Entergy Q2 Profit Rises; Affirms 2026 Adj. EPS Guidance Range

Entergy Louisiana plans to spend about $30 billion to expand and improve its Louisiana power grid, with filings to the state Public Service Commission. Entergy projects an average residential bill could rise about $40 per month if approved, though CEO Phillip May says industrial users could offset 50% or more. Regulators and groups question timing and affordability, including concerns over a $1.8 billion Cottonwood acquisition and Meta data-center-related deals.

Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) reported Q2 2026 earnings of $483 million, or $1.03 per share, versus $468 million, or $1.05 per share, in Q2 2025. The company affirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $4.25 to $4.45. It cited regulatory actions and higher retail sales, partially offset by higher interest expense, O&M, and depreciation.

The U.S. Department of Energy offered up to $17.5 billion in loans to speed new AP1000 nuclear plants, with Westinghouse and utility/company partners jointly owning each project. Partners must commit $1 billion in equity per 1.1-GW project upfront. DOE says fixed-price long-lead component procurement could cut timelines by up to three years.

Entergy Louisiana is seeking Public Service Commission approval to buy the 1,200-megawatt Cottonwood gas plant for $1.8 billion, which it says is needed for “urgent” capacity demands. PSC consultant Lane Sisung’s report argues the plant’s need is driven mainly by Meta’s Richland Parish data center and cites reliability and cost concerns. Entergy estimates residential bills would rise about $8/month ($8.65 for 1,250 kWh). The PSC will decide after hearings in coming months.

Entergy Corp. (ETR) shares were slightly lower in after-hours after closing up 1.43% at $109.66. CEO Drew Marsh told CNBC’s Jim Cramer that Entergy’s “Fair Share Plus” framework would require data center operators to cover incremental infrastructure and some fixed costs, with provisions expected to generate about $7 billion in savings for existing customers over 15–20 years. Barclays kept an Overweight rating and cut its price target to $119 from $124.

The Broadband Association of Arkansas said Joe Molinaro will retire at year-end, prompting a search for a new executive director for the first time since 2008, according to a Tuesday release. Entergy Arkansas said it is temporarily adjusting recreational releases into the Ouachita River below Remmel Dam due to drought, suspending some weekend and special releases while maintaining minimum environmental flows.