reserve cash which would otherwise be available for distribution to unitholders for these investments, as well as, the satisfaction of its obligations or such other business purposes in its discretion. As a result, XPLR may not pay any distributions in the future to unitholders.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 3.3%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Distributions to unitholders may be taxable as dividends.
Even though XPLR is organized as a limited partnership under state law, XPLR is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, if XPLR makes distributions from current or accumulated earnings and profits as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such distributions will generally be taxable to unitholders as ordinary dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions paid to non-corporate U.S. unitholders will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Distributions to unitholders that exceed XPLR's current and accumulated earnings and profits as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes would constitute a non-taxable return-of-capital distribution to the extent of a unitholder's basis in its units. In addition, although return-of-capital distributions are generally non-taxable to the extent of a unitholder's basis in its units, such distributions will reduce the unitholder's adjusted tax basis in its units, which will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or a decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the unitholder on a future disposition of XPLR's common units, and to the extent any return-of-capital distribution exceeds a unitholder's basis, such distributions will be treated as gain on the sale or exchange of the units.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR's ability to use NOLs to offset future income may be limited.
XPLR's ability to use its NOLs to offset future taxable income could be substantially limited if XPLR's unitholders that own 5% or more of XPLR's outstanding common units, as defined under Code Section 382, increase their ownership in XPLR by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period through, among other things, additional purchases of XPLR's common units and certain types of reorganization transactions. Any NOLs that exceed this limitation may be carried forward and used to offset taxable income for the remainder of the carryforward period (i.e., 20 years from the year in which such NOL was generated for NOLs generated prior to January 1, 2018 and no carryforward limitation for any subsequently generated NOLs). Based on XPLR's most recent annual assessment, XPLR does not expect the Section 382 limitation to impact its ability to utilize any of its NOLs to offset future taxable income. Additionally, valuation allowances may be needed for deferred tax assets that XPLR estimates are more likely than not to be unusable, based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. Potential changes in the tax law or in XPLR's projections could impact XPLR's assessment and valuation allowance estimates, which could have a material adverse impact on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Debt & Financing7 | 11.7%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR may not be able to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms.
XPLR needs to be able to access capital on commercially reasonable terms when development opportunities, repowering renewable energy projects, acquisitions, other growth opportunities or capital needs arise or to exercise buyout rights related to noncontrolling Class B members' interests under certain limited liability company agreements. XPLR's ability to access capital on commercially reasonable terms 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 in XPLR's, XPLR OpCo's or their subsidiaries' securities or securities convertible into, or settleable with, XPLR common units in particular. Investor demand for securities of XPLR or securities convertible into, or settleable with, XPLR common units may be impacted by, among other factors, the amount of securities outstanding that are convertible into, or settleable with, XPLR common units, the possibility of further sales of such securities, the amount and timing of any issuance of XPLR common units or the payment of cash in lieu of XPLR common units upon conversion or settlement, and any subsequent sales of such units by investors.
Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in those capital and credit markets, related to, among other factors, inflation, rising interest rates, political, regulatory or geopolitical events and declining investor sentiment in XPLR and the renewable energy industry, has increased and could continue to adversely impact XPLR's cost of capital and affect its ability to fund its liquidity and capital needs including, without limitation, its ability to pay or refinance debt and buy out securities, such as noncontrolling Class B memberships interests in certain XPLR subsidiaries. An inability to obtain financing or refinance existing debt on commercially reasonable terms could also significantly limit XPLR's ability to consummate future acquisitions and pursue other growth opportunities. In addition, the issuance of XPLR common units and securities convertible into, or settleable with, XPLR common units could cause significant common unitholder dilution. Issuances of additional securities, or the possibility that these issuances may occur, including following the conversion or settlement of securities convertible into, or settleable with, XPLR common units, could make it more difficult for XPLR to sell XPLR common units, or securities convertible into, or settleable with, XPLR common units, in the future, as well as affect XPLR's decision whether and when to issue common units to purchase previously issued securities of XPLR OpCo subsidiaries that are or may be settleable with XPLR common units.
Furthermore, there may not be sufficient availability under XPLR OpCo's direct subsidiary's revolving credit facility or the ability to obtain other financing arrangements on commercially reasonable terms when acquisition or other growth opportunities or capital needs arise or to exercise buyout rights related to noncontrolling Class B members' interests under certain limited liability company agreements. An inability to obtain the required or desired financing could significantly limit XPLR's ability to consummate acquisitions and pursue other growth opportunities or to exercise buyout rights related to noncontrolling Class B members' interests under certain limited liability company agreements. If financing is available, it may be available only on terms that could significantly increase XPLR's interest expense and impose additional or more restrictive covenants. Any of the circumstances described above could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR may only terminate the MSA under certain limited circumstances.
The MSA provides that XPLR and certain affiliates may terminate the agreement only upon 90 days' prior written notice to NEE Management under certain limited circumstances. The agreement continues until January 1, 2068 and thereafter renews for successive five-year periods unless XPLR OpCo or NEE Management provides written notice to the other that it does not wish for the agreement to be renewed. If NEE Management's performance does not meet the expectations of investors and XPLR is unable to terminate the MSA, the market price of XPLR's common units could suffer. In addition, even if the MSA is terminated, it may not terminate in respect of provisions relating to all fees payable to NEE Management under that agreement, which could result in NEE or its affiliates receiving payments that could otherwise be used to execute its business plan even though NEE Management would be no longer obligated to provide services to XPLR under the MSA.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Changed
NEER and certain of its affiliates are permitted to borrow funds received by XPLR OpCo or its subsidiaries and is obligated to return these funds only as needed to cover project costs and distributions or as demanded by XPLR OpCo. XPLR's financial condition and ability to execute its business plan is highly dependent on NEER's performance of its obligations to return all or a portion of these funds.
NEER and certain of its affiliates are permitted to withdraw funds received by XPLR OpCo under the CSCS agreement, or XPLR OpCo's subsidiaries in connection with certain long-term debt agreements, and hold them in an account of NEER or its affiliates to the extent the funds are not required to pay project costs or otherwise required to be retained by XPLR's subsidiaries, until the financing agreements permit distributions to be made, or, in the case of XPLR OpCo, until such funds are required to make distributions or to pay expenses or other operating costs or XPLR OpCo otherwise demands the return of such funds. If NEER or one of its affiliates realizes any earnings on the withdrawn funds prior to the return of such funds, it will be permitted to retain those earnings, and will not pay interest on the withdrawn funds except as otherwise agreed upon with XPLR OpCo. The failure of NEER to return funds to XPLR's subsidiaries for any reason could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Changed
XPLR is exposed to risks inherent in its use of interest rate swaps.
Some of XPLR's subsidiaries' indebtedness accrues interest at variable rates, and some of its subsidiaries use interest rate swaps to try to protect against market volatility. The use of interest rate swaps, however, does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the value of a position or prevent losses if the value of a position declines. Such transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the value of a position increases. In addition, to the extent that actively-quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources are not available, the valuation of these contracts involves judgment or the 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 contracts. If the values of these financial contracts change in a manner that XPLR does not anticipate, or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract, it could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Changed
XPLR may be unable to maintain its current credit ratings.
The inability of XPLR to maintain its current credit ratings could materially adversely affect its ability to raise capital or obtain credit on commercially reasonable terms, which in turn could impact its ability to service indebtedness, repay or refinance borrowings and other obligations, exercise buyout rights related to noncontrolling Class B members' interests under certain limited liability company agreements, and finance development opportunities, including repowering renewable energy projects, acquisitions and other growth opportunities, and would likely increase its 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, the rating agencies' treatment of certain financing arrangements and other instruments convertible into or settleable with equity. There can be no assurance that one or more of the ratings of XPLR will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Added
XPLR's liquidity may be impaired if its credit providers are unable to fund their credit commitments to XPLR or to maintain their current credit ratings.
The inability of XPLR's credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings could require XPLR to, among other things, 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 XPLR's liquidity.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
Changed
XPLR's and its subsidiaries' substantial amount of indebtedness, which may increase, may adversely affect XPLR's ability to operate its business, and its failure to comply with the terms of its subsidiaries' indebtedness or refinance, extend or repay the indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's financial condition.
XPLR's and its subsidiaries' substantial indebtedness, which may increase, could have important consequences. For example,- failure to comply with the covenants in the agreements governing these obligations could result in an event of default under those agreements, which could be difficult to cure, result in bankruptcy or, with respect to subsidiary debt, result in loss of XPLR OpCo's ownership interest in one or more of its subsidiaries or in some or all of their assets as a result of foreclosure;- XPLR's and its subsidiaries' debt service obligations require them to dedicate a substantial portion of their cash flow to pay principal and interest on their debt, thereby reducing, in the case of XPLR's subsidiaries, their cash available for distribution to XPLR OpCo and XPLR ;- XPLR's and its subsidiaries' substantial indebtedness could limit XPLR's ability to fund operations of any projects acquired in the future and XPLR's financial flexibility, which could reduce its ability to plan for and react to unexpected opportunities or challenges;- XPLR's and its subsidiaries' substantial debt service obligations make XPLR vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, credit markets, capital markets, industry, competitive conditions and government regulation that could place XPLR at a disadvantage compared to competitors with less debt;- XPLR's and its subsidiaries' substantial indebtedness could limit XPLR's ability to obtain financing for working capital, including, but not limited to, collateral postings, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and events of default, as well as development opportunities, acquisitions and general partnership or other purposes; and - XPLR's and its subsidiaries' failure to repay or refinance debt at or prior to maturity could limit XPLR's ability to obtain financing for working capital.
