ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC - Quarter Report: 2017 June (Form 10-Q)
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | |
X | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2017 | |
OR | |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ |
Commission File Number | Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization, Address of Principal Executive Offices, Telephone Number, and IRS Employer Identification No. | Commission File Number | Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization, Address of Principal Executive Offices, Telephone Number, and IRS Employer Identification No. | |
1-11299 | ENTERGY CORPORATION (a Delaware corporation) 639 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 Telephone (504) 576-4000 72-1229752 | 1-35747 | ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. (a Louisiana corporation) 1600 Perdido Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 Telephone (504) 670-3700 72-0273040 | |
1-10764 | ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. (an Arkansas corporation) 425 West Capitol Avenue Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Telephone (501) 377-4000 71-0005900 | 1-34360 | ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. (a Texas corporation) 10055 Grogans Mill Road The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Telephone (409) 981-2000 61-1435798 | |
1-32718 | ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC (a Texas limited liability company) 4809 Jefferson Highway Jefferson, Louisiana 70121 Telephone (504) 576-4000 47-4469646 | 1-09067 | SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. (an Arkansas corporation) 1340 Echelon Parkway Jackson, Mississippi 39213 Telephone (601) 368-5000 72-0752777 | |
1-31508 | ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. (a Mississippi corporation) 308 East Pearl Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Telephone (601) 368-5000 64-0205830 | |||
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on Entergy’s corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Large accelerated filer | Accelerated filer | Non- accelerated filer | Smaller reporting company | Emerging growth company | |||||
Entergy Corporation | ü | ||||||||
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. | ü | ||||||||
Entergy Louisiana, LLC | ü | ||||||||
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. | ü | ||||||||
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. | ü | ||||||||
Entergy Texas, Inc. | ü | ||||||||
System Energy Resources, Inc. | ü |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Common Stock Outstanding | Outstanding at July 31, 2017 | |
Entergy Corporation | ($0.01 par value) | 179,520,021 |
Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc. separately file this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each company reports herein only as to itself and makes no other representations whatsoever as to any other company. This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q supplements and updates the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the calendar year ended December 31, 2016 and the Quarterly Report for Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed by the individual registrants with the SEC, and should be read in conjunction therewith.
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
June 30, 2017
Page Number | |
Part 1. Financial Information | |
Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Subsidiaries | |
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries | |
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ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
June 30, 2017
Page Number | |
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. | |
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Subsidiaries | |
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries | |
System Energy Resources, Inc. | |
Part II. Other Information | |
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
In this combined report and from time to time, Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries each makes statements as a registrant concerning its expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “potential,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast,” and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the only means to identify these statements. Although each of these registrants believes that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, it cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct. Any forward-looking statement is based on information current as of the date of this combined report and speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, these registrants undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed or incorporated by reference in (a) Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Form 10-K, (b) Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis in the Form 10-K and in this report, and (c) the following factors (in addition to others described elsewhere in this combined report and in subsequent securities filings):
• | resolution of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including various performance-based rate discussions, Entergy’s utility supply plan, and recovery of fuel and purchased power costs; |
• | long-term risks and uncertainties associated with the termination of the System Agreement in 2016, including the potential absence of federal authority to resolve certain issues among the Utility operating companies and their retail regulators; |
• | regulatory and operating challenges and uncertainties and economic risks associated with the Utility operating companies’ participation in MISO, including the effect of current or projected MISO market rules and market and system conditions in the MISO markets, the allocation of MISO system transmission upgrade costs, and the effect of planning decisions that MISO makes with respect to future transmission investments by the Utility operating companies; |
• | changes in utility regulation, including the beginning or end of retail and wholesale competition, the ability to recover net utility assets and other potential stranded costs, and the application of more stringent transmission reliability requirements or market power criteria by the FERC or the U.S. Department of Justice; |
• | changes in the regulation or regulatory oversight of Entergy’s nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including with respect to the planned potential or actual shutdown of nuclear generating facilities owned or operated by Entergy Wholesale Commodities, and the effects of new or existing safety or environmental concerns regarding nuclear power plants and nuclear fuel; |
• | resolution of pending or future applications, and related regulatory proceedings and litigation, for license renewals or modifications or other authorizations required of nuclear generating facilities and the effect of public and political opposition on these applications, regulatory proceedings, and litigation; |
• | the performance of and deliverability of power from Entergy’s generation resources, including the capacity factors at its nuclear generating facilities; |
• | the operation and maintenance of Entergy’s nuclear generating facilities require the commitment of substantial human and capital resources that can result in increased costs and capital expenditures; |
• | Entergy’s ability to develop and execute on a point of view regarding future prices of electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related commodities; |
• | prices for power generated by Entergy’s merchant generating facilities and the ability to hedge, meet credit support requirements for hedges, sell power forward or otherwise reduce the market price risk associated with those facilities, including the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants; |
• | the prices and availability of fuel and power Entergy must purchase for its Utility customers, and Entergy’s ability to meet credit support requirements for fuel and power supply contracts; |
• | volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, uranium, emissions allowances, and other energy-related commodities, and the effect of those changes on Entergy and its customers; |
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION (Concluded)
• | changes in law resulting from federal or state energy legislation or legislation subjecting energy derivatives used in hedging and risk management transactions to governmental regulation; |
• | changes in environmental laws and regulations or associated litigation, including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, greenhouse gases, mercury, particulate matter, heat, and other regulated air and water emissions, and changes in costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations; |
• | the effects of changes in federal, state or local laws and regulations, and other governmental actions or policies, including changes in monetary, fiscal, tax, environmental, or energy policies; |
• | uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste storage and disposal and the level of spent fuel and nuclear waste disposal fees charged by the U.S. government or other providers related to such sites; |
• | variations in weather and the occurrence of hurricanes and other storms and disasters, including uncertainties associated with efforts to remediate the effects of hurricanes, ice storms, or other weather events and the recovery of costs associated with restoration, including accessing funded storm reserves, federal and local cost recovery mechanisms, securitization, and insurance; |
• | effects of climate change, including the potential for increases in sea levels or coastal land and wetland loss; |
• | changes in the quality and availability of water supplies and the related regulation of water use and diversion; |
• | Entergy’s ability to manage its capital projects and operation and maintenance costs; |
• | Entergy’s ability to purchase and sell assets at attractive prices and on other attractive terms; |
• | the economic climate, and particularly economic conditions in Entergy’s Utility service area and the Northeast United States and events and circumstances that could influence economic conditions in those areas, including power prices, and the risk that anticipated load growth may not materialize; |
• | the effects of Entergy’s strategies to reduce tax payments; |
• | changes in the financial markets and regulatory requirements for the issuance of securities, particularly as they affect access to capital and Entergy’s ability to refinance existing securities, execute share repurchase programs, and fund investments and acquisitions; |
• | actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt and preferred stock, changes in general corporate ratings, and changes in the rating agencies’ ratings criteria; |
• | changes in inflation and interest rates; |
• | the effect of litigation and government investigations or proceedings; |
• | changes in technology, including with respect to new, developing, or alternative sources of generation; |
• | the effects, including increased security costs, of threatened or actual terrorism, cyber-attacks or data security breaches, natural or man-made electromagnetic pulses that affect transmission or generation infrastructure, accidents, and war or a catastrophic event such as a nuclear accident or a natural gas pipeline explosion; |
• | Entergy’s ability to attract and retain talented management and directors; |
• | changes in accounting standards and corporate governance; |
• | declines in the market prices of marketable securities and resulting funding requirements and the effects on benefits costs for Entergy’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans; |
• | future wage and employee benefit costs, including changes in discount rates and returns on benefit plan assets; |
• | changes in decommissioning trust fund values or earnings or in the timing of, requirements for, or cost to decommission Entergy’s nuclear plant sites and the implementation of decommissioning of such sites following shutdown; |
• | the decision to cease merchant power generation at all Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants by as early as 2021, including the implementation of the planned shutdown of Pilgrim, Palisades, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3; |
• | the effectiveness of Entergy’s risk management policies and procedures and the ability and willingness of its counterparties to satisfy their financial and performance commitments; |
• | factors that could lead to impairment of long-lived assets; and |
• | the ability to successfully complete strategic transactions Entergy may undertake, including mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures, regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of any such strategic transaction, and the success of the business following any such strategic transaction. |
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DEFINITIONS
Certain abbreviations or acronyms used in the text and notes are defined below:
Abbreviation or Acronym | Term |
ALJ | Administrative Law Judge |
ANO 1 and 2 | Units 1 and 2 of Arkansas Nuclear One (nuclear), owned by Entergy Arkansas |
APSC | Arkansas Public Service Commission |
ASU | Accounting Standards Update issued by the FASB |
Board | Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation |
Cajun | Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. |
capacity factor | Actual plant output divided by maximum potential plant output for the period |
City Council | Council of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana |
D.C. Circuit | U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit |
DOE | United States Department of Energy |
Entergy | Entergy Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries |
Entergy Corporation | Entergy Corporation, a Delaware corporation |
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana | Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company formally created as part of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and the successor company to Entergy Gulf States, Inc. for financial reporting purposes. The term is also used to refer to the Louisiana jurisdictional business of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as the context requires. Effective October 1, 2015, the business of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana was combined with Entergy Louisiana. |
Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Louisiana, LLC, a Texas limited liability company formally created as part of the combination of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the company formerly known as Entergy Louisiana, LLC (Old Entergy Louisiana) into a single public utility company and the successor to Old Entergy Louisiana for financial reporting purposes. |
Entergy Texas | Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation formally created as part of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. The term is also used to refer to the Texas jurisdictional business of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as the context requires. |
Entergy Wholesale Commodities | Entergy’s non-utility business segment primarily comprised of the ownership, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants, the ownership of interests in non-nuclear power plants, and the sale of the electric power produced by its operating power plants to wholesale customers |
EPA | United States Environmental Protection Agency |
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FitzPatrick | James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (nuclear), previously owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment, which was sold in March 2017 |
Form 10-K | Annual Report on Form 10-K for the calendar year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC by Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries |
Grand Gulf | Unit No. 1 of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (nuclear), 90% owned or leased by System Energy |
GWh | Gigawatt-hour(s), which equals one million kilowatt-hours |
Independence | Independence Steam Electric Station (coal), owned 16% by Entergy Arkansas, 25% by Entergy Mississippi, and 7% by Entergy Power, LLC |
Indian Point 2 | Unit 2 of Indian Point Energy Center (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment |
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DEFINITIONS (Continued)
Abbreviation or Acronym | Term |
Indian Point 3 | Unit 3 of Indian Point Energy Center (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment |
IRS | Internal Revenue Service |
ISO | Independent System Operator |
kW | Kilowatt, which equals one thousand watts |
kWh | Kilowatt-hour(s) |
LPSC | Louisiana Public Service Commission |
MISO | Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., a regional transmission organization |
MMBtu | One million British Thermal Units |
MPSC | Mississippi Public Service Commission |
MW | Megawatt(s), which equals one thousand kilowatts |
MWh | Megawatt-hour(s) |
Net debt to net capital ratio | Gross debt less cash and cash equivalents divided by total capitalization less cash and cash equivalents |
Net MW in operation | Installed capacity owned and operated |
NRC | Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
NYPA | New York Power Authority |
Palisades | Palisades Nuclear Plant (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment |
Parent & Other | The portions of Entergy not included in the Utility or Entergy Wholesale Commodities segments, primarily consisting of the activities of the parent company, Entergy Corporation |
Pilgrim | Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment |
PPA | Purchased power agreement or power purchase agreement |
PUCT | Public Utility Commission of Texas |
Registrant Subsidiaries | Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc. |
River Bend | River Bend Station (nuclear), owned by Entergy Louisiana |
SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission |
System Agreement | Agreement, effective January 1, 1983, as modified, among the Utility operating companies relating to the sharing of generating capacity and other power resources. The agreement terminated effective August 2016. |
System Energy | System Energy Resources, Inc. |
TWh | Terawatt-hour(s), which equals one billion kilowatt-hours |
Unit Power Sales Agreement | Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, as amended and approved by FERC, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy, relating to the sale of capacity and energy from System Energy’s share of Grand Gulf |
Utility | Entergy’s business segment that generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power, with a small amount of natural gas distribution |
Utility operating companies | Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas |
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DEFINITIONS (Concluded)
Abbreviation or Acronym | Term |
Vermont Yankee | Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (nuclear), owned by an Entergy subsidiary in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment, which ceased power production in December 2014 |
Waterford 3 | Unit No. 3 (nuclear) of the Waterford Steam Electric Station, 100% owned or leased by Entergy Louisiana |
weather-adjusted usage | Electric usage excluding the effects of deviations from normal weather |
White Bluff | White Bluff Steam Electric Generating Station, 57% owned by Entergy Arkansas |
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ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Entergy operates primarily through two business segments: Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.
• | The Utility business segment includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operation of a small natural gas distribution business. |
• | The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business segment includes the ownership, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants located in the northern United States and the sale of the electric power produced by its operating plants to wholesale customers. Entergy Wholesale Commodities also provides services to other nuclear power plant owners and owns interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers. See “Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the operation and planned shutdown or sale of each of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants. |
Results of Operations
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Following are income statement variances for Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities, Parent & Other, and Entergy comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016 showing how much the line item increased or (decreased) in comparison to the prior period:
Utility | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | Parent & Other (a) | Entergy | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
2nd Quarter 2016 Consolidated Net Income (Loss) | $380,317 | $250,874 | ($58,601 | ) | $572,590 | |||||||||||
Net revenue (operating revenue less fuel expense, purchased power, and other regulatory charges/credits) | 25,287 | (42,793 | ) | (13 | ) | (17,519 | ) | |||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 27,323 | 33,768 | (52 | ) | 61,039 | |||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges | — | 186,602 | — | 186,602 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 10,604 | (6,687 | ) | 98 | 4,015 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 8,833 | 6,100 | (273 | ) | 14,660 | |||||||||||
Other income | 16,843 | 26,306 | 594 | 43,743 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (9,259 | ) | (379 | ) | 1,993 | (7,645 | ) | |||||||||
Other expenses | 3,928 | 10,986 | — | 14,914 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 134,636 | (219,889 | ) | (2,886 | ) | (88,139 | ) | |||||||||
2nd Quarter 2017 Consolidated Net Income (Loss) | $246,382 | $223,886 | ($56,900 | ) | $413,368 |
(a) | Parent & Other includes eliminations, which are primarily intersegment activity. |
Refer to “ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS” for further information with respect to operating statistics.
Second quarter 2017 results of operations include a reduction of income tax expense, net of unrecognized tax benefits, of $373 million as a result of tax elections to treat as corporations for federal income tax purposes two subsidiaries that each own an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant and $194 million ($126 million net-of-tax) of impairment charges due to costs being charged to expense as incurred as a result of the impaired value
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of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants’ long-lived assets due to the significantly reduced remaining estimated operating lives associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the tax elections and “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet.
Second quarter 2016 results of operations include a reduction of income tax expense, net of unrecognized tax benefits, of $238 million as a result of a tax election to treat as a corporation for federal income tax purposes a subsidiary that owns an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant; income tax benefits as a result of the settlement of the 2010-2011 IRS audit, including a $75 million tax benefit recognized by Entergy Louisiana related to the treatment of the Vidalia purchased power agreement and a $54 million net benefit recognized by Entergy Louisiana related to the treatment of proceeds received in 2010 for the financing of Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike storm costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55; and a reduction in expenses of $59 million ($38 million net-of-tax) due to the effects of recording in second quarter 2016 final court decisions in several lawsuits against the DOE related to spent nuclear fuel storage costs. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the income tax items and Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the DOE litigation.
Net Revenue
Utility
Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $1,524 | ||
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation | 16 | ||
Grand Gulf recovery | 15 | ||
Retail electric price | 14 | ||
Volume/weather | (18 | ) | |
Other | (2 | ) | |
2017 net revenue | $1,549 |
The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in 2016 for tax savings to be shared with customers per an agreement approved by the LPSC. The tax savings resulted from the 2010-2011 IRS audit settlement on the treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of storm costs for Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.
The Grand Gulf recovery variance is primarily due to increased recovery of higher operating costs.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to:
• | the implementation of formula rate plan rates at Entergy Arkansas, as approved by the APSC, effective with the first billing cycle of January 2017; |
• | the implementation of the transmission cost recovery factor rider at Entergy Texas, effective September 2016, and an increase in the transmission cost recovery factor rider rate, effective March 2017, as approved by the PUCT; and |
• | an increase in rates at Entergy Mississippi, as approved by the MPSC, effective with the first billing cycle of July 2016. |
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The retail electric price variance is partially offset by a decrease in formula rate plan revenues for Entergy Louisiana, implemented with the first billing cycle of September 2016, to reflect the effects of the termination of the System Agreement.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the rate proceedings.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of 1,068 GWh, or 4%, in billed electricity usage, including an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage is primarily due to new customers in the primary metals industry.
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $293 | ||
Nuclear volume | (74 | ) | |
FitzPatrick | (44 | ) | |
Nuclear realized price changes | 57 | ||
Other | 18 | ||
2017 net revenue | $250 |
As shown in the table above, net revenue for Entergy Wholesale Commodities decreased by $43 million in the second quarter 2017 as compared to the second quarter 2016 primarily due to lower volume in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear fleet resulting from more outage days in second quarter 2017 as compared to second quarter 2016 and a decrease as a result of the absence of net revenue from the FitzPatrick plant after it was sold to Exelon in March 2017. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the sale. The decrease was partially offset by higher realized wholesale energy prices and higher capacity prices.
Following are key performance measures for Entergy Wholesale Commodities for the second quarter 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||
Owned capacity (MW) (a) | 3,962 | 4,880 | |
GWh billed | 6,019 | 7,866 | |
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Fleet | |||
Capacity factor | 59% | 76% | |
GWh billed | 5,393 | 7,308 | |
Average energy and capacity revenue per MWh | $51.76 | $42.34 | |
Refueling outage days: | |||
Indian Point 2 | — | 77 | |
Indian Point 3 | 47 | — | |
Pilgrim | 43 | — | |
Palisades | 27 | — |
(a) | The reduction in owned capacity is due to Entergy’s sale of the 838 MW FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017 and Entergy’s sale of its 50% membership interest in Top Deer Wind Ventures, LLC in November 2016. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the FitzPatrick sale and Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Top Deer Wind Ventures, LLC sale. |
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Other Income Statement Items
Utility
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $582 million for the second quarter 2016 to $609 million for the second quarter 2017 primarily due to:
• | an increase of $18 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to higher nuclear labor costs, including contract labor, primarily due to increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals, partially offset by a decrease in regulatory compliance costs. The decrease in regulatory compliance costs is primarily related to additional NRC inspection activities in 2016 as a result of the NRC’s March 2015 decision to move ANO into the “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column” of the NRC’s reactor oversight process action matrix. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident and subsequent NRC reviews; and |
• | an increase of $8 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs in second quarter 2017 as compared to second quarter 2016. |
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in ad valorem taxes and local franchise taxes.
Other income increased primarily due to higher realized gains in second quarter 2017 as compared to second quarter 2016 on the decommissioning trust fund investments as a result of portfolio reallocations and an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2017, which included the St. Charles Power Station project.
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $171 million for the second quarter 2016 to $204 million for the second quarter 2017 primarily due to the effect of recording in 2016 final court decisions in litigation against the DOE for the reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs, which reduced other operation and maintenance expenses in 2016 by $42 million, and an increase of $28 million in severance and retention costs in the second quarter 2017 as compared to the second quarter 2016 due to management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the DOE litigation. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. The increase was partially offset by a decrease due to the absence of other operation and maintenance expenses from the FitzPatrick plant after it was sold to Exelon in March 2017. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the sale.
The asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges variance is primarily due to $194 million ($126 million net-of-tax) of impairment charges in the second quarter 2017 due to nuclear fuel spending, nuclear refueling outage spending, and expenditures for capital assets being charged to expense as incurred as a result of the impaired value of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants’ long-lived assets due to the significantly reduced remaining estimated operating lives associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. The increase in impairment charges in 2017 is primarily due to the impairment of the Indian Point and Palisades plants in fourth quarter 2016 and the timing of nuclear refueling outage spending for the Pilgrim plant. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale
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Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet.
Other income increased primarily due to higher realized gains in second quarter 2017 as compared to second quarter 2016 on the decommissioning trust fund investments primarily as a result of portfolio reallocations.
Other expenses increased primarily due to increases in decommissioning expenses primarily as a result of a trust transfer agreement Entergy entered into with NYPA in August 2016, which closed in January 2017, to transfer the decommissioning trust and decommissioning liability for the Indian Point 3 plant to Entergy and revisions to the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ Indian Point 2 and Palisades plants as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 9 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the revised decommissioning cost studies. The increase was partially offset by a reduction in deferred refueling outage amortization costs related to the impairments of the Indian Point 3, Indian Point 2, and Palisades plants and related assets. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the impairments and related charges.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was (442.1%) for the second quarter 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the second quarter 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to tax elections to treat as corporations for federal income tax purposes two subsidiaries that each own an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant, which resulted in both permanent and temporary differences under the income tax accounting standards. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the tax elections.
The effective income tax rate was (76.9%) for the second quarter 2016. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the second quarter 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to a tax election to treat as a corporation for federal income tax purposes a subsidiary that owns an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant, which resulted in reduced income tax expense and the reversal of a portion of the provision for uncertain tax positions as a result of the settlement of the 2010-2011 IRS audit in the second quarter 2016. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the tax election and the tax settlements.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Following are income statement variances for Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities, Parent & Other, and Entergy comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016 showing how much the line item increased or (decreased) in comparison to the prior period:
Utility | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | Parent & Other (a) | Entergy | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
2016 Consolidated Net Income (Loss) | $579,968 | $330,430 | ($102,566 | ) | $807,832 | |||||||||||
Net revenue (operating revenue less fuel expense, purchased power, and other regulatory charges/credits) | 54,405 | (14,889 | ) | (11 | ) | 39,505 | ||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 80,763 | 115,205 | 703 | 196,671 | ||||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges | — | 391,033 | — | 391,033 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 18,206 | (8,008 | ) | 391 | 10,589 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 25,283 | 2,587 | (216 | ) | 27,654 | |||||||||||
Gain on sale of assets | — | 16,270 | — | 16,270 | ||||||||||||
Other income | 26,282 | 56,768 | 652 | 83,702 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | (13,233 | ) | (41 | ) | 3,546 | (9,728 | ) | |||||||||
Other expenses | 10,339 | 41,654 | — | 51,993 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 125,292 | (350,540 | ) | 4,925 | (220,323 | ) | ||||||||||
2017 Consolidated Net Income (Loss) | $414,005 | $196,689 | ($111,274 | ) | $499,420 |
(a) | Parent & Other includes eliminations, which are primarily intersegment activity. |
Refer to “ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES - SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS” for further information with respect to operating statistics.
Results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 include $405 million ($263 million net-of-tax) of impairment charges due to costs being charged to expense as incurred as a result of the impaired value of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants’ long-lived assets due to the significantly reduced remaining estimated operating lives associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet and a reduction of income tax expense, net of unrecognized tax benefits, of $373 million as a result of tax elections to treat as corporations for federal income tax purposes two subsidiaries that each own an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet and Note 10 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the tax elections.
Results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2016 include a reduction of income tax expense, net of unrecognized tax benefits, of $238 million as a result of a tax election to treat as a corporation for federal income tax purposes a subsidiary that owns an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant; income tax benefits as a result of the settlement of the 2010-2011 IRS audit, including a $75 million tax benefit recognized by Entergy Louisiana related to the treatment of the Vidalia purchased power agreement and a $54 million net benefit recognized by Entergy Louisiana related to the treatment of proceeds received in 2010 for the financing of Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike storm costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55; and a reduction in expenses of $59 million ($38 million net-of-tax) due to the effects of recording in second quarter 2016 final court decisions in several lawsuits against the DOE related to spent nuclear fuel storage costs. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the income tax items and Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the DOE litigation.
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Net Revenue
Utility
Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $2,899 | ||
Retail electric price | 45 | ||
Grand Gulf recovery | 27 | ||
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation | 16 | ||
Volume/weather | (30 | ) | |
Other | (3 | ) | |
2017 net revenue | $2,954 |
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to:
• | an increase in base rates effective February 24, 2016 and the implementation of formula rate plan rates effective with the first billing cycle of January 2017 at Entergy Arkansas, each as approved by the APSC. A significant portion of the base rate increase was related to the purchase of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station in March 2016; |
• | an increase in formula rate plan revenues for Entergy Louisiana, implemented with the first billing cycle of March 2016, to collect the estimated first-year revenue requirement related to the purchase of Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station in March 2016; |
• | the implementation of the transmission cost recovery factor rider at Entergy Texas, effective September 2016, and an increase in the transmission cost recovery factor rider rate, effective March 2017, as approved by the PUCT; |
• | an increase in rates at Entergy Mississippi, as approved by the MPSC, effective with the first billing cycle of July 2016; and |
• | an increase in the purchased power and capacity acquisition cost recovery rider for Entergy New Orleans, as approved by the City Council, effective with the first billing cycle of March 2016, primarily related to the purchase of Power Block 1 of the Union Power Station in March 2016. |
The retail electric price variance is partially offset by a decrease in formula rate plan revenues for Entergy Louisiana, implemented with the first billing cycle of September 2016, to reflect the effects of the termination of the System Agreement.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the rate proceedings. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
The Grand Gulf recovery variance is primarily due to increased recovery of higher operating costs.
The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation variance results from a regulatory charge in 2016 for tax savings to be shared with customers per an agreement approved by the LPSC. The tax savings resulted from the 2010-2011 IRS audit settlement on the treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of storm costs for Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of 551 GWh, or 1%, in billed electricity usage,
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including an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage is primarily due to new customers in the primary metals and industrial gases industries and expansion projects primarily in the chemicals industry.
Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $759 | ||
Nuclear volume | (79 | ) | |
FitzPatrick | (72 | ) | |
Nuclear fuel expenses | 37 | ||
FitzPatrick reimbursement agreement | 98 | ||
Other | 1 | ||
2017 net revenue | $744 |
As shown in the table above, net revenue for Entergy Wholesale Commodities decreased by $15 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to lower volume in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear fleet resulting from more outage days in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 and a decrease as a result of the absence of net revenue from the FitzPatrick plant after it was sold to Exelon in March 2017. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the sale. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease in nuclear fuel expenses primarily related to the impairments of the Pilgrim and Palisades plants and related assets and an increase resulting from the reimbursement agreement with Exelon pursuant to which Exelon was reimbursing Entergy for specified out-of-pocket costs associated with preparing for the refueling and operation of FitzPatrick that otherwise would have been avoided had Entergy shut down FitzPatrick in January 2017. Revenues received from Exelon in 2017 under the reimbursement agreement were offset in other operation and maintenance expenses and taxes other than income taxes and had no material effect on net income. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein and Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the reimbursement agreement.
Following are key performance measures for Entergy Wholesale Commodities for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||
Owned capacity (MW) (a) | 3,962 | 4,880 | |
GWh billed | 14,382 | 17,112 | |
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Fleet | |||
Capacity factor | 71% | 83% | |
GWh billed | 13,228 | 15,996 | |
Average energy and capacity revenue per MWh | $53.79 | $49.85 | |
Refueling outage days: | |||
FitzPatrick | 42 | — | |
Indian Point 2 | — | 102 | |
Indian Point 3 | 66 | — | |
Pilgrim | 43 | — | |
Palisades | 27 | — |
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(a) | The reduction in owned capacity is due to Entergy’s sale of the 838 MW FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017 and Entergy’s sale of its 50% membership interest in Top Deer Wind Ventures, LLC in November 2016. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the FitzPatrick sale and Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Top Deer Wind Ventures, LLC sale. |
Other Income Statement Items
Utility
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $1,096 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 to $1,177 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to:
• | an increase of $18 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to higher nuclear labor costs, including contract labor, primarily due to increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals, and additional training and initiatives to support management’s operational goals at Grand Gulf, partially offset by a decrease in regulatory compliance costs. The decrease in regulatory compliance costs is primarily related to additional NRC inspection activities in 2016 as a result of the NRC’s March 2015 decision to move ANO into the “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column” of the NRC’s reactor oversight process action matrix. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident and subsequent NRC reviews; |
• | the deferral in first quarter 2016 of $7.7 million of previously-incurred costs related to ANO post-Fukushima compliance and $9.9 million of previously-incurred costs related to ANO flood barrier compliance, as approved by the APSC in February 2016 as part of the Entergy Arkansas 2015 rate case settlement. These costs are being amortized over a ten-year period beginning March 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the rate case settlement; |
• | an increase of $11 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to a downward revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in first quarter 2016 and an increase in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs as a result of lower discount rates; |
• | an increase of $10 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs in 2017; and |
• | an increase of $5 million in information technology expenses including software maintenance costs and upgrade projects. |
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in local franchise taxes and ad valorem taxes.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service, including the Union Power Station purchased in March 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
Other income increased primarily due to higher realized gains in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 on the decommissioning trust fund investments, including portfolio reallocations, and an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2017, which included the St. Charles Power Station project.
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Entergy Wholesale Commodities
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased from $384 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 to $500 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to:
• | FitzPatrick’s nuclear refueling outage expenses and expenditures for capital assets being classified as other operation and maintenance expenses as a result of the sales and reimbursement agreements Entergy entered into with Exelon. These costs would have not been incurred absent the sales agreement with Exelon because Entergy planned to shut the plant down in January 2017. The expenses were offset by revenue realized pursuant to the reimbursement agreement and had no effect on net income. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein and Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the reimbursement agreement; |
• | the effect of recording in 2016 final court decisions in litigation against the DOE for the reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs, which reduced other operation and maintenance expenses in 2016 by $42 million. See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the DOE litigation; and |
• | an increase of $39 million in severance and retention costs in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 due to management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. |
The increase was partially offset by a decrease due to the absence of other operation and maintenance expenses from the FitzPatrick plant after it was sold to Exelon in March 2017. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the sale.
The asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges variance is primarily due to $405 million ($263 million net-of-tax) of impairment charges in the six months ended June 30, 2017 due to nuclear fuel spending, nuclear refueling outage spending, and expenditures for capital assets being charged to expense as incurred as a result of the impaired value of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants’ long-lived assets due to the significantly reduced remaining estimated operating lives associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. The increase in impairment charges in 2017 is primarily due to the impairment of the Indian Point and Palisades plants in fourth quarter 2016 and the timing of nuclear fuel spending and nuclear refueling outage spending for the Pilgrim plant. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” below and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet.
The gain on sale of assets resulted from the sale in March 2017 of the 838 MW FitzPatrick plant to Exelon. Entergy sold the FitzPatrick plant for approximately $110 million, including the $10 million non-refundable signing fee paid in August 2016, in addition to the assumption by Exelon of certain liabilities related to the FitzPatrick plant, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $16 million on the sale. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the sale.
Other income increased primarily due to higher realized gains in the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 on the decommissioning trust fund investments as a result of portfolio reallocations and the increase in value from year-end realized upon the receipt from NYPA of the decommissioning trust funds for the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants in January 2017. See Note 9 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the trust transfer agreement with NYPA.
Other expenses increased primarily due to increases in decommissioning expenses primarily as a result of a trust transfer agreement Entergy entered into with NYPA in August 2016, which closed in January 2017, to transfer the decommissioning trusts and decommissioning liabilities for the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants to Entergy and revisions to the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ Indian Point
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2 and Palisades plants as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 9 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the trust transfer agreement with NYPA and the revised decommissioning cost studies. The increase was partially offset by a reduction in deferred refueling outage amortization costs related to the impairments of the Indian Point 3, Indian Point 2, and Palisades plants and related assets. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the impairments and related charges.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was (193.7%) for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to tax elections to treat as corporations for federal income tax purposes two subsidiaries that each own an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant, which resulted in both permanent and temporary differences under the income tax accounting standards and the re-determined tax basis of the FitzPatrick plant as a result of its sale on March 31, 2017. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the tax elections and the tax benefit associated with the sale of FitzPatrick.
The effective income tax rate was (15.6%) for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to a tax election to treat as a corporation for federal income tax purposes a subsidiary that owns an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant, which resulted in reduced income tax expense and the reversal of a portion of the provision for uncertain tax positions as a result of the settlement of the 2010-2011 IRS audit in the second quarter 2016. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the tax election and the tax settlements.
ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident, subsequent NRC reviews, and the deferral of replacement power costs.
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. Following are updates to that discussion.
Entergy expects to incur employee retention and severance expenses associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet of approximately $110 million in 2017, of which $66 million had been incurred as of June 30, 2017, and approximately $250 million from 2018 through the end of 2021. In addition, Entergy Wholesale Commodities incurred impairment charges related to nuclear fuel spending, nuclear refueling outage spending, and expenditures for capital assets of $194 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, and $405 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. These costs are charged to expense as incurred as a result of the impaired value of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants’ long-lived assets due to the significantly reduced remaining estimated operating lives associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet. Entergy expects to continue to incur costs associated with nuclear fuel-related spending and expenditures for capital assets, and expects to continue to charge these costs to expense as incurred over the remaining operating lives of the plants because Entergy expects the value of those plants to continue to be impaired.
In March 2017 the NRC approved the sale of the FitzPatrick plant, an 838 MW nuclear power plant owned by Entergy in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment, to Exelon. The transaction closed in March 2017 for a purchase price of $110 million, including the $10 million non-refundable signing fee paid in August 2016, in addition
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to the assumption by Exelon of certain liabilities related to the FitzPatrick plant, resulting in a pre-tax gain on the sale of $16 million. At the transaction close, Exelon paid an additional $8 million for the proration of certain expenses prepaid by Entergy. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the sale of FitzPatrick. As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements herein, as a result of the sale of FitzPatrick, Entergy re-determined the plant’s tax basis, resulting in a $44 million income tax benefit in the first quarter 2017.
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorizations to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorizations to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the NRC operating licensing proceedings for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 and the settlement reached with New York State. Following are updates to that discussion.
In accordance with the settlement with New York State, in March 2017 the New York State Department of State issued a concurrence with Indian Point’s new Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) consistency certification and, on Entergy’s motion, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York dismissed Entergy’s appeal related to the initial Indian Point CZMA consistency certification. Also in March 2017 the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board of the NRC granted the motion of New York State and Riverkeeper to withdraw their pending contentions on the NRC license renewal application and terminated the proceedings. Subsequent to the issuance of the water quality certification and water discharge permit in January 2017 by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), in April 2017 the NYSDEC updated its environmental analysis to reflect the early shutdown per the settlement agreement. Both the water quality certification and the CZMA concurrence were filed with the NRC in April 2017.
In May 2017 a plaintiff filed two parallel state court appeals challenging New York State’s actions in signing and implementing the Indian Point settlement with Entergy on the basis that the State failed to perform sufficient environmental analysis of its actions. All signatories to the settlement agreement, including the Entergy affiliates that hold NRC licenses for Indian Point, were named.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy’s capital structure, capital expenditure plans and other uses of capital, and sources of capital. Following are updates to that discussion.
Capital Structure
Entergy’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 65.5 | % | 64.8 | % | |
Effect of excluding securitization bonds | (0.8 | %) | (1.0 | %) | |
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 64.7 | % | 63.8 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | (1.5 | %) | (2.0 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 63.2 | % | 61.8 | % |
(a) | Calculation excludes the Arkansas, Louisiana, New Orleans, and Texas securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas, respectively. |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of notes payable and commercial paper, capital lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt, common
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shareholders’ equity, and subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Entergy Corporation has in place a credit facility that has a borrowing capacity of $3.5 billion and expires in August 2021. Entergy Corporation also has the ability to issue letters of credit against 50% of the total borrowing capacity of the credit facility. The commitment fee is currently 0.225% of the undrawn commitment amount. Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior unsecured debt ratings of Entergy Corporation. The weighted average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was 2.38% on the drawn portion of the facility. Following is a summary of the borrowings outstanding and capacity available under the facility as of June 30, 2017:
Capacity | Borrowings | Letters of Credit | Capacity Available | |||
(In Millions) | ||||||
$3,500 | $225 | $6 | $3,269 |
A covenant in Entergy Corporation’s credit facility requires Entergy to maintain a consolidated debt ratio, as defined, of 65% or less of its total capitalization. The calculation of this debt ratio under Entergy Corporation’s credit facility is different than the calculation of the debt to capital ratio above. Entergy is currently in compliance with the covenant and expects to remain in compliance with this covenant. If Entergy fails to meet this ratio, or if Entergy or one of the Utility operating companies (except Entergy New Orleans) defaults on other indebtedness or is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the facility’s maturity date may occur. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the Entergy Corporation credit facility and discussion of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ credit facilities.
Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee has a credit facility guaranteed by Entergy Corporation with a borrowing capacity of $100 million, which expires in January 2018. As of June 30, 2017, $71 million in cash borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility. The weighted average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was 2.44% on the drawn portion of the facility. Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee also has an uncommitted credit facility guaranteed by Entergy Corporation with a borrowing capacity of $85 million, which expires in January 2018. As of June 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings outstanding under the uncommitted credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the Vermont Yankee facilities.
Entergy Corporation has a commercial paper program with a Board-approved program limit of up to $1.5 billion. As of June 30, 2017, Entergy Corporation had $1.1 billion of commercial paper outstanding. The weighted-average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was 1.38%.
Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital
See the table and discussion in the Form 10-K under “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital,” that sets forth the amounts of planned construction and other capital investments by operating segment for 2017 through 2019. Following are updates to the discussion.
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Lake Charles Power Station
In November 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking certification that the public convenience and necessity would be served by the construction of the Lake Charles Power Station, a nominal 994 MW combined-cycle generating unit in Westlake, Louisiana, on land adjacent to the existing Nelson plant in Calcasieu Parish. The current estimated cost of the Lake Charles Power Station is $872 million, including estimated costs of transmission interconnection and other related costs. In May 2017 the parties to the proceeding agreed to an uncontested stipulation finding that construction of the Lake Charles Power Station is in the public interest and authorizing an in-service rate recovery plan. In July 2017 the LPSC issued an order unanimously approving the stipulation. Subject to the timely receipt of other permits and approvals, commercial operation is estimated to occur by mid-2020.
New Orleans Power Station
In June 2016, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council seeking a public interest determination and authorization to construct the New Orleans Power Station, a 226 MW advanced combustion turbine in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the site of the existing Michoud generating facility, which facility was deactivated effective May 31, 2016. In January 2017 several intervenors filed testimony opposing the construction of the New Orleans Power Station on various grounds. In July 2017, Entergy New Orleans submitted a supplemental and amending application to the City Council seeking approval to construct either the originally proposed 226 MW advanced combustion turbine, or alternatively, a 128 MW unit composed of natural gas-fired reciprocating engines and a related cost recovery plan. The application included an updated cost estimate of $232 million for the 226 MW advanced combustion turbine. The cost estimate for the alternative 128 MW unit is $210 million. In addition, the application renewed the commitment to pursue up to 100 MW of renewable resources to serve New Orleans. In July 2017 the Utility Committee of the City Council established a procedural schedule that provides for a hearing in December 2017 and the City Council’s decision in February 2018. The commercial operation date is dependent on the alternative selected by the City Council and the receipt of other permits and approvals.
Montgomery County Power Station
In October 2016, Entergy Texas filed an application with the PUCT seeking certification that the public convenience and necessity would be served by the construction of the Montgomery County Power Station, a nominal 993 MW combined-cycle generating unit in Montgomery County, Texas on land adjacent to the existing Lewis Creek plant. The current estimated cost of the Montgomery County Power Station is $937 million, including estimated costs of transmission interconnection and network upgrades and other related costs. The independent monitor, who oversaw the request for proposal process, filed testimony and a report affirming that the Montgomery County Power Station was selected through an objective and fair request for proposal process that showed no undue preference to any proposal. In June 2017, parties to the proceeding filed an unopposed stipulation and settlement agreement. The stipulation contemplates that Entergy Texas’s level of cost-recovery for generation construction costs for Montgomery County Power Station is capped at $831 million, subject to certain exclusions such as force majeure events. Also in June 2017, the administrative law judge issued a proposed order and remanded the proceeding to the PUCT for final decision. In July 2017 the PUCT approved the stipulation. Subject to the timely receipt of other permits and approvals, commercial operation is estimated to occur by mid-2021.
Washington Parish Energy Center
In April 2017, Entergy Louisiana signed a purchase and sale agreement with a subsidiary of Calpine Corporation for the acquisition of a peaking plant. Calpine will construct the plant, which will consist of two natural gas-fired combustion turbine units with a total nominal capacity of approximately 360 MW. The plant, named the Washington Parish Energy Center, will be located in Bogalusa, Louisiana and, subject to permits and approvals, is expected to be completed in 2021. Subject to regulatory approvals, Entergy Louisiana will purchase the plant once it is complete for an estimated total investment of approximately $261 million, including transmission and other related costs. In May
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2017, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking certification of the plant. A procedural schedule has been established, with a hearing in March 2018.
Dividends
Declarations of dividends on Entergy’s common stock are made at the discretion of the Board. Among other things, the Board evaluates the level of Entergy’s common stock dividends based upon earnings per share from the Utility operating segment and the Parent and Other portion of the business, financial strength, and future investment opportunities. At its July 2017 meeting, the Board declared a dividend of $0.87 per share, which is the same quarterly dividend per share that Entergy has paid since the fourth quarter 2016.
Cash Flow Activity
As shown in Entergy’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $1,188 | $1,351 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 820 | 1,252 | |||||
Investing activities | (1,770 | ) | (2,266 | ) | |||
Financing activities | 697 | 659 | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (253 | ) | (355 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $935 | $996 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased by $432 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | an increase of $160 million in spending on nuclear refueling outages in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; |
• | lower Entergy Wholesale Commodities net revenue, excluding the effect of revenues resulting from the FitzPatrick reimbursement agreement with Exelon, in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, as discussed above. See Note 13 to the financial statements herein and Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the reimbursement agreement; |
• | a decrease due to the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery; |
• | an increase of $94 million in severance and retention payments in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” above and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet; and |
• | a refund to customers in January 2017 of approximately $71 million as a result of the settlement approved by the LPSC related to the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement and refund. |
15
The decrease was partially offset by:
• | income tax refunds of $15 million in 2017 compared to income tax payments of $85 million in 2016. Entergy received income tax refunds in 2017 resulting from the carryback of net operating losses. Entergy made income tax payments in 2016 related to the effect of the 2006-2007 IRS audit and for jurisdictions that do not have net operating loss carryovers or jurisdictions in which the utilization of net operating loss carryovers are limited. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the income tax audit; |
• | a decrease of $76 million in interest paid in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to an interest payment of $60 million made in March 2016 related to the purchase of a beneficial interest in the Waterford 3 leased assets. See Note 10 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s purchase of a beneficial interest in the Waterford 3 leased assets; and |
• | a decrease of $23 million in spending in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 on activities related to the decommissioning of Vermont Yankee, which ceased power production in December 2014. |
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $496 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the purchase of the Union Power Station for approximately $948 million in March 2016 and proceeds of $100 million from the sale in March 2017 of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase and Note 13 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the sale of FitzPatrick.
The decrease was partially offset by:
• | an increase of $425 million in construction expenditures, primarily in the Utility business. The increase in construction expenditures in the Utility business is primarily due to an increase of $251 million in fossil-fueled generation construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of work performed on various projects in 2017, including the St. Charles Power Station project, an increase of $73 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily due to increased spending on various nuclear projects in 2017, and an increase of $61 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; |
• | fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; and |
• | proceeds of $25 million received in 2017 compared to proceeds of $89 million received in 2016 from the DOE resulting from litigation regarding spent nuclear fuel storage costs that were previously capitalized. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein and Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the DOE litigation. |
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities increased $38 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to an increase of $372 million in net issuances of commercial paper in 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.
The increase was partially offset by:
• | long-term debt activity providing approximately $170 million of cash in 2017 compared to providing approximately $437 million of cash in 2016. Included in the long-term debt activity is $475 million in 2017 and $595 million in 2016 for the repayment of borrowings on the Entergy Corporation long-term credit facility; and |
16
• | a decrease of $67 million in 2017 in short-term borrowings by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities. |
For the details of Entergy’s commercial paper program, the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities’ short-term borrowings, and long-term debt see Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K.
Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation” in the Form 10-K for discussions of rate regulation, federal regulation, and related regulatory proceedings.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for updates to the discussion in the Form 10-K regarding these proceedings.
Federal Regulation
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for updates to the discussion in the Form 10-K regarding federal regulatory proceedings.
Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments
Commodity Price Risk
Power Generation
As a wholesale generator, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ core business is selling energy, measured in MWh, to its customers. Entergy Wholesale Commodities enters into forward contracts with its customers and also sells energy in the day ahead or spot markets. In addition to selling the energy produced by its plants, Entergy Wholesale Commodities sells unforced capacity, which allows load-serving entities to meet specified reserve and related requirements placed on them by the ISOs in their respective areas. Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ forward physical power contracts consist of contracts to sell energy only, contracts to sell capacity only, and bundled contracts in which it sells both capacity and energy. While the terminology and payment mechanics vary in these contracts, each of these types of contracts requires Entergy Wholesale Commodities to deliver MWh of energy, make capacity available, or both. In addition to its forward physical power contracts, Entergy Wholesale Commodities also uses a combination of financial contracts, including swaps, collars, and options, to manage forward commodity price risk. Certain hedge volumes have price downside and upside relative to market price movement. The contracted minimum, expected value, and sensitivities are provided in the table below to show potential variations. The sensitivities may not reflect the total maximum upside potential from higher market prices. The information contained in the following table represents projections at a point in time and will vary over time based on numerous factors, such as future market prices, contracting activities, and generation. Following is a summary of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ current forward capacity and generation contracts as well as total revenue projections based on market prices as of June 30, 2017 (2017 represents the remainder of the year):
17
Entergy Wholesale Commodities Nuclear Portfolio
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||
Energy | ||||||||||
Percent of planned generation under contract (a): | ||||||||||
Unit-contingent (b) | 89% | 76% | 41% | —% | —% | |||||
Firm LD (c) | 9% | 7% | —% | —% | —% | |||||
Offsetting positions (d) | (9%) | (10%) | —% | —% | —% | |||||
Total | 89% | 73% | 41% | —% | —% | |||||
Planned generation (TWh) (e) (f) | 15.0 | 26.7 | 18.8 | 11.7 | 2.9 | |||||
Average revenue per MWh on contracted volumes: | ||||||||||
Minimum | $40.7 | $35.9 | $35.3 | $— | $— | |||||
Expected based on market prices as of June 30, 2017 | $40.7 | $35.9 | $35.3 | $— | $— | |||||
Sensitivity: -/+ $10 per MWh market price change | $40.7-$40.8 | $34.9-$36.9 | $35.3 | $— | $— | |||||
Capacity | ||||||||||
Percent of capacity sold forward (g): | ||||||||||
Bundled capacity and energy contracts (h) | 24% | 11% | —% | —% | —% | |||||
Capacity contracts (i) | 41% | 24% | 14% | —% | —% | |||||
Total | 65% | 35% | 14% | —% | —% | |||||
Planned net MW in operation (average) (f) | 3,568 | 3,365 | 2,356 | 1,384 | 347 | |||||
Average revenue under contract per kW per month (applies to capacity contracts only) | $8.5 | $9.1 | $10.5 | $— | $— | |||||
Total Nuclear Energy and Capacity Revenues (j) | ||||||||||
Expected sold and market total revenue per MWh | $47.4 | $43.6 | $43.9 | $44.3 | $50.0 | |||||
Sensitivity: -/+ $10 per MWh market price change | $46.2-$48.6 | $41.0-$46.3 | $38.0-$49.8 | $34.3-$54.3 | $40.0-$60.0 |
(a) | Percent of planned generation output sold or purchased forward under contracts, forward physical contracts, forward financial contracts, or options that mitigate price uncertainty that may require regulatory approval or approval of transmission rights. Positions that are not classified as hedges are netted in the planned generation under contract. |
(b) | Transaction under which power is supplied from a specific generation asset; if the asset is not operating, the seller is generally not liable to buyer for any damages. Certain unit-contingent sales include a guarantee of availability. Availability guarantees provide for the payment to the power purchaser of contract damages, if incurred, in the event the seller fails to deliver power as a result of the failure of the specified generation unit to generate power at or above a specified availability threshold. All of Entergy’s outstanding guarantees of availability provide for dollar limits on Entergy’s maximum liability under such guarantees. |
(c) | Transaction that requires receipt or delivery of energy at a specified delivery point (usually at a market hub not associated with a specific asset) or settles financially on notional quantities; if a party fails to deliver or receive energy, defaulting party must compensate the other party as specified in the contract, a portion of which may be capped through the use of risk management products. This also includes option transactions that may expire without being exercised. |
(d) | Transactions for the purchase of energy, generally to offset a Firm LD transaction. |
(e) | Amount of output expected to be generated by Entergy Wholesale Commodities resources considering plant operating characteristics, outage schedules, and expected market conditions that affect dispatch. |
18
(f) | Assumes the planned shutdown of Palisades on October 1, 2018, planned shutdown of Pilgrim on May 31, 2019, planned shutdown of Indian Point 2 on April 30, 2020, and planned shutdown of Indian Point 3 on April 30, 2021, and reflects the sale of FitzPatrick in March 2017. Assumes NRC license renewals for two units, as follows (with current license expirations in parentheses): Indian Point 2 (September 2013 and now operating under its period of extended operations while its application is pending) and Indian Point 3 (December 2015 and now operating under its period of extended operations while its application is pending). For a discussion regarding the planned shutdown of the Palisades, Pilgrim, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 plants, see “Entergy Wholesale Commodities Exit from the Merchant Power Business” in the Form 10-K. For a discussion regarding the license renewals for Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3, see “Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorizations to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants” above and in the Form 10-K. |
(g) | Percent of planned qualified capacity sold to mitigate price uncertainty under physical or financial transactions. |
(h) | A contract for the sale of installed capacity and related energy, priced per megawatt-hour sold. |
(i) | A contract for the sale of an installed capacity product in a regional market. |
(j) | Includes assumptions on converting a portion of the portfolio to contracted with fixed price cost or discount and excludes non-cash revenue from the amortization of the Palisades below-market purchased power agreement, mark-to-market activity, and service revenues. |
Entergy estimates that a positive $10 per MWh change in the annual average energy price in the markets in which the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear business sells power, based on June 30, 2017 market conditions, planned generation volumes, and hedged positions, would have a corresponding effect on pre-tax net income of $19 million for the remainder of 2017. As of June 30, 2016, a positive $10 per MWh change would have had a corresponding effect on pre-tax income of $50 million for the remainder of 2016. A negative $10 per MWh change in the annual average energy price in the markets based on June 30, 2017 market conditions, planned generation volumes, and hedged positions, would have a corresponding effect on pre-tax net income of ($17) million for the remainder of 2017. As of June 30, 2016, a negative $10 per MWh change would have had a corresponding effect on pre-tax income of ($32) million for the remainder of 2016.
Some of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ power plants contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide credit support to secure its obligations under the agreements. The Entergy subsidiary is required to provide credit support based upon the difference between the current market prices and contracted power prices in the regions where Entergy Wholesale Commodities sells power. The primary form of credit support to satisfy these requirements is an Entergy Corporation guaranty. Cash and letters of credit are also acceptable forms of credit support. At June 30, 2017, based on power prices at that time, Entergy had liquidity exposure of $116 million under the guarantees in place supporting Entergy Wholesale Commodities transactions and $8 million of posted cash collateral. In the event of a decrease in Entergy Corporation’s credit rating to below investment grade, based on power prices as of June 30, 2017, Entergy would have been required to provide approximately $50 million of additional cash or letters of credit under some of the agreements. As of June 30, 2017, the liquidity exposure associated with Entergy Wholesale Commodities assurance requirements, including return of previously posted collateral from counterparties, would increase by $236 million for a $1 per MMBtu increase in gas prices in both the short-and long-term markets.
As of June 30, 2017, substantially all of the credit exposure associated with the planned energy output under contract for Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants through 2021 is with counterparties or their guarantors that have public investment grade credit ratings.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters. The following is an update to that discussion.
19
Indian Point
During the scheduled refueling and maintenance outage at Indian Point 2 in the first quarter 2016, comprehensive inspections were done as part of the aging management program that calls for an in-depth inspection of the reactor vessel. Inspections of more than 2,000 bolts in the reactor’s removable insert liner identified issues with roughly 11% of the bolts that required further analysis. Entergy replaced bolts as appropriate, and the unit returned to service in June 2016. In 2016, Entergy evaluated the scope and duration of Indian Point 3’s scheduled refueling outage planned for 2017, which began in March 2017. Based on the results of the 2016 evaluation and analysis, Entergy extended Indian Point 3’s planned 2017 outage duration. Entergy performed the same in-depth inspection of the reactor vessel at Indian Point 3 during Indian Point 3’s spring 2017 refueling and maintenance outage that it performed for Indian Point 2. Based on inspection data, Entergy replaced approximately the same number of bolts at Indian Point 3 that it replaced at Indian Point 2 before returning the plant to service in May 2017.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, unbilled revenue, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - New Accounting Pronouncements” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements. Following are updates to that discussion.
As discussed in the Form 10-K, ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy has selected the modified retrospective transition method. Entergy’s evaluation of ASU 2014-09 has not identified any effects that it expects will affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Entergy continues to monitor the development and finalization of industry-specific application guidance that could have an effect on this assessment.
In March 2017 the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” The ASU requires entities to report the service cost component of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost (net benefit cost) in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. In addition, the ASU allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. ASU 2017-07 is effective for Entergy for the first quarter 2018. Entergy does not expect ASU 2017-07 to affect materially its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
20
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | |||||||||||||||
Electric | $2,271,220 | $2,093,331 | $4,262,960 | $4,135,492 | |||||||||||
Natural gas | 30,075 | 25,121 | 73,426 | 70,734 | |||||||||||
Competitive businesses | 317,255 | 344,110 | 870,622 | 866,189 | |||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,618,550 | 2,462,562 | 5,207,008 | 5,072,415 | |||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | |||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 395,947 | 381,465 | 813,513 | 886,432 | |||||||||||
Purchased power | 416,497 | 242,672 | 774,264 | 504,996 | |||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 38,288 | 47,045 | 80,853 | 98,276 | |||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 820,297 | 759,258 | 1,687,845 | 1,491,174 | |||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges | 193,571 | 6,969 | 405,362 | 14,329 | |||||||||||
Decommissioning | 100,296 | 76,625 | 214,669 | 145,253 | |||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 153,264 | 149,249 | 309,616 | 299,027 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 350,328 | 335,668 | 697,593 | 669,939 | |||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) | 6,553 | 21,353 | (78,749 | ) | 22,512 | ||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,475,041 | 2,020,304 | 4,904,966 | 4,131,938 | |||||||||||
Gain on sale of assets | — | — | 16,270 | — | |||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 143,509 | 442,258 | 318,312 | 940,477 | |||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | |||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 22,376 | 13,860 | 41,384 | 32,792 | |||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 80,097 | 46,375 | 136,646 | 79,128 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (6,872 | ) | (8,377 | ) | (1,371 | ) | (18,963 | ) | |||||||
TOTAL | 95,601 | 51,858 | 176,659 | 92,957 | |||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 173,377 | 177,631 | 344,466 | 351,442 | |||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (10,523 | ) | (7,132 | ) | (19,565 | ) | (16,813 | ) | |||||||
TOTAL | 162,854 | 170,499 | 324,901 | 334,629 | |||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 76,256 | 323,617 | 170,070 | 698,805 | |||||||||||
Income taxes | (337,112 | ) | (248,973 | ) | (329,350 | ) | (109,027 | ) | |||||||
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME | 413,368 | 572,590 | 499,420 | 807,832 | |||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries | 3,446 | 5,276 | 6,892 | 10,552 | |||||||||||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENTERGY CORPORATION | $409,922 | $567,314 | $492,528 | $797,280 | |||||||||||
Earnings per average common share: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $2.28 | $3.17 | $2.75 | $4.46 | |||||||||||
Diluted | $2.27 | $3.16 | $2.74 | $4.45 | |||||||||||
Dividends declared per common share | $0.87 | $0.85 | $1.74 | $1.70 | |||||||||||
Basic average number of common shares outstanding | 179,475,346 | 178,808,149 | 179,405,592 | 178,693,342 | |||||||||||
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding | 180,234,694 | 179,503,582 | 180,032,233 | 179,233,209 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | $413,368 | $572,590 | $499,420 | $807,832 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $10,684, ($34,576), $10,325, and ($39,777)) | 19,949 | (64,041 | ) | 19,421 | (73,547 | ) | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities (net of tax expense of $5,839, $2,779, $12,216, and $3,037) | 10,916 | 5,043 | 19,548 | 12,605 | |||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gains (net of tax expense of $2,870, $19,515, $42,164, and $37,873) | 11,696 | 20,955 | 49,523 | 44,024 | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation (net of tax benefit of $403, $487, $403, and $640) | (748 | ) | (904 | ) | (748 | ) | (1,188 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 41,813 | (38,947 | ) | 87,744 | (18,106 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive Income | 455,181 | 533,643 | 587,164 | 789,726 | |||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries | 3,446 | 5,276 | 6,892 | 10,552 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation | $451,735 | $528,367 | $580,272 | $779,174 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
23
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Consolidated net income | $499,420 | $807,832 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 1,042,671 | 1,012,753 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | (324,227 | ) | (170,026 | ) | ||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges | 220,828 | 14,329 | ||||||
Gain on sale of assets | (16,270 | ) | — | |||||
Changes in working capital: | ||||||||
Receivables | 6,091 | (57,673 | ) | |||||
Fuel inventory | 6,213 | 9,586 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 9,687 | 45,412 | ||||||
Taxes accrued | (2,202 | ) | 7,056 | |||||
Interest accrued | (3,947 | ) | (9,543 | ) | ||||
Deferred fuel costs | (127,945 | ) | 3,757 | |||||
Other working capital accounts | (91,505 | ) | (121,929 | ) | ||||
Changes in provisions for estimated losses | (7,340 | ) | 1,533 | |||||
Changes in other regulatory assets | 62,612 | 109,700 | ||||||
Changes in other regulatory liabilities | (8,250 | ) | 70,505 | |||||
Changes in pensions and other postretirement liabilities | (180,346 | ) | (168,856 | ) | ||||
Other | (265,807 | ) | (302,356 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 819,683 | 1,252,080 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction/capital expenditures | (1,719,712 | ) | (1,294,498 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 41,877 | 33,152 | ||||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (209,756 | ) | (124,107 | ) | ||||
Payment for purchase of plant | — | (947,903 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from sale of assets | 100,000 | — | ||||||
Insurance proceeds received for property damages | 26,157 | — | ||||||
Changes in securitization account | 10,028 | 13,239 | ||||||
Payments to storm reserve escrow account | (1,124 | ) | (805 | ) | ||||
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account | 8,836 | — | ||||||
Decreases in other investments | 1,705 | 57 | ||||||
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs | 25,493 | 89,407 | ||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 1,462,698 | 1,232,672 | ||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (1,516,406 | ) | (1,267,452 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (1,770,204 | ) | (2,266,238 | ) | ||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
24
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of: | ||||||||
Long-term debt | 1,036,529 | 3,856,768 | ||||||
Treasury stock | 7,819 | 16,855 | ||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (866,337 | ) | (3,420,196 | ) | ||||
Changes in credit borrowings and commercial paper - net | 833,957 | 530,540 | ||||||
Other | 4,305 | (10,276 | ) | |||||
Dividends paid: | ||||||||
Common stock | (312,209 | ) | (303,843 | ) | ||||
Preferred stock | (6,892 | ) | (10,552 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 697,172 | 659,296 | ||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (253,349 | ) | (354,862 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,187,844 | 1,350,961 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $934,495 | $996,099 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $334,555 | $410,744 | ||||||
Income taxes | ($14,673 | ) | $84,607 | |||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
25
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
Cash | $67,238 | $129,579 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 867,257 | 1,058,265 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 934,495 | 1,187,844 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Customer | 579,674 | 654,995 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (12,947 | ) | (11,924 | ) | ||||
Other | 138,285 | 158,419 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 415,424 | 368,677 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 1,120,436 | 1,170,167 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 194,245 | 108,465 | ||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 173,387 | 179,600 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 695,690 | 698,523 | ||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 228,300 | 146,221 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 252,791 | 193,448 | ||||||
TOTAL | 3,599,344 | 3,684,268 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Investment in affiliates - at equity | 198 | 198 | ||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 6,796,911 | 5,723,897 | ||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 247,363 | 233,641 | ||||||
Other | 453,705 | 469,664 | ||||||
TOTAL | 7,498,177 | 6,427,400 | ||||||
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT | ||||||||
Electric | 45,916,902 | 45,191,216 | ||||||
Property under capital lease | 618,731 | 619,527 | ||||||
Natural gas | 426,674 | 413,224 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 1,741,867 | 1,378,180 | ||||||
Nuclear fuel | 958,190 | 1,037,899 | ||||||
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT | 49,662,364 | 48,640,046 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 21,095,139 | 20,718,639 | ||||||
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT - NET | 28,567,225 | 27,921,407 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net | 769,364 | 761,280 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $550,077 as of June 30, 2017 and $600,996 as of December 31, 2016) | 4,699,217 | 4,769,913 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 239,199 | 239,100 | ||||||
Goodwill | 377,172 | 377,172 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes | 115,562 | 117,885 | ||||||
Other | 141,777 | 1,606,009 | ||||||
TOTAL | 6,342,291 | 7,871,359 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $46,007,037 | $45,904,434 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
26
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $702,909 | $364,900 | ||||||
Notes payable and commercial paper | 1,248,969 | 415,011 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 1,165,699 | 1,285,577 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 401,089 | 403,311 | ||||||
Taxes accrued | 178,912 | 181,114 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 183,282 | 187,229 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 60,687 | 102,753 | ||||||
Obligations under capital leases | 2,387 | 2,423 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 72,127 | 76,942 | ||||||
Other | 224,469 | 180,836 | ||||||
TOTAL | 4,240,530 | 3,200,096 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 7,246,612 | 7,495,290 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 221,449 | 227,147 | ||||||
Obligations under capital leases | 23,179 | 24,582 | ||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 1,564,679 | 1,572,929 | ||||||
Decommissioning and asset retirement cost liabilities | 6,118,860 | 5,992,476 | ||||||
Accumulated provisions | 474,020 | 481,636 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 2,860,479 | 3,036,010 | ||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $601,861 as of June 30, 2017 and $661,175 as of December 31, 2016) | 14,307,759 | 14,467,655 | ||||||
Other | 375,429 | 1,121,619 | ||||||
TOTAL | 33,192,466 | 34,419,344 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Subsidiaries' preferred stock without sinking fund | 203,185 | 203,185 | ||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued 254,752,788 shares in 2017 and in 2016 | 2,548 | 2,548 | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 5,409,862 | 5,417,245 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 8,375,890 | 8,195,571 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 52,773 | (34,971 | ) | |||||
Less - treasury stock, at cost (75,233,350 shares in 2017 and 75,623,363 shares in 2016) | 5,470,217 | 5,498,584 | ||||||
TOTAL | 8,370,856 | 8,081,809 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | $46,007,037 | $45,904,434 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
27
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiaries’ Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $— | $2,548 | ($5,552,379 | ) | $5,403,758 | $9,393,913 | $8,951 | $9,256,791 | |||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 10,552 | — | — | — | 797,280 | — | 807,832 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (18,106 | ) | (18,106 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 36,877 | (11,212 | ) | — | — | 25,665 | |||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (303,843 | ) | — | (303,843 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (10,552 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | (10,552 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $— | $2,548 | ($5,515,502 | ) | $5,392,546 | $9,887,350 | ($9,155 | ) | $9,757,787 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $— | $2,548 | ($5,498,584 | ) | $5,417,245 | $8,195,571 | ($34,971 | ) | $8,081,809 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 6,892 | — | — | — | 492,528 | — | 499,420 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 87,744 | 87,744 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 28,367 | (7,383 | ) | — | — | 20,984 | |||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (312,209 | ) | — | (312,209 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (6,892 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | (6,892 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $— | $2,548 | ($5,470,217 | ) | $5,409,862 | $8,375,890 | $52,773 | $8,370,856 | |||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Consolidated net income and preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries for 2017 and 2016 include $6.9 million and $10.6 million, respectively, of preferred dividends on subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented within equity. |
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ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Utility electric operating revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $748 | $667 | $81 | 12 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 604 | 543 | 61 | 11 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 651 | 551 | 100 | 18 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 57 | 52 | 5 | 10 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 2,060 | 1,813 | 247 | 14 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale | 46 | 72 | (26 | ) | (36 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 165 | 208 | (43 | ) | (21 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $2,271 | $2,093 | $178 | 9 | |||||||||||
Utility billed electric energy sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 7,340 | 7,081 | 259 | 4 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 6,886 | 6,777 | 109 | 2 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 12,209 | 11,509 | 700 | 6 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 609 | 609 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total retail | 27,044 | 25,976 | 1,068 | 4 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale | 1,845 | 3,579 | (1,734 | ) | (48 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 28,889 | 29,555 | (666 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Entergy Wholesale Commodities: | |||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $317 | $344 | ($27 | ) | (8 | ) | |||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh) | 6,019 | 7,866 | (1,847 | ) | (23 | ) | |||||||||
Six Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Utility electric operating revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $1,453 | $1,411 | $42 | 3 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 1,140 | 1,081 | 59 | 5 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 1,216 | 1,111 | 105 | 9 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 110 | 103 | 7 | 7 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 3,919 | 3,706 | 213 | 6 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale | 124 | 127 | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 220 | 302 | (82 | ) | (27 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $4,263 | $4,135 | $128 | 3 | |||||||||||
Utility billed electric energy sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 14,977 | 15,218 | (241 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 13,325 | 13,288 | 37 | — | |||||||||||
Industrial | 23,326 | 22,564 | 762 | 3 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 1,202 | 1,209 | (7 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 52,830 | 52,279 | 551 | 1 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale | 4,867 | 6,719 | (1,852 | ) | (28 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 57,697 | 58,998 | (1,301 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Entergy Wholesale Commodities: | |||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $871 | $866 | $5 | 1 | |||||||||||
Billed electric energy sales (GWh) | 14,382 | 17,112 | (2,730 | ) | (16 | ) |
29
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries are involved in a number of legal, regulatory, and tax proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, and governmental agencies in the ordinary course of business. While management is unable to predict with certainty the outcome of such proceedings, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Entergy’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition, except as otherwise discussed in the Form 10-K or in this report. Entergy discusses regulatory proceedings in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K and herein and discusses tax proceedings in Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K and Note 10 to the financial statements herein.
Vidalia Purchased Power Agreement
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy Louisiana’s Vidalia purchased power agreement.
ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident, subsequent NRC reviews, and the deferral of replacement power costs.
Pilgrim NRC Oversight and Planned Shutdown
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the NRC’s enhanced inspections of Pilgrim and Entergy’s planned shutdown of Pilgrim no later than June 1, 2019.
Spent Nuclear Fuel Litigation
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy’s spent nuclear fuel litigation.
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2016 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a partial judgment in the amount of $42 million in favor of Entergy Louisiana and against the DOE in the first round River Bend damages case, reserving the issue of cask loading costs pending resolution of the appeal on the same issues in the Entergy Arkansas and System Energy cases. Entergy Louisiana received payment from the U.S. Treasury in August 2016. In September 2016 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a further judgment in the River Bend case in the amount of $5 million. Entergy Louisiana received payment from the U.S. Treasury in January 2017.
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2016 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a judgment in the Entergy Nuclear Palisades case in the amount of $14 million, including $11 million related to costs previously capitalized and $3 million related to costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expense. Entergy Nuclear Palisades recorded a receivable for that amount, and subsequently received payment from the U.S. Treasury in January 2017.
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2016 the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a judgment in the second round Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2 case in the amount of $34 million, including $14 million related to costs previously capitalized, $15 million related to costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expense, $3 million related to previously recorded decommissioning expense, and $2 million related to costs previously recorded
30
as taxes other than income taxes. Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2 recorded a receivable for that amount, and subsequently received payment from the U.S. Treasury in January 2017.
Nuclear Insurance
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on nuclear liability and property insurance associated with Entergy’s nuclear power plants.
Conventional Property Insurance
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy’s non-nuclear property insurance program.
Employment and Labor-related Proceedings
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy’s employment and labor-related proceedings.
Asbestos Litigation (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding asbestos litigation.
NOTE 2. RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities in the Utility business presented on the balance sheets of Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries. The following are updates to that discussion.
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery
Entergy Arkansas
Energy Cost Recovery Rider
In March 2017, Entergy Arkansas filed its annual redetermination of its energy cost rate pursuant to the energy cost recovery rider, which reflected an increase in the rate from $0.01164 per kWh to $0.01547 per kWh. The APSC staff filed testimony in March 2017 recommending that the redetermined rate should be implemented with the first billing cycle of April 2017 under the normal operation of the tariff. Accordingly, the redetermined rate went into effect on March 31, 2017 pursuant to the tariff. In July 2017 the Arkansas Attorney General requested additional information to support certain of the costs included in Entergy Arkansas’s 2017 energy cost rate redetermination.
Entergy Louisiana
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in June 2016 the LPSC staff provided notice of audits of Entergy Louisiana’s fuel adjustment clause filings and purchased gas adjustment clause filings. Discovery commenced in March 2017.
31
Entergy Mississippi
Mississippi Attorney General Complaint
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the Mississippi attorney general filed a complaint in state court in December 2008 against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power. The defendants have denied the allegations. In June 2017 the District Court issued a case management order setting a trial date in November 2018. Discovery is currently in progress.
Entergy Texas
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2016, Entergy Texas filed an application to reconcile its fuel and purchased power costs for the period April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2016. In December 2016, Entergy Texas entered into a stipulation and settlement agreement resulting in a $6 million disallowance not associated with any particular issue raised and a refund of the over-recovery balance of $21 million as of November 30, 2016, to most customers beginning April 2017 through June 2017. The fuel reconciliation settlement was approved by the PUCT in March 2017 and the refunds were made.
In June 2017, Entergy Texas filed an application for a fuel refund of approximately $30.7 million for the months of December 2016 through April 2017. For most customers, the refunds will flow through bills for the months of July 2017 through September 2017. Also in June 2017, the PUCT’s administrative law judge approved the refund on an interim basis. A final decision in this matter remains pending.
Retail Rate Proceedings
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for detailed information regarding retail rate proceedings involving the Utility operating companies. The following are updates to that information.
Filings with the APSC
2016 Formula Rate Plan Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, Entergy Arkansas is required to make a supplemental filing supporting the recovery of certain nuclear costs. In April 2017, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion consented to by all parties requesting that it be permitted to submit its supplemental filing in conjunction with its 2017 formula rate plan filing, which was subsequently made in July 2017 and is discussed below. In May 2017 the APSC approved the joint motion and proposal to review Entergy Arkansas’s supplemental filing on a concurrent schedule with the 2017 formula rate plan filing. In doing so, however, the APSC noted that a determination of whether the supplemental information supporting certain nuclear expenditures will be considered in the hearing for the 2017 formula rate plan filing or a separate hearing will be made at a later time.
2017 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In July 2017, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its 2017 formula rate plan filing showing Entergy Arkansas’s projected earned return on common equity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 test period to be below the formula rate plan bandwidth. The filing projected a $129.7 million revenue requirement increase to achieve Entergy Arkansas’s target earned return on common equity of 9.75%. Because the projected revenue increase exceeds the four percent annual revenue constraint for each rate class, however, Entergy Arkansas proposed a $70.9 million revenue requirement increase. Entergy Arkansas requested an order approving its proposed formula rate plan adjustment by December 13, 2017. If a final order is not issued by this date, the proposed formula rate plan adjustment will become effective January 2, 2018, subject to refund.
32
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2016, Entergy Arkansas filed an application seeking a finding from the APSC that Entergy Arkansas’s deployment of advanced metering infrastructure is in the public interest. In June 2017 the APSC staff and Arkansas Attorney General filed direct testimony. The APSC staff generally supported Entergy Arkansas’s AMI deployment conditioned on various recommendations. The Arkansas Attorney General’s consultant primarily recommended denial of Entergy Arkansas’s application but alternatively suggested recommendations in the event the APSC approves Entergy Arkansas’s proposal. Entergy Arkansas filed rebuttal testimony in June 2017, substantially accepting the APSC staff’s recommendations. In August 2017, Entergy Arkansas and the parties to the proceeding filed a joint motion to suspend the procedural schedule pending the filing with the APSC of an agreement in principle on all issues.
