10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2016

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2016

Filed November 4, 2016For Securities:ETR

Summary

Entergy Corporation's subsidiary, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., reported a notable increase in net income for both the third quarter and the first nine months of 2016 compared to the prior year periods. This improvement was driven by higher net revenue, primarily attributed to increased retail electric prices resulting from new base rates approved in February 2016, and lower other operation and maintenance expenses. The company also benefited from a lower effective income tax rate. Key operational impacts include the significant impact of the purchase of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station, which contributed to increased net revenue and depreciation expenses. Entergy Arkansas is actively managing regulatory matters, including a pending formula rate plan filing and an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment proposal. Despite increased capital expenditures and some ongoing regulatory reviews, such as those related to the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) plant, the company demonstrates a focus on operational improvements and future investments, with a preliminary capital investment plan of $2 billion for 2017-2019.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.12B
Operating Expenses$2.35B
Operating Income$772.06M
Interest Expense$174.90M
Net Income$393.20M
EPS (Basic)$1.08
EPS (Diluted)$1.08
Shares Outstanding (Basic)358.05M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)359.98M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for Entergy Arkansas increased significantly in Q3 2016 and the first nine months of 2016 due to higher net revenue and lower operating expenses.
  • 2Increased retail electric prices, effective April 2016 following APSC approval, were a primary driver of higher net revenue.
  • 3The acquisition of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station in March 2016 contributed to higher net revenue and increased depreciation expenses.
  • 4Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased due to various factors including lower vegetation maintenance costs, a favorable lawsuit outcome regarding spent nuclear fuel storage, and reduced pension-related costs.
  • 5Entergy Arkansas is actively engaged in regulatory proceedings, including a 2016 Formula Rate Plan filing and a proposed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment.
  • 6The company incurred incremental expenses related to NRC inspections and performance improvement initiatives at the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) facility.
  • 7Cash flow from operating activities increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by changes in payment timing, lower pension contributions, and reduced income tax payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The increase in net income was primarily due to higher net revenue, driven by increased retail electric prices resulting from new base rates approved in February 2016 and effective April 2016. Additionally, lower other operation and maintenance expenses and a lower effective income tax rate contributed to the improved net income.

The purchase of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station in March 2016 contributed to higher net revenue due to its inclusion in rate base. However, it also led to an increase in depreciation and amortization expenses.

Entergy Arkansas filed its 2016 formula rate plan in July 2016 seeking a revenue requirement increase. A settlement agreement was proposed in October 2016, with a hearing held in November; the APSC's decision was pending. For the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment, an application was filed in September 2016 seeking APSC approval, proposing a significant customer benefit and a phased rollout starting in 2018.

Yes, Entergy Arkansas incurred incremental expenses related to NRC inspections and performance improvement initiatives at the Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) facility, stemming from its placement in a higher inspection category. While the NRC concluded the site is being operated safely, ongoing verification activities are expected.