If XPLR and its subsidiaries, including XPLR OpCo, do not comply with their obligations under their debt instruments, as the debt otherwise becomes due, they may need to refinance all or a part of their indebtedness, which they may not be able to do on similar terms or at all. Increases in interest rates, changes in debt covenants and changes in XPLR's credit ratings and other factors may reduce the amounts that XPLR and its subsidiaries can borrow, reduce XPLR's cash flows, increase the equity investment XPLR may be required to make in any projects XPLR may develop or acquire and increase the amount of equity XPLR may need to issue. If XPLR's subsidiaries are not otherwise able to generate sufficient cash to repay their outstanding indebtedness or are unable to comply with the terms of their indebtedness, XPLR could be required to reduce overhead costs, reduce the scope of its projects, sell some or all of its projects or delay construction of projects XPLR may develop, including repowering renewable energy projects, or acquire, all of which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 5.0%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Changed
If certain agreements with NEE Management or NEER are terminated, XPLR may be unable to contract with a substitute service provider on similar terms.
NEE's affiliates provide, or arrange for the provision of, administrative, O&M and development and construction management services under agreements with NEE Management and NEER, respectively. Any failure by NEE Management or NEER to perform their administrative, O&M and development and construction management services obligations or the failure by XPLR to identify and contract with replacement service providers, if required, could materially impact the successful operation of its projects. Under these agreements, certain NEE employees provide services to XPLR. In many cases, these services are not the primary responsibility of these employees, nor are these employees required to act for XPLR alone. The agreements do not require any specific individuals to be provided by NEE and NEE has the discretion to determine which of its employees perform services required to be provided to XPLR.
NEE Management and NEER have agreed to provide XPLR with management services under the MSA and the management sub-contract, respectively, and XPLR may have independent executive or senior management personnel. Each of the MSA and the management sub-contract, respectively, provides that NEE Management and NEER, respectively, may terminate the applicable agreement upon 180 days' prior written notice of termination to XPLR if XPLR defaults in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant contained in the agreement in a manner that results in material harm to NEE Management or its affiliates other than XPLR or its subsidiaries, and the default continues unremedied for a period of 90 days after written notice thereof is given to XPLR or upon the happening of certain specified events. If NEE Management terminates the MSA, if NEER terminates the management sub-contract or if either of them defaults in the performance of its obligations under the respective agreement, XPLR may be unable to contract with a substitute service provider on similar terms, and the costs of substituting service providers may be substantial. If XPLR cannot locate a service provider that is able to provide XPLR with substantially similar services as NEE Management and NEER provide under the MSA and the management sub-contract, respectively, on similar terms, it would likely have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR's ability to execute its business plan depends on the ability of XPLR OpCo's subsidiaries to make cash distributions to XPLR OpCo.
XPLR's cash flow is generated from distributions XPLR receives from XPLR OpCo, which will consist primarily of cash distributions that XPLR OpCo has received from its subsidiaries. The amount of cash that XPLR OpCo's subsidiaries will be able to distribute to XPLR OpCo each quarter principally depends upon the amount of cash such subsidiaries generate from their operations and investments. XPLR OpCo may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay distributions because of reduced operating cash flow, higher expenses, capital requirements or otherwise. The amount of cash available to XPLR OpCo will impact XPLR's ability to execute its business plan.
The amount of cash that XPLR OpCo generates from its operations will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on such things as the amount of power generated from its projects and the amount of natural gas transported in its pipeline investment, and the prices received therefor; its operating and capital costs; payment of interest and principal amortization, which depends on the amount of its indebtedness and the interest payable thereon; and the ability of XPLR OpCo's subsidiaries to distribute cash under their respective financing agreements.
In addition, the amount of cash that XPLR OpCo will have available for distribution and to execute XPLR's business plan will depend on factors, some of which are beyond its control, such as:
- the amount of cash reserves established by XPLR OpCo GP for the proper conduct of partnership business, including for the payment of debt and other obligations and capital needs (such as the exercise of buyout rights) as they come due or arise;- timing and collectability of receivables;- fluctuations in its working capital needs;- availability of borrowings under its subsidiaries' credit facility to pay distributions; and - access to credit or capital markets.
Because of these factors, XPLR OpCo may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay a quarterly distribution per common unit or any other amount. Furthermore, the amount of cash available to XPLR OpCo for distribution depends upon the amount of cash reserves established by XPLR OpCo GP and upon XPLR OpCo's cash flow, including, but not limited to, cash flow from financial reserves and working capital borrowings, and is not solely a function of profitability, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result, XPLR OpCo may be able to make cash distributions during periods when it records net losses and may not be able to make cash distributions during periods when it records net income, which would limit the amount of distributions to XPLR. The amount of cash available at XPLR OpCo will impact XPLR's ability to execute its business plan.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Acquisitions of existing clean energy projects involve numerous risks.
The acquisition of existing clean energy projects involves numerous risks, including, but not limited to, exposure to existing liabilities and unanticipated post-acquisition costs associated with the pre-acquisition activities by the project, difficulty in integrating the acquired projects into XPLR's business and, if the projects are in new markets, the risks of entering markets where XPLR has limited experience. Additionally, XPLR risks overpaying for such projects or not making acquisitions on an accretive basis. Although XPLR performs due diligence on prospective acquisitions, XPLR may not discover all potential risks, operational issues or other issues in such projects. Further, the integration and consolidation of acquisitions require substantial human, financial and other resources and, ultimately, XPLR's acquisitions may divert XPLR's management's attention from its existing business concerns, disrupt its ongoing business or not be successfully integrated. Future acquisitions might not perform as expected or the returns from such acquisitions might not support the financing utilized to acquire or maintain them. A failure to achieve the financial returns XPLR expects when XPLR acquires clean energy projects could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 12/60 (20%)Below Sector Average
Regulation6 | 10.0%
Regulation - Risk 1
Added
Certain of XPLR's actions require the consent of XPLR GP.
Under XPLR's partnership agreement, XPLR GP's consent is required for certain actions of XPLR, in addition to approval by the board or unitholders, as applicable. Because XPLR GP is indirectly owned by NEE, NEE can cause XPLR GP to exercise certain protective rights. XPLR's partnership agreement provides that XPLR GP may grant or withhold its consent in its sole discretion. To the extent XPLR GP withholds its consent, XPLR unitholders and the board will be prevented from taking actions which they may consider beneficial to XPLR or its unitholders.
Regulation - Risk 2
Added
Regulatory decisions that are important to XPLR may be materially adversely affected by political, regulatory, operational and economic factors.
The local and national political, regulatory and economic environment may have an adverse effect on regulatory decisions with negative consequences for XPLR. These decisions, which may come from any level of government, including through actions taken, or not taken, by government agencies as a result of executive orders, may require, for example, XPLR to cancel or delay planned development activities, to reduce or delay other planned capital expenditures or otherwise incur costs that it may not be able to recover, each of which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Depending on the circumstances, XPLR may develop and construct, or invest in, electric generation and storage facilities and associated infrastructure. As part of these activities, XPLR would need to periodically apply for licenses and permits from various local, state, federal and other regulatory authorities and abide by their respective conditions, which could be impacted by actions taken, or not taken, by government agencies as a result of executive orders. Should XPLR be unsuccessful in obtaining necessary licenses or permits on acceptable terms or resolving third-party challenges to such licenses or permits, 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 XPLR, then XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan could be materially adversely affected.
Regulation - Risk 3
Added
XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan could be materially adversely affected by new or revised laws, regulations or executive orders, as well as by regulatory action or inaction.