Filings with the LPSC
Retail Rates - Electric
2014 Formula Rate Plan Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2015, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s 2014 calendar year operations. In June 2017 the LPSC staff and Entergy Louisiana filed an unopposed joint report of proceedings, which was accepted by the LPSC in June 2017, finalizing the results of this proceeding with no changes to rates already implemented.
2015 Formula Rate Plan Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for its 2015 calendar year operations. In June 2017 the LPSC staff and Entergy Louisiana filed a joint report of proceedings, which was accepted by the LPSC in June 2017, finalizing the results of the May 2016 evaluation report, interim updates, and corresponding proceedings with no changes to rates already implemented.
Also, in November 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC a request to extend the MISO cost recovery mechanism rider provision of its formula rate plan. In March 2017 the LPSC staff submitted direct testimony generally supportive of a one-year extension of the MISO cost recovery mechanism and the intervenor in the proceeding does not oppose an extension for this period of time. In June 2017 an uncontested joint stipulation authorizing a one-year extension of the MISO cost recovery mechanism rider was filed and the LPSC approved the stipulation in July 2017.
2016 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In May 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for its 2016 calendar year operations. The evaluation report reflects an earned return on common equity of 9.84%. As such, no adjustment to base formula rate plan revenue is required. The following adjustments, however, are required under the formula rate plan: The 2016 formula rate plan evaluation report shows a decrease in formula rate plan revenue of approximately $16.9 million, comprised of a decrease in legacy Entergy Louisiana formula rate plan revenue of $3.5 million, a decrease in legacy Entergy Gulf States Louisiana formula rate plan revenue of $9.7 million, and a decrease in incremental formula rate plan revenue of $3.6 million. Additionally, the formula rate plan evaluation report calls for a decrease in the MISO cost recovery revenue requirement of $40.5 million, from the present level of $46.8 million to $6.3 million. Rates reflecting these adjustments will be implemented with the first billing cycle of September 2017, subject to refund, pending the review proceedings. Parties have intervened in the proceedings. No procedural schedule has been established.
33
Waterford 3 Replacement Steam Generator Project
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project prudence review proceeding. The refund to customers of approximately $71 million as a result of the settlement approved by the LPSC was made to customers in January 2017. Following a review by the parties, an unopposed joint report of proceedings was filed by the LPSC staff and Entergy Louisiana in May 2017. In May 2017 the LPSC accepted the joint report of proceedings resolving the matter.
Union Power Station
As a term of the LPSC-approved settlement authorizing the purchase of Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station, Entergy Louisiana agreed to make a filing with the LPSC to review its decisions to deactivate Ninemile 3 and Willow Glen 2 and 4 and its decision to retire Little Gypsy 1. In January 2016, Entergy Louisiana made its compliance filing with the LPSC. Entergy Louisiana, LPSC staff, and intervenors participated in a technical conference in March 2016 where Entergy Louisiana presented information on its deactivation/retirement decisions for these four units in addition to information on the current deactivation decisions for the ten-year planning horizon. Parties have requested further proceedings on the prudence of the decision to deactivate Willow Glen 2 and 4. No party contests the prudence of the decision to deactivate Willow Glen 2 and 4 or suggests reactivation of these units; however, issues have been raised related to Entergy Louisiana’s decision to give up its transmission service rights in MISO for Willow Glen 2 and 4 rather than placing the units into suspended status for the three year term permitted by MISO. This matter is pending before an ALJ, with an evidentiary hearing scheduled in August 2017.
Retail Rates - Gas
2016 Rate Stabilization Plan Filing
In January 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2016. The filing of the evaluation report for test year 2016 reflected an earned return on common equity of 6.37%. As part of the original filing, pursuant to the extraordinary cost provision of the rate stabilization plan, Entergy Louisiana sought to recover approximately $1.5 million in deferred operation and maintenance expenses incurred to restore service and repair damage resulting from flooding and widespread rainfall in southeast Louisiana that occurred in August 2016. Entergy Louisiana requested to recover the prudently incurred August 2016 storm restoration costs over ten years, outside of the rate stabilization plan sharing provisions. As a result, Entergy Louisiana’s filing sought an annual increase in revenue of $1.4 million. Following review of the filing, except for the proposed extraordinary cost recovery, the LPSC staff confirmed Entergy Louisiana’s filing was consistent with the principles and requirements of the rate stabilization plan. The extraordinary cost recovery request associated with the 2016 flood-related deferred operation and maintenance expenses incurred for gas operations was removed from the rate stabilization plan pending LPSC consideration in a separate docket. In April 2017 the LPSC approved a joint report of proceedings and Entergy Louisiana submitted a revised evaluation report reflecting a $1.2 million annual increase in revenue with rates implemented with the first billing cycle of May 2017.
In connection with the joint report of proceedings accepted by the LPSC, in May 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed an application to initiate a separate proceeding to recover the deferred operation and maintenance expenses incurred to restore service and repair damage resulting from flooding and widespread rainfall in southeast Louisiana that occurred in August 2016 through the extraordinary cost provision of the gas rate stabilization plan. A procedural schedule has been established, with a hearing in November 2017.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in November 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed an application seeking a finding from the LPSC that Entergy Louisiana’s deployment of advanced electric and gas metering infrastructure is in the public interest. The parties reached an uncontested stipulation permitting implementation of Entergy Louisiana’s
34
proposed AMI system, with modifications to the proposed customer charge. In July 2017 the LPSC approved the stipulation.
Filings with the MPSC
Formula Rate Plan
In March 2017, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan 2017 test year filing and 2016 look-back filing showing Entergy Mississippi’s earned return for the historical 2016 calendar year and projected earned return for the 2017 calendar year to be within the formula rate plan bandwidth, resulting in no change in rates. In June 2017, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff entered into a stipulation that confirmed that Entergy Mississippi’s earned returns for both the 2016 look-back filing and 2017 test year were within the respective formula rate plan bandwidths. In June 2017 the MPSC approved the stipulation, which resulted in no change in rates.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in November 2016, Entergy Mississippi filed an application seeking a finding from the MPSC that Entergy Mississippi’s deployment of advanced metering infrastructure is in the public interest. In May 2017 the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi entered into and filed a joint stipulation supporting Entergy Mississippi’s filing, and the MPSC issued an order approving the filing without any material changes, finding that Entergy Mississippi’s deployment of AMI is in the public interest and granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The MPSC order also confirmed that Entergy Mississippi shall continue to include in rate base the remaining book value of existing meters that will be retired as part of the AMI deployment and also to depreciate those assets using current depreciation rates.
Filings with the City Council
Retail Rates
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in February 2017, Entergy New Orleans filed a proposed implementation plan for the Energy Smart program from April 2017 through March 2020. As part of the proposal, Entergy New Orleans requested that the City Council identify its desired level of funding for the program during this time period and approve a cost recovery mechanism. In April 2017 the City Council approved an implementation plan for the Energy Smart program from April 2017 through December 2019. The City Council directed that the $11.8 million balance reported for Energy Smart funds be used to continue funding the program for Entergy New Orleans’s legacy customers and that the Energy Smart Algiers program continue to be funded through the Algiers fuel adjustment clause, until additional customer funding is required for the legacy customers. The City Council ordered Entergy New Orleans to submit a supplemental and amended implementation plan for program years 8 and 9 of the Energy Smart program (January 2018 through December 2019) in October 2017. Following that filing, the City Council will determine a specific cost recovery mechanism for the program for both legacy and Algiers customers. The City Council will not permit Entergy New Orleans to recover lost contribution to fixed costs for program years 7, 8, or 9 of the Energy Smart program.
Internal Restructuring
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2016, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council seeking authorization to undertake a restructuring that would result in the transfer of substantially all of the assets and operations of Entergy New Orleans to a new entity, which would ultimately be owned by an existing Entergy subsidiary holding company. In May 2017 the City Council adopted a resolution approving the proposed internal restructuring pursuant to an agreement in principle with the City Council advisors and certain intervenors. Pursuant to the agreement in principle, Entergy New Orleans will credit retail customers $10 million in 2017, $1.4 million in the first quarter of the year after the transaction closes, and $117,500 each month in the second year after the transaction closes until such time as new base rates go into effect as a result of the anticipated 2018 base rate case. Entergy New Orleans began
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crediting retail customers in June 2017. Also pursuant to the agreement in principle, if FERC approval is received prior to December 31, 2018, Entergy New Orleans will provide additional credits to retail customers of $5 million in each of the years 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2016, Entergy New Orleans filed an application seeking a finding from the City Council that Entergy New Orleans’s deployment of advanced electric and gas metering infrastructure is in the public interest. In April 2017, Entergy New Orleans received intervenor testimony that was generally supportive of AMI deployment. The City Council’s advisors filed testimony in May 2017 recommending the adoption of AMI subject to certain modifications, including the denial of Entergy New Orleans’s proposed customer charge as a cost recovery mechanism. In June 2017 the procedural schedule was suspended to allow for settlement discussions. A settlement status conference is scheduled for August 2017.
Filings with the PUCT
Other Filings
In September 2016, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to amend its transmission cost recovery factor (TCRF) rider. The proposed amended TCRF rider is designed to collect approximately $29.5 million annually from Entergy Texas’s retail customers. This amount includes the approximately $10.5 million annually that Entergy Texas is currently authorized to collect through the TCRF rider. In September 2016 the PUCT suspended the effective date of the tariff change to March 2017. In December 2016, Entergy Texas and the PUCT reached a settlement agreeing to the amended TCRF annual revenue requirement of $29.5 million. The PUCT approved the settlement and issued a final order in March 2017. Entergy Texas implemented the amended TCRF rider beginning with bills covering usage on and after March 20, 2017.
In June 2017, Entergy Texas filed an application to amend its distribution cost recovery factor (DCRF) rider by increasing the total collection from $8.65 million to approximately $19 million. In July 2017, Entergy Texas, the PUCT, and the two other parties in the proceeding entered into an unopposed stipulation and settlement agreement resulting in an amended DCRF annual revenue requirement of $18.3 million, with the resulting rates effective for usage no later than October 1, 2017. PUCT action on the stipulation and settlement agreement remains pending.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
In its most recent regular session, the Texas legislature enacted legislation that extends statutory support for AMI deployment to Entergy Texas and directs that if Entergy Texas elects to deploy AMI, it shall do so as rapidly as practicable. In July 2017, Entergy Texas filed an application seeking an order from the PUCT approving Entergy Texas’s deployment of AMI. Entergy Texas proposed to replace existing meters with advanced meters that enable two-way data communication; design and build a secure and reliable network to support such communications; and implement support systems. AMI is intended to serve as the foundation of Entergy Texas’s modernized power grid. The filing identified a number of quantified and unquantified benefits, with Entergy Texas showing that its AMI deployment is expected to produce nominal net operational cost savings to customers of $33 million. Entergy Texas also sought to continue to include in rate base the remaining book value, approximately $41 million at December 31, 2016, of existing meters that will be retired as part of the AMI deployment and also to depreciate those assets using current depreciation rates. Entergy Texas proposed a seven-year depreciable life for the new advanced meters, the three-year deployment of which is expected to begin in 2019. Entergy Texas also proposed a surcharge tariff to recover the reasonable and necessary costs it has and will incur under the deployment plan for the full deployment of advanced meters. Further, Entergy Texas is seeking approval of fees that would be charged to customers who choose to opt out of receiving service through an advanced meter and instead receive electric service with a non-standard meter. Subject to approval by the PUCT, deployment of the communications network is expected to begin in 2018. Entergy Texas expects a decision from the PUCT by December 2017.
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System Agreement Cost Equalization Proceedings
See the Form 10-K for a discussion of the litigation involving the System Agreement at the FERC and in federal courts.
Entergy Arkansas Opportunity Sales Proceedings
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in June 2009 the LPSC filed a complaint requesting that the FERC determine that certain of Entergy Arkansas’s sales of electric energy to third parties: (a) violated the provisions of the System Agreement that allocated the energy generated by Entergy System resources, (b) imprudently denied the Entergy System and its ultimate consumers the benefits of low-cost Entergy System generating capacity, and (c) violated the provision of the System Agreement that prohibited sales to third parties by individual companies absent an offer of a right-of-first-refusal to other Utility operating companies. The LPSC’s complaint challenges sales made beginning in 2002 and requests refunds.
In April 2016 the FERC issued orders addressing requests for rehearing filed in July 2012 and an ALJ’s August 2013 initial decision. The first order denies Entergy’s request for rehearing and affirms FERC’s earlier rulings that Entergy’s original methodology for allocating energy costs to the opportunity sales was incorrect and, as a result, Entergy Arkansas must make payments to the other Utility operating companies to put them in the same position that they would have been in absent the incorrect allocation. The FERC clarified that interest should be included with the payments. The second order affirmed in part, and reversed in part, the rulings in the ALJ’s August 2013 initial decision regarding the methodology that should be used to calculate the payments Entergy Arkansas is to make to the other Utility operating companies. The FERC affirmed the ALJ’s ruling that a full re-run of intra-system bills should be performed, but required that methodology be modified so that the sales have the same priority for purposes of energy allocation as joint account sales. The FERC reversed the ALJ’s decision that any payments by Entergy Arkansas should be reduced by 20%. The FERC also reversed the ALJ’s decision that adjustments to other System Agreement service schedules and excess bandwidth payments should not be taken into account when calculating the payments to be made by Entergy Arkansas. The FERC held that such adjustments and excess bandwidth payments should be taken into account, but ordered further proceedings before an ALJ to address whether a cap on any reduction due to bandwidth payments was necessary and to implement the other adjustments to the calculation methodology.
In May 2016, Entergy Services filed a request for rehearing of the FERC’s April 2016 order addressing the requests for rehearing filed in July 2012. Entergy Services also filed a request for clarification and/or rehearing of the FERC’s April 2016 order addressing the ALJ’s August 2013 initial decision. The APSC and the LPSC also filed requests for rehearing of the FERC’s April 2016 order. The rehearing and clarification requests filed in May 2016 are pending FERC action.
Pursuant to the procedural schedule established in the case, Entergy Services re-ran intra-system bills for the ten-year period 2000-2009 to quantify the effects of the FERC's ruling. In November 2016 the LPSC submitted testimony disputing certain aspects of the calculations, and Entergy Services submitted answering testimony in January 2017. In February 2017 the FERC staff filed testimony and Entergy Services filed responsive testimony. In March 2017 the LPSC filed rebuttal testimony. A hearing was held in May 2017. In July 2017, the ALJ issued an initial decision concluding that Entergy Arkansas should pay $86 million plus interest to the other Utility operating companies. The Utility operating companies have the opportunity to challenge the ALJ’s initial decision by filing a brief on exceptions with the FERC. No payments will be made or received by the Utility operating companies until the FERC issues an order reviewing the initial decision and Entergy submits a subsequent filing to comply with that order.
The effect of the FERC’s decisions thus far in the case would be that Entergy Arkansas will make payments to some or all of the other Utility operating companies. Because further proceedings will still occur in the case, the amount and recipients of payments by Entergy Arkansas are unknown at this time. Based on testimony previously submitted in the case and its assessment of the April 2016 FERC orders, in the first quarter 2016, Entergy Arkansas recorded a liability of $87 million, which includes interest, for its estimated increased costs and payment to the other
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Utility operating companies. This estimate is subject to change depending on how the FERC resolves the issues that are still outstanding in the case, including its review of the July 2017 initial decision. Entergy Arkansas’s increased costs will be attributed to Entergy Arkansas’s retail and wholesale businesses, and it is not probable that Entergy Arkansas will recover the wholesale portion. Entergy Arkansas, therefore, recorded a regulatory asset in the first quarter 2016 of approximately $75 million, which represents its estimate of the retail portion of the costs.
Complaint Against System Energy
In January 2017 the APSC and MPSC filed a complaint with the FERC against System Energy. The complaint seeks a reduction in the return on equity component of the Unit Power Sales Agreement pursuant to which System Energy sells its Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. Entergy Arkansas also sells some of its Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans under separate agreements. The current return on equity under the Unit Power Sales Agreement is 10.94%. The complaint alleges that the return on equity is unjust and unreasonable because current capital market and other considerations indicate that it is excessive. The complaint requests the FERC to institute proceedings to investigate the return on equity and establish a lower return on equity, and also requests that the FERC establish January 23, 2017 as a refund effective date. The complaint includes return on equity analysis that purports to establish that the range of reasonable return on equity for System Energy is between 8.37% and 8.67%. System Energy answered the complaint in February 2017 and disputes that a return on equity of 8.37% to 8.67% is just and reasonable. The LPSC and the City Council intervened in the proceeding expressing support for the complaint. System Energy is recording a provision against revenue for the potential outcome of this proceeding. Action by the FERC is pending.
Unit Power Sales Agreement
In August 2017, System Energy submitted to the FERC proposed amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement pursuant to which System Energy sells its Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. The filing proposes limited amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to adopt (1) updated rates for use in calculating Grand Gulf plant depreciation and amortization expenses and (2) updated nuclear decommissioning cost annual revenue requirements, both of which are recovered through the Unit Power Sales Agreement rate formula. The proposed amendments would result in lower charges to the Utility operating companies that buy capacity and energy from System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The proposed changes are based on updated depreciation and nuclear decommissioning studies that take into account the renewal of Grand Gulf’s operating license for a term through November 1, 2044. System Energy requested that the FERC accept the amendments effective October 1, 2017. Action by the FERC is pending.
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NOTE 3. EQUITY (Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana)
Common Stock
Earnings per Share
The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations included on the consolidated income statements:
For the Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | Income | Shares | $/share | Income | Shares | $/share | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Entergy Corporation | $409.9 | 179.5 | $2.28 | $567.3 | 178.8 | $3.17 | |||||||||||||||
Average dilutive effect of: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | 0.2 | — | 0.2 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other equity plans | 0.5 | (0.01 | ) | 0.5 | (0.01 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $409.9 | 180.2 | $2.27 | $567.3 | 179.5 | $3.16 |
The number of stock options not included in the calculation of diluted common shares outstanding due to their antidilutive effect was approximately 2.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and approximately 4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
For the Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | Income | Shares | $/share | Income | Shares | $/share | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Entergy Corporation | $492.5 | 179.4 | $2.75 | $797.3 | 178.7 | $4.46 | |||||||||||||||
Average dilutive effect of: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | 0.2 | — | 0.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other equity plans | 0.4 | (0.01 | ) | 0.4 | (0.01 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $492.5 | 180.0 | $2.74 | $797.3 | 179.2 | $4.45 |
The number of stock options not included in the calculation of diluted common shares outstanding due to their antidilutive effect was approximately 3.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and approximately 5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Entergy’s stock options and other equity compensation plans are discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements herein and in Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K.
Treasury Stock
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, Entergy Corporation issued 390,013 shares of its previously repurchased common stock to satisfy stock option exercises, vesting of shares of restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. Entergy Corporation did not repurchase any of its common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Retained Earnings
On July 28, 2017, Entergy Corporation’s Board of Directors declared a common stock dividend of $0.87 per share, payable on September 1, 2017, to holders of record as of August 10, 2017.
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Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in the equity section of the balance sheets of Entergy and Entergy Louisiana. The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the three months ended June 30, 2017 by component:
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | Pension and other postretirement liabilities | Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | Foreign currency translation | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, April 1, 2017 | $3,465 | ($460,814 | ) | $467,561 | $748 | $10,960 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 28,057 | — | 33,870 | (748 | ) | 61,179 | |||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (8,108 | ) | 10,916 | (22,174 | ) | — | (19,366 | ) | |||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | 19,949 | 10,916 | 11,696 | (748 | ) | 41,813 | |||||||||||||
Ending balance, June 30, 2017 | $23,414 | ($449,898 | ) | $479,257 | $— | $52,773 |
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the three months ended June 30, 2016 by component:
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | Pension and other postretirement liabilities | Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | Foreign currency translation | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, April 1, 2016 | $96,464 | ($459,042 | ) | $390,626 | $1,744 | $29,792 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (34,138 | ) | — | 24,016 | (904 | ) | (11,026 | ) | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (29,903 | ) | 5,043 | (3,061 | ) | — | (27,921 | ) | |||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (64,041 | ) | 5,043 | 20,955 | (904 | ) | (38,947 | ) | |||||||||||
Ending balance, June 30, 2016 | $32,423 | ($453,999 | ) | $411,581 | $840 | ($9,155 | ) |
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The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the six months ended June 30, 2017 by component:
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | Pension and other postretirement liabilities | Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | Foreign currency translation | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, 2017 | $3,993 | ($469,446 | ) | $429,734 | $748 | ($34,971 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 60,665 | — | 73,742 | (748 | ) | 133,659 | |||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (41,244 | ) | 19,548 | (24,219 | ) | — | (45,915 | ) | |||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | 19,421 | 19,548 | 49,523 | (748 | ) | 87,744 | |||||||||||||
Ending balance, June 30, 2017 | $23,414 | ($449,898 | ) | $479,257 | $— | $52,773 |
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the six months ended June 30, 2016 by component:
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | Pension and other postretirement liabilities | Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | Foreign currency translation | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 | $105,970 | ($466,604 | ) | $367,557 | $2,028 | $8,951 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 56,169 | — | 49,048 | (1,188 | ) | 104,029 | |||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (129,716 | ) | 12,605 | (5,024 | ) | — | (122,135 | ) | |||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (73,547 | ) | 12,605 | 44,024 | (1,188 | ) | (18,106 | ) | |||||||||||
Ending balance, June 30, 2016 | $32,423 | ($453,999 | ) | $411,581 | $840 | ($9,155 | ) |
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy Louisiana for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
Pension and Other Postretirement Liabilities | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
Beginning balance, April 1, | ($48,812 | ) | ($56,675 | ) | ||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (310 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (310 | ) | (230 | ) | ||||
Ending balance, June 30, | ($49,122 | ) | ($56,905 | ) |
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The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy Louisiana for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
Pension and Other Postretirement Liabilities | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, | ($48,442 | ) | ($56,412 | ) | ||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (680 | ) | (493 | ) | ||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (680 | ) | (493 | ) | ||||
Ending balance, June 30, | ($49,122 | ) | ($56,905 | ) |
Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) for Entergy for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | |||||||||
Power contracts | $12,695 | $45,975 | Competitive business operating revenues | ||||||
Interest rate swaps | (219 | ) | 30 | Miscellaneous - net | |||||
Total realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges | 12,476 | 46,005 | |||||||
(4,368 | ) | (16,102 | ) | Income taxes | |||||
Total realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax) | $8,108 | $29,903 | |||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $6,564 | $7,355 | (a) | ||||||
Amortization of loss | (21,554 | ) | (15,177 | ) | (a) | ||||
Settlement loss | (1,765 | ) | — | (a) | |||||
Total amortization | (16,755 | ) | (7,822 | ) | |||||
5,839 | 2,779 | Income taxes | |||||||
Total amortization (net of tax) | ($10,916 | ) | ($5,043 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | |||||||||
Realized gain (loss) | $43,479 | $6,000 | Interest and investment income | ||||||
(21,305 | ) | (2,939 | ) | Income taxes | |||||
Total realized investment gain (loss) (net of tax) | $22,174 | $3,061 | |||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $19,366 | $27,921 |
(a) | These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details. |
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Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) for Entergy for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | |||||||||
Power contracts | $63,922 | $199,933 | Competitive business operating revenues | ||||||
Interest rate swaps | (469 | ) | (370 | ) | Miscellaneous - net | ||||
Total realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges | 63,453 | 199,563 | |||||||
(22,209 | ) | (69,847 | ) | Income taxes | |||||
Total realized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (net of tax) | $41,244 | $129,716 | |||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $13,126 | $14,710 | (a) | ||||||
Amortization of loss | (43,125 | ) | (30,352 | ) | (a) | ||||
Settlement loss | (1,765 | ) | — | (a) | |||||
Total amortization | (31,764 | ) | (15,642 | ) | |||||
12,216 | 3,037 | Income taxes | |||||||
Total amortization (net of tax) | ($19,548 | ) | ($12,605 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | |||||||||
Realized gain (loss) | $47,489 | $9,850 | Interest and investment income | ||||||
(23,270 | ) | (4,826 | ) | Income taxes | |||||
Total realized investment gain (loss) (net of tax) | $24,219 | $5,024 | |||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $45,915 | $122,135 |
(a) | These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details. |
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Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) for Entergy Louisiana for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | |||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $1,934 | $1,947 | (a) | |||||||
Amortization of loss | (1,332 | ) | (1,573 | ) | (a) | |||||
Total amortization | 602 | 374 | ||||||||
(292 | ) | (144 | ) | Income taxes | ||||||
Total amortization (net of tax) | 310 | 230 | ||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $310 | $230 |
(a) | These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details. |
Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) for Entergy Louisiana for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | |||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $3,868 | $3,894 | (a) | |||||||
Amortization of loss | (2,664 | ) | (3,142 | ) | (a) | |||||
Total amortization | 1,204 | 752 | ||||||||
(524 | ) | (259 | ) | Income taxes | ||||||
Total amortization (net of tax) | 680 | 493 | ||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $680 | $493 |
(a) | These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details. |
NOTE 4. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES, LINES OF CREDIT, SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS, AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Entergy Corporation has in place a credit facility that has a borrowing capacity of $3.5 billion and expires in August 2021. Entergy Corporation also has the ability to issue letters of credit against 50% of the total borrowing capacity of the credit facility. The commitment fee is currently 0.225% of the undrawn commitment amount. Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior unsecured debt ratings of Entergy Corporation. The weighted average interest rate for the six months ended June 30,
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2017 was 2.38% on the drawn portion of the facility. Following is a summary of the borrowings outstanding and capacity available under the facility as of June 30, 2017.
Capacity | Borrowings | Letters of Credit | Capacity Available | |||
(In Millions) | ||||||
$3,500 | $225 | $6 | $3,269 |
Entergy Corporation’s credit facility requires Entergy to maintain a consolidated debt ratio, as defined, of 65% or less of its total capitalization. Entergy is in compliance with this covenant. If Entergy fails to meet this ratio, or if Entergy Corporation or one of the Utility operating companies (except Entergy New Orleans) defaults on other indebtedness or is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the facility maturity date may occur.
Entergy Corporation has a commercial paper program with a Board-approved program limit of up to $1.5 billion. At June 30, 2017, Entergy Corporation had $1.1 billion of commercial paper outstanding. The weighted-average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was 1.38%.
Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each had credit facilities available as of June 30, 2017 as follows:
Company | Expiration Date | Amount of Facility | Interest Rate (a) | Amount Drawn as of June 30, 2017 | Letters of Credit Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 | |||||
Entergy Arkansas | April 2018 | $20 million (b) | 2.48% | $— | $— | |||||
Entergy Arkansas | August 2021 | $150 million (c) | 2.48% | $— | $— | |||||
Entergy Louisiana | August 2021 | $350 million (d) | 2.48% | $— | $4.5 million | |||||
Entergy Mississippi | May 2018 | $37.5 million (e) | 2.73% | $— | $— | |||||
Entergy Mississippi | May 2018 | $35 million (e) | 2.73% | $— | $— | |||||
Entergy Mississippi | May 2018 | $20 million (e) | 2.73% | $— | $— | |||||
Entergy Mississippi | May 2018 | $10 million (e) | 2.73% | $— | $— | |||||
Entergy New Orleans | November 2018 | $25 million (f) | 2.70% | $— | $0.8 million | |||||
Entergy Texas | August 2021 | $150 million (g) | 2.73% | $— | $13.3 million |
(a) | The interest rate is the rate as of June 30, 2017 that would most likely apply to outstanding borrowings under the facility. |
(b) | Borrowings under the Entergy Arkansas credit facility may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable at Entergy Arkansas’s option. |
(c) | The credit facility allows Entergy Arkansas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility. |
(d) | The credit facility allows Entergy Louisiana to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility. |
(e) | Borrowings under the Entergy Mississippi credit facilities may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable at Entergy Mississippi’s option. |
(f) | The credit facility allows Entergy New Orleans to issue letters of credit against $10 million of the borrowing capacity of the facility. |
(g) | The credit facility allows Entergy Texas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility. |
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The commitment fees on the credit facilities range from 0.075% to 0.275% of the undrawn commitment amount. Each of the credit facilities requires the Registrant Subsidiary borrower to maintain a debt ratio, as defined, of 65% or less of its total capitalization. Each Registrant Subsidiary is in compliance with this covenant.
In addition, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each entered into one or more uncommitted standby letter of credit facilities as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. Following is a summary of the uncommitted standby letter of credit facilities as of June 30, 2017:
Company | Amount of Uncommitted Facility | Letter of Credit Fee | Letters of Credit Issued as of June 30, 2017 (a) | |||
Entergy Arkansas | $25 million | 0.70% | $1.0 million | |||
Entergy Louisiana | $125 million | 0.70% | $36.8 million | |||
Entergy Mississippi | $40 million | 0.70% | $7.8 million | |||
Entergy New Orleans | $15 million | 0.75% | $5.6 million | |||
Entergy Texas | $50 million | 0.70% | $22.3 million |
(a) | As of June 30, 2017, letters of credit posted with MISO covered financial transmission rights exposure of $0.3 million for Entergy Arkansas and $0.1 million for Entergy Mississippi. See Note 8 to the financial statements for discussion of financial transmission rights. |
The short-term borrowings of the Registrant Subsidiaries are limited to amounts authorized by the FERC. The current FERC-authorized limits are effective through October 31, 2017. In addition to borrowings from commercial banks, these companies may also borrow from the Entergy System money pool and from other internal short-term borrowing arrangements. The money pool and the other internal borrowing arrangements are inter-company borrowing arrangements designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ dependence on external short-term borrowings. Borrowings from internal and external short term borrowings combined may not exceed the FERC-authorized limits. The following are the FERC-authorized limits for short-term borrowings and the outstanding short-term borrowings as of June 30, 2017 (aggregating both internal and external short-term borrowings) for the Registrant Subsidiaries:
Authorized | Borrowings | ||
(In Millions) | |||
Entergy Arkansas | $250 | $14 | |
Entergy Louisiana | $450 | $— | |
Entergy Mississippi | $175 | $56 | |
Entergy New Orleans | $100 | $— | |
Entergy Texas | $200 | $39 | |
System Energy | $200 | $— |
Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee Credit Facilities
Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee has a credit facility guaranteed by Entergy Corporation with a borrowing capacity of $100 million, which expires in January 2018. Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee does not have the ability to issue letters of credit against the credit facility. This facility provides working capital to Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee for general business purposes including, without limitation, the decommissioning of Vermont Yankee. The commitment fee is currently 0.20% of the undrawn commitment amount. As of June 30, 2017, $71 million in cash borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility. The weighted average interest rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was 2.44% on the drawn portion of the facility.
Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee also has an uncommitted credit facility guaranteed by Entergy Corporation with a borrowing capacity of $85 million, which expires in January 2018. Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee does not
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have the ability to issue letters of credit against the credit facility. This facility provides an additional funding source to Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee for general business purposes including, without limitation, the decommissioning of Vermont Yankee. As of June 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. The rate as of June 30, 2017 that would most likely apply to outstanding borrowings under the facility was 2.72%.
Variable Interest Entities (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)
See Note 17 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the consolidation of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities (VIEs). To finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel, the nuclear fuel company VIEs have credit facilities and three of the four VIEs also issue commercial paper as of June 30, 2017 as follows:
Company | Expiration Date | Amount of Facility | Weighted Average Interest Rate on Borrowings (a) | Amount Outstanding as of June 30, 2017 | ||||
(Dollars in Millions) | ||||||||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | May 2019 | $80 | 2.39% | $31.4 (b) | ||||
Entergy Louisiana River Bend VIE | May 2019 | $105 | 2.12% | $15.5 | ||||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | May 2019 | $85 | 2.38% | $70.8 (c) | ||||
System Energy VIE | May 2019 | $120 | 2.42% | $103.2 (d) |
(a) | Includes letter of credit fees and bank fronting fees on commercial paper issuances by the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy. The nuclear fuel company variable interest entity for Entergy Louisiana River Bend does not issue commercial paper, but borrows directly on its bank credit facility. |
(b) | Includes borrowings on the credit facility and commercial paper. Commercial paper is classified as a current liability and the amount outstanding for Entergy Arkansas VIE as of June 30, 2017 was $14.7 million. |
(c) | Includes borrowings on the credit facility and commercial paper. Commercial paper is classified as a current liability and the amount outstanding for Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE as of June 30, 2017 was $34.5 million. |
(d) | Includes borrowings on the credit facility and commercial paper. Commercial paper is classified as a current liability and the amount outstanding for System Energy VIE as of June 30, 2017 was $53.2 million. |
The commitment fees on the credit facilities are 0.10% of the undrawn commitment amount for the Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy VIEs. Each credit facility requires the respective lessee of nuclear fuel (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, or Entergy Corporation as guarantor for System Energy) to maintain a consolidated debt ratio, as defined, of 70% or less of its total capitalization.
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The nuclear fuel company variable interest entities had notes payable that are included in debt on the respective balance sheets as of June 30, 2017 as follows:
Company | Description | Amount | ||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | 2.62% Series K due December 2017 | $60 million | ||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | 3.65% Series L due July 2021 | $90 million | ||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | 3.17% Series M due December 2023 | $40 million | ||
Entergy Louisiana River Bend VIE | 3.25% Series Q due July 2017 | $75 million | ||
Entergy Louisiana River Bend VIE | 3.38% Series R due August 2020 | $70 million | ||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | 3.25% Series G due July 2017 | $25 million | ||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | 3.92% Series H due February 2021 | $40 million | ||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | 3.22% Series I due December 2023 | $20 million | ||
System Energy VIE | 3.78% Series I due October 2018 | $85 million |
In accordance with regulatory treatment, interest on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities’ credit facilities, commercial paper, and long-term notes payable is reported in fuel expense.
Debt Issuances and Retirements
(Entergy Arkansas)
In May 2017, Entergy Arkansas issued $220 million of 3.5% Series first mortgage bonds due April 2026. These bonds were a further issuance of the 3.5% Series first mortgage bonds issued in January 2016 and June 2016. Entergy Arkansas used a portion of the proceeds from the May 2017 issuance for general corporate purposes and plans to use the remainder of the proceeds to pay, at maturity, its $54.7 million of 1.55% pollution control revenue refunding bonds due October 2017.
(Entergy Louisiana)
In May 2017, Entergy Louisiana issued $450 million of 3.12% collateral trust mortgage bonds due September 2027. Entergy Louisiana used the proceeds to finance the construction of the St. Charles Power Station, to pay, at maturity, its $45.3 million of Waterford Series collateral trust mortgage notes, and for general corporate purposes.
In July 2017 the Entergy Louisiana River Bend nuclear fuel company variable interest entity paid, at maturity, its $75 million of 3.25% Series Q notes.
In July 2017 the Entergy Louisiana Waterford nuclear fuel company variable interest entity paid, at maturity, its $25 million of 3.25% Series G notes.
(System Energy)
In February 2017 the System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity paid, at maturity, its $50 million of 4.02% Series H notes.
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Fair Value
The book value and the fair value of long-term debt for Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2017 are as follows:
Book Value of Long-Term Debt | Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (a) (b) | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Entergy | $15,010,668 | $15,239,655 | |||||
Entergy Arkansas | $3,064,261 | $2,942,288 | |||||
Entergy Louisiana | $6,246,015 | $6,484,470 | |||||
Entergy Mississippi | $1,121,356 | $1,137,274 | |||||
Entergy New Orleans | $444,159 | $467,094 | |||||
Entergy Texas | $1,471,091 | $1,560,208 | |||||
System Energy | $551,296 | $482,650 |
(a) | The values exclude lease obligations of $34 million at System Energy and long-term DOE obligations of $182 million at Entergy Arkansas, and include debt due within one year. |
(b) | Fair values are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements herein and are based on prices derived from inputs such as benchmark yields and reported trades. |
The book value and the fair value of long-term debt for Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 were as follows:
Book Value of Long-Term Debt | Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (a) (b) | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Entergy | $14,832,555 | $14,815,535 | |||||
Entergy Arkansas | $2,829,785 | $2,623,910 | |||||
Entergy Louisiana | $5,812,791 | $5,929,488 | |||||
Entergy Mississippi | $1,120,916 | $1,086,203 | |||||
Entergy New Orleans | $448,994 | $455,459 | |||||
Entergy Texas | $1,508,407 | $1,600,156 | |||||
System Energy | $551,132 | $529,520 |
(a) | The values exclude lease obligations of $57 million at Entergy Louisiana and $34 million at System Energy and long-term DOE obligations of $182 million at Entergy Arkansas, and include debt due within one year. |
(b) | Fair values are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements herein and are based on prices derived from inputs such as benchmark yields and reported trades. |
NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Entergy Corporation)
Entergy grants stock and stock-based awards, which are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over three years.
