Entergy's Q4 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Revenues Increase Y/Y

Core Insights - Entergy Corporation (ETR) reported fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings of 66 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents by 4.8% and improving 153.8% from the previous year's figure of 26 cents [1] - For the full year 2024, adjusted earnings were $3.65 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.63 and reflecting a 7.7% increase from the year-ago figure of $3.39 [3] Financial Performance - Entergy's fourth-quarter revenues were $2.74 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.03 billion by 9.4%, but showing a slight increase of 0.6% from the previous year [4] - The company's full-year revenues for 2024 totaled $11.88 billion, down from $12.15 billion in the prior year and also missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.16 billion [4] Segment Performance - The Utility segment reported earnings of 97 cents per share, up from 57 cents in the fourth quarter of 2023 [5] - The Parent & Other segment posted a loss of 31 cents per share, remaining flat year over year [5] Operating Metrics - Operating expenses decreased to $2.07 billion, down 16% from $2.47 billion in the prior-year quarter [6] - Operating income rose to $0.67 billion, up 161% from $0.26 billion in the year-ago period [6] - Total interest expenses increased to $298.9 million, up 17.5% from $254.3 million reported in the comparable period of 2023 [6] Customer Base and Cash Position - As of December 31, 2024, Entergy served 3.04 million retail customers, an increase of 0.7% [6] - The company had cash and cash equivalents of $0.86 billion, significantly up from $0.13 billion as of December 31, 2023 [7] Debt and Cash Flow - Long-term debt increased to $26.62 billion from $23.01 billion as of December 31, 2023 [7] - Cash generated from operating activities was $1.38 billion, compared to $1.06 billion in 2023 [7] Future Guidance - Entergy provided guidance for 2025, expecting adjusted earnings in the range of $3.75-$3.95 per share, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate currently at $3.88 per share [8] Market Position - Entergy currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [9]