XPLR's business could be materially adversely affected by a variety of legal activity, such as: 1) the adoption of new or revised laws, such as international trade laws, regulations and interpretations; 2) regulatory initiatives such as those seeking restructuring of the energy industry; 3) new or revised regulations such as those affecting emissions, water consumption, water discharges wetlands, gas and oil infrastructure operations, and environmental and other permitting requirements for energy infrastructure projects; 4) actions taken, or not taken, by government agencies as a result of executive orders, such as failing to issue, delaying the issuance of, or increasing the requirements necessary to obtain approvals, rights-of-way, permits, determinations, leases or loans related to wind or other clean energy projects; and 5) changes in the way government interprets or applies laws, regulations or orders. Changes in the nature of the regulation of XPLR's business through this type or other types of legal activity could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan. XPLR is unable to predict future legislative, regulatory or executive action or inaction, including through changed government interpretations or applications, although any such changes may increase costs, the challenges associated with developing and operating clean and other energy infrastructure projects, and competitive pressures on XPLR, which could have a material adverse effect on the XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR is subject to FERC rules related to transmission that are designed to facilitate competition in the wholesale market on practically a nationwide basis and that evolve over time. XPLR cannot predict the impact of changing FERC rules or policies of the RTOs and ISOs, such as rules governing generator interconnection procedures and transmission planning requirements and cost allocation methodologies, or the effect of changes in levels of wholesale supply and demand, which are typically driven by factors beyond XPLR's control. There can be no assurance that XPLR will be able to respond adequately or sufficiently quickly to such rules and developments, which may impact the ability, timeline and cost of interconnecting new or repowered energy projects to the transmission system and the availability of transmission system capacity to deliver energy products to market, or to any 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 XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR's projects, pipeline investment and PPA counterparties are subject to regulation by U.S. federal, state and local authorities. The wholesale sale of electric energy in the continental U.S., other than portions of Texas, is subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC and the ability of a project to charge the negotiated rates contained in its PPA is subject to that project's maintenance of its general authorization from the FERC to sell electricity at market-based rates. The FERC may impose penalties or revoke a project's market-based rate authorization if it determines that the project entity can exercise market power in transmission or generation, creates barriers to entry, has engaged in abusive affiliate transactions or fails to meet compliance requirements associated with such rates. The negotiated rates entered into under PPAs could be changed by the FERC if it determines such change is in the public interest or just and reasonable, depending on the standard in the respective PPA. If the FERC decreases the prices paid to XPLR for energy delivered under any of its PPAs, XPLR's revenues could be below its projections and its business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan could be materially adversely affected.
XPLR's clean energy projects are subject to the mandatory reliability standards of the NERC. The NERC reliability standards are a series of requirements that relate to maintaining the reliability of the North American bulk electric system and cover a wide variety of topics, including, but not limited to, physical and cybersecurity of critical assets, information protocols, frequency response and voltage standards, testing, documentation and outage management. If XPLR fails to comply with these standards, XPLR could be subject to sanctions, including, but not limited to, substantial monetary penalties. Although the projects are not subject to state utility rate regulation because they sell energy exclusively on a wholesale basis, XPLR is subject to other state regulations that may affect XPLR's projects' sale of energy and operations. Changes in state regulatory treatment are unpredictable and could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
The structure of the energy industry and regulation in the U.S. is currently, and may continue to be, subject to challenges and restructuring proposals. Additional regulatory approvals may be required due to changes in law or for other reasons. XPLR expects the laws and regulation applicable to its business and the energy industry, including laws and regulations generally supportive of clean energy project development, generally to be in a state of transition for the foreseeable future. Changes in the structure of the industry or in such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Regulation - Risk 4
Changed
Restrictions in XPLR and its subsidiaries' financing agreements could adversely affect XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR and its subsidiaries have entered into financing agreements which contain various covenants and restrictive provisions and certain financial ratios that may limit their ability to, among other things:
- incur or guarantee additional debt;- make distributions on or redeem or repurchase common units;- make certain investments and acquisitions;- incur certain liens or permit them to exist;- enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;- merge or consolidate with another company; and - transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of projects.
Certain of the financing agreements also contain covenants requiring XPLR OpCo and its subsidiaries to maintain certain financial ratios, including, but not limited to, as a condition to making cash distributions to XPLR and its other unitholder. XPLR OpCo's and its subsidiaries' ability to meet those financial ratios can be affected by events beyond XPLR's control, and XPLR OpCo may be unable to meet those ratios and tests and, therefore, may be unable to make cash distributions to its unitholders, including, but not limited to, XPLR. In addition, the financing agreements contain events of default provisions, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to certain changes in ownership of XPLR or its subsidiaries and other customary provisions.
The provisions of the financing agreements may affect XPLR's ability to obtain future financing and pursue attractive business opportunities and XPLR's flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in business conditions. A failure to comply with the provisions of the applicable financing agreement could result in an event of default, which could enable the lenders to declare, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable financing agreement, any outstanding principal of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable and entitle lenders to enforce their security interest. If the payment of the debt is accelerated and XPLR or a subsidiary fails to repay the debt, the revenue from the projects may be insufficient to repay such debt in full, the lenders could enforce their security interest and XPLR's unitholders could experience a partial or total loss of their investment. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Regulation - Risk 5
Changed
Government laws, regulations and policies providing incentives and subsidies for clean energy could be changed, reduced or eliminated at any time and such changes may negatively impact XPLR and its ability to repower, acquire, develop or invest in clean energy and related projects.
XPLR's business, including XPLR's ability to repower, acquire, develop or invest in clean energy projects, partly depends on current laws, regulations and policies that promote and support clean energy and enhance the economic viability of developing, constructing and owning clean energy projects. Clean energy projects currently benefit from various U.S. federal, state and local governmental incentives, such as PTCs, ITCs, loan guarantees, RPS, MACRS for depreciation and other incentives, accelerated cost recovery deductions, renewable energy tax credit transferability and other commercially oriented incentives. These laws, regulations and policies, such as the PTCs or ITCs, have had a significant impact on the development of clean energy and they could be changed, reduced or eliminated at any time. These incentives make the development of clean energy projects more competitive by providing transferable renewable energy tax credits, grants and accelerated depreciation for a portion of the development costs, decreasing the costs and risks associated with developing such projects or creating demand for renewable energy assets through RPS programs. The elimination of, loss of or reduction in such incentives, including qualifications for renewable energy tax credits and transferability of renewable energy tax credits, or the imposition of additional taxes, tariffs, duties or other costs or assessments on clean energy or the equipment necessary to generate, store or deliver it, such as policies in place that limit certain imports from China and other Southeast Asian countries, could result in, among other items, the lack of a satisfactory market for the development and/or financing of new clean energy projects, XPLR abandoning the development of clean energy projects, a loss of investments in the projects and reduced project returns and decrease the attractiveness of clean energy projects to developers. An elimination, loss or reduction of such incentives could also reduce XPLR's willingness to pursue or develop certain clean energy projects due to higher operating costs or decreased revenues under its PPAs.
If these laws, regulations and policies are not continued or renewed, the market for future renewable energy PPAs may be smaller and the prices for future clean energy PPAs may be lower. If laws, regulations or policies limit the availability or transferability of the PTC or the ITC, repowering and new clean energy projects may no longer be economically feasible and could generate reduced revenues and reduced economic returns, experience increased financing costs and encounter difficulty obtaining financing on acceptable terms.
Additionally, some states with RPS targets have met, or in the near future will meet, their renewable energy targets. If, as a result of achieving these targets, these and other U.S. states do not increase their targets in the near future, demand for additional renewable energy could decrease. To the extent other states decrease their RPS targets, programs or goals, demand for renewable energy could decrease in the future. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Regulation - Risk 6
Changed
As a result of restrictions on XPLR's subsidiaries' cash distributions to XPLR and XPLR OpCo under the terms of their indebtedness or other financing agreements, cash distributions received by XPLR and XPLR OpCo from their subsidiaries could be reduced or not received at all.
XPLR's ability to satisfy its obligations is dependent, in part, on cash distributions from XPLR OpCo. In any period, XPLR OpCo's payment of cash distributions to its unitholders will depend on, among other things, the performance of XPLR's subsidiaries and present and anticipated future cash needs of the business. The ability of XPLR's subsidiaries to make distributions to XPLR and XPLR OpCo may be restricted or limited by, among other things, the provisions of existing and future indebtedness or other financing agreements.
The agreements governing XPLR's subsidiaries' project-level debt contain financial tests and covenants that XPLR's subsidiaries must satisfy prior to making distributions and restrict the subsidiaries from making more than one distribution per quarter or per six-month period. If any of XPLR's subsidiaries is unable to satisfy these tests and covenants or is otherwise in default under such agreements, it would be prohibited from making distributions that could,in turn, affect the amount of cash distributed to XPLR OpCo and by XPLR OpCo to its unitholders. Additionally, certain such agreements require XPLR's projects to establish a number of reserves out of their revenues, including, but not limited to, reserves to service debt and reserves for O&M expenses. These cash reserves will affect the amount of cash distributed by XPLR OpCo, which will affect the amount of cash distributions to XPLR. Also, upon the occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to, XPLR's subsidiaries' inability to satisfy distribution conditions for an extended period of time, XPLR's subsidiaries' revenues may be swept into one or more accounts for the benefit of the lenders under the subsidiaries' debt agreements and the subsidiaries may be required to prepay indebtedness.
Under certain other financing agreements, noncontrolling Class B investors own membership interests in certain XPLR subsidiaries and receive a portion of the related XPLR subsidiaries' cash distributions specified in the applicable limited liability company agreements. XPLR has the option (buyout right), subject to certain limitations, to purchase 100% of the noncontrolling Class B membership interests during specified periods. If XPLR does not exercise the buyout rights during the specified periods because of a lack of access to capital on commercially reasonable terms or otherwise, or if XPLR only partially exercises the buyout rights during the specified periods, the portion of the XPLR subsidiaries' cash distribution allocated to the noncontrolling Class B investors would significantly increase. Any increase in the portion of XPLR subsidiaries' cash distributions allocated to the noncontrolling Class B investors would reduce the amount of cash distributions allocated to XPLR OpCo and XPLR. Further, XPLR and XPLR OpCo may continue to reserve cash that otherwise would be available for distribution to unitholders for any such buyout or other business purposes in its discretion.
