Truist cuts Entergy stock price target to $119 on regulatory outlook

The U.S. is investing $4.4 billion to restart three shuttered nuclear plants, adding 2.25 GW of power. Palisades (MI), Crane (PA), and Duane Arnold (IA) will supply Big Tech data centers. The DOE and private firms aim to meet rising demand, with restarts expected by 2027-2029. Experts debate safety and cost, but the projects are moving forward.

HSBC initiated coverage on Entergy Corp (ETR) with a buy rating and $123.50 price target, citing growth prospects from data center demand. ETR trades at $106.08, with HSBC projecting 16% rate base CAGR from 2026-2030 and 13% EPS growth through 2030. Q2 2026 earnings missed estimates, with adjusted EPS of $1.03 vs. $1.13 expected, and revenue of $3.55B vs. $3.61B. The company closed a $1.5B debenture offering. Truist adjusted its price target to $119 from $122, maintaining a buy rating.

The U.S. is investing up to $4.4B to restart three shuttered nuclear plants, including Palisades (MI), Crane (PA), and Duane Arnold (IA), to meet rising energy demand. The plants will provide 2.25GW of carbon-free electricity, with contracts from Big Tech firms like Google and Microsoft for data centers. Restarting is seen as quicker and cheaper than building new reactors, but experts warn of safety risks and climate change impacts.

Entergy Texas has launched the 1.2 GW Orange County Advanced Power Station, adding capacity to meet growing demand. The plant, supplied by Mitsubishi Power, can eventually use 100% hydrogen. Entergy Texas plans to add 2.4 GW of capacity by 2028, including two more natural gas plants. The project cost was initially estimated at $1.2 billion. Texas' population and industrial growth are driving increased electricity demand.

Entergy Corporation (ETR) announced David Borde as president and CEO of Entergy Texas, effective immediately. He succeeds Eliecer Viamontes, who left for other opportunities. Borde previously held roles in utility strategy and investor relations at Entergy. The company serves over 3 million customers in four states.

Entergy claims Google's Arkansas solar payments could total $2.1B over 20 years, correcting earlier figures. Alphabet (GOOGL) and Entergy (ETR) highlight power infrastructure's role in AI compute. Alphabet's long-term energy commitments secure capacity, while Entergy gains a large customer. Both companies face risks, including regulatory scrutiny and counterparty exposure. Hedge fund holdings and short interest data are provided.