10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2018

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2018

Filed November 6, 2018For Securities:ETR

Summary

Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries reported mixed financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Overall, net income saw increases across most subsidiaries, largely driven by a lower effective income tax rate following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and higher net revenues. This was partially offset by increases in operation and maintenance expenses, and in some cases, depreciation and amortization expenses. Key operational highlights include increased billed electricity usage across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors for most subsidiaries, often attributed to more favorable weather conditions and new industrial customers. However, several subsidiaries reported decreases in operating revenues due to factors like the return of excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers and changes in retail electric prices due to regulatory adjustments. Capital expenditures remain significant, with substantial investment planned for transmission, distribution, and generation projects in the coming years. The company also continues to navigate various regulatory proceedings and updates, including those related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, environmental regulations, and rate plan filings.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.10B
Operating Expenses$2.83B
Operating Income$271.04M
Interest Expense$195.31M
Net Income$539.82M
EPS (Basic)$1.48
EPS (Diluted)$1.46
Shares Outstanding (Basic)362.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)367.33M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income generally increased across Entergy's subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the prior year, primarily driven by lower effective income tax rates and improved net revenues.
  • 2Billed electricity usage showed an increase across residential, commercial, and industrial customer classes for most subsidiaries, aided by favorable weather and new industrial demand.
  • 3Several subsidiaries, including Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Louisiana, experienced a reduction in net revenue due to the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers, though this was offset by a reduction in income tax expense, resulting in no net income impact.
  • 4Entergy Texas reported a significant increase in operating revenues, attributed to higher billed electricity usage and adjustments in purchased power costs and retail electric prices.
  • 5Capital investments remain a focus, with Entergy Arkansas planning $2.3 billion, Entergy Louisiana $4.1 billion, Entergy Mississippi $1.7 billion, and Entergy Texas $1.9 billion in capital expenditures for 2019-2021.
  • 6Entergy Mississippi announced the acquisition of the Choctaw Generating Station for approximately $314 million, with expected total costs of $401 million after upgrades, pending regulatory approvals.
  • 7System Energy Resources, Inc. (SERI) is facing regulatory challenges regarding its return on equity, with the APSC, MPSC, and LPSC filing complaints seeking reductions and potential refunds.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the increase in net income across most Entergy subsidiaries is the lower effective income tax rate resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, combined with improved net revenues.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has led to a lower effective income tax rate for Entergy's subsidiaries, boosting net income. However, it has also necessitated the return of excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers, which reduces net revenue but is offset by lower tax expenses, thus not impacting net income.

Entergy's subsidiaries are planning significant capital investments in areas such as transmission projects for reliability and congestion reduction, distribution system improvements including advanced meters, potential generation projects, and system upgrades. Specific large-scale investments include Entergy Louisiana's plans for power station projects and Entergy Texas's investments in the Montgomery County Power Station.

Yes, System Energy Resources, Inc. is facing complaints from regulatory bodies concerning its return on equity, which could lead to potential refunds. Additionally, Entergy New Orleans is under investigation regarding payments made to individuals related to the New Orleans Power Station project, which could result in fines.