Provisions preventing or reducing XPLR's subsidiaries' cash distributions and other factors could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities3 | 5.0%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR is subject to risks associated with litigation or administrative proceedings, as well as negative publicity.
XPLR is subject to risks and costs associated with litigation and administrative proceedings, including without limitation, those that may contest the operation, development, construction or repowering of its projects. The existence of litigation as well as impacts of defending, or failing to prevail in, any such proceeding in which XPLR is involved or other future legal or administrative proceedings, regardless of the merits, may be material to XPLR and harm its reputation.
XPLR is subject to, and may also become subject to additional, claims based on alleged negative health effects related to acoustics, shadow flicker or other claims associated with wind turbines from individuals who live near XPLR's projects. Any such legal proceedings or disputes could materially increase the costs associated with XPLR's operations. In addition, XPLR may become subject to legal proceedings or claims contesting the operation, development, construction or repowering of XPLR's projects. Any such legal proceedings or disputes could materially delay XPLR's ability to complete construction or repowering of a project in a timely manner, or at all, or materially increase the costs associated with commencing or continuing a project's commercial operations. Any settlement of claims or unfavorable outcomes or developments relating to these proceedings or disputes, such as judgments for monetary damages, penalties, injunctions or denial or revocation of permits, could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
From time to time, political and public sentiment may result in a significant amount of adverse press coverage and other adverse public statements affecting XPLR. 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 the negative publicity and any resulting investigations and lawsuits, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the proceeding, can divert the time and effort of senior management from XPLR'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 impact on the reputation of XPLR. It may also have a negative impact on its 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 XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
Changed
NEER's right of first refusal may adversely affect XPLR's ability to consummate future sales or to obtain favorable sale terms.
XPLR and XPLR OpCo have entered into a ROFR agreement with NEER granting NEER and its subsidiaries (other than XPLR OpCo and its subsidiaries) a right of first refusal on any proposed sale of any of the XPLR OpCo ROFR assets. The obligations of XPLR OpCo under the ROFR agreement may discourage a third party from pursuing a transaction with XPLR OpCo. Even if such third party is able to acquire the applicable asset, XPLR OpCo's compliance with its obligations under the ROFR agreement could result in delays and transaction costs, as well as a reduced sales price. In addition, since the number of third parties willing to make an offer for a XPLR OpCo ROFR asset may be limited due to the ROFR agreement, XPLR OpCo may consummate the sale of any XPLR OpCo ROFR asset on less favorable terms, or may not be able to sell such asset, which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
Changed
XPLR's arrangements with NEE limit NEE's potential liability, and XPLR has agreed to indemnify NEE against claims that it may face in connection with such arrangements, which may lead NEE to assume greater risks when making decisions relating to XPLR than it otherwise would if acting solely for its own account.
Under the MSA, NEE Management and its affiliates do not assume any responsibility other than to provide or arrange for the provision of the services described in the MSA in good faith. Additionally, under the MSA, the liability of NEE Management and its affiliates is limited to the fullest extent permitted by law to conduct involving bad faith, fraud, willful misconduct or recklessness or, in the case of a criminal matter, to action that was known to have been unlawful. XPLR has agreed, and will cause certain affiliates to, indemnify NEE Management and its affiliates and any of their directors, officers, agents, members, partners, stockholders and employees and other representatives of NEE Management and its affiliates to the fullest extent permitted by law from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses incurred by an indemnified person or threatened in connection with XPLR's, XPLR OpCo GP's, XPLR OpCo's and certain affiliates' operations, investments and activities or in respect of or arising from the MSA or the services provided thereunder by NEE Management and its affiliates, except to the extent that the claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses are determined to have resulted from the conduct in respect of which such persons have liability as described above. Additionally, the maximum amount of the aggregate liability of NEE Management or any of its affiliates in providing services under the MSA or otherwise (including, but not limited to, NEER under the management sub-contract), or of any director, officer, employee, contractor, agent, advisor or other representative of NEE Management or any of its affiliates, will be equal to the base management fee previously paid by XPLR in the most recent calendar year under the MSA. These protections may result in NEE Management and its affiliates tolerating greater risks when making decisions than otherwise would be the case, including, but not limited to, when determining whether to use leverage in connection with development opportunities, including repowering renewable projects, and acquisitions. The indemnification arrangements to which NEE Management and its affiliates are a party may also give rise to legal claims for indemnification, which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Taxation & Government Incentives2 | 3.3%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR's future tax liability may be greater than expected if XPLR does not generate net operating losses (NOLs) sufficient to offset taxable income, if the tax law changes, or if tax authorities challenge certain of XPLR's tax positions.
Even though XPLR is organized as a limited partnership under state law, XPLR is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and thus is subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on XPLR's net taxable income. XPLR expects to generate NOLs and NOL carryforwards that it can use to offset future taxable income. Further, the IRS or other tax authorities could challenge one or more tax positions XPLR or XPLR OpCo takes, such as the classification of assets under the income tax depreciation rules, the characterization of expenses (including, but not limited to, fees paid to NEE) for income tax purposes, the extent to which sales, use or goods and services tax applies to operations in a particular state or the availability of property tax exemptions with respect to XPLR's projects. Further, any change in tax law may affect XPLR's tax position, including, but not limited to, changes in corporate income tax laws, regulations, policies, guidance, renewable energy tax credits and transferability of renewable energy tax credits, the issuance of guidance related to the qualification for renewable energy tax credits and bonus credits, applicable to XPLR. While XPLR expects that its NOLs and NOL carryforwards will be available to XPLR as a future benefit, in the event that they are not generated as expected, are successfully challenged by the IRS (in a tax audit or otherwise) or are subject to future limitations as described below, XPLR's ability to realize these benefits may be limited and could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR's U.S. federal, state or local tax positions may be challenged by the relevant tax authority. The process and costs, including, but not limited to, potential penalties for nonpayment of disputed amounts, of appealing such challenges, administratively or judicially, regardless of the merits, could be material. A reduction in XPLR's expected NOLs, a limitation on XPLR's ability to use such losses, or other tax attributes, such as tax credits, and future tax audits or a challenge by tax authorities to XPLR's tax positions may result in a material increase in XPLR's estimated future income taxes or other tax liabilities, which would negatively impact the amount of cash available to XPLR and its financial condition.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR will not have complete control over XPLR's tax decisions.
XPLR and/or XPLR OpCo may be included in the combined or unitary tax returns of NEE or one or more of its subsidiaries for U.S. state or local income tax purposes. XPLR is a party to a tax sharing arrangement which determines the share of taxes that XPLR will pay to, or receive from, NEE. In addition, by virtue of XPLR's inclusion in NEE's combined or unitary income tax returns, NEE will effectively control all of XPLR's state and local tax decisions in connection with any combined or unitary income tax returns in which XPLR is included. NEE will have sole authority to respond to and conduct all tax proceedings (including, but not limited to, tax audits) related to XPLR, to file all state and local income tax returns on XPLR's behalf, and to determine the amount of XPLR's liability to, or entitlement to payment from, NEE in connection with any combined or unitary income tax returns in which XPLR is included. This may result in conflicts of interest between NEE and XPLR and could have a material adverse impact on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Environmental / Social1 | 1.7%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR's business is subject to liabilities and operating restrictions arising from environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and other standards, compliance with which may require significant capital expenditures, increase XPLR's cost of operations and affect or limit its business plans.
XPLR's projects and pipeline investment are subject to numerous domestic environmental, health and safety laws, regulations, guidelines, policies, directives and other requirements governing or relating to the protection of avian, bats and other wildlife mortality and habitat protection; the storage, handling, use and transportation of natural gas as well as other hazardous or toxic substances and other regulated substances, materials, and/or chemicals; air quality, water quality and usage, soil quality, releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the prevention of and responses to releases of hazardous materials into soil and groundwater; climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; waste management; U.S. federal, state or local land use, zoning, building and transportation laws and requirements; the presence or discovery of archaeological, religious or cultural resources at or near XPLR's projects or pipeline investment; and the protection of workers' health and safety, among other things. If XPLR's projects or pipeline investment do not comply with such laws, regulations, environmental licenses, permits, inspections or other requirements, XPLR may be required to incur significant expenditures, pay penalties or fines, or curtail or cease operations of the affected projects or the pipeline investment, prevent or delay the development of power generation, storage and transmission or other development projects, limit the availability and use of some fuels required for the production of electricity and may also be subject to criminal sanctions or injunctions, such as restrictions on how it operates its facilities. XPLR's projects and pipeline investment also carry inherent environmental, health and safety risks, including, without limitation, the potential for related civil litigation, regulatory compliance actions, remediation orders, fines and other penalties. Proceedings related to any such litigation or actions could result in significant expenditures as well as the restriction or elimination of the ability to operate any affected project. For example, if XPLR fails to obtain eagle "take" permits under the BGEPA or incidental take permits under the ESA for certain of its wind facilities and eagles or listed species, like cave bats, perish in collisions with facility turbines, XPLR or its subsidiaries could face criminal prosecution under these laws.
Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and other standards have generally become more stringent over time and this trend could continue. Significant capital and operating costs may be incurred at any time to keep XPLR's projects or pipeline investment in compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and other standards, including in response to any addition of species, such as additional bat species, to the endangered species list. If it is not economical to make those expenditures, or if XPLR's projects or pipeline investment violate any of these current or future laws and regulations, it may be necessary to retire the affected project or pipeline or restrict or modify its operations, including restrictions on how XPLR develops, sites and operates projects, which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Production
Total Risks: 9/60 (15%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing6 | 10.0%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
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XPLR's business and results of operations are affected by the performance of its renewable energy projects which could be impacted by wind and solar conditions and in certain circumstances by market prices for power.
The output from XPLR's wind projects can vary greatly as local wind speeds and other conditions vary. Similarly, the amount of energy that a solar project is able to produce depends on several factors, including the amount of solar energy that reaches its solar panels. Wind turbine or solar panel placement, interference from nearby wind projects or other structures and the effects of vegetation, snow, ice, land use and terrain also affect the amount of energy that XPLR's wind and solar projects generate. In certain circumstances, XPLR is exposed to the inherent power market price risk created by the differences in pricing between commodity selling and purchasing locations known as basis risk. The failure of some or all of XPLR's projects to perform according to XPLR's expectations as well as basis risk could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Manufacturing - Risk 2
Changed
Operation and maintenance of renewable energy projects, battery storage projects and other facilities and XPLR's pipeline investment involve significant risks that could result in unplanned power outages, reduced output or capacity, property damage, environmental pollution, personal injury or loss of life.
There are risks associated with the operation and maintenance of XPLR's renewable energy projects, battery storage projects and other facilities and XPLR's pipeline investment, including:
- risks associated with facility start-up operations, such as whether the facility will achieve projected operating performance on schedule and otherwise as planned;- breakdown or failure, including, but not limited to, leaks, fires, explosions, mechanical problems or other major events, of, or damage to, turbines, blades, blade attachments, solar panels, mirrors, pipelines, batteries and other equipment, which could reduce a project's energy output or a pipeline's ability to transport natural gas at expected levels or result in unplanned power outages, significant property damage, environmental pollution, personal injury or loss of life;- catastrophic events, such as wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, severe weather, tornadoes, ice and hailstorms, extreme temperatures, icing events, floods, severe convective storms and droughts, other meteorological conditions, landslides and other similar events beyond XPLR's control, which could severely damage or destroy all or a part of a project, pipeline or interconnection and transmission facilities, reduce its energy output or capacity, or result in unplanned power outages, property damage, environmental pollution, personal injury or loss of life;- technical performance below expected levels, including, but not limited to, the failure of wind turbines, solar panels, mirrors, batteries and other equipment to produce energy as expected due to incorrect measures of expected performance provided by equipment suppliers;- interference from nearby wind projects or other structures;- increases in the cost of operating the projects;- operator, contractor or supplier error or failure to perform or to fulfill any warranty obligations;- serial design, manufacturing or other defects, which may not be covered by warranties or performance guarantees;- inability to anticipate or adapt to changes in the reliability of XPLR's or NEE's equipment, operating systems or facilities;- extended events, including, but not limited to, force majeure under certain PPAs that may give rise to a termination right of the customer under such a PPA (renewable energy counterparty);- failure to comply with permits and the inability to renew or replace permits that have expired or terminated;- the inability to operate within limitations that may be imposed by current or future governmental permits;- replacements for failed equipment, which may need to meet new interconnection standards or require system impact studies and compliance that may be difficult or expensive to achieve;- land use, environmental or other regulatory requirements;- risks associated with potential harm to wildlife;- disputes with the BLM, other owners of land on which XPLR's projects are located or nearby landowners;- changes in laws, regulations, policies and treaties;- government or utility exercise of eminent domain power or similar events;- existence of liens, encumbrances and other imperfections in title affecting real estate interests; and - insufficient insurance, warranties or performance guarantees to cover any or all lost revenues or increased expenses from the foregoing.
These and other factors could require the shutdown of XPLR's renewable energy projects, battery storage projects or other facilities or its pipeline investment. For renewable energy projects, battery storage projects, other facilities or pipelines located near populated areas, including, but not limited to, residential areas, commercial business centers, industrial sites and other public gathering areas, or areas more prone to wildfires, the level of damage resulting from certain of these risks could be greater.
These factors could also reduce the useful lives of and degrade equipment, interconnection facilities and transmission facilities, and materially increase maintenance and other costs. Unanticipated costs associated with maintaining or repairing XPLR's projects and pipeline investment may reduce profitability. In addition, replacement and spare parts for solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and other key equipment may be difficult or costly to acquire or may be unavailable.
Such events or actions could significantly decrease or eliminate the revenues of a project or pipeline, significantly increase its operating costs, cause a default under XPLR's financing agreements or give rise to damages or penalties payable to a PPA or transportation agreement counterparty, another contractual counterparty, a governmental authority or other third parties or cause defaults under related contracts or permits. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Manufacturing - Risk 3
Changed
If the energy production by or availability of XPLR's clean energy projects is less than expected, they may not be able to satisfy minimum production or availability obligations under their PPAs.
XPLR's clean energy projects' energy production or availability could be less than expected due to various factors, including, but not limited to, wind or solar conditions, natural disasters, equipment underperformance, operational issues, changes in law or regulations or actions taken by third parties. The PPAs contain provisions that require XPLR to produce a minimum amount of energy or be available a minimum percentage of time over periods specified in the PPAs. A failure to produce sufficient energy or to be sufficiently available to meet XPLR's commitments under its PPAs could result in the payment of damages or the termination of PPAs and could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Manufacturing - Risk 4
Changed
XPLR depends on certain of the renewable energy projects and the investment in pipeline assets in its portfolio for a substantial portion of its anticipated cash flows.
XPLR depends on certain of the renewable energy projects and the investment in pipeline assets in its portfolio for a substantial portion of its anticipated cash flows. Consequently, the impairment or loss of any one or more of those projects or the pipeline investment could materially and, depending on the relative size of the affected projects or the pipeline investment, disproportionately reduce XPLR's cash flows and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to execute its business plan.
Manufacturing - Risk 5
Changed
XPLR relies on interconnection and transmission and other pipeline facilities of third parties to deliver energy from certain of its projects and to transport natural gas to and from its pipeline investment. If these facilities become unavailable, XPLR's projects and pipeline investment may not be able to operate or deliver energy or may become partially or fully unavailable to transport natural gas.
XPLR depends on interconnection and transmission facilities owned and operated by third parties to deliver energy from certain of its projects. In addition, some of the projects in XPLR's portfolio share essential facilities, including interconnection and transmission facilities, with projects that are owned by other affiliates of NEE. If the interconnection or transmission arrangement for a project is terminated, XPLR may not be able to replace it on similar terms to the existing arrangement, or at all, or XPLR may experience significant delays or costs in connection with such replacement. XPLR also depends upon third-party pipelines and other facilities that transport natural gas to and from its pipeline investment. Because XPLR does not own these third-party pipelines or facilities, their continuing operations are not within its control. The unavailability of interconnection, transmission, pipeline or shared facilities due to reasons such as geopolitical factors, cyber incidents, physical attacks, severe weather or a generation, storage or transmission facility outage, pipeline rupture, or sudden and significant increase or decrease in wind or solar generation could adversely affect the operation of XPLR's projects and pipeline investment and the revenues received, which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Manufacturing - Risk 6
Changed
XPLR is subject to risks associated with its ownership interests in projects that undergo development or construction, including for repowering, and other capital improvements to its clean energy or other projects, which could result in its inability to complete development and construction at those projects on time or at all, and make those projects too expensive to complete or cause the return on an investment to be less than expected.
XPLR's ownership interests in clean energy or other projects that undergo development or construction, including for repowering, and other capital improvements are subject to risks. There may be delays or unexpected developments in completing any future construction projects, including through actions or inaction taken by federal agencies and departments as a result of executive orders such as the assessment and review required before issuing new or renewed approvals, rights-of-way, permits, leases or loans related to the development of energy projects. Such factors could cause the construction costs of these projects to exceed XPLR's expectations, result in substantial delays or prevent the project from commencing commercial operations. Further, XPLR could become obligated to make delay or termination payments or become obligated for other damages under contracts, could experience the loss, or reduction, of tax credits, bonus credits or tax incentives, the inability to transfer tax credits, or delayed or diminished returns, and could be required to write off all or a portion of its investment in the project. Various factors could contribute to these risks, including:
- delays in obtaining, or the inability to obtain, necessary permits, rights-of-way, easements, licenses and other approvals on schedule and within budget;- delays and increased costs related to the interconnection of new projects to the transmission system;- the inability to acquire or maintain land use and access rights;- the failure to receive contracted third-party services;- interruptions to dispatch at the projects;- supply chain disruptions, including as a result of changes in international trade laws, regulations, agreements, treaties, taxes, tariffs, duties or policies of the U.S. or other countries in which XPLR's suppliers are located;- geopolitical factors;- work stoppages;- disputes involving contractors, land owners, governmental entities, environmental groups, Native American and aboriginal groups, lessors, joint venture partners, suppliers and other third parties;- weather interferences;- unforeseen engineering, environmental and geological problems, including, but not limited to, discoveries of contamination, protected plant or animal species or habitat, archaeological or cultural resources or other environment-related factors;- changes to laws, regulations or policies that promote and support clean energy and enhance the economic viability of owning clean energy projects;- negative publicity;- unanticipated cost overruns in excess of budgeted contingencies, including for escalating costs for materials and labor and regulatory compliance; and - failure of contracting parties, including suppliers, to perform under contracts.
