10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2021

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2021

Filed August 6, 2021For Securities:ETR

Summary

Entergy Corporation's Q2 2021 filing for its subsidiary, Entergy Arkansas, shows a decrease in net income for the quarter compared to the prior year, primarily driven by higher operating and maintenance expenses and depreciation, partially offset by increased retail electric prices and volumes. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net income increased year-over-year due to factors including favorable weather, regulatory adjustments, and higher retail prices, despite higher taxes and operating expenses. The company experienced significant increases in billed electricity usage, particularly in the industrial sector, and a rebound in commercial usage due to easing COVID-19 impacts. Entergy Arkansas is navigating regulatory processes for new solar facilities and formula rate plan adjustments, with a focus on customer cost recovery and infrastructure investments. The filing also details financial performance across other Entergy subsidiaries, highlighting impacts from Winter Storm Uri, which significantly increased fuel and purchased power costs across most operating companies. Entergy Louisiana reported a decrease in net income for both the quarter and six-month period, attributing it to higher operating expenses, depreciation, and interest costs, while also noting a significant increase in storm restoration costs related to hurricanes in late 2020. Entergy Mississippi and Entergy Texas also reported increases in net income for the six-month period, driven by higher retail electric prices and volumes, though both experienced higher operating expenses and storm-related costs. Entergy New Orleans' net income remained relatively stable for the quarter but decreased for the six-month period due to higher operating and depreciation expenses, and also faced storm restoration costs. System Energy Resources, Inc. saw an increase in net income for the quarter but a decrease for the six-month period, impacted by rate base changes and allowance for equity funds. The company is engaged in ongoing regulatory proceedings concerning its return on equity and capital structure, with potential for significant refunds. Overall, the period reflects the ongoing challenges and recovery efforts associated with severe weather events like Winter Storm Uri and various hurricanes, alongside proactive management of regulatory frameworks and planned infrastructure investments. Investors should note the varying impacts of these events and regulatory actions across Entergy's diverse service territories.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.82B
Operating Expenses$2.65B
Operating Income$168.21M
Interest Expense$220.34M
Net Income-$1.39M
EPS (Basic)$-0.01
EPS (Diluted)$-0.01
Shares Outstanding (Basic)401.55M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)401.55M

Key Highlights

  • 1Entergy Arkansas reported a decrease in quarterly net income but an increase for the year-to-date period, with growth driven by higher retail electric prices and increased customer usage, particularly in the industrial sector.
  • 2Winter Storm Uri significantly increased fuel and purchased power costs for Entergy Arkansas ($145 million in Feb 2021 vs $40 million in Feb 2020) and other Entergy subsidiaries, impacting operating expenses.
  • 3Entergy Louisiana experienced a net income decrease for both the quarter and year-to-date, impacted by increased operating expenses, storm restoration costs (Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta), and significant debt issuance.
  • 4Entergy Mississippi and Entergy Texas showed year-to-date net income growth, driven by higher retail electric prices and volumes, despite increased operating expenses and storm-related costs.
  • 5Entergy New Orleans' net income remained relatively flat for the quarter but declined for the year-to-date period, with higher operating and depreciation expenses contributing to the decline.
  • 6System Energy Resources, Inc. is undergoing regulatory review for its return on equity and capital structure, potentially leading to significant refunds and rate reductions.
  • 7The company continues to manage the financial impacts of severe weather events and is actively engaged in regulatory proceedings for rate adjustments and infrastructure investments across its various subsidiaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Entergy Arkansas's net income decreased by $3.6 million in Q2 2021 compared to Q2 2020, primarily due to lower other income, higher other operation and maintenance expenses, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses. These were partially offset by higher retail electric price and higher volume/weather.

Winter Storm Uri significantly increased fuel and purchased power costs for Entergy's subsidiaries. For Entergy Arkansas, these costs were approximately $145 million in February 2021, compared to $40 million in February 2020. Similar increases were reported for Entergy Louisiana ($285 million vs $95 million) and Entergy Texas ($185 million vs $50 million), and Entergy Mississippi ($65 million vs $35 million).

Entergy Louisiana is seeking regulatory approval for approximately $2.11 billion in storm restoration costs for Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta, and Winter Storm Uri, including carrying costs through January 2022. The company is also requesting approval to securitize these costs through Louisiana Act 55 financing.

System Energy Resources, Inc. is involved in ongoing proceedings with the FERC regarding its authorized return on equity and capital structure, which could result in significant refunds to customers. Additionally, several subsidiaries are actively involved in state-level rate case filings and proceedings related to formula rate plans and cost recovery mechanisms.

Entergy subsidiaries recorded regulatory assets for COVID-19 related costs, such as increased bad debt expense and expenses from the suspension of service disconnections. While commercial and industrial sales have largely recovered, increased arrearages and bad debt expenses are expected to persist, with recovery amounts and timing subject to regulatory approval.