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Decommissioning Trust Funds
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Decommissioning Trust Funds
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 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades (NYPA currently retains the decommissioning trusts and liabilities for Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick).  The funds are invested primarily in equity securities, fixed-rate debt securities, and cash and cash equivalents.

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 and 2, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,195

 

$1,396

 

$2

Debt Securities
 
2,155

 
41

 
17

Total
 

$5,350

 

$1,437

 

$19

 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,286

 

$1,513

 

$1

Debt Securities
 
2,085

 
76

 
6

Total
 

$5,371

 

$1,589

 

$7


Deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 $342 million and $396 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,124 million as of December 31, 2015 and $2,019 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.16%, an average duration of approximately 5.70 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.55 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$54

 

$2

 

$1,031

 

$15

More than 12 months
1

 

 
61

 
2

Total

$55

 

$2

 

$1,092

 

$17


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9

 

$1

 

$277

 

$2

More than 12 months

 

 
163

 
4

Total

$9

 

$1

 

$440

 

$6



The unrealized losses in excess of twelve months on equity securities above relate to Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy.

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$77

 

$94

1 year - 5 years
857

 
783

5 years - 10 years
704

 
681

10 years - 15 years
124

 
173

15 years - 20 years
50

 
79

20 years+
343

 
275

Total

$2,155

 

$2,085



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $2,492 million, $1,872 million, and $2,032 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $72 million, $39 million, and $91 million, respectively, and gross losses of $13 million, $8 million, and $11 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$467.4

 

$234.4

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
303.9

 
4.1

 
2.2

Total
 

$771.3

 

$238.5

 

$2.4

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$487.3

 

$248.9

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
282.6

 
6.2

 
1.1

Total
 

$769.9

 

$255.1

 

$1.1



The amortized cost of debt securities was $301.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and $277.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.44%, an average duration of approximately 5.14 years, and an average maturity of approximately 5.98 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$111.4

 

$1.7

More than 12 months

 

 
18.5

 
0.5

Total

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$129.9

 

$2.2


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$56.5

 

$0.3

More than 12 months

 

 
34.8

 
0.8

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$91.3

 

$1.1



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.8

 

$14.9

1 year - 5 years
145.2

 
127.3

5 years - 10 years
138.5

 
128.2

10 years - 15 years
2.4

 
1.7

15 years - 20 years
2.0

 
1.0

20 years+
14.0

 
9.5

Total

$303.9

 

$282.6



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $213 million, $181.5 million, and $266.4 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $5.9 million, $8.7 million, and $16.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$632.4

 

$283.7

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
409.9

 
13.2

 
2.4

Total
 

$1,042.3

 

$296.9

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$635.5

 

$294.3

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
385.8

 
18.8

 
0.7

Total
 

$1,021.3

 

$313.1

 

$0.7



The amortized cost of debt securities was $399.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and $369.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.89%, an average duration of approximately 5.49 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.91 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$124.0

 

$2.0

More than 12 months

 

 
7.4

 
0.4

Total

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$131.4

 

$2.4


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.2

 

$—

 

$33.1

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
27.1

 
0.5

Total

$0.2

 

$—

 

$60.2

 

$0.7


The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$27.1

 

$12.0

1 year - 5 years
124.0

 
118.0

5 years - 10 years
114.3

 
112.5

10 years - 15 years
39.3

 
50.9

15 years - 20 years
26.5

 
24.2

20 years+
78.7

 
68.2

Total

$409.9

 

$385.8



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $123.5 million, $216.7 million, and $303.7 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $1.9 million, $2.2 million, and $22 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, were recorded in 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$423.7

 

$179.2

 

$0.3

Debt Securities
 
277.8

 
2.2

 
2.3

Total
 

$701.5

 

$181.4

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$424.5

 

$188.0

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
255.3

 
5.9

 
0.3

Total
 

$679.8

 

$193.9

 