In addition, it is common for XPLR, one of its subsidiaries or an affiliated party under the MSA to have an agreement with a third party to complete construction of its projects, in which case XPLR is subject to the viability and performance of the third party. XPLR's inability to find a replacement contracting party, if the original contracting party has failed to perform, could result in the abandonment of the construction of a project, while XPLR could remain obligated under other agreements associated with the project, including, but not limited to, offtake power sales agreements.
Any of these risks could cause XPLR's cash flows from, and financial returns on, these investments to be lower than expected or otherwise delay or prevent the completion of such projects or distribution of cash to XPLR, or could cause XPLR to operate below expected capacity or availability levels, which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Costs3 | 5.0%
Costs - Risk 1
Changed
The ability of XPLR 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 at XPLR or NEE, as well as the financial condition of insurers. XPLR's insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses.
XPLR shares insurance coverage with NEE and its affiliates, for which XPLR reimburses NEE. NEE currently maintains liability insurance coverage for itself and its affiliates, including XPLR, which covers legal and contractual liabilities arising out of bodily injury, personal injury or property damage to third parties. NEE also maintains coverage for itself and its affiliates, including XPLR, for physical damage to assets and resulting business interruption,including, but not limited to, damage caused by terrorist acts. However, such policies do not cover all potential losses and coverage is not always available in the insurance market on commercially reasonable terms. To the extent NEE or any of its affiliates experience covered losses under the insurance policies, the limit of XPLR's coverage for potential losses may be decreased. NEE may also reduce or eliminate such coverage at any time. XPLR may not be able to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount XPLR desires at reasonable rates and XPLR may elect to self-insure some of its wind and solar projects. The ability of NEE 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 at XPLR or NEE, as well as the financial condition of insurers. If XPLR cannot or does not obtain insurance coverage, XPLR may be required to pay costs associated with adverse future events. A loss for which XPLR is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Costs - Risk 2
Changed
Developing and investing in power and related infrastructure, including repowering of XPLR's existing renewable energy projects, requires up-front capital and other expenditures and could expose XPLR to project development risks, as well as financing expense.
XPLR expects to pursue repowering of its existing renewable energy projects and may pursue other development opportunities. Repowering and development of assets involve regulatory, environmental, construction, safety, political and legal uncertainties and may require the expenditure of significant amounts of capital. These projects may not be completed on schedule, at the budgeted cost or at all. There may be cost overruns and construction difficulties. In addition, XPLR may be required to pay liquidated damages to counterparties if a project does not achieve commercial operations before a specified date that the parties have agreed or may agree upon in advance. Any cost overruns XPLR experiences or liquidated damages XPLR pays could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan. In addition, XPLR may choose to finance all or a portion of the development costs of any repowering or development project through the sale of additional common units or securities convertible into, or settleable with, common units, which could result in dilution to XPLR's unitholders, or through other financings which could result in additional expense. Any such financings could involve the issuance of securities or indebtedness that could be senior to the common units upon liquidation. The development and construction related to repowering projects and other development projects may occur over an extended period of time and XPLR may not receive increases in revenues until the projects are placed in service, or at all. Accordingly, XPLR's repowering and other development efforts may not result in additional long-term contracted revenue streams that increase, and could decrease, the amount of cash available to execute XPLR's business plan.
Costs - Risk 3
Changed
Reimbursements and fees owed to XPLR GP and its affiliates for services provided to XPLR or on XPLR's behalf will reduce cash distributions from XPLR OpCo and there are no limits on the amount that XPLR OpCo may be required to pay.
Under XPLR OpCo's partnership agreement, prior to making any distributions on its units, XPLR OpCo will reimburse XPLR GP and its affiliates, including, but not limited to, NEE, for out-of-pocket expenses they incur and payments they make on XPLR's behalf and for certain payments made under credit support arrangements provided by NEER on behalf of XPLR's subsidiaries. XPLR OpCo will also pay certain fees and reimbursements under the MSA and the CSCS agreement prior to making any distributions on its units. The reimbursement of expenses and certain payments made under credit support arrangements and payment of fees, if any, to XPLR GP and its affiliates will reduce the amount of available cash XPLR OpCo has to pay cash distributions to XPLR. Under XPLR OpCo's partnership agreement, there is no limit on the fees and expense reimbursements XPLR OpCo may be required to pay.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 7/60 (12%)Above Sector Average
Competition3 | 5.0%
Competition - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR GP and its affiliates and the directors and officers of XPLR are not restricted in their ability to compete with XPLR, whose business is subject to certain restrictions.
XPLR's partnership agreement provides that its general partner is restricted from engaging in any business activities other than acting as XPLR GP and those activities incidental to its ownership of interests in XPLR. Affiliates of XPLR GP, including, but not limited to, NEE and its other subsidiaries, are not prohibited from owning projects or engaging in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with XPLR. NEE currently holds interests in, and may make investments in and purchases of, entities that develop, acquire, own and operate clean energy projects. NEER is under no obligation to make any development or acquisition opportunities available to XPLR. In addition, pursuant to XPLR's partnership agreement, its subsidiaries generally will not have any power or authority to solicit, review, respond to or otherwise participate in certain activities or lines of business, including the development of wind or solar projects (excluding off-shore wind projects), any natural gas pipeline or utility-scale battery storage projects without the consent of XPLR GP.
Under the terms of XPLR's partnership agreement, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, does not apply to XPLR GP and its affiliates, including, but not limited to, NEE or to XPLR's directors or officers. Any such person or entity that becomes aware of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for XPLR will not have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to XPLR. Any such person or entity will not be liable to XPLR or to any limited partner for breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty by reason of the fact that such person or entity pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another person or entity or does not communicate such opportunity or information to XPLR. This may create actual and potential conflicts of interest between XPLR and affiliates of XPLR GP and result in less than favorable treatment of XPLR and holders of its common units. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Competition - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR faces substantial competition primarily from regulated utility holding companies, developers, IPPs, pension funds and private equity funds for opportunities in the U.S.
XPLR believes its primary competitors for opportunities in the U.S. are regulated utility holding companies, developers, IPPs, pension funds and private equity funds. XPLR competes with these companies to acquire projects. Furthermore, the industry has experienced and may experience volatile demand for wind turbines, solar panels, pipeline equipment and related components. If demand for this equipment increases, suppliers may give priority to other market participants, including, but not limited to, XPLR's competitors, who may have greater resources than XPLR. An inability to effectively compete with regulated utility holding companies, developers, IPPs, pension funds and private equity funds for opportunities in the U.S. could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations and its ability to execute its business plan.
Competition - Risk 3
Changed
The natural gas pipeline industry is highly competitive, and increased competitive pressure could adversely affect XPLR's pipeline investment.
XPLR's pipeline investment competes with other energy midstream enterprises, some of which are much larger and have significantly greater financial resources and operating experience in its areas of operation. The pipeline investment's competitors may expand or construct infrastructure that competes with the services it provides to customers. The ability to renew or replace existing contracts with the pipeline investment's customers at rates sufficient to maintain current revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected by the activities of its competitors and customers. All of these competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Demand2 | 3.3%
Demand - Risk 1
Changed
Reductions in demand for natural gas in the U.S. and low market prices of natural gas could materially adversely affect XPLR's pipeline investment's operations and cash flows.
The price of natural gas fluctuates in response to changes in supply and demand, market uncertainty and additional factors that are beyond XPLR's control. These factors include worldwide economic conditions; weather conditions and seasonal trends; the levels of domestic natural gas production and consumer demand; fluctuations in demand from electric power generators and industrial customers; the availability of imported liquid natural gas (LNG); the ability to export LNG; the availability of transportation systems with adequate capacity; the volatility and uncertainty of regional pricing differences; the price and availability of alternative fuels; the effect of energy efficiency and conservation measures; the nature and extent of governmental regulation and taxation; worldwide political events, including, but not limited to, actions taken by foreign natural gas producing nations and changes in international trade laws, regulations, agreements, treaties or policies of the U.S. or other countries; and the anticipated future prices of natural gas, LNG and other commodities. These events are beyond XPLR's control. Lower overall economic output could reduce the volume of natural gas transported or gathered. Transmission revenues could be affected by long-term economic declines which could result in the non-renewal of long-term contracts. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Demand - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR relies on a limited number of customers and vendors and is exposed to credit and performance risk in that they may be unwilling or unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to XPLR or that they otherwise terminate their agreements with XPLR.
