10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2015

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2015

Filed August 6, 2015For Securities:ETR

Summary

Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries reported mixed financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2015 compared to the prior year. While net revenue generally increased across several subsidiaries due to factors like higher retail electric prices and increased sales volume/favorable weather, net income saw a decline in most reporting segments. This decline was primarily driven by higher operating expenses, including increased other operation and maintenance expenses, nuclear refueling outage expenses, and interest expenses, which in some cases were driven by recent debt issuances. Key operational events during the period included continued integration efforts for the Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana business combination, with a stipulated settlement filed and awaiting regulatory approval. The proposed acquisition of the Union Power Station by Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, and Entergy Texas remained under regulatory review, with specific developments in Texas leading to the dismissal of Entergy Texas's application. Entergy also navigated regulatory processes for rate increases and other operational matters, including the aftermath of the Baxter Wilson plant event and ongoing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reviews for the ANO plant. From a liquidity and capital resources perspective, several subsidiaries showed changes in cash flows. Entergy Arkansas, for instance, saw a significant increase in operating cash flow due to the recovery of fuel costs and specific one-time payments. Conversely, financing activities varied, with some subsidiaries utilizing more cash for debt repayment while others saw increased cash inflows from new debt issuances. The overall capital structures remained relatively stable, with minor adjustments in debt-to-capital ratios for most entities.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.71B
Operating Expenses$2.34B
Operating Income$377.38M
Interest Expense$165.86M
Net Income$153.72M
EPS (Basic)$0.41
EPS (Diluted)$0.41
Shares Outstanding (Basic)359.04M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)360.24M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income declined across several key subsidiaries (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Texas) for both the second quarter and the first six months of 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to increased operating expenses such as other operation and maintenance, nuclear refueling outage expenses, and interest expense.
  • 2Net revenue generally increased for most subsidiaries, driven by factors like higher retail electric prices (e.g., energy efficiency riders), increased sales volume, and favorable weather conditions.
  • 3Entergy Arkansas reported a significant increase in operating cash flow for the first six months of 2015, largely attributed to increased recovery of fuel costs and specific bandwidth remedy collections.
  • 4The proposed acquisition of the Union Power Station faced regulatory hurdles, with Entergy Texas withdrawing its application due to opposition and subsequent reallocation of a power block to Entergy New Orleans.
  • 5Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana advanced their business combination with the filing of a stipulated settlement with the LPSC, outlining customer benefits and a fuel tracker mechanism.
  • 6Entergy Mississippi received insurance proceeds related to the Baxter Wilson plant event, impacting its operating cash flow and reducing certain expenses.
  • 7Entergy Texas experienced a decrease in net income due to higher other operation and maintenance expenses and taxes other than income taxes, despite lower interest expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income was primarily attributed to higher operating expenses. Specifically, increases in 'other operation and maintenance expenses' (often related to nuclear generation, regulatory compliance, and distribution work), 'nuclear refueling outage expenses', and 'interest expense' (due to new debt issuances) significantly impacted profitability across several of Entergy's reporting segments.

The acquisition of the Union Power Station was progressing with regulatory reviews across multiple states. However, Entergy Texas withdrew its application with the PUCT due to opposition. A portion of the power blocks initially allocated to Entergy Texas is now slated for acquisition by Entergy New Orleans, pending City Council approval. Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana's applications for the remaining portions were still undergoing regulatory review, with decisions expected later in 2015.

Significant progress was made towards the business combination of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana. A stipulated settlement was filed with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) by all parties, outlining agreed-upon customer benefits totaling $107 million and a mechanism to address potential shifts in fuel costs between customer groups. The LPSC was expected to issue a decision in August 2015.

Entergy is involved in several significant legal and regulatory matters. These include the Mississippi Attorney General complaint, ongoing reviews by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) concerning the ANO plant's operational status and inspection activities, and potential impacts from new environmental regulations such as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions standards. Additionally, there were ongoing proceedings related to rate case filings and fuel cost recoveries in various jurisdictions.