$0.3



The amortized cost of debt securities was $270.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and $251 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.16%, an average duration of approximately 4.86 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.34 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$8.3

 

$0.2

 

$200.4

 

$2.2

More than 12 months
0.9

 
0.1

 
5.0

 
0.1

Total

$9.2

 

$0.3

 

$205.4

 

$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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$51.6

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
6.5

 
0.1

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$58.1

 

$0.3



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$2.0

 

$33.5

1 year - 5 years
181.2

 
139.7

5 years - 10 years
63.0

 
53.5

10 years - 15 years
4.4

 
3.4

15 years - 20 years
1.6

 
3.2

20 years+
25.6

 
22.0

Total

$277.8

 

$255.3



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $390.4 million, $392.9 million, and $215.5 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $3.3 million, $1.8 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.5 million, $0.9 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains and losses

Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy evaluate 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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.  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 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.
Entergy Arkansas [Member]  
Decommissioning Trust Funds
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 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades (NYPA currently retains the decommissioning trusts and liabilities for Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick).  The funds are invested primarily in equity securities, fixed-rate debt securities, and cash and cash equivalents.

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 and 2, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,195

 

$1,396

 

$2

Debt Securities
 
2,155

 
41

 
17

Total
 

$5,350

 

$1,437

 

$19

 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,286

 

$1,513

 

$1

Debt Securities
 
2,085

 
76

 
6

Total
 

$5,371

 

$1,589

 

$7


Deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 $342 million and $396 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,124 million as of December 31, 2015 and $2,019 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.16%, an average duration of approximately 5.70 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.55 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$54

 

$2

 

$1,031

 

$15

More than 12 months
1

 

 
61

 
2

Total

$55

 

$2

 

$1,092

 

$17


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9

 

$1

 

$277

 

$2

More than 12 months

 

 
163

 
4

Total

$9

 

$1

 

$440

 

$6



The unrealized losses in excess of twelve months on equity securities above relate to Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy.

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$77

 

$94

1 year - 5 years
857

 
783

5 years - 10 years
704

 
681

10 years - 15 years
124

 
173

15 years - 20 years
50

 
79

20 years+
343

 
275

Total

$2,155

 

$2,085



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $2,492 million, $1,872 million, and $2,032 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $72 million, $39 million, and $91 million, respectively, and gross losses of $13 million, $8 million, and $11 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$467.4

 

$234.4

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
303.9

 
4.1

 
2.2

Total
 

$771.3

 

$238.5

 

$2.4

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$487.3

 

$248.9

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
282.6

 
6.2

 
1.1

Total
 

$769.9

 

$255.1

 

$1.1



The amortized cost of debt securities was $301.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and $277.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.44%, an average duration of approximately 5.14 years, and an average maturity of approximately 5.98 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$111.4

 

$1.7

More than 12 months

 

 
18.5

 
0.5

Total

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$129.9

 

$2.2


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$56.5

 

$0.3

More than 12 months

 

 
34.8

 
0.8

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$91.3

 

$1.1



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.8

 

$14.9

1 year - 5 years
145.2

 
127.3

5 years - 10 years
138.5

 
128.2

10 years - 15 years
2.4

 
1.7

15 years - 20 years
2.0

 
1.0

20 years+
14.0

 
9.5

Total

$303.9

 

$282.6



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $213 million, $181.5 million, and $266.4 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $5.9 million, $8.7 million, and $16.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$632.4

 

$283.7

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
409.9

 
13.2

 
2.4

Total
 

$1,042.3

 

$296.9

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$635.5

 

$294.3

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
385.8

 
18.8

 
0.7

Total
 

$1,021.3

 

$313.1

 

$0.7



The amortized cost of debt securities was $399.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and $369.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.89%, an average duration of approximately 5.49 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.91 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$124.0

 

$2.0

More than 12 months

 

 
7.4

 
0.4

Total

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$131.4

 