In most instances, XPLR sells the energy generated by each of its clean energy projects to a single PPA counterparty under a long-term PPA. Further, through XPLR's pipeline investment, natural gas is transported under long-term natural gas transportation agreements with a limited number of counterparties. XPLR's equity method investees also have contracts with a limited number of counterparties.
XPLR expects that its existing and future contracts will be the principal source of cash flows available to execute its business plan. Thus, the actions of even one customer may cause variability of XPLR's revenue, financial results and cash flows that are difficult to predict. Similarly, significant portions of XPLR's credit risk may be concentrated among a limited number of customers and the failure of even one of these key customers to fulfill its contractual obligations to XPLR could significantly impact XPLR's business and financial results.
XPLR utilizes a limited number of vendors for the supply of equipment, materials and other goods and services required for its business operations and for the construction and operation of, and for capital improvements to, its facilities.
Any or all of XPLR's customers and vendors may fail to fulfill their obligations under their contracts with XPLR, whether as a result of the occurrence of any of the factors listed below or otherwise.
- Specified events beyond XPLR's control or the control of a customer may temporarily or permanently excuse the customer from its obligation to accept and pay for delivery of energy generated by a project. Specified events beyond XPLR's control or the control of a vendor may temporarily or permanently excuse the vendor from its obligation to supply equipment, materials, fuel and other goods and services to XPLR. These events could include, among other things, a system emergency, transmission failure or curtailment, adverse weather conditions or labor disputes.
- Adverse conditions in the energy industry or the general economy such as inflation, as well as circumstances of individual customers and vendors, may adversely affect the ability of some customers and vendors to perform as required under their contracts with XPLR.
- Certain of XPLR's customers have been impacted by wildfires and have been, or could be, subject to significant liability which have had, or could be expected to have, a significant impact on their financial condition.
- The ability of XPLR's customers and vendors to fulfill their contractual obligations to XPLR depends on their financial condition. XPLR is exposed to the credit risk of its customers over an extended period of time due to the long-term nature of XPLR's contracts with them. These customers could become subject to insolvency or liquidation proceedings or otherwise suffer a deterioration of their financial condition when they have not yet paid for services delivered, any of which could result in underpayment or nonpayment under such agreements.
- A default or failure by XPLR to satisfy minimum energy requirements or mechanical availability levels under XPLR's agreements could result in damage payments to the applicable customer or termination of the applicable agreement.
If XPLR's customers are unwilling or unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to XPLR, or if they otherwise terminate such contracts, XPLR may not be able to recover contractual payments due to XPLR. Since the number of customers that purchase wholesale bulk energy or require the transportation of natural gas is limited, XPLR or its pipeline investment may be unable to find a new customer on similar or otherwise acceptable terms or at all. In some cases, there currently is no economical alternative counterparty to the original customer. The loss of, or a reduction in sales to, any of XPLR's customers could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
If any vendor or other counterparty fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, XPLR may need to make arrangements with other counterparties or vendors, which could result in material financial losses, higher costs, untimely completion of power generation or storage facilities and other projects, and/or a disruption of its operations. If a defaulting counterparty is in poor financial condition, XPLR may not be able to recover damages for any contract breach which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Sales & Marketing2 | 3.3%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR may not be able to extend, renew or replace expiring or terminated PPAs, lease agreement or other customer contracts at favorable rates or on a long-term basis and XPLR may not have the ability to amend existing PPAs for renewable energy repowering projects.
XPLR's ability to extend, renew or replace its existing PPAs, lease agreement or other customer contracts as well as XPLR's ability to amend existing PPAs for renewable energy repowering projects, depends on a number of factors beyond its control, including, but not limited to:
- whether the PPA counterparty has a continued need for energy at the time of the agreement's expiration or amendment, which could be affected by, among other things, the presence or absence of governmental incentives or mandates, prevailing market prices, and the availability of other energy sources;- the amount of commercial natural gas supply available to its pipeline investment's systems and changing natural gas supply flow patterns in North America;- the satisfactory performance of XPLR's and its pipeline investment's obligations under such PPAs, lease agreement or other customer contracts;- the regulatory environment applicable to XPLR's contractual counterparties at the time;- macroeconomic factors present at the time, such as population, business trends, international trade laws, regulations, agreements, treaties or policies of the U.S. or other countries and related energy demand; and - the effects of regulation on the contracting practices of XPLR's contractual counterparties.
If XPLR is not able to extend, renew or replace on acceptable terms existing PPAs before contract expiration, or if such agreements are otherwise terminated prior to their expiration, XPLR may be required to sell the energy on an uncontracted basis at prevailing market prices, which could be materially lower than under the applicable contract. If there is no satisfactory market for a project's uncontracted energy, XPLR may decommission the project before the end of its useful life. Any failure to extend, renew or replace a significant portion of XPLR's existing PPAs, lease agreement or other customer contracts, or extending, renewing or replacing them at lower prices or with other unfavorable terms, or the decommissioning of a project or the inability to amend existing PPAs for renewable energy repowering projects could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
Changed
Under the CSCS agreement, XPLR receives credit support from NEE and its affiliates. XPLR's subsidiaries may default under contracts or become subject to cash sweeps if credit support is terminated, if NEE or its affiliates fail to honor their obligations under credit support arrangements, or if NEE or another credit support provider ceases to satisfy creditworthiness requirements, and XPLR will be required in certain circumstances to reimburse NEE for draws that are made on credit support.
Under the CSCS agreement, guarantees and letters of credit have been provided by NEECH, NEER and other NEE affiliates to counterparties on behalf of XPLR's subsidiaries to satisfy XPLR's subsidiaries' contractual obligations to provide credit support, including, but not limited to, under PPAs. These NEE affiliates also have provided credit support to lenders to fund reserve accounts. XPLR expects NEECH, NEER and other NEE affiliates, upon XPLR's request and at NEER's option, to provide credit support on behalf of any projects XPLR may develop, including repowering renewable energy projects, or acquire in the future on similar terms but they are under no obligation to do so. Any failure of XPLR's subsidiaries to maintain acceptable credit support or credit support providers to honor their obligations under their respective credit support arrangements could cause, among other things, events of default to arise under XPLR's subsidiaries' PPAs and financing agreements. Such events of default could entitle customers to terminate their contracts with XPLR's subsidiaries or could entitle lenders to accelerate indebtedness owed to them, which could result in the insolvency of XPLR's subsidiaries. In addition, if beneficiaries draw on credit support provided by NEECH, NEER and these other NEE affiliates, then XPLR OpCo may be required to reimburse them for the amounts drawn, which could reduce XPLR OpCo's cash distributions. These events could decrease XPLR's revenues, restrict distributions from its subsidiaries, or result in a sale of or foreclosure on its assets. Further, NEE affiliates may not provide credit support in respect of new projects on the same terms on which they currently provide credit support for XPLR's existing projects, which may require XPLR to obtain credit support from third parties on less favorable terms and may prevent XPLR from developing, including repowering renewable projects, or acquiring additional projects. All of the foregoing events, including, but not limited to, a failure of XPLR OpCo to have sufficient funds to satisfy its reimbursement obligations, could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 4/60 (7%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D3 | 5.0%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR's ability to develop and/or acquire assets involves risks.
XPLR's ability to develop and/or acquire energy and other projects, including partial ownership interests, that are either operational or under construction, involves risks and requires XPLR to identify attractive development opportunities and acquisitions that can provide positive cash flows. Such development opportunities or acquisitions may not be available to XPLR on acceptable terms or at all. XPLR must obtain the consent of XPLR GP, which consent is not guaranteed, to develop new wind or solar energy projects (excluding off-shore wind projects), any natural gas pipeline or utility-scale battery storage projects. Various factors could affect the availability of such development opportunities or acquisitions, including, but not limited to, the following factors and those described in more detail in the additional risk factors below:
- competing bids for a project from companies that may have substantially greater purchasing power, capital or other resources or a greater willingness to accept lower returns or more risk than XPLR does;- a failure to agree to commercially reasonable financial or legal terms with sellers with respect to any proposed projects;- fewer development and acquisition opportunities than XPLR expects, which could result from, among other things, available projects having less desirable economic returns or higher risk profiles than XPLR believes suitable;- XPLR's inability to generate or otherwise obtain financing for projects on economically acceptable terms;- XPLR's failure to successfully complete construction of and finance projects, to the extent that it decides to acquire projects that are not yet operational or to otherwise pursue development or construction activities with respect to new projects;- XPLR's inability to obtain regulatory approvals or other necessary consents to consummate an acquisition; and - the presence or potential presence of:
?pollution, contamination or other wastes at the project site;?protected plant or animal species;?archaeological or cultural resources;?wind waking or solar shadowing effects caused by neighboring activities, which reduce potential energy production by decreasing wind speeds or reducing available insolation;?land use restrictions and other environment-related siting factors; and ?opposition to wind, solar and storage projects in certain markets due to concerns about noise, health, environmental, safety or other alleged impacts of such projects.