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Effective January 1, 2017, Entergy adopted ASU 2016-09, which permits the election of an accounting policy change to the method of recognizing forfeitures of stock-based compensation. Previously, Entergy recorded an estimate of the number of forfeitures expected to occur each period. Entergy elected to change this policy to account for forfeitures when they occur. This accounting change was applied retrospectively, but did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017.
Stock Options
Entergy granted options on 791,900 shares of its common stock under the 2015 Equity Ownership Plan during the first quarter 2017 with a weighted-average fair value of $6.54 per option. As of June 30, 2017, there were options on 6,162,359 shares of common stock outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $81.65. The intrinsic value, which has no effect on net income, of the outstanding stock options is calculated by the positive difference between the weighted average exercise price of the stock options granted and Entergy Corporation’s common stock price as of June 30, 2017. Because Entergy’s stock price at June 30, 2017 was less than the weighted average exercise price, the aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2017 was zero. The intrinsic value of all “in the money” stock options was $21.5 million as of June 30, 2017.
The following table includes financial information for outstanding stock options for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s net income | $1.1 | $1.1 | |||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s net income | $0.4 | $0.4 | |||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory | $0.2 | $0.2 |
The following table includes financial information for outstanding stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s net income | $2.2 | $2.2 | |||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s net income | $0.8 | $0.8 | |||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory | $0.4 | $0.4 |
Other Equity Awards
In January 2017 the Board approved and Entergy granted 379,850 restricted stock awards and 220,450 long-term incentive awards under the 2015 Equity Ownership Plan. The restricted stock awards were made effective as of January 26, 2017 and were valued at $70.53 per share, which was the closing price of Entergy’s common stock on that date. One-third of the restricted stock awards will vest upon each anniversary of the grant date. In addition, long-term incentive awards were granted in the form of performance units that represent the value of, and are settled with, one share of Entergy Corporation common stock at the end of the three-year performance period, plus dividends accrued during the performance period on the number of performance units earned. The performance units were granted effective as of January 26, 2017 and were valued at $71.40 per share. Entergy considers various factors, primarily market conditions, in determining the value of the performance units. Shares of restricted stock have the same dividend and voting rights as other common stock, are considered issued and outstanding shares of Entergy upon vesting, and are expensed ratably over the 3-year vesting period. Performance units have the same dividend rights as shares of Entergy common stock, are considered issued and outstanding shares of Entergy upon vesting, and are expensed ratably over the 3-year vesting period.
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The following table includes financial information for other outstanding equity awards for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s net income | $8.2 | $8.5 | |||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s net income | $3.2 | $3.3 | |||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory | $2.2 | $1.9 |
The following table includes financial information for other outstanding equity awards for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s net income | $16.4 | $16.9 | |||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s net income | $6.3 | $6.5 | |||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and inventory | $4.2 | $3.7 |
NOTE 6. RETIREMENT AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost
Entergy’s qualified pension cost, including amounts capitalized, for the second quarters of 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $33,410 | $35,811 | |||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 65,206 | 65,403 | |||||
Expected return on assets | (102,056 | ) | (97,366 | ) | |||
Amortization of prior service cost | 65 | 270 | |||||
Amortization of loss | 56,930 | 48,824 | |||||
Net pension costs | $53,555 | $52,942 |
Entergy’s qualified pension cost, including amounts capitalized, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $66,820 | $71,622 | |||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 130,412 | 130,806 | |||||
Expected return on assets | (204,112 | ) | (194,732 | ) | |||
Amortization of prior service cost | 130 | 540 | |||||
Amortization of loss | 113,860 | 97,648 | |||||
Net pension costs | $107,110 | $105,884 |
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The Registrant Subsidiaries’ qualified pension cost, including amounts capitalized, for their employees for the second quarters of 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $5,090 | $6,925 | $1,472 | $625 | $1,364 | $1,536 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 12,944 | 14,809 | 3,732 | 1,791 | 3,392 | 3,091 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (20,427 | ) | (23,017 | ) | (6,131 | ) | (2,800 | ) | (6,180 | ) | (4,663 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 11,640 | 12,354 | 3,053 | 1,658 | 2,310 | 2,964 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $9,247 | $11,071 | $2,126 | $1,274 | $886 | $2,928 |
2016 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $5,181 | $7,049 | $1,562 | $656 | $1,416 | $1,566 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 13,055 | 14,870 | 3,811 | 1,814 | 3,557 | 2,992 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (19,772 | ) | (22,096 | ) | (5,981 | ) | (2,687 | ) | (6,062 | ) | (4,459 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 10,936 | 11,946 | 2,985 | 1,615 | 2,340 | 2,604 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $9,400 | $11,769 | $2,377 | $1,398 | $1,251 | $2,703 |
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ qualified pension cost, including amounts capitalized, for their employees for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $10,180 | $13,850 | $2,944 | $1,250 | $2,728 | $3,072 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projects benefit obligation | 25,888 | 29,618 | 7,464 | 3,582 | 6,784 | 6,182 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (40,854 | ) | (46,034 | ) | (12,262 | ) | (5,600 | ) | (12,360 | ) | (9,326 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 23,280 | 24,708 | 6,106 | 3,316 | 4,620 | 5,928 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $18,494 | $22,142 | $4,252 | $2,548 | $1,772 | $5,856 |
2016 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $10,362 | $14,098 | $3,124 | $1,312 | $2,832 | $3,132 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 26,110 | 29,740 | 7,622 | 3,628 | 7,114 | 5,984 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (39,544 | ) | (44,192 | ) | (11,962 | ) | (5,374 | ) | (12,124 | ) | (8,918 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 21,872 | 23,892 | 5,970 | 3,230 | 4,680 | 5,208 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $18,800 | $23,538 | $4,754 | $2,796 | $2,502 | $5,406 |
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Non-Qualified Net Pension Cost
Entergy recognized $8.5 million and $4.3 million in pension cost for its non-qualified pension plans in the second quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Reflected in the pension cost for non-qualified pension plans in the second quarter 2017 is a $4 million settlement charge recognized in June 2017 related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of this plan. Entergy recognized $13.1 million and $8.5 million in pensions costs for its non-qualified pension plans for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Reflected in the pension cost for non-qualified pension plans for the six months ended June 30, 2017 is a $4 million settlement charge recognized in June 2017 related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of this plan.
The Registrant Subsidiaries recognized the following pension cost for their employees for their non-qualified pension plans in the second quarters of 2017 and 2016:
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
2017 | $267 | $47 | $63 | $18 | $126 | ||||||||||||||
2016 | $106 | $59 | $59 | $16 | $127 |
The Registrant Subsidiaries recognized the following pension cost for their employees for their non-qualified pension plans for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
2017 | $372 | $96 | $127 | $36 | $253 | ||||||||||||||
2016 | $212 | $118 | $118 | $32 | $254 |
Reflected in Entergy Arkansas’s non-qualified pension costs in the second quarter 2017 and for the six months ended June 30, 2017 is $163 thousand in settlement charges recognized in June 2017 related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan.
Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost
Entergy’s other postretirement benefit cost, including amounts capitalized, for the second quarters of 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $6,729 | $8,073 | |||||
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) | 13,960 | 14,083 | |||||
Expected return on assets | (9,408 | ) | (10,455 | ) | |||
Amortization of prior service credit | (10,356 | ) | (11,373 | ) | |||
Amortization of loss | 5,476 | 4,554 | |||||
Net other postretirement benefit cost | $6,401 | $4,882 |
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Entergy’s other postretirement benefit cost, including amounts capitalized, for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $13,458 | $16,146 | |||||
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) | 27,920 | 28,166 | |||||
Expected return on assets | (18,816 | ) | (20,910 | ) | |||
Amortization of prior service credit | (20,712 | ) | (22,746 | ) | |||
Amortization of loss | 10,952 | 9,108 | |||||
Net other postretirement benefit cost | $12,802 | $9,764 |
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ other postretirement benefit cost, including amounts capitalized, for their employees for the second quarters of 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $863 | $1,593 | $290 | $142 | $372 | $320 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 2,255 | 3,025 | 690 | 469 | 1,124 | 559 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (3,959 | ) | — | (1,200 | ) | (1,159 | ) | (2,180 | ) | (717 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (1,278 | ) | (1,934 | ) | (456 | ) | (186 | ) | (579 | ) | (378 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 1,115 | 465 | 419 | 105 | 826 | 390 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefit cost | ($1,004 | ) | $3,149 | ($257 | ) | ($629 | ) | ($437 | ) | $174 |
2016 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $978 | $1,869 | $386 | $156 | $398 | $334 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 2,324 | 3,260 | 709 | 448 | 1,039 | 529 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (4,464 | ) | — | (1,379 | ) | (1,154 | ) | (2,394 | ) | (814 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (1,368 | ) | (1,947 | ) | (234 | ) | (186 | ) | (681 | ) | (393 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 1,064 | 732 | 223 | 37 | 537 | 287 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefit cost | ($1,466 | ) | $3,914 | ($295 | ) | ($699 | ) | ($1,101 | ) | ($57 | ) |
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The Registrant Subsidiaries’ other postretirement benefit cost, including amounts capitalized, for their employees for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, included the following components:
2017 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $1,726 | $3,186 | $580 | $284 | $744 | $640 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 4,510 | 6,050 | 1,380 | 938 | 2,248 | 1,118 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (7,918 | ) | — | (2,400 | ) | (2,318 | ) | (4,360 | ) | (1,434 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (2,556 | ) | (3,868 | ) | (912 | ) | (372 | ) | (1,158 | ) | (756 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 2,230 | 930 | 838 | 210 | 1,652 | 780 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefit cost | ($2,008 | ) | $6,298 | ($514 | ) | ($1,258 | ) | ($874 | ) | $348 |
2016 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $1,956 | $3,738 | $772 | $312 | $796 | $668 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 4,648 | 6,520 | 1,418 | 896 | 2,078 | 1,058 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (8,928 | ) | — | (2,758 | ) | (2,308 | ) | (4,788 | ) | (1,628 | ) | |||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (2,736 | ) | (3,894 | ) | (468 | ) | (372 | ) | (1,362 | ) | (786 | ) | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | 2,128 | 1,464 | 446 | 74 | 1,074 | 574 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefit cost | ($2,932 | ) | $7,828 | ($590 | ) | ($1,398 | ) | ($2,202 | ) | ($114 | ) |
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) for the second quarters of 2017 and 2016:
2017 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit | ($65 | ) | $6,718 | ($89 | ) | $6,564 | ||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (18,450 | ) | (2,202 | ) | (902 | ) | (21,554 | ) | ||||||||
Settlement loss | — | — | (1,765 | ) | (1,765 | ) | ||||||||||
($18,515 | ) | $4,516 | ($2,756 | ) | ($16,755 | ) | ||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $1,934 | $— | $1,934 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (865 | ) | (465 | ) | (2 | ) | (1,332 | ) | ||||||||
($865 | ) | $1,469 | ($2 | ) | $602 |
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2016 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit | ($270 | ) | $7,738 | ($113 | ) | $7,355 | ||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (12,482 | ) | (2,063 | ) | (632 | ) | (15,177 | ) | ||||||||
($12,752 | ) | $5,675 | ($745 | ) | ($7,822 | ) | ||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $1,947 | $— | $1,947 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (836 | ) | (732 | ) | (5 | ) | (1,573 | ) | ||||||||
($836 | ) | $1,215 | ($5 | ) | $374 |
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit | ($130 | ) | $13,435 | ($179 | ) | $13,126 | ||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (36,899 | ) | (4,404 | ) | (1,822 | ) | (43,125 | ) | ||||||||
Settlement loss | — | — | (1,765 | ) | (1,765 | ) | ||||||||||
($37,029 | ) | $9,031 | ($3,766 | ) | ($31,764 | ) | ||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $3,868 | $— | $3,868 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (1,730 | ) | (930 | ) | (4 | ) | (2,664 | ) | ||||||||
($1,730 | ) | $2,938 | ($4 | ) | $1,204 |
2016 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit | ($540 | ) | $15,476 | ($226 | ) | $14,710 | ||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (24,964 | ) | (4,126 | ) | (1,262 | ) | (30,352 | ) | ||||||||
($25,504 | ) | $11,350 | ($1,488 | ) | ($15,642 | ) | ||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $3,894 | $— | $3,894 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of loss | (1,672 | ) | (1,464 | ) | (6 | ) | (3,142 | ) | ||||||||
($1,672 | ) | $2,430 | ($6 | ) | $752 |
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Employer Contributions
Based on current assumptions, Entergy expects to contribute $409.9 million to its qualified pension plans in 2017. As of June 30, 2017, Entergy had contributed $176 million to its pension plans. Based on current assumptions, the Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute the following to qualified pension plans for their employees in 2017:
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected 2017 pension contributions | $79,495 | $87,923 | $19,146 | $9,920 | $17,064 | $18,180 | |||||||||||||||||
Pension contributions made through June 2017 | $34,507 | $37,519 | $8,251 | $4,361 | $7,227 | $8,182 | |||||||||||||||||
Remaining estimated pension contributions to be made in 2017 | $44,988 | $50,404 | $10,895 | $5,559 | $9,837 | $9,998 |
NOTE 7. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Entergy Corporation
Entergy’s reportable segments as of June 30, 2017 are Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. Utility includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operation of a small natural gas distribution business. Entergy Wholesale Commodities includes the ownership, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants located in the northern United States and the sale of the electric power produced by its operating plants to wholesale customers. Entergy Wholesale Commodities also provides services to other nuclear power plant owners and owns interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers. “All Other” includes the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and other business activity.
Entergy’s segment financial information for the second quarters of 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
Utility | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | All Other | Eliminations | Entergy | ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $2,301,332 | $317,255 | $— | ($37 | ) | $2,618,550 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $130,851 | ($454,944 | ) | ($13,019 | ) | $— | ($337,112 | ) | ||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $246,382 | $223,886 | ($25,001 | ) | ($31,899 | ) | $413,368 | |||||||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $2,118,478 | $344,110 | $— | ($26 | ) | $2,462,562 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes | ($3,785 | ) | ($235,055 | ) | ($10,133 | ) | $— | ($248,973 | ) | |||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $380,317 | $250,874 | ($26,703 | ) | ($31,898 | ) | $572,590 | |||||||||||||
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Entergy’s segment financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:
Utility | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | All Other | Eliminations | Entergy | ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $4,336,444 | $870,622 | $— | ($58 | ) | $5,207,008 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $229,343 | ($533,281 | ) | ($25,412 | ) | $— | ($329,350 | ) | ||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $414,005 | $196,689 | ($47,477 | ) | ($63,797 | ) | $499,420 | |||||||||||||
Total assets as of June 30, 2017 | $42,263,832 | $5,627,284 | $1,165,157 | ($3,049,236 | ) | $46,007,037 | ||||||||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $4,206,272 | $866,189 | $— | ($46 | ) | $5,072,415 | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $104,051 | ($182,741 | ) | ($30,337 | ) | $— | ($109,027 | ) | ||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $579,968 | $330,430 | ($38,769 | ) | ($63,797 | ) | $807,832 | |||||||||||||
Total assets as of December 31, 2016 | $41,098,751 | $6,696,038 | $1,283,816 | ($3,174,171 | ) | $45,904,434 |
The Entergy Wholesale Commodities business is sometimes referred to as the “competitive businesses.” Eliminations are primarily intersegment activity. Almost all of Entergy’s goodwill is related to the Utility segment.
As discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, Entergy management has undertaken a strategy to manage and reduce the risk of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business, which includes taking actions to reduce the size of the merchant fleet. These decisions and transactions resulted in asset impairments; employee retention and severance expenses and other benefits-related costs; and contracted economic development contributions in 2016.
Additional restructuring charges for the second quarter 2017 were comprised of the following:
Employee retention and severance expenses and other benefits-related costs | Contracted economic development costs | Total | |||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Balance as of April 1, 2017 | $94 | $21 | $115 | ||||||||
Restructuring costs accrued | 42 | — | 42 | ||||||||
Cash paid out | 100 | — | 100 | ||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2017 | $36 | $21 | $57 |
In addition, Entergy incurred $194 million of impairment charges in the second quarter 2017 related to nuclear fuel spending, nuclear refueling outage spending, and expenditures for capital assets. These costs are charged to expense as incurred as a result of the impaired value of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants’ long-lived assets due to the significantly reduced remaining estimated operating lives associated with management’s strategy to reduce the size of the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ merchant fleet.
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Additional restructuring charges for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were comprised of the following:
Employee retention and severance expenses and other benefits-related costs | Contracted economic development costs | Total | |||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2017 | $70 | $21 | $91 | ||||||||
Restructuring costs accrued | 66 | — | 66 | ||||||||
Cash paid out | 100 | — | 100 | ||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2017 | $36 | $21 | $57 |
In addition, Entergy incurred $405 million of impairment charges in the six months ended June 30, 2017 related to nuclear fuel spending, nuclear refueling outage spending, and expenditures for capital assets.
Registrant Subsidiaries
Each of the Registrant Subsidiaries has one reportable segment, which is an integrated utility business, except for System Energy, which is an electricity generation business. Each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ operations is managed on an integrated basis by that company because of the substantial effect of cost-based rates and regulatory oversight on the business process, cost structures, and operating results.
NOTE 8. RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Market Risk
In the normal course of business, Entergy is exposed to a number of market risks. Market risk is the potential loss that Entergy may incur as a result of changes in the market or fair value of a particular commodity or instrument. All financial and commodity-related instruments, including derivatives, are subject to market risk including commodity price risk, equity price, and interest rate risk. Entergy uses derivatives primarily to mitigate commodity price risk, particularly power price and fuel price risk.
The Utility has limited exposure to the effects of market risk because it operates primarily under cost-based rate regulation. To the extent approved by their retail regulators, the Utility operating companies use derivative instruments to hedge the exposure to price volatility inherent in their purchased power, fuel, and gas purchased for resale costs that are recovered from customers.
As a wholesale generator, Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ core business is selling energy, measured in MWh, to its customers. Entergy Wholesale Commodities enters into forward contracts with its customers and also sells energy and capacity in the day ahead or spot markets. In addition to its forward physical power and gas contracts, Entergy Wholesale Commodities also uses a combination of financial contracts, including swaps, collars, and options, to mitigate commodity price risk. When the market price falls, the combination of instruments is expected to settle in gains that offset lower revenue from generation, which results in a more predictable cash flow.
Entergy’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, term, composition, and diversification of positions held, as well as market volatility and liquidity. For instruments such as options, the time period during which the option may be exercised and the relationship between the current market price of the underlying instrument and the option’s contractual strike or exercise price also affects the level of market risk. A significant factor influencing the overall level of market risk to which Entergy is exposed is its use of hedging techniques to mitigate such risk. Hedging instruments and volumes are chosen based on ability to mitigate risk associated with
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future energy and capacity prices; however, other considerations are factored into hedge product and volume decisions including corporate liquidity, corporate credit ratings, counterparty credit risk, hedging costs, firm settlement risk, and product availability in the marketplace. Entergy manages market risk by actively monitoring compliance with stated risk management policies as well as monitoring the effectiveness of its hedging policies and strategies. Entergy’s risk management policies limit the amount of total net exposure and rolling net exposure during the stated periods. These policies, including related risk limits, are regularly assessed to ensure their appropriateness given Entergy’s objectives.
Derivatives
Some derivative instruments are classified as cash flow hedges due to their financial settlement provisions while others are classified as normal purchase/normal sale transactions due to their physical settlement provisions. Normal purchase/normal sale risk management tools include power purchase and sales agreements, fuel purchase agreements, capacity contracts, and tolling agreements. Financially-settled cash flow hedges can include natural gas and electricity swaps and options and interest rate swaps. Entergy may enter into financially-settled swap and option contracts to manage market risk that may or may not be designated as hedging instruments.
Entergy enters into derivatives to manage natural risks inherent in its physical or financial assets or liabilities. Electricity over-the-counter instruments and futures contracts that financially settle against day-ahead power pool prices are used to manage price exposure for Entergy Wholesale Commodities generation. The maximum length of time over which Entergy is currently hedging the variability in future cash flows with derivatives for forecasted power transactions at June 30, 2017 is approximately 2.5 years. Planned generation currently under contract from Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plants is 89% for the remainder of 2017, of which approximately 59% is sold under financial derivatives and the remainder under normal purchase/normal sale contracts. Total planned generation for the remainder of 2017 is 15 TWh.
Entergy may use standardized master netting agreements to help mitigate the credit risk of derivative instruments. These master agreements facilitate the netting of cash flows associated with a single counterparty and may include collateral requirements. Cash, letters of credit, and parental/affiliate guarantees may be obtained as security from counterparties in order to mitigate credit risk. The collateral agreements require a counterparty to post cash or letters of credit in the event an exposure exceeds an established threshold. The threshold represents an unsecured credit limit, which may be supported by a parental/affiliate guaranty, as determined in accordance with Entergy’s credit policy. In addition, collateral agreements allow for termination and liquidation of all positions in the event of a failure or inability to post collateral.
Certain of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy Wholesale Commodities power plants contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide credit support to secure its obligations depending on the mark-to-market values of the contracts. The primary form of credit support to satisfy these requirements is an Entergy Corporation guarantee. As of June 30, 2017, there were no derivative contracts with counterparties in a liability position. In addition to the corporate guarantee, $1 million in cash collateral was required to be posted by the Entergy subsidiary to its counterparties and $3 million in cash collateral and $19 million in letters of credit were required to be posted by its counterparties to the Entergy subsidiary. As of December 31, 2016, derivative contracts with three counterparties were in a liability position (approximately $8 million total). In addition to the corporate guarantee, $2 million in cash collateral was required to be posted by the Entergy subsidiary to its counterparties. If the Entergy Corporation credit rating falls below investment grade, the effect of the corporate guarantee is typically ignored and Entergy would have to post collateral equal to the estimated outstanding liability under the contract at the applicable date.
Entergy manages fuel price volatility for its Louisiana jurisdictions (Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans) and Entergy Mississippi through the purchase of short-term natural gas swaps that financially settle against NYMEX futures. These swaps are marked-to-market through fuel expense with offsetting regulatory assets or liabilities. All benefits or costs of the program are recorded in fuel costs. The notional volumes of these swaps are based on a portion of projected annual exposure to gas for electric generation at Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi and projected winter purchases for gas distribution at Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans. The
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total volume of natural gas swaps outstanding as of June 30, 2017 is 34,696,750 MMBtu for Entergy, including 29,110,800 MMBtu for Entergy Louisiana and 5,585,950 MMBtu for Entergy Mississippi. Credit support for these natural gas swaps is covered by master agreements that do not require collateral based on mark-to-market value, but do carry adequate assurance language that may lead to requests for collateral.
During the second quarter 2017, Entergy participated in the annual financial transmission rights auction process for the MISO planning year of June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018. Financial transmission rights are derivative instruments which represent economic hedges of future congestion charges that will be incurred in serving Entergy’s customer load. They are not designated as hedging instruments. Entergy initially records financial transmission rights at their estimated fair value and subsequently adjusts the carrying value to their estimated fair value at the end of each accounting period prior to settlement. Unrealized gains or losses on financial transmission rights held by Entergy Wholesale Commodities are included in operating revenues. The Utility operating companies recognize regulatory liabilities or assets for unrealized gains or losses on financial transmission rights. The total volume of financial transmission rights outstanding as of June 30, 2017 is 106,060 GWh for Entergy, including 24,188 GWh for Entergy Arkansas, 47,173 GWh for Entergy Louisiana, 14,075 GWh for Entergy Mississippi, 5,316 GWh for Entergy New Orleans, and 14,572 GWh for Entergy Texas. Credit support for financial transmission rights held by the Utility operating companies is covered by cash and/or letters of credit issued by each Utility operating company as required by MISO. Credit support for financial transmission rights held by Entergy Wholesale Commodities is covered by cash. No cash or letters of credit were required to be posted for financial transmission rights exposure for Entergy Wholesale Commodities as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Letters of credit posted with MISO covered the financial transmission rights exposure for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
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The fair values of Entergy’s derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017 are shown in the table below. Certain investments, including those not designated as hedging instruments, are subject to master netting agreements and are presented in the balance sheet on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging.
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value (a) | Offset (b) | Net (c) (d) | Business | |||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | ||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Prepayments and other (current portion) | $40 | ($23) | $17 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion) | $19 | ($9) | $10 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other current liabilities (current portion) | $15 | ($15) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion) | $12 | ($10) | $2 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | ||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Prepayments and other (current portion) | $16 | ($3) | $13 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion) | $2 | ($2) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $61 | ($4) | $57 | Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other current liabilities(current portion) | $10 | ($10) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion) | $1 | ($1) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $5 | $— | $5 | Utility |
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The fair values of Entergy’s derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 are shown in the table below. Certain investments, including those not designated as hedging instruments, are subject to master netting agreements and are presented in the balance sheet on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging.
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value (a) | Offset (b) | Net (c) (d) | Business | |||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | ||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Prepayments and other (current portion) | $25 | ($14) | $11 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion) | $6 | ($6) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other current liabilities (current portion) | $11 | ($10) | $1 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion) | $16 | ($7) | $9 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | ||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Prepayments and other (current portion) | $18 | ($13) | $5 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other deferred debits and other assets (non-current portion) | $5 | ($5) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Natural gas swaps | Prepayments and other | $13 | $— | $13 | Utility | |||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $22 | ($1) | $21 | Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other current liabilities (current portion) | $18 | ($17) | $1 | Entergy Wholesale Commodities | |||||
Electricity swaps and options | Other non-current liabilities (non-current portion) | $4 | ($4) | $— | Entergy Wholesale Commodities |
(a) | Represents the gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities |
(b) | Represents the netting of fair value balances with the same counterparty |
(c) | Represents the net amounts of assets/liabilities presented on the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries’ Consolidated Balance Sheet |
(d) | Excludes cash collateral in the amount of $1 million posted and $3 million held as of June 30, 2017 and $2 million posted as of December 31, 2016. Also excludes $19 million in letters of credit held as of June 30, 2017. |
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The effects of Entergy’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated income statements for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income | Income Statement location | Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (a) | |||
(In Millions) | (In Millions) | |||||
2017 | ||||||
Electricity swaps and options | $43 | Competitive businesses operating revenues | $13 | |||
2016 | ||||||
Electricity swaps and options | ($53) | Competitive businesses operating revenues | $46 |
(a) | Before taxes of $4 million and $16 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively |
The effects of Entergy’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated income statements for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income | Income Statement location | Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (a) | |||
(In Millions) | (In Millions) | |||||
2017 | ||||||
Electricity swaps and options | $93 | Competitive businesses operating revenues | $64 | |||
2016 | ||||||
Electricity swaps and options | $86 | Competitive businesses operating revenues | $200 |
(a) | Before taxes of $22 million and $70 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively |
At each reporting period, Entergy measures its hedges for ineffectiveness. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings during the period. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is recorded in competitive business operating revenues. The change in fair value of Entergy’s cash flow hedges due to ineffectiveness during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $5 million and ($3) million, respectively. The change in fair value of Entergy’s cash flow hedges due to ineffectiveness during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $4 million and ($0.3) million, respectively.
Based on market prices as of June 30, 2017, unrealized gains recorded in AOCI on cash flow hedges relating to power sales totaled $39 million of net unrealized gains. Approximately $30 million is expected to be reclassified from AOCI to operating revenues in the next twelve months. The actual amount reclassified from AOCI, however, could vary due to future changes in market prices.
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Entergy may effectively liquidate a cash flow hedge instrument by entering into a contract offsetting the original hedge, and then de-designating the original hedge in this situation. Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income prior to de-designation continue to be deferred in other comprehensive income until they are included in income as the original hedged transaction occurs. From the point of de-designation, the gains or losses on the original hedge and the offsetting contract are recorded as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and offset as they flow through to earnings.
The effects of Entergy’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated income statements for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Amount of loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income | Income Statement location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | |||
(In Millions) | (In Millions) | |||||
2017 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | $— | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | ($9) | ||
FTRs | $— | Purchased power expense | (b) | $44 | ||
Electricity swaps and options | ($5) | (c) | Competitive business operating revenues | $— | ||
2016 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | $— | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | ($6) | ||
FTRs | $— | Purchased power expense | (b) | $38 | ||
Electricity swaps and options | ($10) | (c) | Competitive business operating revenues | ($6) |
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The effects of Entergy’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated income statements for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Amount of gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income | Income Statement location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | |||
(In Millions) | (In Millions) | |||||
2017 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | $— | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | ($16) | ||
Financial transmission rights | $— | Purchased power expense | (b) | $75 | ||
Electricity swaps and options | $4 | (c) | Competitive business operating revenues | $— | ||
2016 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | $— | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | ($30) | ||
Financial transmission rights | $— | Purchased power expense | (b) | $59 | ||
Electricity swaps and options | $15 | (c) | Competitive business operating revenues | ($9) |
(a) | Due to regulatory treatment, the natural gas swaps are marked-to-market through fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as fuel expenses when the swaps are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms. |
(b) | Due to regulatory treatment, the changes in the estimated fair value of financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are recorded through purchased power expense and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as purchased power expense when the financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms. |
(c) | Amount of gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income from electricity swaps and options de-designated as hedged items. |
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The fair values of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their balance sheets as of June 30, 2017 are as follows:
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value (a) | Registrant | |||
(In Millions) | ||||||
Assets: | ||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $8.3 | Entergy Arkansas | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $28.3 | Entergy Louisiana | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $9.1 | Entergy Mississippi | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $5.2 | Entergy New Orleans | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $5.5 | Entergy Texas | |||
Liabilities: | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $4.5 | Entergy Louisiana | |||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $0.8 | Entergy Mississippi |
The fair values of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Fair Value (a) | Registrant | |||
(In Millions) | ||||||
Assets: | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | Prepayments and other | $10.9 | Entergy Louisiana | |||
Natural gas swaps | Prepayments and other | $2.3 | Entergy Mississippi | |||
Natural gas swaps | Prepayments and other | $0.2 | Entergy New Orleans | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $5.4 | Entergy Arkansas | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $8.5 | Entergy Louisiana | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $3.2 | Entergy Mississippi | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $1.1 | Entergy New Orleans | |||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $3.1 | Entergy Texas |
(a) | As of June 30, 2017, letters of credit posted with MISO covered financial transmission rights exposure of $0.3 million for Entergy Arkansas and $0.1 million for Entergy Mississippi. As of December 31, 2016, letters of credit posted with MISO covered financial transmission rights exposure of $0.3 million for Entergy Arkansas and $0.1 million for Entergy Mississippi. |
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The effects of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their income statements for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Income Statement Location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | Registrant | |||
(In Millions) | ||||||
2017 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($7.6) | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($1.4) | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $10.5 | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $14.3 | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $8.5 | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $3.4 | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $6.9 | (b) | Entergy Texas | ||
2016 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($4.9) | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($0.9) | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $5.5 | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $21.6 | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $3.6 | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $1.4 | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||
FTRs | Purchased power expense | $5.4 | (b) | Entergy Texas |
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The effects of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their income statements for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Instrument | Income Statement Location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | Registrant | |||
(In Millions) | ||||||
2017 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($13.7) | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($2.5) | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($0.1) | (a) | Entergy New Orleans | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $15.1 | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $29.5 | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $11.6 | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $5.7 | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $12.1 | (b) | Entergy Texas | ||
2016 | ||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($24.2) | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($5.0) | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | ($0.5) | (a) | Entergy New Orleans | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $13.3 | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $32.1 | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $4.4 | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $1.9 | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $6.9 | (b) | Entergy Texas |
(a) | Due to regulatory treatment, the natural gas swaps are marked-to-market through fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as fuel expenses when the swaps are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms. |
(b) | Due to regulatory treatment, the changes in the estimated fair value of financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are recorded through purchased power expense and then such amounts are |
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simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as purchased power expense when the financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms.
Fair Values
The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling. Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value. Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange. Gains or losses realized on financial instruments other than those instruments held by the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business are reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income. Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Accounting standards define fair value as an exit price, or the price that would be received to sell an asset or the amount that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable market participants at the date of measurement. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries use assumptions or market input data that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at fair value. The inputs can be readily observable, corroborated by market data, or generally unobservable. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries endeavor to use the best available information to determine fair value.
Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy establishes the highest priority for unadjusted market quotes in an active market for the identical asset or liability and the lowest priority for unobservable inputs.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
• | Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of individually owned common stocks, cash equivalents (temporary cash investments, securitization recovery trust account, and escrow accounts), debt instruments, and gas hedge contracts. Cash equivalents includes all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. |
• | Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date. Assets are valued based on prices derived by independent third parties that use inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden by Entergy if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value. Level 2 inputs include the following: |
– | quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; |
– | quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets; |
– | inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or |
– | inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. |
Level 2 consists primarily of individually-owned debt instruments.
• | Level 3 - Level 3 inputs are pricing inputs that are generally less observable or unobservable from objective sources. These inputs are used with internally developed methodologies to produce management’s best |
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estimate of fair value for the asset or liability. Level 3 consists primarily of financial transmission rights and derivative power contracts used as cash flow hedges of power sales at merchant power plants.
The values for power contract assets or liabilities are based on both observable inputs including public market prices and interest rates, and unobservable inputs such as implied volatilities, unit contingent discounts, expected basis differences, and credit adjusted counterparty interest rates. They are classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities. The valuations of these assets and liabilities are performed by the Business Unit Risk Control group and the Accounting Policy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities Accounting group. The primary functions of the Business Unit Risk Control group include: gathering, validating and reporting market data, providing market risk analyses and valuations in support of Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ commercial transactions, developing and administering protocols for the management of market risks, and implementing and maintaining controls around changes to market data in the energy trading and risk management system. The Business Unit Risk Control group is also responsible for managing the energy trading and risk management system, forecasting revenues, forward positions and analysis. The Accounting Policy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities Accounting group performs functions related to market and counterparty settlements, revenue reporting and analysis and financial accounting. The Business Unit Risk Control group reports to the Vice President and Treasurer while the Accounting Policy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities Accounting group reports to the Chief Accounting Officer.
The amounts reflected as the fair value of electricity swaps are based on the estimated amount that the contracts are in-the-money at the balance sheet date (treated as an asset) or out-of-the-money at the balance sheet date (treated as a liability) and would equal the estimated amount receivable to or payable by Entergy if the contracts were settled at that date. These derivative contracts include cash flow hedges that swap fixed for floating cash flows for sales of the output from the Entergy Wholesale Commodities business. The fair values are based on the mark-to-market comparison between the fixed contract prices and the floating prices determined each period from quoted forward power market prices. The differences between the fixed price in the swap contract and these market-related prices multiplied by the volume specified in the contract and discounted at the counterparties’ credit adjusted risk free rate are recorded as derivative contract assets or liabilities. For contracts that have unit contingent terms, a further discount is applied based on the historical relationship between contract and market prices for similar contract terms.
The amounts reflected as the fair values of electricity options are valued based on a Black Scholes model, and are calculated at the end of each month for accounting purposes. Inputs to the valuation include end of day forward market prices for the period when the transactions will settle, implied volatilities based on market volatilities provided by a third party data aggregator, and U.S. Treasury rates for a risk-free return rate. As described further below, prices and implied volatilities are reviewed and can be adjusted if it is determined that there is a better representation of fair value.
On a daily basis, the Business Unit Risk Control group calculates the mark-to-market for electricity swaps and options. The Business Unit Risk Control group also validates forward market prices by comparing them to other sources of forward market prices or to settlement prices of actual market transactions. Significant differences are analyzed and potentially adjusted based on these other sources of forward market prices or settlement prices of actual market transactions. Implied volatilities used to value options are also validated using actual counterparty quotes for Entergy Wholesale Commodities transactions when available and compared with other sources of market implied volatilities. Moreover, on at least a monthly basis, the Office of Corporate Risk Oversight confirms the mark-to-market calculations and prepares price scenarios and credit downgrade scenario analysis. The scenario analysis is communicated to senior management within Entergy and within Entergy Wholesale Commodities. Finally, for all proposed derivative transactions, an analysis is completed to assess the risk of adding the proposed derivative to Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ portfolio. In particular, the credit and liquidity effects are calculated for this analysis. This analysis is communicated to senior management within Entergy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities.
