8-KOther Events

ENTERGY CORP /DE/ 8-K Report (Jul 22, 2003)

Filed July 22, 2003For Securities:ETR

Summary

This 8-K filing from Entergy Corporation (ETR) and its subsidiary Entergy Gulf States, Inc. reports on the financial implications of a Texas court decision regarding the recovery of River Bend nuclear power plant costs. The Texas Third District Court of Appeals affirmed a prior ruling disallowing Entergy Gulf States to recover approximately $107.7 million in River Bend plant costs that have been held in abeyance since 1988. Consequently, Entergy Gulf States has accrued for the entire potential loss. This accrual will reduce Entergy Corporation's second quarter 2003 net income by $65.6 million and diluted earnings per share by $0.28. Importantly, this charge is considered a "special item" and will not impact the operational earnings per share reported by the company, allowing for a clearer comparison of ongoing business performance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Texas court affirms disallowance of $107.7 million in River Bend nuclear plant costs for Entergy Gulf States.
  • 2Entergy Gulf States will accrue the full potential loss related to these abeyed plant costs.
  • 3Accrual to reduce Entergy Corporation's Q2 2003 net income by $65.6 million.
  • 4Accrual to reduce Entergy Corporation's Q2 2003 diluted EPS by $0.28.
  • 5The $0.28 EPS reduction is classified as a 'special item' and will not affect operational EPS.
  • 6This item relates to contested construction costs incurred by Entergy Gulf States prior to 1986.
  • 7Entergy Gulf States is considering further judicial actions, including potential appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are construction costs for the River Bend nuclear power plant that Entergy Gulf States had held in abeyance since 1988, totaling approximately $107.7 million. These costs have been contested and never included in the company's rates.

The decision will result in a $65.6 million reduction to Entergy Corporation's net income and a $0.28 per share reduction in diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2003.

No, this charge is considered a 'special item' by Entergy Corporation. It will not affect the operational earnings per share reported in the company's second quarter 2003 earnings release, as it relates to a non-operating event involving historical, contested construction costs.

Entergy Gulf States is considering further legal actions, which may include seeking reconsideration from the Court of Appeals or filing for review with the Texas Supreme Court.