10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 10, 2006For Securities:ETR

Summary

Entergy Corporation's (ETR) 10-Q filing for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, indicates a continuation of robust financial controls, with management affirming the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures across its subsidiaries. The company is actively managing ongoing legal proceedings, including a Texas power price lawsuit where an appeal is planned, and has seen a favorable resolution in a New Orleans rate of return lawsuit with the City Council's dismissal of claims. While no new material risk factors were disclosed, Entergy has extended its share repurchase program through 2008, though it had not repurchased shares in the first quarter of 2006, with $400 million remaining authorization under the $1.5 billion program. The company is also addressing an environmental notice of intent to sue regarding a radioactive material release at Indian Point, which is under investigation. Earnings to fixed charge ratios for most subsidiaries remain strong, indicating solid debt coverage.

Key Highlights

  • 1Management has concluded that disclosure controls and procedures are effective across all reporting entities as of March 31, 2006.
  • 2Entergy intends to pursue a petition for review with the Texas Supreme Court regarding the Texas power price lawsuit.
  • 3Entergy New Orleans has had its rate of return lawsuit claims dismissed with prejudice by the City Council, a positive development.
  • 4A notice of intent to file an environmental citizen's suit under RCRA has been served on Entergy concerning a radioactive material release at Indian Point; Entergy is investigating.
  • 5The $1.5 billion share repurchase program has been extended through 2008, with $400 million of authorization remaining as of March 31, 2006. No shares were repurchased in Q1 2006.
  • 6Earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends/distributions ratios for most subsidiaries are healthy and show improvement or stability year-over-year for the twelve months ended March 31, 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Entergy Gulf States is involved in a class-action lawsuit filed by Texas residents concerning electricity pricing. The Court of Appeals denied a motion for rehearing to remand the case to the district court, and Entergy intends to file a petition for review with the Texas Supreme Court.

The lawsuit filed by New Orleans ratepayers has been dismissed with prejudice by the City Council. Additionally, a related bankruptcy court proceeding seeking to hold Entergy Corporation and others liable as a single business enterprise was also dismissed.

No, the filing states that there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously discussed in the Form 10-K.

Entergy's $1.5 billion share repurchase program has been extended through 2008 due to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As of March 31, 2006, $400 million of authorization remained under this program. The company did not repurchase any shares in the first quarter of 2006.

The filing includes 'Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges' and 'Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends/Distributions' for its domestic utility companies and System Energy. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2006, these ratios for most subsidiaries were strong, indicating a healthy ability to cover debt obligations.