The values of financial transmission rights are based on unobservable inputs, including estimates of congestion costs in MISO between applicable generation and load pricing nodes based on the 50th percentile of historical prices. They are classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities. The valuations of these assets and liabilities are performed by the
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Business Unit Risk Control group. The values are calculated internally and verified against the data published by MISO. Entergy’s Accounting Policy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities Accounting group reviews these valuations for reasonableness, with the assistance of others within the organization with knowledge of the various inputs and assumptions used in the valuation. The Business Unit Risk Control groups report to the Vice President and Treasurer. The Accounting Policy and Entergy Wholesale Commodities Accounting group reports to the Chief Accounting Officer.
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, Entergy’s assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect its placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $867 | $— | $— | $867 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 469 | — | — | 469 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 1,032 | 1,376 | — | 2,408 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 3,920 | |||||||||||||||
Power contracts | — | — | 40 | 40 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 36 | — | — | 36 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 416 | — | — | 416 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 57 | 57 | ||||||||||||
$2,820 | $1,376 | $97 | $8,213 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Power contracts | $— | $— | $2 | $2 | ||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 5 | — | — | 5 | ||||||||||||
$5 | $— | $2 | $7 |
2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $1,058 | $— | $— | $1,058 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 480 | — | — | 480 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 985 | 1,228 | — | 2,213 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 3,031 | |||||||||||||||
Power contracts | — | — | 16 | 16 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 46 | — | — | 46 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 433 | — | — | 433 | ||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 13 | — | — | 13 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 21 | 21 | ||||||||||||
$3,015 | $1,228 | $37 | $7,311 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Power contracts | $— | $— | $11 | $11 |
(a) | The decommissioning trust funds hold equity and fixed income securities. Equity securities are invested to approximate the returns of major market indices. Fixed income securities are held in various governmental and corporate securities. See Note 9 to the financial statements for additional information on the investment portfolios. |
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(b) | Common trust funds are not publicly quoted, and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table. The fund administrator of these investments allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date. |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
Power Contracts | Financial transmission rights | Power Contracts | Financial transmission rights | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 1, | $5 | $8 | $183 | $9 | |||||||||||
Total gains (losses) for the period (a) | |||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | 4 | — | (9 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Included in OCI | 43 | — | (53 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Included as a regulatory liability/asset | — | 31 | — | 20 | |||||||||||
Issuances of FTRs | — | 62 | — | 55 | |||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Settlements | (14 | ) | (44 | ) | (55 | ) | (38 | ) | |||||||
Balance as of June 30, | $38 | $57 | $66 | $46 |
(a) | Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings for derivatives held at the end of the reporting period is ($0.1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and ($6) million for the three months ended June 30, 2016. |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
Power Contracts | Financial transmission rights | Power Contracts | Financial transmission rights | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, | $5 | $21 | $189 | $23 | |||||||||||
Total gains (losses) for the period (a) | |||||||||||||||
Included in earnings | 4 | — | (9 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Included in OCI | 93 | — | 86 | — | |||||||||||
Included as a regulatory liability/asset | — | 48 | — | 27 | |||||||||||
Issuances of financial transmission rights | — | 62 | — | 55 | |||||||||||
Purchases | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Settlements | (64 | ) | (74 | ) | (200 | ) | (59 | ) | |||||||
Balance as of June 30, | $38 | $57 | $66 | $46 |
(a) | Change in unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings for derivatives held at the end of the reporting period is $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2016, there is no change in unrealized gains or losses included in earnings for derivatives held at the end of the reporting period. |
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The following table sets forth a description of the types of transactions classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and significant unobservable inputs to each which cause that classification as of June 30, 2017:
Transaction Type | Fair Value as of June 30, 2017 | Significant Unobservable Inputs | Range from Average % | Effect on Fair Value | |||||
(In Millions) | (In Millions) | ||||||||
Power contracts - electricity swaps | $38 | Unit contingent discount | +/- | 4% | $3 |
The following table sets forth an analysis of each of the types of unobservable inputs impacting the fair value of items classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, and the sensitivity to changes to those inputs:
Significant Unobservable Input | Transaction Type | Position | Change to Input | Effect on Fair Value | ||||
Unit contingent discount | Electricity swaps | Sell | Increase (Decrease) | Decrease (Increase) |
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Registrant Subsidiaries’ assets that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect its placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
Entergy Arkansas
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | $10.7 | $— | $— | $10.7 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 129.7 | 198.3 | — | 328.0 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 545.6 | |||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 3.6 | — | — | 3.6 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 4.7 | — | — | 4.7 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 8.3 | 8.3 | ||||||||||||
$148.7 | $198.3 | $8.3 | $900.9 |
2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | $3.6 | $— | $— | $3.6 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 112.5 | 196.8 | — | 309.3 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 521.8 | |||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 4.1 | — | — | 4.1 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 7.1 | — | — | 7.1 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 5.4 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||
$127.3 | $196.8 | $5.4 | $851.3 |
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Entergy Louisiana
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $211.9 | $— | $— | $211.9 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 11.2 | — | — | 11.2 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 137.5 | 326.6 | — | 464.1 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 745.4 | |||||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 292.9 | — | — | 292.9 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 2.8 | — | — | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 28.3 | 28.3 | ||||||||||||
$656.3 | $326.6 | $28.3 | $1,756.6 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $4.5 | $— | $— | $4.5 |
2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $163.9 | $— | $— | $163.9 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 13.9 | — | — | 13.9 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 132.3 | 292.5 | — | 424.8 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 702.0 | |||||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 305.7 | — | — | 305.7 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 2.8 | — | — | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 10.9 | — | — | 10.9 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 8.5 | 8.5 | ||||||||||||
$629.5 | $292.5 | $8.5 | $1,632.5 |
Entergy Mississippi
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | $31.9 | $— | $— | $31.9 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 9.1 | 9.1 | ||||||||||||
$31.9 | $— | $9.1 | $41.0 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $0.8 | $— | $— | $0.8 |
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2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $76.8 | $— | $— | $76.8 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 31.8 | — | — | 31.8 | ||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 2.3 | — | — | 2.3 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 3.2 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||
$110.9 | $— | $3.2 | $114.1 |
Entergy New Orleans
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $60.7 | $— | $— | $60.7 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 1.1 | — | — | 1.1 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 86.4 | — | — | 86.4 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 5.2 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||
$148.2 | $— | $5.2 | $153.4 |
2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $103.0 | $— | $— | $103.0 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 1.7 | — | — | 1.7 | ||||||||||||
Escrow accounts | 88.6 | — | — | 88.6 | ||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 0.2 | — | — | 0.2 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 1.1 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||
$193.5 | $— | $1.1 | $194.6 |
Entergy Texas
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | $28.7 | $— | $— | $28.7 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 5.5 | 5.5 | ||||||||||||
$28.7 | $— | $5.5 | $34.2 |
2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $5.0 | $— | $— | $5.0 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 37.5 | — | — | 37.5 | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 3.1 | 3.1 | ||||||||||||
$42.5 | $— | $3.1 | $45.6 |
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System Energy
2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $337.0 | $— | $— | $337.0 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 1.6 | — | — | 1.6 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 208.9 | 113.6 | — | 322.5 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 515.3 | |||||||||||||||
$547.5 | $113.6 | $— | $1,176.4 |
2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $245.1 | $— | $— | $245.1 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 0.3 | — | — | 0.3 | ||||||||||||
Debt securities | 248.3 | 58.3 | — | 306.6 | ||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 473.6 | |||||||||||||||
$493.7 | $58.3 | $— | $1,025.6 |
(a) | The decommissioning trust funds hold equity and fixed income securities. Equity securities are invested to approximate the returns of major market indices. Fixed income securities are held in various governmental and corporate securities. See Note 9 to the financial statements for additional information on the investment portfolios. |
(b) | Common trust funds are not publicly quoted, and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table. The fund administrator of these investments allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date. |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 1, | $0.9 | $4.1 | $1.3 | $0.5 | $1.0 | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of FTRs | 8.9 | 31.0 | 9.6 | 5.0 | 7.1 | ||||||||||||||
Gains included as a regulatory liability/asset | 9.0 | 7.5 | 6.7 | 3.1 | 4.3 | ||||||||||||||
Settlements | (10.5 | ) | (14.3 | ) | (8.5 | ) | (3.4 | ) | (6.9 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of June 30, | $8.3 | $28.3 | $9.1 | $5.2 | $5.5 |
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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended June 30, 2016.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of April 1, | $3.7 | $3.3 | $0.9 | $0.6 | $0.9 | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of FTRs | 18.8 | 18.1 | 5.9 | 2.8 | 9.3 | ||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) included as a regulatory liability/asset | (3.0 | ) | 16.4 | 2.4 | — | 3.2 | |||||||||||||
Settlements | (5.5 | ) | (21.6 | ) | (3.6 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (5.4 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of June 30, | $14.0 | $16.2 | $5.6 | $2.0 | $8.0 |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, | $5.4 | $8.5 | $3.2 | $1.1 | $3.1 | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of FTRs | 8.9 | 31.0 | 9.6 | 5.0 | 7.1 | ||||||||||||||
Gains included as a regulatory liability/asset | 9.1 | 18.3 | 7.9 | 4.8 | 7.4 | ||||||||||||||
Settlements | (15.1 | ) | (29.5 | ) | (11.6 | ) | (5.7 | ) | (12.1 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of June 30, | $8.3 | $28.3 | $9.1 | $5.2 | $5.5 |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, | $7.9 | $8.5 | $2.4 | $1.5 | $2.2 | ||||||||||||||
Issuances of FTRs | 18.8 | 18.1 | 5.9 | 2.8 | 9.3 | ||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) included as a regulatory liability/asset | 0.6 | 21.7 | 1.7 | (0.4 | ) | 3.4 | |||||||||||||
Settlements | (13.3 | ) | (32.1 | ) | (4.4 | ) | (1.9 | ) | (6.9 | ) | |||||||||
Balance as of June 30, | $14.0 | $16.2 | $5.6 | $2.0 | $8.0 |
NOTE 9. DECOMMISSIONING TRUST FUNDS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)
Entergy holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The NRC requires Entergy subsidiaries to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning ANO 1, ANO 2, River Bend, Waterford 3, Grand Gulf, Pilgrim, Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, Vermont Yankee,
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and Palisades. The funds are invested primarily in equity securities, fixed-rate debt securities, and cash and cash equivalents.
See Note 16 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the trust transfer agreement with NYPA to transfer the decommissioning trust funds and decommissioning liabilities for the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants to Entergy. In January 2017, NYPA transferred to Entergy the Indian Point 3 decommissioning trust fund with a fair value of $726 million and the FitzPatrick decommissioning trust fund with a fair value of $793 million.
As discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements herein, in March 2017, Entergy closed on the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon. As part of the transaction, Entergy transferred the FitzPatrick decommissioning trust fund to Exelon. The FitzPatrick decommissioning trust fund had a disposition-date fair value of $805 million and was classified as held for sale within other deferred debits as of December 31, 2016.
Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value. Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities in other regulatory liabilities/assets. For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) in other deferred credits. Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment. Accordingly, unrealized gains recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity because these assets are classified as available-for-sale. Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the assets in these trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other-than-temporary and therefore recorded in earnings. Generally, Entergy records realized gains and losses on its debt and equity securities using the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of its securities.
The securities held as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $4,389 | $1,857 | $1 | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 2,408 | 45 | 15 | |||||||||
Total | $6,797 | $1,902 | $16 |
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $3,511 | $1,673 | $1 | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 2,213 | 34 | 27 | |||||||||
Total | $5,724 | $1,707 | $28 |
The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds related to the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants as of June 30, 2017 are $465 million for Indian Point 1, $591 million for Indian Point 2, $758 million for Indian Point 3, $434 million for Palisades, $1,010 million for Pilgrim, and $595 million for Vermont Yankee. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds for the Registrant Subsidiaries’ nuclear plants are detailed below.
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Deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income for the decommissioning trusts which do not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment as described above. Unrealized gains/(losses) above are reported before deferred taxes of $441 million and $399 million as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,378 million as of June 30, 2017 and $2,212 million as of December 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.21%, an average duration of approximately 6.14 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.96 years. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate or somewhat exceed the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index or the Russell 3000 Index.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of June 30, 2017:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $2 | $1 | $997 | $12 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | — | 47 | 3 | |||||||||||
Total | $2 | $1 | $1,044 | $15 |
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2016:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $23 | $1 | $1,169 | $26 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | 1 | — | 20 | 1 | |||||||||||
Total | $24 | $1 | $1,189 | $27 |
The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
less than 1 year | $106 | $125 | |||||
1 year - 5 years | 805 | 763 | |||||
5 years - 10 years | 795 | 719 | |||||
10 years - 15 years | 111 | 109 | |||||
15 years - 20 years | 88 | 73 | |||||
20 years+ | 503 | 424 | |||||
Total | $2,408 | $2,213 |
During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $949 million and $504 million, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains
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of $61 million and $10 million, respectively, and gross losses of $2 million and $2 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income or other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $1,463 million and $1,233 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $70 million and $20 million, respectively, and gross losses of $7 million and $5 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income or other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $556.3 | $308.0 | $— | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 328.0 | 3.3 | 2.3 | |||||||||
Total | $884.3 | $311.3 | $2.3 | |||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $525.4 | $281.5 | $— | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 309.3 | 3.4 | 4.2 | |||||||||
Total | $834.7 | $284.9 | $4.2 |
The amortized cost of debt securities was $327 million as of June 30, 2017 and $310.1 million as of December 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.53%, an average duration of approximately 5.83 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.87 years. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of June 30, 2017:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $— | $— | $118.1 | $1.7 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | — | 10.1 | 0.6 | |||||||||||
Total | $— | $— | $128.2 | $2.3 |
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The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2016:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $— | $— | $146.7 | $4.2 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Total | $— | $— | $146.7 | $4.2 |
The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
less than 1 year | $16.8 | $16.7 | |||||
1 year - 5 years | 102.6 | 106.2 | |||||
5 years - 10 years | 183.5 | 161.2 | |||||
10 years - 15 years | 4.4 | 7.7 | |||||
15 years - 20 years | 1.1 | 1.0 | |||||
20 years+ | 19.6 | 16.5 | |||||
Total | $328.0 | $309.3 |
During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $131.3 million and $45.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $11.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $167.3 million and $103.8 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $11.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
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Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $756.6 | $395.6 | $— | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 464.1 | 10.9 | 2.9 | |||||||||
Total | $1,220.7 | $406.5 | $2.9 | |||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $715.9 | $346.6 | $— | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 424.8 | 8.0 | 5.0 | |||||||||
Total | $1,140.7 | $354.6 | $5.0 |
The amortized cost of debt securities was $456.1 million as of June 30, 2017 and $421.9 million as of December 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.79%, an average duration of approximately 5.8 years, and an average maturity of approximately 11.49 years. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of June 30, 2017:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $— | $— | $164.4 | $2.4 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | — | 9.7 | 0.5 | |||||||||||
Total | $— | $— | $174.1 | $2.9 |
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2016:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $— | $— | $198.8 | $4.8 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | — | 4.8 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Total | $— | $— | $203.6 | $5.0 |
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The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
less than 1 year | $28.5 | $31.4 | |||||
1 year - 5 years | 105.2 | 99.1 | |||||
5 years - 10 years | 131.9 | 122.8 | |||||
10 years - 15 years | 44.3 | 41.4 | |||||
15 years - 20 years | 38.6 | 30.9 | |||||
20 years+ | 115.6 | 99.2 | |||||
Total | $464.1 | $424.8 |
During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $85 million and $69.7 million, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.04 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $125.6 million and $123.5 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
System Energy
System Energy holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||
2017 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $516.9 | $257.6 | $— | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 322.5 | 3.3 | 2.3 | |||||||||
Total | $839.4 | $260.9 | $2.3 | |||||||||
2016 | ||||||||||||
Equity Securities | $473.9 | $221.9 | $0.1 | |||||||||
Debt Securities | 306.6 | 2.0 | 4.5 | |||||||||
Total | $780.5 | $223.9 | $4.6 |
The amortized cost of debt securities was $321.5 million as of June 30, 2017 and $309.1 million as of December 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.37%, an average duration of approximately 6.45 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.84 years. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.
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The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of June 30, 2017:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $— | $— | $199.5 | $2.0 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | — | 8.6 | 0.3 | |||||||||||
Total | $— | $— | $208.1 | $2.3 |
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows as of December 31, 2016:
Equity Securities | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $— | $— | $220.9 | $4.4 | |||||||||||
More than 12 months | — | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
Total | $— | $0.1 | $221.7 | $4.5 |
The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||
less than 1 year | $8.6 | $6.6 | |||||
1 year - 5 years | 159.6 | 188.2 | |||||
5 years - 10 years | 86.4 | 78.5 | |||||
10 years - 15 years | 2.3 | 1.3 | |||||
15 years - 20 years | 7.8 | 7.8 | |||||
20 years+ | 57.8 | 24.2 | |||||
Total | $322.5 | $306.6 |
During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $177.7 million and $100.9 million, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $253.5 million and $289.4 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and gross losses of $1.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
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Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains and losses
Entergy evaluates investment securities in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities’ nuclear decommissioning trust funds with unrealized losses at the end of each period to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether Entergy has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs. Further, if Entergy does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss). Entergy did not have any material other-than-temporary impairments relating to credit losses on debt securities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016. The assessment of whether an investment in an equity security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on a number of factors including, first, whether Entergy has the ability and intent to hold the investment to recover its value, the duration and severity of any losses, and, then, whether it is expected that the investment will recover its value within a reasonable period of time. Entergy’s trusts are managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments. Entergy did not record material charges to other income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.
NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
See “Income Tax Audits” and “Other Tax Matters” in Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of income tax audits and other income tax matters involving Entergy. The following are updates to that discussion.
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in the second quarter 2016, Entergy made a tax election to treat as a corporation for federal income tax purposes its subsidiary that owned the FitzPatrick nuclear power plant. The effect of the election was that the plant and associated assets were deemed to be contributed to a new corporation for federal income tax purposes, which created permanent and temporary differences, as discussed in the Form 10-K. One permanent difference, which increased tax expense in 2016 under the applicable accounting standards, was the reduction to the plant’s tax basis to the extent that it exceeded its fair market value. Entergy sold the FitzPatrick plant on March 31, 2017. The removal of the contingencies regarding the sale of the plant and the receipt of NRC approval for the sale allowed Entergy to re-determine the plant’s tax basis, using the closing price as indicative of a higher fair market value for the plant. The re-determined basis resulted in a $44 million income tax benefit in the first quarter 2017.
In the second quarter 2017, Entergy made tax elections to treat as corporations for federal income tax purposes two subsidiaries that each own an Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear power plant. This resulted in a constructive contribution of all the assets and liabilities associated with the plants to new subsidiary corporations for federal income tax purposes, and generated both permanent and temporary differences under the income tax accounting standards. The constructive contributions required the Entergy subsidiary that constructively contributed the assets and liabilities to recognize the plants’ nuclear decommissioning liabilities for income tax purposes resulting in permanent differences. The accrual of the nuclear decommissioning liabilities required Entergy to recognize a gain for income tax purposes, a portion of which resulted in an increase in tax basis of the assets constructively contributed to the subsidiaries. Recognition of the gain and the increase in tax basis of the assets represents a temporary difference. The permanent differences reduced income tax expense, net of unrecognized tax benefits, by $373 million.
In the first quarter 2017, Entergy implemented ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” Entergy will now prospectively recognize all income tax effects related to share-based payments through the income statement. In the first quarter 2017, stock option expirations, along with other stock compensation activity, resulted in the write-off of $11.5 million of deferred
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tax assets. Entergy’s stock-based compensation plans are discussed in Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K.
NOTE 11. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Construction Expenditures in Accounts Payable
Construction expenditures included in accounts payable at June 30, 2017 are $198 million for Entergy, $47.8 million for Entergy Arkansas, $55.1 million for Entergy Louisiana, $5.3 million for Entergy Mississippi, $1.1 million for Entergy New Orleans, $15.2 million for Entergy Texas, and $28.1 million for System Energy. Construction expenditures included in accounts payable at December 31, 2016 are $253 million for Entergy, $40.9 million for Entergy Arkansas, $114.8 million for Entergy Louisiana, $11.5 million for Entergy Mississippi, $2.3 million for Entergy New Orleans, $9.3 million for Entergy Texas, and $6.2 million for System Energy.
NOTE 12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
See Note 17 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of variable interest entities. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for details of the nuclear fuel companies’ credit facilities and commercial paper borrowings and long-term debt.
Entergy Louisiana was considered to hold a variable interest in the lessor from which it leased an undivided interest representing approximately 9.3% of the Waterford 3 nuclear plant. After Entergy Louisiana acquired a beneficial interest in the leased assets in March 2016, however, the lessor was no longer considered a variable interest entity. Entergy Louisiana made payments on its lease, including interest, of $9.2 million through March 2016. See Note 10 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s purchase of the Waterford 3 leased assets.
System Energy is considered to hold a variable interest in the lessor from which it leases an undivided interest representing approximately 11.5% of the Grand Gulf nuclear plant. System Energy is the lessee under this arrangement, which is described in more detail in Note 10 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. System Energy made payments on its lease, including interest, of $8.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 and $8.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016.
NOTE 13. DISPOSITIONS (Entergy Corporation)
In March 2017 the NRC approved the sale of the FitzPatrick plant, an 838 MW nuclear power plant owned by Entergy in the Entergy Wholesale Commodities segment, to Exelon. The transaction closed in March 2017 for a purchase price of $110 million, including the $10 million non-refundable signing fee paid in August 2016, in addition to the assumption by Exelon of certain liabilities related to the FitzPatrick plant, resulting in a pre-tax gain on the sale of $16 million. At the transaction close, Exelon paid an additional $8 million for the proration of certain expenses prepaid by Entergy.
As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements herein, as a result of the sale of FitzPatrick on March 31, 2017, Entergy re-determined the plant’s tax basis, resulting in a $44 million income tax benefit in the first quarter 2017.
The assets and liabilities associated with the sale of FitzPatrick to Exelon were classified as held for sale on Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries’ Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. The disposition-date
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fair value of the decommissioning trust fund was $805 million, classified within other deferred debits, and the disposition-date fair value of the asset retirement obligation was $727 million, classified within other non-current liabilities. The transaction also included property, plant, and equipment with a net book value of zero, materials and supplies, and prepaid assets.
As discussed in Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, Entergy entered into a reimbursement agreement with Exelon pursuant to which Exelon reimbursed Entergy for specified out-of-pocket costs associated with Entergy’s operation of FitzPatrick. In the first quarter 2017, Entergy billed Exelon for reimbursement of $98 million of other operation and maintenance expenses, $7 million in lost operating revenues, and $3 million in taxes other than income taxes, partially offset by a $10 million defueling credit to Exelon.
NOTE 14. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
See Note 9 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of asset retirement obligations. Following is an update to that discussion.
In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.
________________
In the opinion of the management of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals and reclassification of previously reported amounts to conform to current classifications) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Entergy’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, however, with peak periods occurring typically during the first and third quarters. The results for the interim periods presented should not be used as a basis for estimating results of operations for a full year.
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Part I, Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See “Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.
Part I, Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of June 30, 2017, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy (individually “Registrant” and collectively the “Registrants”) management, including their respective Principal Executive Officers (PEO) and Principal Financial Officers (PFO). The evaluations assessed the effectiveness of the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluations, each PEO and PFO has concluded that, as to the Registrant or Registrants for which they serve as PEO or PFO, the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by each Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and that the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are also effective in reasonably assuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s or Registrants’ management, including their respective PEOs and PFOs, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Under the supervision and with the participation of each Registrants’ management, including its respective PEO and PFO, each Registrant evaluated changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and found no change that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
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Results of Operations
Net Income
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net income increased $4.7 million primarily due to higher other income.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net income remained relatively unchanged, decreasing by $0.3 million, primarily due to higher other operation and maintenance expenses, higher nuclear refueling outage expenses, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses, substantially offset by higher other income and higher net revenue.
Net Revenue
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $365.7 | ||
Retail electric price | 9.8 | ||
Asset retirement obligation | (7.8 | ) | |
Other | (1.2 | ) | |
2017 net revenue | $366.5 |
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to the implementation of formula rate plan rates, as approved by the APSC, effective with the first billing cycle of January 2017. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan filing.
The asset retirement obligation affects net revenue because Entergy Arkansas records a regulatory charge or credit for the difference between asset retirement obligation-related expenses and trust earnings plus asset retirement obligation-related costs collected in revenue. The variance is primarily caused by a decrease in regulatory credits because of an increase in decommissioning trust earnings, including portfolio reallocations for the ANO 1 decommissioning trust fund.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits). Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $687.4 | ||
Retail electric price | 24.1 | ||
Opportunity sales | 7.5 | ||
Asset retirement obligation | (10.5 | ) | |
Volume/weather | (15.1 | ) | |
Other | 3.4 | ||
2017 net revenue | $696.8 |
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in base rates effective February 24, 2016 and the implementation of formula rate plan rates effective with the first billing cycle of January 2017, each as approved by the APSC. A significant portion of the base rate increase was related to the purchase of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station in March 2016. The increase was partially offset by decreases in the energy efficiency rider, as approved by the APSC, effective April 2016 and January 2017. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the rate case and formula rate plan filings. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
The opportunity sales variance results from the estimated net revenue effect recorded in the first quarter 2016 in connection with the FERC orders issued in April 2016 in the opportunity sales proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the opportunity sales proceeding.
The asset retirement obligation affects net revenue because Entergy Arkansas records a regulatory charge or credit for the difference between asset retirement obligation-related expenses and trust earnings plus asset retirement obligation-related costs collected in revenue. The variance is primarily caused by a decrease in regulatory credits because of an increase in decommissioning trust earnings, including portfolio reallocations for the ANO 1 decommissioning trust fund.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of 307 GWh, or 3%, in billed electricity usage, including the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales and an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage is primarily due to a new customer in the primary metals industry.
Other Income Statement Variances
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
• | a decrease of $5.1 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to lower long-term service agreement costs; and |
• | a decrease of $2.7 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a decrease in regulatory compliance costs, partially offset by higher nuclear labor costs, including contract labor, in second quarter 2017 as compared to second quarter 2016 primarily due to increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals. The decrease in regulatory compliance costs is primarily related to additional NRC inspection |
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activities in 2016 as a result of the NRC’s March 2015 decision to move ANO into the “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column” of the NRC’s reactor oversight process action matrix. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident and subsequent NRC reviews. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals.
The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2.7 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 and an increase of $1.6 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to an increase in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs as a result of a lower discount rate.
Other income increased primarily due to higher realized gains in 2017 as compared to 2016 on the decommissioning trust fund investments, including portfolio reallocations for the ANO 1 decommissioning trust fund.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Nuclear refueling outage expenses increased primarily due to the amortization of higher costs associated with the most recent outages as compared to the previous outages.
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:
• | the deferral in first quarter 2016 of $7.7 million of previously-incurred costs related to ANO post-Fukushima compliance and $9.9 million of previously-incurred costs related to ANO flood barrier compliance, as approved by the APSC as part of the 2015 rate case settlement. These costs are being amortized over a ten-year period beginning March 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the rate case settlement; |
• | an increase of $5.4 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs in 2017; and |
• | an increase of $4 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to a downward revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in first quarter 2016 and an increase in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs as a result of a lower discount rate. |
The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $16.1 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a decrease in regulatory compliance costs as compared to the prior year, partially offset by higher nuclear labor costs, including contract labor, in 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily due to increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals. The decrease in regulatory compliance costs is primarily related to additional NRC inspection activities in 2016 as a result of the NRC’s March 2015 decision to move ANO into the “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column” of the NRC’s reactor oversight process action matrix. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident and subsequent NRC reviews. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in ad valorem taxes, higher local franchise taxes, and an increase in payroll taxes. Ad valorem taxes increased primarily due to higher assessments and higher millage rates. Local franchise taxes increased primarily due to higher revenues in 2017 as compared to 2016.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service, including Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station purchased in March 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
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Other income increased primarily due to higher realized gains in 2017 as compared to 2016 on the decommissioning trust fund investments, including portfolio reallocations for the ANO 1 decommissioning trust fund.
Interest expense decreased primarily due to $5.1 million in estimated interest expense recorded in the first quarter 2016 in connection with the FERC orders issued in April 2016 in the opportunity sales proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the opportunity sales proceeding.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 38.4% for the second quarter 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the second quarter 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to state income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
The effective income tax rate was 40.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to state income taxes, a write-off of a stock-based compensation deferred tax asset, and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
The effective income tax rates were 40.1% for the second quarter 2016 and 40% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the second quarter 2016 and the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% were primarily due to state income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident, subsequent NRC reviews, and the deferral of replacement power costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $20,509 | $9,135 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 191,161 | 253,703 | |||||
Investing activities | (418,321 | ) | (577,426 | ) | |||
Financing activities | 209,728 | 339,700 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (17,432 | ) | 15,977 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $3,077 | $25,112 |
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Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased $62.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to an increase of $43.8 million in spending on nuclear refueling outages in 2017 and the timing of payments to vendors.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $159.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the purchase of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station in March 2016 for approximately $237 million and a decrease of $27.5 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to a lower scope of non-storm related work performed in 2017. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
The decrease was partially offset by:
• | an increase of $56.6 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of work performed on various nuclear projects in 2017; |
• | an increase of $17.8 million in fossil-fueled generation construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of work performed on various projects in 2017; and |
• | fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and service deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle. |
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $130 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | a $200 million capital contribution received from Entergy Corporation in March 2016 primarily in anticipation of Entergy Arkansas’s purchase of Power Block 2 of the Union Power Station; |
• | the issuance of $325 million of 3.5% Series first mortgage bonds in January 2016, a portion of the proceeds of which were used to pay, prior to maturity, $175 million of 5.66% Series first mortgage bonds; and |
• | the issuance of $55 million of 3.5% Series first mortgage bonds in June 2016. |
The decrease was partially offset by:
• | the issuance of $220 million of 3.5% Series first mortgage bonds in May 2017; |
• | net borrowings of $31.4 million on the Entergy Arkansas nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility in 2017 compared to net borrowings of $0.9 million in 2016; and |
• | money pool activity. |
Decreases in Entergy Arkansas’s payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Arkansas’s payable to the money pool decreased by $37.6 million in 2017 compared to decreasing by $52.7 million in 2016. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
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Capital Structure
Entergy Arkansas’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table. The increase in the debt to capital ratio for Entergy Arkansas is primarily due to the issuance of long-term debt in 2017.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 56.9 | % | 55.3 | % | |
Effect of excluding the securitization bonds | (0.4 | %) | (0.4 | %) | |
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 56.5 | % | 54.9 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | — | % | (0.2 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 56.5 | % | 54.7 | % |
(a) | Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Arkansas. |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt, preferred stock without sinking fund, and common equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Arkansas uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Arkansas’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy Arkansas, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy Arkansas also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Arkansas’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Arkansas’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Arkansas’s uses and sources of capital. Following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Arkansas’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||
(In Thousands) | ||||||
($13,669) | ($51,232) | $1,453 | ($52,742) |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Arkansas has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in August 2021. Entergy Arkansas also has a $20 million credit facility scheduled to expire in April 2018. The $150 million credit facility allows Entergy Arkansas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of June 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings and no letters of credit outstanding under the credit facilities. In addition, Entergy Arkansas is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of June 30, 2017, a $1 million letter of credit was outstanding under Entergy Arkansas’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
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The Entergy Arkansas nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $80 million scheduled to expire in May 2019. As of June 30, 2017, $14.7 million in letters of credit to support a like amount of commercial paper issued and $16.7 million in loans were outstanding under the Entergy Arkansas nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
2016 Formula Rate Plan Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, Entergy Arkansas is required to make a supplemental filing supporting the recovery of certain nuclear costs. In April 2017, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion consented to by all parties requesting that it be permitted to submit its supplemental filing in conjunction with its 2017 formula rate plan filing, which was subsequently made in July 2017 and is discussed below. In May 2017 the APSC approved the joint motion and proposal to review Entergy Arkansas’s supplemental filing on a concurrent schedule with the 2017 formula rate plan filing. In doing so, however, the APSC noted that a determination of whether the supplemental information supporting certain nuclear expenditures will be considered in the hearing for the 2017 formula rate plan filing or a separate hearing will be made at a later time.
2017 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In July 2017, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its 2017 formula rate plan filing showing Entergy Arkansas’s projected earned return on common equity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 test period to be below the formula rate plan bandwidth. The filing projected a $129.7 million revenue requirement increase to achieve Entergy Arkansas’s target earned return on common equity of 9.75%. Because the projected revenue increase exceeds the four percent annual revenue constraint for each rate class, however, Entergy Arkansas proposed a $70.9 million revenue requirement increase. Entergy Arkansas requested an order approving its proposed formula rate plan adjustment by December 13, 2017. If a final order is not issued by this date, the proposed formula rate plan adjustment will become effective January 2, 2018, subject to refund.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2016, Entergy Arkansas filed an application seeking a finding from the APSC that Entergy Arkansas’s deployment of advanced metering infrastructure is in the public interest. In June 2017 the APSC staff and Arkansas Attorney General filed direct testimony. The APSC staff generally supported Entergy Arkansas’s AMI deployment conditioned on various recommendations. The Arkansas Attorney General’s consultant primarily recommended denial of Entergy Arkansas’s application but alternatively suggested recommendations in the event the APSC approves Entergy Arkansas’s proposal. Entergy Arkansas filed rebuttal testimony in June 2017, substantially accepting the APSC staff’s recommendations. In August 2017, Entergy Arkansas and the parties to the proceeding filed a joint motion to suspend the procedural schedule pending the filing with the APSC of an agreement in principle on all issues.
Energy Cost Recovery Rider
In March 2017, Entergy Arkansas filed its annual redetermination of its energy cost rate pursuant to the energy cost recovery rider, which reflected an increase in the rate from $0.01164 per kWh to $0.01547 per kWh. The APSC staff filed testimony in March 2017 recommending that the redetermined rate should be implemented with the first billing cycle of April 2017 under the normal operation of the tariff. Accordingly, the redetermined rate went into effect
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on March 31, 2017 pursuant to the tariff. In July 2017 the Arkansas Attorney General requested additional information to support certain of the costs included in Entergy Arkansas’s 2017 energy cost rate redetermination.
Opportunity Sales Proceedings
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in June 2009 the LPSC filed a complaint requesting that the FERC determine that certain of Entergy Arkansas’s sales of electric energy to third parties: (a) violated the provisions of the System Agreement that allocated the energy generated by Entergy System resources, (b) imprudently denied the Entergy System and its ultimate consumers the benefits of low-cost Entergy System generating capacity, and (c) violated the provision of the System Agreement that prohibited sales to third parties by individual companies absent an offer of a right-of-first-refusal to other Utility operating companies. The LPSC’s complaint challenges sales made beginning in 2002 and requests refunds.
In April 2016 the FERC issued orders addressing requests for rehearing filed in July 2012 and an ALJ’s August 2013 initial decision. The first order denies Entergy’s request for rehearing and affirms FERC’s earlier rulings that Entergy’s original methodology for allocating energy costs to the opportunity sales was incorrect and, as a result, Entergy Arkansas must make payments to the other Utility operating companies to put them in the same position that they would have been in absent the incorrect allocation. The FERC clarified that interest should be included with the payments. The second order affirmed in part, and reversed in part, the rulings in the ALJ’s August 2013 initial decision regarding the methodology that should be used to calculate the payments Entergy Arkansas is to make to the other Utility operating companies. The FERC affirmed the ALJ’s ruling that a full re-run of intra-system bills should be performed, but required that methodology be modified so that the sales have the same priority for purposes of energy allocation as joint account sales. The FERC reversed the ALJ’s decision that any payments by Entergy Arkansas should be reduced by 20%. The FERC also reversed the ALJ’s decision that adjustments to other System Agreement service schedules and excess bandwidth payments should not be taken into account when calculating the payments to be made by Entergy Arkansas. The FERC held that such adjustments and excess bandwidth payments should be taken into account, but ordered further proceedings before an ALJ to address whether a cap on any reduction due to bandwidth payments was necessary and to implement the other adjustments to the calculation methodology.