Any of these factors could limit XPLR's development and acquisition opportunities and prevent it from executing, or diminish its ability to execute, its development and acquisition plans. Additionally, as NEER's ownership interest in XPLR is reduced, NEER may be less willing to sell projects to XPLR. An inability by XPLR to identify, or a failure by NEER to make available, suitable development and acquisition opportunities could materially adversely impact XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR may not be able to successfully consummate future development opportunities and/or acquisitions, whether from NEER or third parties. Any development opportunity or acquisition that may be available to XPLR may necessitate that it generate cash flow amounts as planned and be able to access the debt and equity markets. However, XPLR may not generate cash flow as planned and may be unable to access such markets on satisfactory terms or at all. Furthermore, even if XPLR does consummate development opportunities or acquisitions that XPLR believes will be accretive, such development opportunities or acquisitions may realize lower cash flows than anticipated as a result of incorrect assumptions in XPLR's evaluation of such acquisitions or development opportunities or unforeseen consequences or other external events beyond its control. Development opportunities and acquisitions involve numerous risks, including, but not limited to, difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and unexpected costs and liabilities. Any of the events described above could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Innovation / R&D - Risk 2
Changed
XPLR's ability to develop projects, including repowering renewable energy projects, faces risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting, the environment, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements.
Project development is a capital intensive business that relies heavily on the availability of debt and equity financing sources to fund projected construction and other capital expenditures. As a result, in order to successfully develop a project, XPLR must obtain sufficient financing to complete the development phase of its projects. Any significant disruption in the credit and capital markets, a significant increase in interest rates or an inability to generate cash flow levels as planned could make it difficult for XPLR to raise funds when needed to secure capital, which would limit XPLR's ability to pursue and complete projects.
XPLR's ability to develop and construct clean energy generation and storage facilities may be adversely affected if it is unsuccessful in obtaining adequate project sites, necessary licenses, or permits on acceptable and reasonable terms or encounters delays in obtaining or renewing such, or obtaining regulatory approvals from local, state, or federal governmental authorities.
If the challenges of developing projects increase, XPLR's pool of available opportunities may be limited, which could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Innovation / R&D - Risk 3
Changed
XPLR may develop or acquire assets that use other renewable energy technologies and may develop or acquire other types of assets. Any such development or acquisition may present unforeseen challenges and result in a competitive disadvantage relative to XPLR's more-established competitors.
XPLR may develop or acquire assets that use other renewable energy technologies, and it may develop or acquire other types of assets, including, but not limited to, transmission projects and instruments relating to renewable energy. XPLR may be unable to identify attractive clean energy or transmission development or acquisition opportunities or develop or acquire such projects or assets at prices and on terms that are attractive. In addition, the pursuit of such development or consummation of such acquisitions could expose XPLR to increased operating costs, unforeseen liabilities and additional risks including, but not limited to, regulatory and environmental issues associated with entering new sectors of the energy industry. This could require a disproportionate amount of XPLR's management's attention and resources, which could have an adverse impact on XPLR's business and place XPLR at a competitive disadvantage relative to energy market participants more experienced with new technologies and asset classes. A failure to successfully integrate such development opportunities or acquisitions as a result of unforeseen operational difficulties or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Trade Secrets1 | 1.7%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR does not own all of the land on which the projects in its portfolio are located and its use and enjoyment of the property may be adversely affected to the extent that there are any lienholders or land rights holders that have rights that are superior to XPLR's rights or the BLM suspends its federal rights-of-way grants.
XPLR does not own all of the land on which the projects in its portfolio are located and they generally are, and its future projects may be, located on land occupied under long-term easements, leases and rights-of-way. The ownership interests in the land subject to these easements, leases and rights-of-way may be subject to mortgages securing loans or other liens and other easements, lease rights and rights-of-way of third parties that were created prior to XPLR's projects' easements, leases and rights-of-way. As a result, some of XPLR's projects' rights under such easements, leases or rights-of-way may be subject to the rights of these third parties. While XPLR performs title searches, obtains title insurance, records its interests in the real property records of the projects' localities and enters into non-disturbance agreements to protect itself against these risks, such measures may be inadequate to protect against all risk that XPLR's rights to use the land on which its projects are or will be located and its projects' rights to such easements, leases and rights-of-way could be lost or curtailed. Additionally, XPLR operations located on properties owned by others are subject to termination for violation of the terms and conditions of the various easements, leases or rights-of-way under which such operations are conducted.
Further, XPLR's activities conducted under federal rights-of-way grants are subject to "immediate temporary suspension" of unspecified duration, at any time, at the discretion of the BLM. A suspension of XPLR activities within a federal right-of-way may be issued by the BLM to protect public health or safety or the environment. An order to suspend XPLR activities may be issued by the BLM prior to an administrative proceeding and may require immediate compliance by XPLR. Any violation of such an order could result in the loss or curtailment of XPLR's rights to use any federal land on which its projects are or will be located.
Any such loss or curtailment of XPLR's rights to use the land on which its projects are or will be located as a result of any lienholders or leaseholders that have rights that are superior to XPLR's rights or the BLM's suspension of its federal rights-of-way grants could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan. In certain instances, rights-of-way may be subordinate to the rights of government agencies, which could result in costs or interruptions to XPLR's service. Restrictions on XPLR's ability to use rights-of-way could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 4/60 (7%)Below Sector Average
Natural and Human Disruptions3 | 5.0%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Changed
XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects can be materially adversely affected by weather conditions and related impacts, including, but not limited to, the impact of severe weather.
Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity, 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, droughts, extreme temperatures, icing events, wildfires, severe convective storms and earthquakes, can be destructive and cause power outages, personal injury and property damage, reduce revenue, affect the availability of fuel and water and require XPLR to incur additional costs to, for example, restore service and repair damaged facilities, obtain replacement power, access available financing sources, obtain insurance, pay for any associated injuries and damages and fund any associated legal matters and compliance penalties. Furthermore, XPLR's physical plants 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 and abnormal levels of precipitation. A disruption or failure of electric generation, storage, 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 XPLR from operating its business in the normal course and could result in any of the adverse consequences described above. Additionally, the actions taken to address the potential for severe weather such as additional winterizing of critical equipment and infrastructure, modifying or alternating plant operations and expanding load shedding options could result in significant increases in costs. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Changes in weather can also affect the level of wind and solar resource available, and thus the production of electricity, at XPLR's power generating facilities. Because the levels of wind and solar resources are variable and difficult to predict, XPLR's results of operations for individual wind and solar facilities specifically, and XPLR'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.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Added
Threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from geopolitical factors, terrorism, cyberattacks, or individuals and/or groups attempting to disrupt XPLR's business, or the businesses of third parties, may materially adversely affect XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR is subject to the potentially adverse operating and financial effects of geopolitical factors, terrorist acts and threats, as well as cyberattacks and other disruptive activities of individuals or groups. There have been cyberattacks and other physical attacks within the energy industry on energy infrastructure such as substations, natural gas pipelines and related assets in the past and there may be such attacks in the future. In addition, the advancement of artificial intelligence has given rise to added vulnerabilities and potential entry points for cyberattacks. XPLR's generation, transmission, storage and distribution facilities, information technology systems and other infrastructure facilities and systems could be direct targets of, or otherwise be materially adversely affected by, such activities.
Geopolitical factors, terrorist acts, cyberattacks or other similar events affecting XPLR's or NEE's systems and facilities, or those of third parties on which XPLR relies, could harm XPLR's business by, for example, limiting their ability to generate, purchase, store or transmit power, natural gas or other energy-related commodities, limiting their ability to bill customers and collect and process payments, and delaying their development and construction of new generation, distribution, storage 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 XPLR's operations (for example, by contributing to disruption of supplies and markets for natural gas, oil and other fuels), and could impair XPLR'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. To the extent geopolitical factors, terrorist acts, cyberattacks or other similar events equate to a force majeure event under the XPLR's PPAs, the renewable energy counterparty may terminate such PPAs if such a force majeure event continues for a specified period. Such events or actions may materially adversely affect XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 3
Changed
Widespread public health crises and epidemics or pandemics may have material adverse impacts on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
XPLR is subject to the impacts of widespread public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, including, but not limited to, impacts on the global, national or local economy, capital and credit markets, XPLR's customers and suppliers or the services NEER provides to XPLR. The ultimate severity, duration and impact of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics cannot be predicted. Actions taken in response to such crises by U.S. federal, state and local government or regulatory agencies may impact XPLR's ability to access capital and could have a material adverse impact on XPLR's business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to execute its business plan.
Capital Markets1 | 1.7%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Added
Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets, and in XPLR's operations, business and financing strategies, may exert downward pressure on the market price of XPLR's common units.
The market price and trading volume of XPLR's common units are subject to fluctuations as a result of, among other factors, general credit and capital market conditions, changes in the operations, business and financing strategies of XPLR, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and in market sentiment regarding these factors. As a result, disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets, or in XPLR's operations, business and financing strategies, may, for example, have a material adverse effect on the market price of XPLR's common units.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.