10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2021

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2021

Filed November 5, 2021For Securities:ETR

Summary

Entergy Corporation's (ETR) Q3 2021 filing for Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries reveals a net income increase of $19 million for the third quarter compared to the same period in 2020, driven by higher sales volume/weather and increased retail electric prices. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net income saw a rise of $63.9 million, also attributed to higher volume/weather and a regulatory liability reversal, despite increased depreciation, amortization, and other operating expenses. Significant events impacting operations include the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, which led to substantially higher fuel and purchased power costs for Entergy Arkansas ($145 million in Feb 2021 vs. $40 million in Feb 2020). The company is also navigating regulatory investigations into preparation and response to the storm, and potential price gouging by suppliers. Looking ahead, Entergy Arkansas anticipates significant capital investments of approximately $2.6 billion between 2022 and 2024, focusing on modernization, decarbonization, and diversification of its energy portfolio.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.35B
Operating Expenses$2.53B
Operating Income$827.87M
Interest Expense$216.61M
Net Income$535.58M
EPS (Basic)$1.32
EPS (Diluted)$1.31
Shares Outstanding (Basic)401.93M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)404.01M

Key Highlights

  • 1Entergy Arkansas reported a net income increase of $19 million for Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020, driven by higher volume/weather and increased retail electric prices.
  • 2For the first nine months of 2021, net income increased by $63.9 million due to higher volume/weather and a favorable regulatory adjustment, partially offset by increased expenses.
  • 3Winter Storm Uri significantly impacted fuel and purchased power costs for Entergy Arkansas, increasing them to $145 million in February 2021 from $40 million in February 2020.
  • 4Entergy Arkansas is subject to regulatory investigations regarding its preparedness and response to Winter Storm Uri, including potential price gouging by fuel suppliers.
  • 5The company plans to invest approximately $2.6 billion in capital projects between 2022 and 2024, focusing on modernizing, decarbonizing, and diversifying its energy generation portfolio.
  • 6Operating revenues for Entergy Arkansas increased to $722.7 million in Q3 2021 from $644.4 million in Q3 2020, driven by a 7% increase in billed electricity usage and higher retail electric prices.
  • 7The debt-to-capital ratio for Entergy Arkansas decreased from 54.8% at December 31, 2020, to 52.8% at September 30, 2021, primarily due to an increase in equity from net income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Entergy Arkansas's net income increased by $19 million in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020, primarily due to higher sales volume/weather conditions and increased retail electric prices. These positive factors were partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses, and increased other operation and maintenance expenses.

Winter Storm Uri significantly increased Entergy Arkansas's fuel and purchased power costs. In February 2021, these costs were approximately $145 million, a substantial rise from $40 million in February 2020. The company is also involved in regulatory investigations related to the storm's impact.

Entergy Arkansas anticipates making approximately $2.6 billion in capital investments from 2022 through 2024. These investments are slated for modernizing, decarbonizing, and diversifying its power generation portfolio, as well as for distribution and transmission infrastructure improvements.

The Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) opened an investigation into utilities' preparedness and response to the February 2021 winter storms. Additionally, the Arkansas Attorney General initiated an investigation into fuel costs charged during the storms to determine if price gouging by suppliers occurred. Comments from utilities have been filed, and further investigations are ongoing.