In May 2016, Entergy Services filed a request for rehearing of the FERC’s April 2016 order addressing the requests for rehearing filed in July 2012. Entergy Services also filed a request for clarification and/or rehearing of the FERC’s April 2016 order addressing the ALJ’s August 2013 initial decision. The APSC and the LPSC also filed requests for rehearing of the FERC’s April 2016 order. The rehearing and clarification requests filed in May 2016 are pending FERC action.
Pursuant to the procedural schedule established in the case, Entergy Services re-ran intra-system bills for the ten-year period 2000-2009 to quantify the effects of the FERC's ruling. In November 2016 the LPSC submitted testimony disputing certain aspects of the calculations, and Entergy Services submitted answering testimony in January 2017. In February 2017 the FERC staff filed testimony and Entergy Services filed responsive testimony. In March 2017 the LPSC filed rebuttal testimony. A hearing was held in May 2017. In July 2017, the ALJ issued an initial decision concluding that Entergy Arkansas should pay $86 million plus interest to the other Utility operating companies. The Utility operating companies have the opportunity to challenge the ALJ’s initial decision by filing a brief on exceptions with the FERC. No payments will be made or received by the Utility operating companies until the FERC issues an order reviewing the initial decision and Entergy submits a subsequent filing to comply with that order.
The effect of the FERC’s decisions thus far in the case would be that Entergy Arkansas will make payments to some or all of the other Utility operating companies. Because further proceedings will still occur in the case, the amount and recipients of payments by Entergy Arkansas are unknown at this time. Based on testimony previously submitted in the case and its assessment of the April 2016 FERC orders, in the first quarter 2016, Entergy Arkansas recorded a liability of $87 million, which includes interest, for its estimated increased costs and payment to the other Utility operating companies. This estimate is subject to change depending on how the FERC resolves the issues that are still outstanding in the case, including its review of the July 2017 initial decision. Entergy Arkansas’s increased
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costs will be attributed to Entergy Arkansas’s retail and wholesale businesses, and it is not probable that Entergy Arkansas will recover the wholesale portion. Entergy Arkansas, therefore, recorded a regulatory asset in the first quarter 2016 of approximately $75 million, which represents its estimate of the retail portion of the costs.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Arkansas’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, unbilled revenue, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
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ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $496,662 | $504,252 | $971,013 | $969,625 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 50,691 | 88,022 | 150,100 | 168,959 | ||||||||||||
Purchased power | 74,552 | 49,714 | 129,685 | 111,518 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 17,335 | 14,981 | 36,954 | 30,050 | ||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 171,821 | 173,909 | 337,678 | 326,815 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 14,106 | 13,301 | 28,001 | 26,404 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 25,128 | 22,961 | 49,179 | 46,047 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 69,087 | 67,115 | 136,153 | 130,288 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | 4,948 | 802 | (5,578 | ) | 1,719 | |||||||||||
TOTAL | 427,668 | 430,805 | 862,172 | 841,800 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 68,994 | 73,447 | 108,841 | 127,825 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 5,432 | 3,995 | 9,782 | 8,927 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 14,195 | 5,770 | 21,127 | 9,364 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (57 | ) | (1,020 | ) | (164 | ) | (1,795 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 19,570 | 8,745 | 30,745 | 16,496 | ||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 28,514 | 27,792 | 55,766 | 60,574 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (2,552 | ) | (2,136 | ) | (4,514 | ) | (4,851 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 25,962 | 25,656 | 51,252 | 55,723 | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 62,602 | 56,536 | 88,334 | 88,598 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 24,052 | 22,645 | 35,480 | 35,413 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 38,550 | 33,891 | 52,854 | 53,185 | ||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements | 357 | 1,718 | 714 | 3,437 | ||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | $38,193 | $32,173 | $52,140 | $49,748 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net income | $52,854 | $53,185 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 198,082 | 211,630 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 38,005 | 122,195 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Receivables | 12,092 | (42,371 | ) | |||||
Fuel inventory | (1,602 | ) | 5,093 | |||||
Accounts payable | (29,109 | ) | 66,118 | |||||
Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued | 937 | (89,124 | ) | |||||
Interest accrued | 1,816 | (1,093 | ) | |||||
Deferred fuel costs | (48,442 | ) | (40,847 | ) | ||||
Other working capital accounts | (32,055 | ) | 25,021 | |||||
Provisions for estimated losses | 7,457 | 1,142 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets | (5,592 | ) | 7,048 | |||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (40,637 | ) | (45,752 | ) | ||||
Other assets and liabilities | 37,355 | (18,542 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 191,161 | 253,703 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (381,197 | ) | (316,569 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 10,198 | 9,229 | ||||||
Payment for purchase of plant | — | (236,969 | ) | |||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (92,927 | ) | (64,689 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel | 51,029 | 40,336 | ||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 167,329 | 103,815 | ||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (173,324 | ) | (112,040 | ) | ||||
Change in money pool receivable - net | — | (1,453 | ) | |||||
Changes in securitization account | 571 | 1,017 | ||||||
Other | — | (103 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (418,321 | ) | (577,426 | ) | ||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 222,937 | 380,141 | ||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (6,799 | ) | (181,604 | ) | ||||
Capital contribution from parent | — | 200,000 | ||||||
Changes in short-term borrowings - net | 31,436 | 908 | ||||||
Changes in money pool payable - net | (37,563 | ) | (52,742 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid: | ||||||||
Preferred stock | (714 | ) | (3,437 | ) | ||||
Other | 431 | (3,566 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 209,728 | 339,700 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (17,432 | ) | 15,977 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 20,509 | 9,135 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $3,077 | $25,112 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $51,232 | $58,733 | ||||||
Income taxes | $— | $7,242 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
101
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
Cash | $2,741 | $20,174 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 336 | 335 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 3,077 | 20,509 | ||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 3,569 | 4,140 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Customer | 96,720 | 102,229 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (1,084 | ) | (1,211 | ) | ||||
Associated companies | 36,015 | 35,286 | ||||||
Other | 40,672 | 58,153 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 110,235 | 100,193 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 282,558 | 294,650 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 145,033 | 96,690 | ||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 34,362 | 32,760 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 182,839 | 182,600 | ||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 109,546 | 81,313 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 19,691 | 14,293 | ||||||
TOTAL | 780,675 | 726,955 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 884,308 | 834,735 | ||||||
Other | 5,536 | 7,912 | ||||||
TOTAL | 889,844 | 842,647 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||
Electric | 10,726,461 | 10,488,060 | ||||||
Property under capital lease | 637 | 716 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 328,037 | 304,073 | ||||||
Nuclear fuel | 259,901 | 307,352 | ||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 11,315,036 | 11,100,201 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 4,666,137 | 4,635,885 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 6,648,899 | 6,464,316 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net | 66,024 | 62,646 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $35,365 as of June 30, 2017 and $41,164 as of December 31, 2016) | 1,430,243 | 1,428,029 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 66,997 | 66,898 | ||||||
Other | 16,577 | 14,626 | ||||||
TOTAL | 1,579,841 | 1,572,199 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $9,899,259 | $9,606,117 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
102
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $114,700 | $114,700 | ||||||
Short-term borrowings | 14,696 | — | ||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | 152,723 | 239,711 | ||||||
Other | 204,921 | 185,153 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 97,425 | 97,512 | ||||||
Taxes accrued | 8,131 | 7,194 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 18,396 | 16,580 | ||||||
Other | 36,150 | 36,557 | ||||||
TOTAL | 647,142 | 697,407 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 2,224,030 | 2,186,623 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 34,704 | 35,305 | ||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 330,797 | 305,907 | ||||||
Decommissioning | 952,353 | 924,353 | ||||||
Accumulated provisions | 26,139 | 18,682 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 383,543 | 424,234 | ||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $41,502 as of June 30, 2017 and $48,139 as of December 31, 2016) | 2,949,561 | 2,715,085 | ||||||
Other | 14,183 | 13,854 | ||||||
TOTAL | 6,915,310 | 6,624,043 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Preferred stock without sinking fund | 31,350 | 31,350 | ||||||
COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 325,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 46,980,196 shares in 2017 and 2016 | 470 | 470 | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 790,243 | 790,243 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 1,514,744 | 1,462,604 | ||||||
TOTAL | 2,305,457 | 2,253,317 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $9,899,259 | $9,606,117 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
103
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Common Equity | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $470 | $588,493 | $1,302,695 | $1,891,658 | ||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 53,185 | 53,185 | ||||||||||||
Capital contribution from parent | — | 200,000 | — | 200,000 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | (3,437 | ) | (3,437 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $470 | $788,493 | $1,352,443 | $2,141,406 | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $470 | $790,243 | $1,462,604 | $2,253,317 | ||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 52,854 | 52,854 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | (714 | ) | (714 | ) | ||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $470 | $790,243 | $1,514,744 | $2,305,457 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
104
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $160 | $153 | $7 | 5 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 119 | 115 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 114 | 100 | 14 | 14 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 5 | 4 | 1 | 25 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 398 | 372 | 26 | 7 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 31 | 25 | 6 | 24 | |||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 6 | 37 | (31 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 62 | 70 | (8 | ) | (11 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $497 | $504 | ($7 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,462 | 1,409 | 53 | 4 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 1,372 | 1,350 | 22 | 2 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 1,829 | 1,582 | 247 | 16 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 57 | 55 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 4,720 | 4,396 | 324 | 7 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 387 | 539 | (152 | ) | (28 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 386 | 2,252 | (1,866 | ) | (83 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 5,493 | 7,187 | (1,694 | ) | (24 | ) | |||||||||
Six Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $343 | $345 | ($2 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 225 | 225 | — | — | |||||||||||
Industrial | 210 | 200 | 10 | 5 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 9 | 8 | 1 | 13 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 787 | 778 | 9 | 1 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 63 | (7 | ) | 70 | 1,000 | ||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 51 | 75 | (24 | ) | (32 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 70 | 124 | (54 | ) | (44 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $971 | $970 | $1 | — | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 3,389 | 3,433 | (44 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 2,687 | 2,690 | (3 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Industrial | 3,510 | 3,158 | 352 | 11 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 113 | 111 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 9,699 | 9,392 | 307 | 3 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 833 | 964 | (131 | ) | (14 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 2,348 | 4,808 | (2,460 | ) | (51 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 12,880 | 15,164 | (2,284 | ) | (15 | ) |
105
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net income decreased $128.8 million primarily due to the effect of a settlement with the IRS related to the 2010-2011 IRS audit which resulted in a $136.1 million reduction of income tax expense in 2016. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net income decreased $146.1 million primarily due to the effect of a settlement with the IRS related to the 2010-2011 IRS audit which resulted in a $136.1 million reduction of income tax expense in 2016. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.
Net Revenue
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits). Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $608.2 | ||
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation | 16.1 | ||
Volume/weather | (6.7 | ) | |
Other | 5.6 | ||
2017 net revenue | $623.2 |
The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in 2016 for tax savings to be shared with customers per an agreement approved by the LPSC. The tax savings resulted from the 2010-2011 IRS audit settlement on the treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of storm costs for Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of 507 GWh, or 4%, in billed electricity usage, including an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage is primarily due to an increase in demand from cogeneration customers and an increase in demand for existing customers as well as expansion projects in the chemicals industry, partially offset by extended seasonal outages for an existing large refinery customer.
106
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges (credits). Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $1,172.1 | ||
Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation | 16.1 | ||
Retail electric price | 9.3 | ||
Volume/weather | (11.0 | ) | |
Other | (2.2 | ) | |
2017 net revenue | $1,184.3 |
The Louisiana Act 55 financing savings obligation variance results from a regulatory charge recorded in 2016 for tax savings to be shared with customers per an agreement approved by the LPSC. The tax savings resulted from the 2010-2011 IRS audit settlement on the treatment of the Louisiana Act 55 financing of storm costs for Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the settlement and benefit sharing.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in formula rate plan revenues, implemented with the first billing cycle of March 2016, to collect the estimated first-year revenue requirement related to the purchase of Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station in March 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of formula rate plan revenues.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period and the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of 328 GWh, or 2%, in industrial usage primarily due to an increase in demand from cogeneration customers and an increase in demand for existing customers as well as expansion projects in the chemicals industry, partially offset by extended seasonal outages for an existing large refinery customer.
Other Income Statement Variances
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:
• | an increase of $3.8 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to higher nuclear labor costs, including contract labor, primarily due to increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals, partially offset by a lower scope of work performed during plant outages in the second quarter 2017 as compared to the second quarter 2016. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals; |
• | an increase of $2.6 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs; |
• | an increase of $1.9 million due to the effect of recording in 2016 a final court decision in the Entergy Louisiana lawsuit against the DOE related to the River Bend spent nuclear fuel storage costs. The damages awarded included the reimbursement in 2016 of spent nuclear fuel storage costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expense; |
• | an increase of $1 million as a result of the amount of transmission costs allocated by MISO. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further information on the recovery of these costs; and |
107
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
• | several individually insignificant items. |
The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $3.1 million in loss provisions.
Other income increased primarily due to an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2017, which included the St. Charles Power Station project, and higher realized gains in 2017 on the River Bend decommissioning trust fund investments as a result of portfolio reallocations to the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:
• | an increase of $3.9 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to a downward revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in first quarter 2016; |
• | an increase of $3.5 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to the purchase of Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station in March 2016, partially offset by asbestos loss provisions in 2016; |
• | an increase of $2.9 million in other loss provisions in 2017; |
• | an increase of $2.2 million in information technology expenses including software maintenance costs and upgrade projects; |
• | an increase of $2.1 million in transmission expenses primarily due to higher labor costs, including contract labor; |
• | an increase of $2.1 million as a result of the amount of transmission costs allocated by MISO. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further information on the recovery of these costs; |
• | an increase of $1.9 million due to the effect of recording in 2016 a final court decision in the Entergy Louisiana lawsuit against the DOE related to the River Bend spent nuclear fuel storage costs. The damages awarded included the reimbursement in 2016 of spent nuclear fuel storage costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expense; and |
• | an increase of $1.8 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to higher nuclear labor costs, including contract labor, primarily due to increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals, partially offset by a lower scope of work performed during plant outages in 2017 as compared to 2016. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the increased operating costs to position the nuclear fleet to meet its operational goals. |
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service, including Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station purchased in March 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
Other income increased primarily due to an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2017, which included the St. Charles Power Station project, and higher realized gains in 2017 on the River Bend decommissioning trust fund investments as a result of portfolio reallocations to the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 31.3% for the second quarter 2017 and 31.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the second quarter 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% were primarily due to book and tax differences related to the non-taxable income distributions earned on preferred membership interests and book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction, partially offset by state income taxes.
108
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
The effective income tax rates were (50.6%) for the second quarter 2016 and (10.7%) for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the second quarter 2016 and the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% were primarily due to the reversal of a portion of the provision for uncertain tax positions as a result of the settlement of the 2010-2011 IRS audit in the second quarter 2016 and book and tax differences related to the non-taxable income distributions earned on preferred membership interests, partially offset by state income taxes. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the 2010-2011 IRS audit settlement.
Louisiana Tax Legislation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Louisiana Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Louisiana tax legislation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $213,850 | $35,102 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 533,755 | 440,356 | |||||
Investing activities | (900,210 | ) | (859,906 | ) | |||
Financing activities | 367,888 | 459,253 | |||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 1,433 | 39,703 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $215,283 | $74,805 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $93.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | income tax refunds of $116.9 million in 2017 compared to income tax payments of $62.7 million in 2016. Entergy Louisiana received income tax refunds in 2017 and made income tax payments in 2016 in accordance with an intercompany income tax allocation agreement. The income tax refunds in 2017 resulted from the utilization of Entergy Louisiana’s net operating losses. The income tax payments in 2016 related to the 2016 payments for state taxes resulting from the effect of the final settlement of the 2006-2007 IRS audit and the effect of net operating loss limitations. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the audit. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Louisiana Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion on the net operating loss limitations; |
• | an interest payment of $60 million made in March 2016 related to the purchase of a beneficial interest in the Waterford 3 leased assets; and |
• | the timing of collections from customers and payments to vendors. |
109
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
The increase was partially offset by:
• | a refund to customers in January 2017 of approximately $71 million as a result of the settlement approved by the LPSC related to the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement and refund; |
• | a decrease due to the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs in 2017; and |
• | an increase of $47.8 million in spending on nuclear refueling outages in 2017. |
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities increased $40.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | an increase of $205.5 million in fossil-fueled generation construction expenditures primarily due to higher spending on the St. Charles Power Station project in 2017; |
• | fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and service deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; |
• | an increase of $75.8 million in transmission construction expenditures due to a higher scope of work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; |
• | an increase of $44.1 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily due to increased spending on various nuclear projects in 2017; and |
• | money pool activity. |
The increase was partially offset by the purchase of Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $474 million in March 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
Increases in Entergy Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana‘s receivable from the money pool increased by $33 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to increasing by $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $91.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the net issuance of $430.4 million of long-term debt in 2017 compared to the net issuance of $568.7 million in 2016. The decrease was partially offset by:
• | net borrowings of $30.7 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities’ credit facilities in 2017 compared to net repayments of $0.9 million in 2016; and |
• | a decrease of $14.3 million of common equity distributions primarily as a result of higher construction expenditures and higher nuclear fuel purchases in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. |
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
110
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Capital Structure
Entergy Louisiana’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table. The increase in the debt to capital ratio for Entergy Louisiana is primarily due to the issuance of long-term debt in 2017.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 54.7 | % | 53.4 | % | |
Effect of excluding securitization bonds | (0.4 | %) | (0.5 | %) | |
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 54.3 | % | 52.9 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | (0.9 | %) | (0.9 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 53.4 | % | 52.0 | % |
(a) | Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Louisiana. |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and common equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Louisiana uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Louisiana’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy Louisiana, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy Louisiana also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Louisiana’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Louisiana’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s uses and sources of capital. Following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Louisiana’s receivables from the money pool were as follows:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||
(In Thousands) | ||||||
$55,542 | $22,503 | $6,322 | $6,154 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Louisiana has a credit facility in the amount of $350 million scheduled to expire in August 2021. The credit facility allows Entergy Louisiana to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of June 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings and $4.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. In addition, Entergy Louisiana is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of June 30, 2017, a $36.8 million letter of credit was outstanding under Entergy Louisiana’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
The Entergy Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entities have two separate credit facilities, one in the amount of $105 million and one in the amount of $85 million, both scheduled to expire in May 2019. As of June 30, 2017, $15.5 million in loans were outstanding under the credit facility for the Entergy Louisiana River Bend nuclear fuel company variable interest entity. As of June 30, 2017, $34.5 million in letters of credit to support a like amount of commercial paper issued and $36.3 million in loans were outstanding under the Entergy Louisiana Waterford
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nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facilities.
Lake Charles Power Station
In November 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking certification that the public convenience and necessity would be served by the construction of the Lake Charles Power Station, a nominal 994 MW combined-cycle generating unit in Westlake, Louisiana, on land adjacent to the existing Nelson plant in Calcasieu Parish. The current estimated cost of the Lake Charles Power Station is $872 million, including estimated costs of transmission interconnection and other related costs. In May 2017 the parties to the proceeding agreed to an uncontested stipulation finding that construction of the Lake Charles Power Station is in the public interest and authorizing an in-service rate recovery plan. In July 2017 the LPSC issued an order unanimously approving the stipulation. Subject to the timely receipt of other permits and approvals, commercial operation is estimated to occur by mid-2020.
Washington Parish Energy Center
In April 2017, Entergy Louisiana signed a purchase and sale agreement with a subsidiary of Calpine Corporation for the acquisition of a peaking plant. Calpine will construct the plant, which will consist of two natural gas-fired combustion turbine units with a total nominal capacity of approximately 360 MW. The plant, named the Washington Parish Energy Center, will be located in Bogalusa, Louisiana and, subject to permits and approvals, is expected to be completed in 2021. Subject to regulatory approvals, Entergy Louisiana will purchase the plant once it is complete for an estimated total investment of approximately $261 million, including transmission and other related costs. In May 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking certification of the plant. A procedural schedule has been established, with a hearing in March 2018.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates - Electric
2014 Formula Rate Plan Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2015, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for Entergy Gulf States Louisiana’s and Entergy Louisiana’s 2014 calendar year operations. In June 2017 the LPSC staff and Entergy Louisiana filed an unopposed joint report of proceedings, which was accepted by the LPSC in June 2017, finalizing the results of this proceeding with no changes to rates already implemented.
2015 Formula Rate Plan Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for its 2015 calendar year operations. In June 2017 the LPSC staff and Entergy Louisiana filed a joint report of proceedings, which was accepted by the LPSC in June 2017, finalizing the results of the May 2016 evaluation report, interim updates, and corresponding proceedings with no changes to rates already implemented.
Also, in November 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC a request to extend the MISO cost recovery mechanism rider provision of its formula rate plan. In March 2017 the LPSC staff submitted direct testimony generally supportive of a one-year extension of the MISO cost recovery mechanism and the intervenor in the proceeding does not oppose an extension for this period of time. In June 2017 an uncontested joint stipulation authorizing a one-year extension of the MISO cost recovery mechanism rider was filed and the LPSC approved the stipulation in July 2017.
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2016 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In May 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for its 2016 calendar year operations. The evaluation report reflects an earned return on common equity of 9.84%. As such, no adjustment to base formula rate plan revenue is required. The following adjustments, however, are required under the formula rate plan. The 2016 formula rate plan evaluation report shows a decrease in formula rate plan revenue of approximately $16.9 million, comprised of a decrease in legacy Entergy Louisiana formula rate plan revenue of $3.5 million, a decrease in legacy Entergy Gulf States Louisiana formula rate plan revenue of $9.7 million, and a decrease in incremental formula rate plan revenue of $3.6 million. Additionally, the formula rate plan evaluation report calls for a decrease in the MISO cost recovery revenue requirement of $40.5 million, from the present level of $46.8 million to $6.3 million. Rates reflecting these adjustments will be implemented with the first billing cycle of September 2017, subject to refund, pending the review proceedings. Parties have intervened in the proceedings. No procedural schedule has been established.
Waterford 3 Replacement Steam Generator Project
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Waterford 3 replacement steam generator project prudence review proceeding. The refund to customers of approximately $71 million as a result of the settlement approved by the LPSC was made to customers in January 2017. Following a review by the parties, an unopposed joint report of proceedings was filed by the LPSC staff and Entergy Louisiana in May 2017. In May 2017 the LPSC accepted the joint report of proceedings resolving the matter.
Union Power Station
As a term of the LPSC-approved settlement authorizing the purchase of Power Blocks 3 and 4 of the Union Power Station, Entergy Louisiana agreed to make a filing with the LPSC to review its decisions to deactivate Ninemile 3 and Willow Glen 2 and 4 and its decision to retire Little Gypsy 1. In January 2016, Entergy Louisiana made its compliance filing with the LPSC. Entergy Louisiana, LPSC staff, and intervenors participated in a technical conference in March 2016 where Entergy Louisiana presented information on its deactivation/retirement decisions for these four units in addition to information on the current deactivation decisions for the ten-year planning horizon. Parties have requested further proceedings on the prudence of the decision to deactivate Willow Glen 2 and 4. No party contests the prudence of the decision to deactivate Willow Glen 2 and 4 or suggests reactivation of these units; however, issues have been raised related to Entergy Louisiana’s decision to give up its transmission service rights in MISO for Willow Glen 2 and 4 rather than placing the units into suspended status for the three year term permitted by MISO. This matter is pending before an ALJ, with an evidentiary hearing scheduled in August 2017.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in November 2016, Entergy Louisiana filed an application seeking a finding from the LPSC that Entergy Louisiana’s deployment of advanced electric and gas metering infrastructure is in the public interest. The parties reached an uncontested stipulation permitting implementation of Entergy Louisiana’s proposed AMI system, with modifications to the proposed customer charge. In July 2017 the LPSC approved the stipulation.
Retail Rates - Gas
2016 Rate Stabilization Plan Filing
In January 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC its gas rate stabilization plan for the test year ended September 30, 2016. The filing of the evaluation report for test year 2016 reflected an earned return on common equity of 6.37%. As part of the original filing, pursuant to the extraordinary cost provision of the rate stabilization plan, Entergy Louisiana sought to recover approximately $1.5 million in deferred operation and maintenance expenses
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incurred to restore service and repair damage resulting from flooding and widespread rainfall in southeast Louisiana that occurred in August 2016. Entergy Louisiana requested to recover the prudently incurred August 2016 storm restoration costs over ten years, outside of the rate stabilization plan sharing provisions. As a result, Entergy Louisiana’s filing sought an annual increase in revenue of $1.4 million. Following review of the filing, except for the proposed extraordinary cost recovery, the LPSC staff confirmed Entergy Louisiana’s filing was consistent with the principles and requirements of the rate stabilization plan. The extraordinary cost recovery request associated with the 2016 flood-related deferred operation and maintenance expenses incurred for gas operations was removed from the rate stabilization plan pending LPSC consideration in a separate docket. In April 2017 the LPSC approved a joint report of proceedings and Entergy Louisiana submitted a revised evaluation report reflecting a $1.2 million annual increase in revenue with rates implemented with the first billing cycle of May 2017.
In connection with the joint report of proceedings accepted by the LPSC, in May 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed an application to initiate a separate proceeding to recover the deferred operation and maintenance expenses incurred to restore service and repair damage resulting from flooding and widespread rainfall in southeast Louisiana that occurred in August 2016 through the extraordinary cost provision of the gas rate stabilization plan. A procedural schedule has been established with a hearing in November 2017.
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in June 2016 the LPSC staff provided notice of audits of Entergy Louisiana’s fuel adjustment clause filings and purchased gas adjustment clause filings. Discovery commenced in March 2017.
Industrial and Commercial Customers
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Industrial and Commercial Customers” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of industrial and commercial customers.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters. The following is an update to that discussion.
River Bend’s operating license is currently due to expire in August 2025. In May 2017, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the NRC for an extension of River Bend’s operating license to 2045.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Louisiana’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, unbilled revenue, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
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New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
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ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $1,072,126 | $989,732 | $1,936,202 | $1,926,163 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas | 11,308 | 9,302 | 28,015 | 28,016 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,083,434 | 999,034 | 1,964,217 | 1,954,179 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 180,056 | 152,340 | 334,100 | 354,423 | ||||||||||||
Purchased power | 282,673 | 224,699 | 522,500 | 416,097 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 12,764 | 12,974 | 24,949 | 25,754 | ||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 243,217 | 232,957 | 466,447 | 439,021 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 12,283 | 11,658 | 24,406 | 23,166 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 45,076 | 44,366 | 90,359 | 86,728 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 116,107 | 112,452 | 231,737 | 222,043 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (2,521 | ) | 13,836 | (76,708 | ) | 11,577 | ||||||||||
TOTAL | 889,655 | 805,282 | 1,617,790 | 1,578,809 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 193,779 | 193,752 | 346,427 | 375,370 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 11,109 | 4,506 | 21,099 | 11,744 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 41,919 | 40,251 | 81,749 | 77,667 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (2,650 | ) | (1,870 | ) | (5,674 | ) | (5,615 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 50,378 | 42,887 | 97,174 | 83,796 | ||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 68,483 | 70,787 | 135,798 | 135,863 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (5,541 | ) | (2,383 | ) | (10,715 | ) | (6,280 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 62,942 | 68,404 | 125,083 | 129,583 | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 181,215 | 168,235 | 318,518 | 329,583 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 56,736 | (85,090 | ) | 99,661 | (35,348 | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCOME | $124,479 | $253,325 | $218,857 | $364,931 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
Net Income | $124,479 | $253,325 | $218,857 | $364,931 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities (net of tax benefit of $292, $144, $524, and $259) | (310 | ) | (230 | ) | (680 | ) | (493 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (310 | ) | (230 | ) | (680 | ) | (493 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive Income | $124,169 | $253,095 | $218,177 | $364,438 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net income | $218,857 | $364,931 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 300,805 | 301,815 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 220,492 | (49,661 | ) | |||||
Changes in working capital: | ||||||||
Receivables | 950 | (72,931 | ) | |||||
Fuel inventory | 4,534 | (5,053 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable | 42,079 | (22,830 | ) | |||||
Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued | 52,686 | 23,850 | ||||||
Interest accrued | (2,883 | ) | (4,216 | ) | ||||
Deferred fuel costs | (74,113 | ) | 4,093 | |||||
Other working capital accounts | (61,515 | ) | (26,514 | ) | ||||
Changes in provisions for estimated losses | (6,108 | ) | 1,734 | |||||
Changes in other regulatory assets | 39,711 | 58,429 | ||||||
Changes in other regulatory liabilities | (64,293 | ) | 30,116 | |||||
Changes in pension and other postretirement liabilities | (38,175 | ) | (35,869 | ) | ||||
Other | (99,272 | ) | (127,538 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 533,755 | 440,356 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (755,158 | ) | (403,387 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 21,099 | 11,744 | ||||||
Payment for purchase of plant | — | (473,956 | ) | |||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (156,246 | ) | (38,773 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear fuel | 28,884 | 64,498 | ||||||
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account | 8,836 | — | ||||||
Payments to storm reserve escrow account | (802 | ) | — | |||||
Changes to securitization account | 79 | 225 | ||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 125,600 | 123,546 | ||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (144,768 | ) | (143,091 | ) | ||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | (33,039 | ) | (168 | ) | ||||
Insurance proceeds | 5,305 | — | ||||||
Changes in other investments - net | — | (544 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (900,210 | ) | (859,906 | ) | ||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 532,219 | 1,128,580 | ||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (101,789 | ) | (559,839 | ) | ||||
Changes in credit borrowings - net | 30,696 | (888 | ) | |||||
Distributions paid: | ||||||||
Common equity | (91,250 | ) | (105,500 | ) | ||||
Other | (1,988 | ) | (3,100 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 367,888 | 459,253 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 1,433 | 39,703 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 213,850 | 35,102 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $215,283 | $74,805 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $134,513 | $196,514 | ||||||
Income taxes | ($116,937 | ) | $62,676 | |||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
Cash | $3,419 | $49,972 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 211,864 | 163,878 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 215,283 | 213,850 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Customer | 222,291 | 213,517 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (7,459 | ) | (6,277 | ) | ||||
Associated companies | 173,665 | 155,794 | ||||||
Other | 44,855 | 54,186 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 170,863 | 159,176 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 604,215 | 576,396 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 25,902 | — | ||||||
Fuel inventory | 46,204 | 50,738 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 289,985 | 294,421 | ||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 94,772 | 22,535 | ||||||
Prepaid taxes | 57,418 | 110,104 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 59,527 | 41,687 | ||||||
TOTAL | 1,393,306 | 1,309,731 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Investment in affiliate preferred membership interests | 1,390,587 | 1,390,587 | ||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 1,220,699 | 1,140,707 | ||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 283,451 | 291,485 | ||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 231,512 | 217,494 | ||||||
Other | 24,481 | 28,844 | ||||||
TOTAL | 3,150,730 | 3,069,117 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||
Electric | 19,117,749 | 18,827,532 | ||||||
Natural gas | 178,932 | 172,816 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 919,336 | 670,201 | ||||||
Nuclear fuel | 361,502 | 249,807 | ||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 20,577,519 | 19,920,356 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 8,530,511 | 8,420,596 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 12,047,008 | 11,499,760 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net | 475,836 | 470,480 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $83,050 as of June 30, 2017 and $92,951 as of December 31, 2016) | 1,122,991 | 1,168,058 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 168,122 | 168,122 | ||||||
Other | 20,420 | 16,003 | ||||||
TOTAL | 1,787,369 | 1,822,663 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $18,378,413 | $17,701,271 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $517,706 | $200,198 | ||||||
Short-term borrowings | 34,490 | 3,794 | ||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | 75,909 | 82,106 | ||||||
Other | 334,472 | 358,741 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 146,633 | 148,601 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 72,715 | 75,598 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | — | 48,211 | ||||||
Other | 101,702 | 80,013 | ||||||
TOTAL | 1,283,627 | 997,262 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 2,910,546 | 2,691,118 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 124,306 | 126,741 | ||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 816,681 | 880,974 | ||||||
Decommissioning | 1,111,194 | 1,082,685 | ||||||
Accumulated provisions | 304,664 | 310,772 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 741,841 | 780,278 | ||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $89,364 as of June 30, 2017 and $99,217 as of December 31, 2016) | 5,728,309 | 5,612,593 | ||||||
Other | 148,536 | 137,039 | ||||||
TOTAL | 11,886,077 | 11,622,200 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||
Member's equity | 5,257,831 | 5,130,251 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (49,122 | ) | (48,442 | ) | ||||
TOTAL | 5,208,709 | 5,081,809 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $18,378,413 | $17,701,271 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||
Common Equity | |||||||||||
Member’s Equity | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | |||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $4,793,724 | ($56,412 | ) | $4,737,312 | |||||||
Net income | 364,931 | — | 364,931 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | (493 | ) | (493 | ) | ||||||
Distributions declared on common equity | (105,500 | ) | — | (105,500 | ) | ||||||
Other | (15 | ) | — | (15 | ) | ||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $5,053,140 | ($56,905 | ) | $4,996,235 | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $5,130,251 | ($48,442 | ) | $5,081,809 | |||||||
Net income | 218,857 | — | 218,857 | ||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | (680 | ) | (680 | ) | ||||||
Distributions declared on common equity | (91,250 | ) | — | (91,250 | ) | ||||||
Other | (27 | ) | — | (27 | ) | ||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $5,257,831 | ($49,122 | ) | $5,208,709 | |||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $279 | $246 | $33 | 13 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 236 | 212 | 24 | 11 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 394 | 319 | 75 | 24 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 17 | 16 | 1 | 6 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 926 | 793 | 133 | 17 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 73 | 105 | (32 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 16 | 18 | (2 | ) | (11 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 57 | 74 | (17 | ) | (23 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $1,072 | $990 | $82 | 8 | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 3,001 | 2,919 | 82 | 3 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 2,729 | 2,693 | 36 | 1 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 7,684 | 7,294 | 390 | 5 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 194 | 195 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 13,608 | 13,101 | 507 | 4 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 1,241 | 2,175 | (934 | ) | (43 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 369 | 698 | (329 | ) | (47 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 15,218 | 15,974 | (756 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||
Six Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $500 | $500 | $— | — | |||||||||||
Commercial | 431 | 421 | 10 | 2 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 719 | 645 | 74 | 11 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 32 | 32 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total retail | 1,682 | 1,598 | 84 | 5 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 135 | 194 | (59 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 30 | 24 | 6 | 25 | |||||||||||
Other | 89 | 110 | (21 | ) | (19 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $1,936 | $1,926 | $10 | 1 | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 5,853 | 5,973 | (120 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 5,269 | 5,259 | 10 | — | |||||||||||
Industrial | 14,645 | 14,317 | 328 | 2 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 387 | 394 | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 26,154 | 25,943 | 211 | 1 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 2,235 | 3,744 | (1,509 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 664 | 986 | (322 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 29,053 | 30,673 | (1,620 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||||||
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net income decreased $3.9 million primarily due to higher taxes other than income taxes, lower net revenue, and a higher effective income tax rate, partially offset by lower interest expense.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net income decreased $3.9 million primarily due to higher taxes other than income taxes, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, higher other operation and maintenance expenses, and a higher effective income tax rate, partially offset by lower interest expense.
Net Revenue
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $176.8 | ||
Volume/weather | (8.0 | ) | |
Retail electric price | 4.9 | ||
Other | 0.5 | ||
2017 net revenue | $174.2 |
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of 96 GWh, or 3%, in billed electricity usage, including the effect of more favorable weather on residential sales and an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage is primarily due to an increase in usage by the mid to small industrial sector, expansion projects in the pulp and paper industry, and new customers in the wood products industry.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a $19.4 million net annual increase in rates, as approved by the MPSC, effective with the first billing cycle of July 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $326.4 | ||
Retail electric price | 11.2 | ||
Volume/weather | (10.3 | ) | |
Other | 1.0 | ||
2017 net revenue | $328.3 |
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a $19.4 million net annual increase in rates, as approved by the MPSC, effective with the first billing cycle of July 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the billed and unbilled sales periods, including the effect of weather, primarily in the residential and commercial sectors, partially offset by an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage is primarily due to an increase in usage by the mid to small industrial sector, expansion projects in the pulp and paper industry, and new customers in the wood products industry.
Other Income Statement Variances
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease of $1.7 million in storm damage provisions and a decrease of $1.6 million in loss provisions. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to a higher scope of work done in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion on storm cost recovery.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to the MPSC’s June 2016 approval of a revised ad valorem tax rider allowing Entergy Mississippi to recover the difference in 2016 ad valorem tax expense and the amount approved in base rates in the 2016 formula rate plan order. See Note 2 in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the ad valorem tax rider.
Interest expense decreased primarily due to the refinancing at lower interest rates of certain first mortgage bonds in 2016 and the retirement, at maturity, of $125 million of 3.25% Series first mortgage bonds in June 2016. See Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for details of long-term debt.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to an increase of $2.5 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to a higher scope of work done in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 and an increase of $1.9 million in energy efficiency costs. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $1.7 million in storm damage provisions. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion on storm cost recovery.
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Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to the MPSC’s June 2016 approval of a revised ad valorem tax rider allowing Entergy Mississippi to recover the difference in 2016 ad valorem tax expense and the amount approved in base rates in the 2016 formula rate plan order. See Note 2 in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the ad valorem tax rider.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plants in service.
Interest expense decreased primarily due to the refinancing at lower interest rates of certain first mortgage bonds in 2016 and the retirement, at maturity, of $125 million of 3.25% Series first mortgage bonds in June 2016. See Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for details of long-term debt.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 37.6% for the second quarter 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the second quarter 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to state income taxes, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
The effective income tax rate was 39.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to state income taxes and a write-off of a stock-based compensation deferred tax asset, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
The effective income tax rate was 32.7% for the second quarter 2016. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the second quarter 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by state income taxes.
The effective income tax rate was 35.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $76,834 | $145,605 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 53,839 | 77,063 | |||||
Investing activities | (185,687 | ) | (128,241 | ) | |||
Financing activities | 55,736 | 14,126 | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (76,112 | ) | (37,052 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $722 | $108,553 |
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Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased $23.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the timing of payments to vendors and the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $11.5 million in income tax refunds in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. Entergy Mississippi received state income tax refunds of $15.1 million in 2017 and $3.6 million in 2016 in accordance with an intercompany income tax allocation agreement. The income tax refunds in 2017 resulted from the carryback of net operating losses.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities increased $57.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | an increase of $41.5 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; |
• | an increase of $10.4 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of non-storm related work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; and |
• | an increase of $7.4 million in storm spending in 2017. |
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities increased $41.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to money pool activity and $24 million in common stock dividends paid in 2016, partially offset by the net issuance of $39.5 million of long-term debt in 2016. The decrease in dividends paid was primarily because of lower operating cash flow and higher capital expenditures, each discussed above. See Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for details of long-term debt.
Increases in Entergy Mississippi’s payable to the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Mississippi’s payable to the money pool increased by $56.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Capital Structure
Entergy Mississippi’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 49.2 | % | 50.2 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | — | % | (1.8 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital | 49.2 | % | 48.4 | % |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings, capital lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt, preferred stock without sinking fund, and common equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Mississippi uses the debt to capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Mississippi’s financial condition. Entergy Mississippi uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Mississippi’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Mississippi’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
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Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s uses and sources of capital. Following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Mississippi’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||
(In Thousands) | ||||||
($56,299) | $10,595 | $13,514 | $25,930 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Mississippi has four separate credit facilities in the aggregate amount of $102.5 million scheduled to expire in May 2018. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit facilities as of June 30, 2017. In addition, Entergy Mississippi is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of June 30, 2017, a $7.8 million letter of credit was outstanding under Entergy Mississippi’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the formula rate plan and fuel and purchased power cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
Formula Rate Plan
In March 2017, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan 2017 test year filing and 2016 look-back filing showing Entergy Mississippi’s earned return for the historical 2016 calendar year and projected earned return for the 2017 calendar year to be within the formula rate plan bandwidth, resulting in no change in rates. In June 2017, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff entered into a stipulation that confirmed that Entergy Mississippi’s earned returns for both the 2016 look-back filing and 2017 test year were within the respective formula rate plan bandwidths. In June 2017 the MPSC approved the stipulation, which resulted in no change in rates.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in November 2016, Entergy Mississippi filed an application seeking a finding from the MPSC that Entergy Mississippi’s deployment of advanced metering infrastructure is in the public interest. In May 2017 the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi entered into and filed a joint stipulation supporting Entergy Mississippi’s filing, and the MPSC issued an order approving the filing without any material changes, finding that Entergy Mississippi’s deployment of AMI is in the public interest and granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The MPSC order also confirmed that Entergy Mississippi shall continue to include in rate base the remaining book value of existing meters that will be retired as part of the AMI deployment and also to depreciate those assets using current depreciation rates.
Mississippi Attorney General Complaint
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the Mississippi attorney general filed a complaint in state court in December 2008 against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power. The defendants have
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denied the allegations. In June 2017 the District Court issued a case management order setting a trial date in November 2018. Discovery is currently in progress.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Mississippi’s accounting for utility regulatory accounting, unbilled revenue, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. | ||||||||||||||||
INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $291,212 | $248,138 | $549,655 | $511,184 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 46,048 | (34 | ) | 85,188 | 61,346 | |||||||||||
Purchased power | 75,253 | 74,361 | 146,323 | 129,744 | ||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 59,535 | 60,381 | 114,708 | 111,654 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 23,978 | 20,487 | 47,950 | 43,984 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 35,442 | 34,010 | 70,759 | 67,308 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory credits - net | (4,306 | ) | (2,957 | ) | (10,143 | ) | (6,315 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 235,950 | 186,248 | 454,785 | 407,721 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 55,262 | 61,890 | 94,870 | 103,463 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 2,332 | 1,345 | 4,175 | 2,631 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 7 | 240 | 33 | 361 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (553 | ) | (1,050 | ) | (978 | ) | (1,755 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 1,786 | 535 | 3,230 | 1,237 | ||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 12,568 | 15,258 | 25,240 | 30,000 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (913 | ) | (691 | ) | (1,633 | ) | (1,358 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 11,655 | 14,567 | 23,607 | 28,642 | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 45,393 | 47,858 | 74,493 | 76,058 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 17,090 | 15,664 | 29,032 | 26,746 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 28,303 | 32,194 | 45,461 | 49,312 | ||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements and other | 239 | 707 | 477 | 1,414 | ||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | $28,064 | $31,487 | $44,984 | $47,898 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. | ||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net income | $45,461 | $49,312 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 70,759 | 67,308 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 31,740 | 21,934 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Receivables | (7,952 | ) | (24,273 | ) | ||||
Fuel inventory | 6,312 | (5,040 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable | (1,398 | ) | 21,359 | |||||
Taxes accrued | (21,361 | ) | (20,417 | ) | ||||
Interest accrued | 40 | (584 | ) | |||||
Deferred fuel costs | (13,622 | ) | 108 | |||||
Other working capital accounts | (1,473 | ) | (8,266 | ) | ||||
Provisions for estimated losses | (6,699 | ) | (188 | ) | ||||
Other regulatory assets | (26,958 | ) | (1,913 | ) | ||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (10,692 | ) | (10,922 | ) | ||||
Other assets and liabilities | (10,318 | ) | (11,355 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 53,839 | 77,063 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (199,873 | ) | (143,171 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 4,175 | 2,631 | ||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | 10,595 | 12,416 | ||||||
Other | (584 | ) | (117 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (185,687 | ) | (128,241 | ) | ||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | — | 371,940 | ||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | — | (332,400 | ) | |||||
Change in money pool payable - net | 56,299 | — | ||||||
Dividends paid: | ||||||||
Common stock | — | (24,000 | ) | |||||
Preferred stock | (477 | ) | (1,414 | ) | ||||
Other | (86 | ) | — | |||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 55,736 | 14,126 | ||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (76,112 | ) | (37,052 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 76,834 | 145,605 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $722 | $108,553 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $24,021 | $29,157 | ||||||
Income taxes | ($15,087 | ) | ($3,561 | ) | ||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. | ||||||||
BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
Cash | $715 | $16 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 7 | 76,818 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 722 | 76,834 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Customer | 57,539 | 51,218 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (540 | ) | (549 | ) | ||||
Associated companies | 34,939 | 45,973 | ||||||
Other | 8,223 | 12,006 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 57,170 | 51,327 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 157,331 | 159,975 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 20,579 | 6,957 | ||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 44,560 | 50,872 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 42,065 | 41,146 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 15,742 | 8,873 | ||||||
TOTAL | 280,999 | 344,657 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 4,600 | 4,608 | ||||||
Escrow accounts | 31,875 | 31,783 | ||||||
TOTAL | 36,475 | 36,391 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||
Electric | 4,409,179 | 4,321,214 | ||||||
Property under capital lease | 873 | 1,590 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 176,623 | 118,182 | ||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 4,586,675 | 4,440,986 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 1,626,005 | 1,602,711 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 2,960,670 | 2,838,275 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net | 39,337 | 38,284 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets | 368,118 | 342,213 | ||||||
Other | 3,549 | 2,320 | ||||||
TOTAL | 411,004 | 382,817 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $3,689,148 | $3,602,140 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. | ||||||||
BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | $99,489 | $43,647 | ||||||
Other | 73,037 | 80,227 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 83,928 | 84,112 | ||||||
Taxes accrued | 42,679 | 64,040 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 21,693 | 21,653 | ||||||
Other | 15,465 | 9,554 | ||||||
TOTAL | 336,291 | 303,233 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 892,081 | 861,331 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 8,587 | 8,667 | ||||||
Asset retirement cost liabilities | 8,967 | 8,722 | ||||||
Accumulated provisions | 47,741 | 54,440 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 98,865 | 109,551 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 1,121,356 | 1,120,916 | ||||||
Other | 15,104 | 20,108 | ||||||
TOTAL | 2,192,701 | 2,183,735 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Preferred stock without sinking fund | 20,381 | 20,381 | ||||||
COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 12,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,666,357 shares in 2017 and 2016 | 199,326 | 199,326 | ||||||
Capital stock expense and other | 167 | 167 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 940,282 | 895,298 | ||||||
TOTAL | 1,139,775 | 1,094,791 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $3,689,148 | $3,602,140 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. | |||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY | |||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Common Equity | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Stock Expense and Other | Retained Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $199,326 | ($690 | ) | $813,414 | $1,012,050 | ||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 49,312 | 49,312 | |||||||||||
Common stock dividends | — | — | (24,000 | ) | (24,000 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | (1,414 | ) | (1,414 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $199,326 | ($690 | ) | $837,312 | $1,035,948 | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $199,326 | $167 | $895,298 | $1,094,791 | |||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 45,461 | 45,461 | |||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | (477 | ) | (477 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $199,326 | $167 | $940,282 | $1,139,775 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. | |||||||||||||||
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $111 | $88 | $23 | 26 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 101 | 81 | 20 | 25 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 38 | 29 | 9 | 31 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 10 | 9 | 1 | 11 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 260 | 207 | 53 | 26 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 7 | 5 | 2 | 40 | |||||||||||
Other | 24 | 36 | (12 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $291 | $248 | $43 | 17 | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,135 | 1,085 | 50 | 5 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 1,142 | 1,126 | 16 | 1 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 618 | 587 | 31 | 5 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 101 | 102 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 2,996 | 2,900 | 96 | 3 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 312 | 243 | 69 | 28 | |||||||||||
Total | 3,308 | 3,143 | 165 | 5 | |||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $222 | $204 | $18 | 9 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 193 | 173 | 20 | 12 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 74 | 63 | 11 | 17 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 19 | 19 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total retail | 508 | 459 | 49 | 11 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 12 | 10 | 2 | 20 | |||||||||||
Other | 30 | 42 | (12 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $550 | $511 | $39 | 8 | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 2,325 | 2,370 | (45 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 2,204 | 2,205 | (1 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Industrial | 1,204 | 1,136 | 68 | 6 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 199 | 200 | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 5,932 | 5,911 | 21 | — | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 493 | 375 | 118 | 31 | |||||||||||
Total | 6,425 | 6,286 | 139 | 2 |
135
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net income increased $3 million primarily due to lower other operation and maintenance expenses and a lower effective income tax rate, partially offset by higher taxes other than income taxes.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net income increased $2.9 million primarily due to lower other operation and maintenance expenses and a lower effective income tax rate, partially offset by higher taxes other than income taxes.
Net Revenue
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges. Following is an analysis of the changes in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $80.4 | ||
Retail electric price | (2.3 | ) | |
Other | 1.2 | ||
2017 net revenue | $79.3 |
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a decrease in the purchased power and capacity acquisition cost recovery rider primarily due to credits to customers as part of the Entergy New Orleans internal restructuring agreement in principle, effective with the first billing cycle of June 2017. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the credits associated with Entergy New Orleans’s internal restructuring.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges. Following is an analysis of the changes in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $148.4 | ||
Retail electric price | 3.0 | ||
Volume/weather | (3.1 | ) | |
Other | 1.2 | ||
2017 net revenue | $149.5 |
136
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in the purchased power and capacity acquisition cost recovery rider, as approved by the City Council, effective with the first billing cycle of March 2016, primarily related to the purchase of Power Block 1 of the Union Power Station in March 2016. The increase was partially offset by credits to customers as part of the Entergy New Orleans internal restructuring agreement in principle, effective with the first billing cycle of June 2017. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the purchased power and capacity acquisition cost recovery rider and see Note 2 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the credits associated with Entergy New Orleans’s internal restructuring.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to decreased usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather, and a decrease of 27 GWh, or 1%, in billed electricity usage, primarily in the residential sector.
Other Income Statement Variances
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
• | a decrease of $2.4 million in other loss provisions; and |
• | a decrease of $2 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to the deactivation of Michoud Units 2 and 3 effective May 2016 and asbestos loss provisions recorded in second quarter 2016. |
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in local franchise taxes resulting from higher electric retail revenues in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 and an increase in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments, including the assessment of Arkansas ad valorem taxes on the Union Power Station beginning in 2017.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
• | a decrease of $2.8 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to the deactivation of Michoud Units 2 and 3 effective May 2016 and asbestos loss provisions recorded in 2016, partially offset by an increase as a result of the purchase of Power Block 1 of the Union Power Station in March 2016; and |
• | a decrease of $2 million in other loss provisions. |
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to an increase in local franchise taxes resulting from higher electric retail revenues in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 and an increase in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments, including the assessment of Arkansas ad valorem taxes on the Union Power Station beginning in 2017, partially offset by higher capitalized taxes.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 35.8% for the second quarter 2017 and 36.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the second quarter 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% were primarily due to state income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by flow-through tax accounting.
The effective income tax rates were 44.5% for the second quarter 2016 and 41.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the second quarter 2016 and the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% were primarily due to state income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by flow-through tax accounting.
137
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $103,068 | $88,876 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 36,750 | 39,268 | |||||
Investing activities | (49,005 | ) | (258,036 | ) | |||
Financing activities | (29,284 | ) | 154,510 | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (41,539 | ) | (64,258 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $61,529 | $24,618 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the timing of payments to vendors and an increase in interest paid in 2017 as compared to 2016. The decrease was substantially offset by the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 and income tax payments of $2.5 million in 2016 primarily due to payments made for state tax liabilities.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $209 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the purchase of Power Block 1 of the Union Power Station for approximately $237 million in March 2016, partially offset by money pool activity and an increase of $7.7 million in storm spending in 2017. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase.
Increases in Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool increased $1.7 million in 2017 compared to decreasing $12.8 million in 2016. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Entergy New Orleans’s financing activities used $29.3 million of cash for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to providing $154.5 million of cash for the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the following activity:
• | the issuance of $110 million of 5.50% Series first mortgage bonds in March 2016; |
• | the issuance of $85 million of 4% Series first mortgage bonds in May 2016. Entergy New Orleans used the proceeds to pay, prior to maturity, its $33.271 million of 5.6% Series first mortgage bonds due September 2024 and to pay, prior to maturity, its $37.772 million of 5.65% Series first mortgage bonds due September 2029; |
• | a $47.8 million capital contribution received from Entergy Corporation in March 2016 in anticipation of Entergy New Orleans’s purchase of Power Block 1 of the Union Power Station. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Union Power Station purchase; and |
138
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
• | $24.2 million in common stock dividends paid in 2017 as compared to $7 million in common stock dividends paid in 2016. There were no common stock dividends paid in first quarter 2016 in anticipation of the purchase of Power Block 1 of the Union Power Station in March 2016. |
See Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
Entergy New Orleans’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 49.8 | % | 50.1 | % | |
Effect of excluding securitization bonds | (4.9 | %) | (5.2 | %) | |
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 44.9 | % | 44.9 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | (4.6 | %) | (8.0 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 40.3 | % | 36.9 | % |
(a) | Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy New Orleans. |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings, long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion, and the long-term payable to Entergy Louisiana. Capital consists of debt, preferred stock without sinking fund, and common equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy New Orleans uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy New Orleans’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy New Orleans, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy New Orleans also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy New Orleans’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy New Orleans’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources ” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy New Orleans’s uses and sources of capital. Following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy New Orleans’s receivables from the money pool were as follows:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||
(In Thousands) | ||||||
$15,960 | $14,215 | $3,007 | $15,794 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy New Orleans has a credit facility in the amount of $25 million scheduled to expire in November 2018. The credit facility allows Entergy New Orleans to issue letters of credit against $10 million of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of June 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings and a $0.8 million letter of credit was outstanding under the facility. In addition, Entergy New Orleans is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of June 30, 2017, a $5.6 million letter of credit was outstanding under Entergy New Orleans’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
139
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
New Orleans Power Station
In June 2016, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council seeking a public interest determination and authorization to construct the New Orleans Power Station, a 226 MW advanced combustion turbine in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the site of the existing Michoud generating facility, which facility was deactivated effective May 31, 2016. In January 2017 several intervenors filed testimony opposing the construction of the New Orleans Power Station on various grounds. In July 2017, Entergy New Orleans submitted a supplemental and amending application to the City Council seeking approval to construct either the originally proposed 226 MW advanced combustion turbine, or alternatively, a 128 MW unit composed of natural gas-fired reciprocating engines and a related cost recovery plan. The application included an updated cost estimate of $232 million for the 226 MW advanced combustion turbine. The cost estimate for the alternative 128 MW unit is $210 million. In addition, the application renewed the commitment to pursue up to 100 MW of renewable resources to serve New Orleans. In July 2017 the Utility Committee of the City Council established a procedural schedule that provides for a hearing in December 2017 and the City Council’s decision in February 2018. The commercial operation date is dependent on the alternative selected by the City Council and the receipt of other permits and approvals.
State and Local Rate Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – State and Local Rate Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in February 2017, Entergy New Orleans filed a proposed implementation plan for the Energy Smart program from April 2017 through March 2020. As part of the proposal, Entergy New Orleans requested that the City Council identify its desired level of funding for the program during this time period and approve a cost recovery mechanism. In April 2017 the City Council approved an implementation plan for the Energy Smart program from April 2017 through December 2019. The City Council directed that the $11.8 million balance reported for Energy Smart funds be used to continue funding the program for Entergy New Orleans’s legacy customers and that the Energy Smart Algiers program continue to be funded through the Algiers fuel adjustment clause, until additional customer funding is required for the legacy customers. The City Council ordered Entergy New Orleans to submit a supplemental and amended implementation plan for program years 8 and 9 of the Energy Smart program (January 2018 through December 2019) in October 2017. Following that filing, the City Council will determine a specific cost recovery mechanism for the program for both legacy and Algiers customers. The City Council will not permit Entergy New Orleans to recover lost contribution to fixed costs for program years 7, 8, or 9 of the Energy Smart program.
Internal Restructuring
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2016, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council seeking authorization to undertake a restructuring that would result in the transfer of substantially all of the assets and operations of Entergy New Orleans to a new entity, which would ultimately be owned by an existing Entergy subsidiary holding company. In May 2017 the City Council adopted a resolution approving the proposed internal restructuring pursuant to an agreement in principle with the City Council advisors and certain intervenors. Pursuant to the agreement in principle, Entergy New Orleans will credit retail customers $10 million in 2017, $1.4 million in the first quarter of the year after the transaction closes, and $117,500 each month in the second year after the transaction closes until such time as new base rates go into effect as a result of the anticipated 2018 base rate case. Entergy New Orleans began crediting retail customers in June 2017. Also pursuant to the agreement in principle, if FERC approval is received prior to December 31, 2018, Entergy New Orleans will provide additional credits to retail customers of $5 million in each of the years 2018, 2019, and 2020.
140
Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2016, Entergy New Orleans filed an application seeking a finding from the City Council that Entergy New Orleans’s deployment of advanced electric and gas metering infrastructure is in the public interest. In April 2017, Entergy New Orleans received intervenor testimony that was generally supportive of AMI deployment. The City Council’s advisors filed testimony in May 2017 recommending the adoption of AMI subject to certain modifications, including the denial of Entergy New Orleans’s proposed customer charge as a cost recovery mechanism. In June 2017 the procedural schedule was suspended to allow for settlement discussions. A settlement status conference is scheduled for August 2017.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for further discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy New Orleans’s accounting for utility regulatory accounting, unbilled revenue, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
141
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $157,455 | $149,101 | $299,800 | $271,542 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas | 18,767 | 15,819 | 45,411 | 42,718 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 176,222 | 164,920 | 345,211 | 314,260 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 22,961 | 12,554 | 53,036 | 23,475 | ||||||||||||
Purchased power | 73,105 | 70,583 | 141,464 | 139,108 | ||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 25,296 | 28,659 | 47,808 | 51,501 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 13,416 | 10,925 | 26,262 | 22,437 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 13,020 | 13,908 | 26,070 | 25,672 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges - net | 818 | 1,378 | 1,203 | 3,274 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 148,616 | 138,007 | 295,843 | 265,467 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 27,606 | 26,913 | 49,368 | 48,793 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 552 | 143 | 1,002 | 456 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 164 | 30 | 299 | 99 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | 40 | 192 | 138 | (53 | ) | |||||||||||
TOTAL | 756 | 365 | 1,439 | 502 | ||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 5,356 | 5,984 | 10,699 | 10,357 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (193 | ) | (49 | ) | (351 | ) | (175 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 5,163 | 5,935 | 10,348 | 10,182 | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 23,199 | 21,343 | 40,459 | 39,113 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 8,317 | 9,500 | 14,599 | 16,103 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 14,882 | 11,843 | 25,860 | 23,010 | ||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements and other | 241 | 241 | 482 | 482 | ||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | $14,641 | $11,602 | $25,378 | $22,528 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
142
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net income | $25,860 | $23,010 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 26,070 | 25,672 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 14,764 | (2,665 | ) | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Receivables | (5,979 | ) | (16,285 | ) | ||||
Fuel inventory | (465 | ) | 1,822 | |||||
Accounts payable | (8,761 | ) | 6,362 | |||||
Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued | 38 | 36,982 | ||||||
Interest accrued | (469 | ) | 255 | |||||
Deferred fuel costs | 2,087 | (13,664 | ) | |||||
Other working capital accounts | (11,774 | ) | (7,310 | ) | ||||
Provisions for estimated losses | (1,794 | ) | 1,804 | |||||
Other regulatory assets | 2,719 | 5,799 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (8,049 | ) | (8,245 | ) | ||||
Other assets and liabilities | 2,503 | (14,269 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 36,750 | 39,268 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (48,683 | ) | (37,345 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 1,002 | 456 | ||||||
Payment for purchase of plant | — | (236,978 | ) | |||||
Investment in affiliates | — | (38 | ) | |||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | (1,745 | ) | 12,787 | |||||
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account | — | 3 | ||||||
Payments to storm reserve escrow account | (235 | ) | (206 | ) | ||||
Changes in securitization account | 656 | 3,285 | ||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (49,005 | ) | (258,036 | ) | ||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | — | 190,672 | ||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (5,114 | ) | (77,094 | ) | ||||
Capital contribution from parent | — | 47,750 | ||||||
Dividends paid: | ||||||||
Common stock | (24,150 | ) | (7,000 | ) | ||||
Preferred stock | (482 | ) | (482 | ) | ||||
Other | 462 | 664 | ||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities | (29,284 | ) | 154,510 | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (41,539 | ) | (64,258 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 103,068 | 88,876 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $61,529 | $24,618 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $10,637 | $9,435 | ||||||
Income taxes | $— | $2,500 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
143
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
Cash | $862 | $28 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 60,667 | 103,040 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 61,529 | 103,068 | ||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 1,082 | 1,738 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Customer | 47,162 | 43,536 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (3,074 | ) | (3,059 | ) | ||||
Associated companies | 18,045 | 16,811 | ||||||
Other | 6,891 | 5,926 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 20,168 | 18,254 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 89,192 | 81,468 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 2,731 | 4,818 | ||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 2,306 | 1,841 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 10,494 | 8,416 | ||||||
Prepaid taxes | 4,341 | 4,379 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 20,353 | 6,587 | ||||||
TOTAL | 192,028 | 212,315 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Non-utility property at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 1,016 | 1,016 | ||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 81,672 | 81,437 | ||||||
Other | 4,787 | 7,160 | ||||||
TOTAL | 87,475 | 89,613 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||
Electric | 1,262,714 | 1,258,934 | ||||||
Natural gas | 247,742 | 240,408 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 38,314 | 24,975 | ||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 1,548,770 | 1,524,317 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 610,405 | 604,825 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 938,365 | 919,492 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 4,080 | 4,080 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $77,936 as of June 30, 2017 and $82,272 as of December 31, 2016) | 265,387 | 268,106 | ||||||
Other | 1,522 | 963 | ||||||
TOTAL | 270,989 | 273,149 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $1,488,857 | $1,494,569 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
144
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Payable due to Entergy Louisiana | $2,104 | $2,104 | ||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | 41,981 | 39,260 | ||||||
Other | 23,206 | 35,920 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 28,773 | 28,667 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 4,974 | 5,443 | ||||||
Other | 13,006 | 11,415 | ||||||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 114,044 | 122,809 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 352,001 | 334,953 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 559 | 622 | ||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 5,844 | 9,074 | ||||||
Asset retirement cost liabilities | 2,974 | 2,875 | ||||||
Accumulated provisions | 86,719 | 88,513 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 28,701 | 36,750 | ||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $79,784 as of June 30, 2017 and $84,776 as of December 31, 2016) | 423,632 | 428,467 | ||||||
Long-term payable due to Entergy Louisiana | 18,423 | 18,423 | ||||||
Gas system rebuild insurance proceeds | — | 447 | ||||||
Other | 8,006 | 4,910 | ||||||
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | 926,859 | 925,034 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Preferred stock without sinking fund | 19,780 | 19,780 | ||||||
COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock, $4 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 8,435,900 shares in 2017 and 2016 | 33,744 | 33,744 | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 171,544 | 171,544 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 222,886 | 221,658 | ||||||
TOTAL | 428,174 | 426,946 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $1,488,857 | $1,494,569 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
145
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY | |||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Common Equity | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $33,744 | $123,794 | $192,494 | $350,032 | |||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 23,010 | 23,010 | |||||||||||
Capital contribution from parent | — | 47,750 | — | 47,750 | |||||||||||
Common stock dividends | — | — | (7,000 | ) | (7,000 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | (482 | ) | (482 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $33,744 | $171,544 | $208,022 | $413,310 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $33,744 | $171,544 | $221,658 | $426,946 | |||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 25,860 | 25,860 | |||||||||||
Common stock dividends | — | — | (24,150 | ) | (24,150 | ) | |||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | (482 | ) | (482 | ) | |||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $33,744 | $171,544 | $222,886 | $428,174 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $56 | $50 | $6 | 12 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 56 | 51 | 5 | 10 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 9 | 8 | 1 | 13 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 19 | 17 | 2 | 12 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 140 | 126 | 14 | 11 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | — | 12 | (12 | ) | (100 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 9 | 1 | 8 | 800 | |||||||||||
Other | 8 | 10 | (2 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $157 | $149 | $8 | 5 | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 468 | 459 | 9 | 2 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 541 | 538 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 105 | 107 | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Governmental | 188 | 190 | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 1,302 | 1,294 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | — | 556 | (556 | ) | (100 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 508 | 41 | 467 | 1,139 | |||||||||||
Total | 1,810 | 1,891 | (81 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||
Six Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $109 | $97 | $12 | 12 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 110 | 95 | 15 | 16 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 17 | 15 | 2 | 13 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 37 | 32 | 5 | 16 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 273 | 239 | 34 | 14 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | — | 19 | (19 | ) | (100 | ) | |||||||||
Non associated companies | 18 | 1 | 17 | 1,700 | |||||||||||
Other | 9 | 13 | (4 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $300 | $272 | $28 | 10 | |||||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 924 | 958 | (34 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||
Commercial | 1,056 | 1,048 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 203 | 208 | (5 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
Governmental | 372 | 368 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 2,555 | 2,582 | (27 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | — | 798 | (798 | ) | (100 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 1,015 | 55 | 960 | 1,745 | |||||||||||
Total | 3,570 | 3,435 | 135 | 4 | |||||||||||
147
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net income decreased $3 million primarily due to lower net revenue, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, and higher other operation and maintenance expenses, partially offset by a lower effective income tax rate.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net income decreased $6.7 million primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expenses, higher other operation and maintenance expenses, and lower net revenue.
Net Revenue
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the second quarter 2017 to the second quarter 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $157.0 | ||
Net wholesale revenue | (10.9 | ) | |
Retail electric price | 6.8 | ||
Other | 0.1 | ||
2017 net revenue | $153.0 |
The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to lower net capacity revenues resulting from the termination of the purchased power agreements between Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Texas in August 2016.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to the implementation of the transmission cost recovery factor rider in September 2016 and an increase in the transmission cost recovery factor rider rate in March 2017, as approved by the PUCT. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the transmission cost recovery factor rider filings.
148
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net revenue consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale, 2) purchased power expenses, and 3) other regulatory charges. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing the six months ended June 30, 2017 to the six months ended June 30, 2016:
Amount | |||
(In Millions) | |||
2016 net revenue | $295.2 | ||
Net wholesale revenue | (20.9 | ) | |
Volume/weather | 9.1 | ||
Retail electric price | 11.3 | ||
Other | (1.4 | ) | |
2017 net revenue | $293.3 |
The net wholesale revenue variance is primarily due to lower net capacity revenues resulting from the termination of the purchased power agreements between Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Texas in August 2016.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase in usage during the unbilled sales period, including the effect of weather.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to the implementation of the transmission cost recovery factor rider in September 2016 and an increase in the transmission cost recovery factor rider rate in March 2017, as approved by the PUCT. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the transmission cost recovery factor rider filings.
Other Income Statement Variances
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:
• | an increase of $2 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs; |
• | an increase of $1.2 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to a higher scope of work done during plant outages in 2017 compared to the same period in 2016; and |
• | an increase of $0.7 million in energy efficiency costs. |
The increase was partially offset by a $2 million decrease due to lower transmission equalization expenses, as allocated under the System Agreement, as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of Entergy Texas’s exit from the System Agreement in August 2016.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:
• | an increase of $1.8 million in transmission and distribution expenses due to higher vegetation maintenance costs; |
• | an increase of $1.4 million in customer service costs; |
149
• | an increase of $1.3 million in fossil-fueled generation expenses primarily due to a higher scope of work done during plant outages in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; |
• | an increase of $1.2 million in information technology expenses including software maintenance costs and upgrade projects; |
• | an increase of $0.9 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to a downward revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in first quarter 2016; and |
• | an increase of $0.7 million in energy efficiency costs. |
The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $4.5 million due to lower transmission equalization expenses, as allocated under the System Agreement, in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of Entergy Texas’s exit from the System Agreement in August 2016.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 26.2% for the second quarter 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the second quarter 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the reversal of a portion of the provision for uncertain tax positions and book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
The effective income tax rate was 33% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the reversal of a portion of the provision for uncertain tax positions and book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items and a write-off of a stock-based compensation deferred tax asset.
The effective income tax rates were 39.9% for the second quarter 2016 and 39.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the second quarter 2016 and for the six months ended June 30, 2016 versus the federal statutory rate of 35% were primarily due to state income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $6,181 | $2,182 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 132,397 | 172,175 | |||||
Investing activities | (140,929 | ) | (179,483 | ) | |||
Financing activities | 3,416 | 61,063 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (5,116 | ) | 53,755 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $1,065 | $55,937 |
150
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased $39.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $38.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | a decrease of $49 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to a lower scope of work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, partially offset by an increase in baseline work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016; and |
• | money pool activity. |
The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $16.2 million in fossil-fueled generation construction expenditures primarily due to a higher scope of work performed in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.
Decreases in Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool decreased by $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to increasing by $7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $57.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to the issuance of $125 million of 2.55% Series first mortgage bonds in March 2016, partially offset by money pool activity. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Increases in Entergy Texas’s payable to the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Texas’s payable to the money pool increased by $39.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to decreasing by $22.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Capital Structure
Entergy Texas’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 57.2 | % | 58.5 | % | |
Effect of excluding the securitization bonds | (7.7 | %) | (8.3 | %) | |
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 49.5 | % | 50.2 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | — | % | (0.1 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (a) | 49.5 | % | 50.1 | % |
(a) | Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Texas. |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and common equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Texas uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial
151
condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Texas’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy Texas, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy Texas also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Texas’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Texas’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Texas’s uses and sources of capital. Following are updates to information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Texas’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||
(In Thousands) | ||||||
($39,222) | $681 | $7,011 | ($22,068) |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Texas has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in August 2021. The credit facility allows Entergy Texas to issue letters of credit against 50% of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of June 30, 2017, there were no cash borrowings and $13.3 million of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. In addition, Entergy Texas is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of June 30, 2017, a $22.3 million letter of credit was outstanding under Entergy Texas’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
Montgomery County Power Station
In October 2016, Entergy Texas filed an application with the PUCT seeking certification that the public convenience and necessity would be served by the construction of the Montgomery County Power Station, a nominal 993 MW combined-cycle generating unit in Montgomery County, Texas on land adjacent to the existing Lewis Creek plant. The current estimated cost of the Montgomery County Power Station is $937 million, including estimated costs of transmission interconnection and network upgrades and other related costs. The independent monitor, who oversaw the request for proposal process, filed testimony and a report affirming that the Montgomery County Power Station was selected through an objective and fair request for proposal process that showed no undue preference to any proposal. In June 2017, parties to the proceeding filed an unopposed stipulation and settlement agreement. The stipulation contemplates that Entergy Texas’s level of cost-recovery for generation construction costs for Montgomery County Power Station is capped at $831 million, subject to certain exclusions such as force majeure events. Also in June 2017, the administrative law judge issued a proposed order and remanded the proceeding to the PUCT for final decision. In July 2017 the PUCT approved the stipulation. Subject to the timely receipt of other permits and approvals, commercial operation is estimated to occur by mid-2021.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
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Retail Rates
In September 2016, Entergy Texas filed with the PUCT a request to amend its transmission cost recovery factor (TCRF) rider. The proposed amended TCRF rider is designed to collect approximately $29.5 million annually from Entergy Texas’s retail customers. This amount includes the approximately $10.5 million annually that Entergy Texas is currently authorized to collect through the TCRF rider. In September 2016 the PUCT suspended the effective date of the tariff change to March 2017. In December 2016, Entergy Texas and the PUCT reached a settlement agreeing to the amended TCRF annual revenue requirement of $29.5 million. The PUCT approved the settlement and issued a final order in March 2017. Entergy Texas implemented the amended TCRF rider beginning with bills covering usage on and after March 20, 2017.
In June 2017, Entergy Texas filed an application to amend its distribution cost recovery factor (DCRF) rider by increasing the total collection from $8.65 million to approximately $19 million. In July 2017, Entergy Texas, the PUCT, and the two other parties in the proceeding entered into an unopposed stipulation and settlement agreement resulting in an amended DCRF annual revenue requirement of $18.3 million, with the resulting rates effective for usage no later than October 1, 2017. PUCT action on the stipulation and settlement agreement remains pending.
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2016, Entergy Texas filed an application to reconcile its fuel and purchased power costs for the period April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2016. In December 2016, Entergy Texas entered into a stipulation and settlement agreement resulting in a $6 million disallowance not associated with any particular issue raised and a refund of the over-recovery balance of $21 million as of November 30, 2016, to most customers beginning April 2017 through June 2017. The fuel reconciliation settlement was approved by the PUCT in March 2017 and the refunds were made.
In June 2017, Entergy Texas filed an application for a fuel refund of approximately $30.7 million for the months of December 2016 through April 2017. For most customers, the refunds will flow through bills for the months of July 2017 through September 2017. Also in June 2017, the PUCT’s administrative law judge approved the refund on an interim basis. A final decision in this matter remains pending.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Filing
In its most recent regular session, the Texas legislature enacted legislation that extends statutory support for AMI deployment to Entergy Texas and directs that if Entergy Texas elects to deploy AMI, it shall do so as rapidly as practicable. In July 2017, Entergy Texas filed an application seeking an order from the PUCT approving Entergy Texas’s deployment of AMI. Entergy Texas proposed to replace existing meters with advanced meters that enable two-way data communication; design and build a secure and reliable network to support such communications; and implement support systems. AMI is intended to serve as the foundation of Entergy Texas’s modernized power grid. The filing identified a number of quantified and unquantified benefits, with Entergy Texas showing that its AMI deployment is expected to produce nominal net operational cost savings to customers of $33 million. Entergy Texas also sought to continue to include in rate base the remaining book value, approximately $41 million at December 31, 2016, of existing meters that will be retired as part of the AMI deployment and also to depreciate those assets using current depreciation rates. Entergy Texas proposed a seven-year depreciable life for the new advanced meters, the three-year deployment of which is expected to begin in 2019. Entergy Texas also proposed a surcharge tariff to recover the reasonable and necessary costs it has and will incur under the deployment plan for the full deployment of advanced meters. Further, Entergy Texas is seeking approval of fees that would be charged to customers who choose to opt out of receiving service through an advanced meter and instead receive electric service with a non-standard meter. Subject to approval by the PUCT, deployment of the communications network is expected to begin in 2018. Entergy Texas expects a decision from the PUCT by December 2017.
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Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Industrial and Commercial Customers
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Industrial and Commercial Customers” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of industrial and commercial customers.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for further discussion.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of utility regulatory accounting, unbilled revenue, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
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ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $378,488 | $412,922 | $742,415 | $791,226 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 46,142 | 71,478 | 104,155 | 163,882 | ||||||||||||
Purchased power | 160,325 | 167,071 | 310,709 | 297,483 | ||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 56,577 | 54,135 | 110,483 | 107,170 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 19,251 | 18,285 | 38,695 | 36,595 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 29,373 | 26,495 | 57,484 | 52,114 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges - net | 19,033 | 17,419 | 34,260 | 34,674 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 330,701 | 354,883 | 655,786 | 691,918 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 47,787 | 58,039 | 86,629 | 99,308 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 1,632 | 2,270 | 2,913 | 4,702 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 211 | 268 | 412 | 468 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (631 | ) | (54 | ) | (813 | ) | (470 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 1,212 | 2,484 | 2,512 | 4,700 | ||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 21,427 | 21,976 | 43,235 | 43,577 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (1,001 | ) | (1,473 | ) | (1,762 | ) | (3,054 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 20,426 | 20,503 | 41,473 | 40,523 | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 28,573 | 40,020 | 47,668 | 63,485 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 7,472 | 15,962 | 15,713 | 24,865 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $21,101 | $24,058 | $31,955 | $38,620 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net income | $31,955 | $38,620 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 57,484 | 52,114 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | (16,766 | ) | (40,175 | ) | ||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Receivables | (15,969 | ) | (37,832 | ) | ||||
Fuel inventory | (4,813 | ) | 14,129 | |||||
Accounts payable | 24,900 | 17,883 | ||||||
Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued | 23,064 | 51,640 | ||||||
Interest accrued | (471 | ) | (2,719 | ) | ||||
Deferred fuel costs | 6,144 | 54,066 | ||||||
Other working capital accounts | 4,132 | 2,774 | ||||||
Provisions for estimated losses | 83 | (2,126 | ) | |||||
Other regulatory assets | 45,306 | 43,378 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (13,286 | ) | (12,850 | ) | ||||
Other assets and liabilities | (9,366 | ) | (6,727 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 132,397 | 172,175 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (155,755 | ) | (185,945 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 2,992 | 4,761 | ||||||
Insurance proceeds received for property damages | 2,431 | — | ||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | 681 | (7,011 | ) | |||||
Changes in securitization account | 8,722 | 8,712 | ||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (140,929 | ) | (179,483 | ) | ||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | — | 123,605 | ||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (38,134 | ) | (36,659 | ) | ||||
Change in money pool payable - net | 39,222 | (22,068 | ) | |||||
Other | 2,328 | (3,815 | ) | |||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 3,416 | 61,063 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (5,116 | ) | 53,755 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 6,181 | 2,182 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $1,065 | $55,937 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $42,430 | $45,056 | ||||||
Income taxes | ($1,446 | ) | $3,443 | |||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
Cash | $1,036 | $1,216 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 29 | 4,965 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 1,065 | 6,181 | ||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 28,729 | 37,451 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Customer | 70,008 | 71,803 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (791 | ) | (828 | ) | ||||
Associated companies | 40,867 | 39,447 | ||||||
Other | 13,121 | 14,756 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 56,988 | 39,727 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 180,193 | 164,905 | ||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 41,990 | 37,177 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 38,807 | 36,631 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 14,585 | 18,599 | ||||||
TOTAL | 305,369 | 300,944 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Investments in affiliates - at equity | 573 | 600 | ||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 376 | 376 | ||||||
Other | 19,018 | 18,801 | ||||||
TOTAL | 19,967 | 19,777 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||
Electric | 4,367,085 | 4,274,069 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 135,733 | 111,227 | ||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 4,502,818 | 4,385,296 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 1,542,664 | 1,526,057 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 2,960,154 | 2,859,239 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net | 105,086 | 105,816 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $353,726 as of June 30, 2017 and $384,609 as of December 31, 2016) | 695,580 | 740,156 | ||||||
Other | 8,674 | 7,149 | ||||||
TOTAL | 809,340 | 853,121 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $4,094,830 | $4,033,081 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
158
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | $86,811 | $47,867 | ||||||
Other | 108,341 | 77,342 | ||||||
Customer deposits | 44,329 | 44,419 | ||||||
Taxes accrued | 38,415 | 15,351 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 25,506 | 25,977 | ||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 60,687 | 54,543 | ||||||
Other | 11,753 | 9,388 | ||||||
TOTAL | 375,842 | 274,887 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 1,008,466 | 1,027,647 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 12,459 | 12,934 | ||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 5,574 | 8,502 | ||||||
Asset retirement cost liabilities | 6,650 | 6,470 | ||||||
Accumulated provisions | 7,667 | 7,584 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 54,043 | 67,313 | ||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $391,212 as of June 30, 2017 and $429,043 as of December 31, 2016) | 1,471,091 | 1,508,407 | ||||||
Other | 52,089 | 50,343 | ||||||
TOTAL | 2,618,039 | 2,689,200 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 46,525,000 shares in 2017 and 2016 | 49,452 | 49,452 | ||||||
Paid-in capital | 481,994 | 481,994 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 569,503 | 537,548 | ||||||
TOTAL | 1,100,949 | 1,068,994 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $4,094,830 | $4,033,081 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
159
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY | |||||||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Common Equity | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | ||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $49,452 | $481,994 | $430,010 | $961,456 | |||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 38,620 | 38,620 | |||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $49,452 | $481,994 | $468,630 | $1,000,076 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $49,452 | $481,994 | $537,548 | $1,068,994 | |||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 31,955 | 31,955 | |||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $49,452 | $481,994 | $569,503 | $1,100,949 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
160
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS | |||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $143 | $130 | $13 | 10 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 91 | 85 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 95 | 94 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 6 | 6 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total retail | 335 | 315 | 20 | 6 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 16 | 64 | (48 | ) | (75 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 9 | 12 | (3 | ) | (25 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 18 | 22 | (4 | ) | (18 | ) | |||||||||
Total | $378 | $413 | ($35 | ) | (8 | ) | |||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,274 | 1,209 | 65 | 5 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 1,102 | 1,070 | 32 | 3 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 1,973 | 1,938 | 35 | 2 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 69 | 68 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
Total retail | 4,418 | 4,285 | 133 | 3 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 425 | 1,683 | (1,258 | ) | (75 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 271 | 345 | (74 | ) | (21 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 5,114 | 6,313 | (1,199 | ) | (19 | ) | |||||||||
Six Months Ended | Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
Description | 2017 | 2016 | (Decrease) | % | |||||||||||
(Dollars In Millions) | |||||||||||||||
Electric Operating Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Residential | $280 | $265 | $15 | 6 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 181 | 169 | 12 | 7 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 195 | 188 | 7 | 4 | |||||||||||
Governmental | 12 | 12 | — | — | |||||||||||
Total retail | 668 | 634 | 34 | 5 | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 29 | 117 | (88 | ) | (75 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 14 | 18 | (4 | ) | (22 | ) | |||||||||
Other | 31 | 22 | 9 | 41 | |||||||||||
Total | $742 | $791 | ($49 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||||
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh): | |||||||||||||||
Residential | 2,487 | 2,484 | 3 | — | |||||||||||
Commercial | 2,108 | 2,087 | 21 | 1 | |||||||||||
Industrial | 3,763 | 3,745 | 18 | — | |||||||||||
Governmental | 132 | 138 | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||
Total retail | 8,490 | 8,454 | 36 | — | |||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 763 | 3,105 | (2,342 | ) | (75 | ) | |||||||||
Non-associated companies | 348 | 494 | (146 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||||||
Total | 9,601 | 12,053 | (2,452 | ) | (20 | ) |
161
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
System Energy’s principal asset currently consists of an ownership interest and a leasehold interest in Grand Gulf. The capacity and energy from its 90% interest is sold under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to its only four customers, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. System Energy’s operating revenues are derived from the allocation of the capacity, energy, and related costs associated with its 90% interest in Grand Gulf pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement. Payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are System Energy’s only source of operating revenues.
Second Quarter 2017 Compared to Second Quarter 2016
Net income decreased $5.7 million primarily due to a higher effective income tax rate in 2017 and provisions against revenue being recorded in 2017 in connection with the complaint against System Energy’s return on equity. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and “Federal Regulation - Complaint Against System Energy” below for further discussion of the complaint against System Energy.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
Net income decreased $11.4 million primarily due to a higher effective income tax rate in 2017 and provisions against revenue being recorded in 2017 in connection with the complaint against System Energy’s return on equity. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and “Federal Regulation - Complaint Against System Energy” below for further discussion of the complaint against System Energy.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $245,863 | $230,661 | |||||
Cash flow provided by (used in): | |||||||
Operating activities | 171,460 | 137,292 | |||||
Investing activities | (65,983 | ) | (167,749 | ) | |||
Financing activities | (13,740 | ) | (61,410 | ) | |||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 91,737 | (91,867 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $337,600 | $138,794 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $34.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to a decrease in spending of $33.8 million on nuclear refueling outages in 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.
162
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $101.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity because of variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements in the Utility business, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; and |
• | a decrease of $28.1 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily as a result of a higher scope of work performed in 2016 on Grand Gulf outage projects and lower spending in 2017 on compliance with NRC post-Fukushima requirements. |
The decrease was partially offset by money pool activity.
Increases in System Energy’s receivable from the money pool are a use of cash flow and System Energy’s receivable from the money pool increased by $54.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to decreasing by $22.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow used in financing activities decreased $47.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2016 primarily due to:
• | common stock dividends and distributions of $139 million in 2016 in order to maintain the targeted capital structure; and |
• | the partial repayment caused by System Energy in May 2016 of $22 million of 5.875% pollution control revenue bonds due 2022 issued on behalf of System Energy. |
The decrease was partially offset by:
• | a decrease in net borrowings of $63.3 million on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facility in 2017 compared to the same period in 2016; and |
• | the payment in February 2017, at maturity, of $50 million of the System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s 4.02% Series H notes. |
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
System Energy’s capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table. The decrease in the debt to capital ratio is primarily due to an increase in retained earnings.
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | ||||
Debt to capital | 43.7 | % | 45.5 | % | |
Effect of subtracting cash | (18.2 | %) | (12.0 | %) | |
Net debt to net capital | 25.5 | % | 33.5 | % |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and common equity. Net capital consists of capital
163
less cash and cash equivalents. System Energy uses the debt to capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating System Energy’s financial condition. System Energy uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating System Energy’s financial condition because net debt indicates System Energy’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of System Energy’s uses and sources of capital. Following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
System Energy’s receivables from the money pool were as follows:
June 30, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | June 30, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||
(In Thousands) | ||||||
$88,669 | $33,809 | $17,718 | $39,926 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
The System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $120 million scheduled to expire in May 2019. As of June 30, 2017, $53.2 million in letters of credit to support a like amount of commercial paper issued and $50 million in loans were outstanding under the System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the variable interest entity credit facility.
Federal Regulation
See the “Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation - Federal Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis in the Form 10-K and Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Complaint Against System Energy
In January 2017 the APSC and MPSC filed a complaint with the FERC against System Energy. The complaint seeks a reduction in the return on equity component of the Unit Power Sales Agreement pursuant to which System Energy sells its Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. Entergy Arkansas also sells some of its Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans under separate agreements. The current return on equity under the Unit Power Sales Agreement is 10.94%. The complaint alleges that the return on equity is unjust and unreasonable because current capital market and other considerations indicate that it is excessive. The complaint requests the FERC to institute proceedings to investigate the return on equity and establish a lower return on equity, and also requests that the FERC establish January 23, 2017, as a refund effective date. The complaint includes return on equity analysis that purports to establish that the range of reasonable return on equity for System Energy is between 8.37% and 8.67%. System Energy answered the complaint in February 2017 and disputes that a return on equity of 8.37% to 8.67% is just and reasonable. The LPSC and the City Council intervened in the proceeding expressing support for the complaint. System Energy is recording a provision against revenue for the potential outcome of this proceeding. Action by the FERC is pending.
164
Unit Power Sales Agreement
In August 2017, System Energy submitted to the FERC proposed amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement pursuant to which System Energy sells its Grand Gulf capacity and energy to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. The filing proposes limited amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to adopt (1) updated rates for use in calculating Grand Gulf plant depreciation and amortization expenses and (2) updated nuclear decommissioning cost annual revenue requirements, both of which are recovered through the Unit Power Sales Agreement rate formula. The proposed amendments would result in lower charges to the Utility operating companies that buy capacity and energy from System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The proposed changes are based on updated depreciation and nuclear decommissioning studies that take into account the renewal of Grand Gulf’s operating license for a term through November 1, 2044. System Energy requested that the FERC accept the amendments effective October 1, 2017. Action by the FERC is pending.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in System Energy’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets and trust fund investments, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
165
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||||||||||
INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||
Electric | $164,956 | $151,323 | $319,743 | $289,016 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 21,660 | 20,394 | 36,994 | 33,822 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 4,387 | 4,905 | 9,160 | 9,489 | ||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 54,310 | 35,766 | 102,711 | 67,926 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 13,452 | 12,593 | 26,684 | 24,980 | ||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 6,664 | 6,385 | 13,088 | 12,637 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 35,187 | 35,384 | 70,628 | 70,091 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory credits - net | (11,421 | ) | (9,124 | ) | (21,783 | ) | (22,415 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 124,239 | 106,303 | 237,482 | 196,530 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 40,717 | 45,020 | 82,261 | 92,486 | ||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 1,318 | 1,602 | 2,412 | 4,331 | ||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 3,723 | 5,124 | 8,397 | 8,398 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (103 | ) | (164 | ) | (231 | ) | (256 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 4,938 | 6,562 | 10,578 | 12,473 | ||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 9,181 | 9,382 | 18,300 | 18,934 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (322 | ) | (401 | ) | (589 | ) | (1,097 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL | 8,859 | 8,981 | 17,711 | 17,837 | ||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 36,796 | 42,601 | 75,128 | 87,122 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 17,446 | 17,511 | 35,431 | 36,074 | ||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $19,350 | $25,090 | $39,697 | $51,048 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
166
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net income | $39,697 | $51,048 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 128,679 | 123,424 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 35,498 | 83,733 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Receivables | 10,077 | 3,731 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 3,469 | (3,200 | ) | |||||
Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued | (10,086 | ) | (60,954 | ) | ||||
Interest accrued | (609 | ) | (145 | ) | ||||
Other working capital accounts | 2,960 | (28,319 | ) | |||||
Other regulatory assets | (4,904 | ) | (9,844 | ) | ||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (8,116 | ) | (9,071 | ) | ||||
Other assets and liabilities | (25,205 | ) | (13,111 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 171,460 | 137,292 | ||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Construction expenditures | (32,799 | ) | (57,429 | ) | ||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 2,412 | 4,331 | ||||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (22,510 | ) | (130,275 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear fuel | 60,188 | 11,467 | ||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 253,487 | 289,414 | ||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (271,901 | ) | (307,465 | ) | ||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | (54,860 | ) | 22,208 | |||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (65,983 | ) | (167,749 | ) | ||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (50,001 | ) | (22,001 | ) | ||||
Changes in credit borrowings - net | 36,289 | 99,617 | ||||||
Common stock dividends and distributions | — | (139,000 | ) | |||||
Other | (28 | ) | (26 | ) | ||||
Net cash flow used in financing activities | (13,740 | ) | (61,410 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 91,737 | (91,867 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 245,863 | 230,661 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $337,600 | $138,794 | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $17,656 | $18,494 | ||||||
Income taxes | $— | $3,402 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
167
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||
BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
Cash | $555 | $786 | ||||||
Temporary cash investments | 337,045 | 245,077 | ||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 337,600 | 245,863 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | 147,497 | 104,390 | ||||||
Other | 5,313 | 3,637 | ||||||
Total accounts receivable | 152,810 | 108,027 | ||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 84,418 | 82,469 | ||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 15,867 | 24,729 | ||||||
Prepaid taxes | 25,968 | 15,882 | ||||||
Prepayments and other | 8,183 | 4,229 | ||||||
TOTAL | 624,846 | 481,199 | ||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 839,385 | 780,496 | ||||||
TOTAL | 839,385 | 780,496 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||
Electric | 4,304,301 | 4,331,668 | ||||||
Property under capital lease | 585,084 | 585,084 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 61,617 | 43,888 | ||||||
Nuclear fuel | 199,686 | 259,635 | ||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 5,150,688 | 5,220,275 | ||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 3,125,020 | 3,063,249 | ||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 2,025,668 | 2,157,026 | ||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||
Regulatory asset for income taxes - net | 88,924 | 93,127 | ||||||
Other regulatory assets | 420,319 | 411,212 | ||||||
Other | 4,492 | 4,652 | ||||||
TOTAL | 513,735 | 508,991 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $4,003,634 | $3,927,712 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
168
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||
BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||
June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 | ||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
2017 | 2016 | |||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $3 | $50,003 | ||||||
Short-term borrowings | 53,182 | 66,893 | ||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Associated companies | 6,719 | 5,843 | ||||||
Other | 48,251 | 50,558 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 13,440 | 14,049 | ||||||
Other | 2,958 | 2,957 | ||||||
TOTAL | 124,553 | 190,303 | ||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 1,142,955 | 1,112,865 | ||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 39,686 | 41,663 | ||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 406,570 | 370,862 | ||||||
Decommissioning | 845,001 | 854,202 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 109,734 | 117,850 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 551,293 | 501,129 | ||||||
Other | 5,322 | 15 | ||||||
TOTAL | 3,100,561 | 2,998,586 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 789,350 shares in 2017 and 2016 | 679,350 | 679,350 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 99,170 | 59,473 | ||||||
TOTAL | 778,520 | 738,823 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $4,003,634 | $3,927,712 | ||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
169
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | |||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY | |||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 | |||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||
Common Equity | |||||||||||
Common Stock | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 | $719,350 | $61,729 | $781,079 | ||||||||
Net income | — | 51,048 | 51,048 | ||||||||
Common stock dividends and distributions | (40,000 | ) | (99,000 | ) | (139,000 | ) | |||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 | $679,350 | $13,777 | $693,127 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2016 | $679,350 | $59,473 | $738,823 | ||||||||
Net income | — | 39,697 | 39,697 | ||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2017 | $679,350 | $99,170 | $778,520 | ||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
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ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See “PART I, Item 1, Litigation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of legal, administrative, and other regulatory proceedings affecting Entergy. Also see Note 1 and Note 2 to the financial statements herein and “Item 5, Other Information, Environmental Regulation” below for updates regarding environmental proceedings and regulation.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in “PART I, Item 1A, Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (a)
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan | Maximum $ Amount of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under a Plan (b) | ||||||||||
4/01/2017-4/30/2017 | — | $— | — | $350,052,918 | ||||||||||
5/01/2017-5/31/2017 | — | $— | — | $350,052,918 | ||||||||||
6/01/2017-6/30/2017 | — | $— | — | $350,052,918 | ||||||||||
Total | — | $— | — |
In accordance with Entergy’s stock-based compensation plans, Entergy periodically grants stock options to key employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy’s common stock. According to the plans, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market. Entergy’s management has been authorized by the Board to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans. In addition to this authority, the Board has authorized share repurchase programs to enable opportunistic purchases in response to market conditions. In October 2010 the Board granted authority for a $500 million share repurchase program. The amount of share repurchases under these programs may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending or new investment opportunities. In addition, in the first quarter 2017, Entergy withheld 1,054 shares of its common stock at $70.58 per share, 122,148 shares of its common stock at $70.61 per share, and 31,243 shares of its common stock at $71.89 per share to pay income taxes due upon vesting of restricted stock granted and payout of performance units as part of its long-term incentive program.
(a) | See Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the stock-based compensation plans. |
(b) | Maximum amount of shares that may yet be repurchased relates only to the $500 million plan and does not include an estimate of the amount of shares that may be purchased to fund the exercise of grants under the stock-based compensation plans. |
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Item 5. Other Information
Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry
Following are updates to the Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry section of Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K.
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
Nuclear Plant Decommissioning
See the discussion in Part I, Item 1 in the Form 10-K for information regarding decommissioning funding for the nuclear plants. Following are updates to that discussion.
In March 2017 filings with the NRC were made for certain Entergy subsidiaries’ nuclear plants reporting on decommissioning funding. Those reports showed that decommissioning funding for each of those nuclear plants met the NRC’s financial assurance requirements.
In March 2017, Entergy sold the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon, and as part of the transaction, the FitzPatrick decommissioning trust fund, along with the decommissioning obligation for that plant, was transferred to Exelon. The FitzPatrick spent fuel disposal contract was assigned to Exelon as part of the transaction.
Environmental Regulation
Following are updates to the Environmental Regulation section of Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K.
Clean Air Act and Subsequent Amendments
Regional Haze
In June 2005 the EPA issued its final Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR) regulations that potentially could result in a requirement to install SO2 and NOx pollution control technology as Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BART) to continue operating certain of Entergy’s fossil generation units. The rule leaves certain CAVR determinations to the states.
In Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) prepared a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for Arkansas facilities to implement its obligations under the CAVR. In April 2012 the EPA finalized a decision addressing the Arkansas Regional Haze SIP, in which it disapproved a large portion of the Arkansas Regional Haze SIP, including the emission limits for NOx and SO2 at White Bluff. By Court order, the EPA had to issue a final federal implementation plan (FIP) for Arkansas Regional Haze by no later than August 31, 2016. In April 2015 the EPA published a proposed FIP for Arkansas, taking comment on requiring installation of scrubbers and low NOx burners to continue operating both units at the White Bluff plant and both units at the Independence plant and NOx controls to continue operating the Lake Catherine plant. Entergy filed comments by the deadline in August 2015. Among other comments, including opposition to the EPA’s proposed controls on the Independence units, Entergy proposed to meet more stringent SO2 and NOx limits at both White Bluff and Independence within three years of the effective date of the final FIP and to cease the use of coal at the White Bluff units at a later date.
In September 2016 the EPA published the final Arkansas Regional Haze FIP. In most respects, the EPA finalized its original proposal but shortened the time for compliance for installation of the NOx controls. The FIP requires an emission limitation consistent with SO2 scrubbers at both White Bluff and Independence by October 2021 and NOx controls by April 2018. The EPA declined to adopt Entergy’s proposals related to ceasing coal use as an alternative to SO2 scrubbers for White Bluff SO2 BART. For some or all of the FIP, Entergy anticipates that Arkansas will submit a SIP to replace the FIP. In November 2016, Entergy and other interested parties such as the State of Arkansas filed
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petitions for administrative reconsideration and stay at the EPA as well as petitions for judicial review to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In February 2017, Entergy, the State of Arkansas, and other parties requested the Court to judicially stay the FIP. In March 2017 the EPA granted in part the petitions for reconsideration and stated its intent to stay the FIP compliance deadlines by at least 90 days. Subsequently, the EPA granted a 90 day stay of the FIP effective dates and the Eighth Circuit granted the government’s motion to hold the appeal litigation in abeyance pending settlement discussions.
In Louisiana, Entergy is working with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the EPA to revise the Louisiana SIP for regional haze, which was disapproved in part in 2012. The LDEQ submitted a revised SIP in February 2017. In May 2017 the EPA proposed to approve a majority of the revisions, with a second SIP and EPA review to follow on the Nelson plant, with a final EPA decision expected in the fourth quarter 2017. At this time, it is premature to predict what controls, if any, might be required for compliance. Entergy continues to monitor the submission and to file comments in the process as appropriate.
New and Existing Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As a part of a climate plan announced in June 2013, the EPA was directed to (i) reissue proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants by September 20, 2013, with finalization of the rules to occur in a timely manner; (ii) issue proposed carbon pollution standards, regulations, or guidelines, as appropriate, for modified, reconstructed, and existing power plants no later than June 1, 2014; (iii) finalize those rules by no later than June 1, 2015; and (iv) include in the guidelines addressing existing power plants a requirement that states submit to the EPA the implementation plans required under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act and its implementing regulations by no later than June 30, 2016. In January 2014 the EPA issued the proposed New Source Performance Standards rule for new sources. In June 2014 the EPA issued proposed standards for existing power plants. Entergy has been actively engaged in the rulemaking process, having submitted comments to the EPA in December 2014. The EPA issued the final rules for both new and existing sources in August 2015, and they were published in the Federal Register in October 2015. The existing source rule, also called the Clean Power Plan, requires states to develop compliance plans with the EPA’s emission standards. In February 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay halting the effectiveness of the rule until the rule is reviewed by the D.C. Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court, if review is granted. In March 2017 the current administration issued an executive order entitled “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” instructing the EPA to review, suspend, revise, or rescind the Clean Power Plan if appropriate. The EPA subsequently asked the D.C. Circuit to hold the challenges to the Clean Power Plan and the greenhouse gas new source performance standards in abeyance and signed a notice of withdrawal of the proposed federal plan, model trading rules, and the Clean Energy Incentive Program. The court placed the litigation in abeyance in April 2017. The EPA Administrator also sent a letter to the affected governors explaining that states are not currently required to meet Clean Power Plan deadlines, some of which have passed. In June 2017 the EPA submitted a rule, “Review of the Clean Power Plan” to the Office of Management and Budget to review, which typically takes 60-90 days. The content of this rule has not been made public.
Clean Water Act
The 1972 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (known as the Clean Water Act) provide the statutory basis for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and the basic structure for regulating the discharge of pollutants from point sources to waters of the United States. The Clean Water Act requires virtually all discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States to be permitted. Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act regulates cooling water intake structures, section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires a water quality certification from the state in support of certain federal actions and approvals, and section 404 regulates the dredge and fill of waters of the United States, including jurisdictional wetlands.
NPDES Permits and Section 401 Water Quality Certifications
NPDES permits are subject to renewal every five years. Consequently, Entergy is currently in various stages of the data evaluation and discharge permitting process for its power plants.
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For thirteen years, Entergy participated in an administrative permitting process with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for renewal of the Indian Point 2 and Indian Point 3 discharge permit. That proceeding recently was settled along with other ongoing proceedings. In May 2017 a plaintiff filed two parallel state court appeals challenging New York State’s actions in signing and implementing the Indian Point settlement with Entergy on the basis that the State failed to perform sufficient environmental analysis of its actions. All signatories to the settlement agreement, including the Entergy affiliates that hold NRC licenses for Indian Point, were named. For a discussion of the recent Indian Point settlement, see “Entergy Wholesale Commodities Authorization to Operate Its Nuclear Power Plants” in Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.
316(b) Cooling Water Intake Structures
The EPA finalized regulations in July 2004 governing the intake of water at large existing power plants employing cooling water intake structures. The rule sought to reduce perceived impacts on aquatic resources by requiring covered facilities to implement technology or other measures to meet EPA-targeted reductions in water use and corresponding perceived aquatic impacts. Entergy, other industry members and industry groups, environmental groups, and a coalition of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states challenged various aspects of the rule. After litigation, in May 2014, the EPA issued a new final 316(b) rule, followed by publication in the Federal Register in August 2014, with the final rule effective in October 2014. Entergy is developing a compliance plan for each affected facility in accordance with the requirements of the final rule.
Entergy filed a petition for review of the final rule as a co-petitioner with the Utility Water Act Group. The case will be heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Briefing is complete and Entergy expects oral argument to be scheduled in mid- to late-2017.
Federal Jurisdiction of Waters of the United States
In September 2013 the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the intention to propose a rule to clarify federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction over waters of the United States. The announcement was made in conjunction with the EPA’s release of a draft scientific report on the “connectivity” of waters that the agency said would inform the rulemaking. This report was finalized in January 2015. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in June 2015. The rule could significantly increase the number and types of waters included in the EPA’s and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction, which in turn could pose additional permitting and pollutant management burdens on Entergy’s operations. The final rule has been challenged in federal court by several parties, including most states. In August 2015 the District Court for North Dakota issued a preliminary injunction staying the new rule in 13 states. In October 2015 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a nationwide stay of the rule. Entergy will continue to monitor this rulemaking and ensure compliance with existing permitting processes. In response to the stay, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resumed nationwide use of the agencies’ regulations as they existed prior to August 27, 2015. In February 2017 the current administration issued an executive order instructing the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the Waters of the United States rule and to revise or rescind, as appropriate. In June 2017 the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a proposed rule that rescinds the June 2015 rule and recodifies the definition of “waters of the U.S.” that was in effect prior to the 2015 rule. The administration is expected to propose a definition of “waters of the U.S.” at a later date.
Other Environmental Matters
Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Texas
Several class action and other lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts seeking relief from Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and others for damages caused by the disposal of hazardous waste and for asbestos-related disease allegedly resulting from exposure on Entergy Gulf States, Inc.’s premises (see “Litigation” below).
Entergy Louisiana, as successor in interest to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, currently is involved in the second phase of the remedial investigation of the Lake Charles Service Center site, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A
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manufactured gas plant (MGP) is believed to have operated at this site from approximately 1916 to 1931. Coal tar, a by-product of the distillation process employed at MGPs, apparently was routed to a portion of the property for disposal. The same area also has been used as a landfill. In 1999, Entergy Gulf States, Inc. signed a second administrative consent order with the EPA to perform a removal action at the site. In 2002 approximately 7,400 tons of contaminated soil and debris were excavated and disposed of from an area within the service center. In 2003 a cap was constructed over the remedial area to prevent the migration of contamination to the surface. In August 2005 an administrative order was issued by the EPA requiring that a 10-year groundwater study be conducted at this site. The groundwater monitoring study commenced in January 2006 and is continuing. The EPA released the second Five Year Review in 2015. The EPA indicated that the current remediation technique was insufficient and that Entergy would need to utilize other remediation technologies on the site. In July 2015, Entergy submitted a Focused Feasibility Study to the EPA outlining the potential remedies and suggesting installation of a waterloo barrier. The estimated cost for this remedy is approximately $2 million. Entergy is awaiting comments and direction from the EPA on the Focused Feasibility Study and potential remedy selection. In early 2017 the EPA indicated that the new remedial method (waterloo barrier) may not be necessary. Entergy is continuing discussions with the EPA regarding the ongoing actions at the site.
Earnings Ratios (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
The Registrant Subsidiaries have calculated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends/distributions pursuant to Item 503 of Regulation S-K of the SEC as follows:
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges | |||||||||||||||||
Twelve Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | 3.79 | 3.62 | 3.08 | 2.04 | 3.32 | 2.54 | |||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | 2.61 | 3.30 | 3.44 | 3.36 | 3.57 | 3.30 | |||||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | 2.79 | 3.19 | 3.23 | 3.59 | 3.96 | 3.86 | |||||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | 2.91 | 1.85 | 3.55 | 4.90 | 4.61 | 4.62 | |||||||||||
Entergy Texas | 1.76 | 1.94 | 2.39 | 2.22 | 2.92 | 2.08 | |||||||||||
System Energy | 5.12 | 5.66 | 4.04 | 4.53 | 5.39 | 5.01 |
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends/Distributions | |||||||||||||||||
Twelve Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, | June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | 3.36 | 3.25 | 2.76 | 1.85 | 3.09 | 2.49 | |||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | 2.47 | 3.14 | 3.28 | 3.24 | 3.57 | 3.30 | |||||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | 2.59 | 2.97 | 3.00 | 3.34 | 3.71 | 3.75 | |||||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | 2.63 | 1.70 | 3.26 | 4.50 | 4.30 | 4.32 |
The Registrant Subsidiaries accrue interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and do not include it in fixed charges.
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Item 6. Exhibits
4(a) - | Eighty-eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2017, to Entergy Louisiana Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of April 1, 1944 (4.43 to Form 8-K filed May 23, 2017 in 1-32718). | |
4(b) - | Eighty-eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2017, to Entergy Louisiana Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of September 1, 1926 (4.42 to Form 8-K filed May 23, 2017 in 1-32718). | |
4(c) - | Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2017, to Entergy Louisiana Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of November 1, 2015 (4.41 to Form 8-K filed May 23, 2017 in 1-32718). | |
4(d) - | Officer’s Certificate No. 8-B-7, dated May 17, 2017, supplemental to Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Entergy Louisiana, dated as of November 1, 2015 (4.40 to Form 8-K filed May 23, 2017 in 1-32718). | |
*10(a) - | First Amendment to The 2015 Entergy Corporation Non-Employee Director Stock Program Established under the 2015 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries. | |
*12(a) - | Entergy Arkansas’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined. | |
*12(b) - | Entergy Louisiana’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Distributions, as defined. | |
*12(c) - | Entergy Mississippi’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined. | |
*12(d) - | Entergy New Orleans’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined. | |
*12(e) - | Entergy Texas’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges, as defined. | |
*12(f) - | System Energy’s Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges, as defined. | |
*31(a) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Corporation. | |
*31(b) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Corporation. | |
*31(c) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Arkansas. | |
*31(d) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Arkansas. | |
*31(e) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Louisiana. | |
*31(f) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Louisiana. | |
*31(g) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Mississippi. | |
*31(h) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Mississippi. | |
*31(i) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy New Orleans. | |
*31(j) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy New Orleans. | |
*31(k) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Texas. | |
*31(l) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Texas. | |
*31(m) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for System Energy. | |
*31(n) - | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for System Energy. | |
*32(a) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Corporation. | |
*32(b) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Corporation. | |
*32(c) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Arkansas. | |
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*32(d) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Arkansas. | |
*32(e) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Louisiana. | |
*32(f) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Louisiana. | |
*32(g) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Mississippi. | |
*32(h) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Mississippi. | |
*32(i) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy New Orleans. | |
*32(j) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy New Orleans. | |
*32(k) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Texas. | |
*32(l) - | Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Texas. | |
*32(m) - | Section 1350 Certification for System Energy. | |
*32(n) - | Section 1350 Certification for System Energy. | |
*101 INS - | XBRL Instance Document. | |
*101 SCH - | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
*101 PRE - | XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
*101 LAB - | XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document. | |
*101 CAL - | XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
*101 DEF - | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document. |
___________________________
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, Entergy Corporation agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that is not registered or listed herein as an Exhibit because the total amount of securities authorized under such agreement does not exceed ten percent of the total assets of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
* | Filed herewith. |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company or its subsidiaries.
ENTERGY CORPORATION ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC. ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC. ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC. ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. |
/s/ Alyson M. Mount |
Alyson M. Mount Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (For each Registrant and for each as Principal Accounting Officer) |
Date: August 3, 2017
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