$2.4


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.2

 

$—

 

$33.1

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
27.1

 
0.5

Total

$0.2

 

$—

 

$60.2

 

$0.7


The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$27.1

 

$12.0

1 year - 5 years
124.0

 
118.0

5 years - 10 years
114.3

 
112.5

10 years - 15 years
39.3

 
50.9

15 years - 20 years
26.5

 
24.2

20 years+
78.7

 
68.2

Total

$409.9

 

$385.8



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $123.5 million, $216.7 million, and $303.7 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $1.9 million, $2.2 million, and $22 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, were recorded in 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$423.7

 

$179.2

 

$0.3

Debt Securities
 
277.8

 
2.2

 
2.3

Total
 

$701.5

 

$181.4

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$424.5

 

$188.0

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
255.3

 
5.9

 
0.3

Total
 

$679.8

 

$193.9

 

$0.3



The amortized cost of debt securities was $270.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and $251 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.16%, an average duration of approximately 4.86 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.34 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$8.3

 

$0.2

 

$200.4

 

$2.2

More than 12 months
0.9

 
0.1

 
5.0

 
0.1

Total

$9.2

 

$0.3

 

$205.4

 

$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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$51.6

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
6.5

 
0.1

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$58.1

 

$0.3



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$2.0

 

$33.5

1 year - 5 years
181.2

 
139.7

5 years - 10 years
63.0

 
53.5

10 years - 15 years
4.4

 
3.4

15 years - 20 years
1.6

 
3.2

20 years+
25.6

 
22.0

Total

$277.8

 

$255.3



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $390.4 million, $392.9 million, and $215.5 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $3.3 million, $1.8 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.5 million, $0.9 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains and losses

Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy evaluate 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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.  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 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.
Entergy Louisiana [Member]  
Decommissioning Trust Funds
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 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades (NYPA currently retains the decommissioning trusts and liabilities for Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick).  The funds are invested primarily in equity securities, fixed-rate debt securities, and cash and cash equivalents.

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 and 2, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,195

 

$1,396

 

$2

Debt Securities
 
2,155

 
41

 
17

Total
 

$5,350

 

$1,437

 

$19

 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,286

 

$1,513

 

$1

Debt Securities
 
2,085

 
76

 
6

Total
 

$5,371

 

$1,589

 

$7


Deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 $342 million and $396 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,124 million as of December 31, 2015 and $2,019 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.16%, an average duration of approximately 5.70 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.55 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$54

 

$2

 

$1,031

 

$15

More than 12 months
1

 

 
61

 
2

Total

$55

 

$2

 

$1,092

 

$17


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9

 

$1

 

$277

 

$2

More than 12 months

 

 
163

 
4

Total

$9

 

$1

 

$440

 

$6



The unrealized losses in excess of twelve months on equity securities above relate to Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy.

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$77

 

$94

1 year - 5 years
857

 
783

5 years - 10 years
704

 
681

10 years - 15 years
124

 
173

15 years - 20 years
50

 
79

20 years+
343

 
275

Total

$2,155

 

$2,085



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $2,492 million, $1,872 million, and $2,032 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $72 million, $39 million, and $91 million, respectively, and gross losses of $13 million, $8 million, and $11 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$467.4

 

$234.4

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
303.9

 
4.1

 
2.2

Total
 

$771.3

 

$238.5

 

$2.4

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$487.3

 

$248.9

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
282.6

 
6.2

 
1.1

Total
 

$769.9

 

$255.1

 

$1.1



The amortized cost of debt securities was $301.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and $277.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.44%, an average duration of approximately 5.14 years, and an average maturity of approximately 5.98 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$111.4

 

$1.7

More than 12 months

 

 
18.5

 
0.5

Total

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$129.9

 

$2.2


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$56.5

 

$0.3

More than 12 months

 

 
34.8

 
0.8

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$91.3

 

$1.1



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.8

 

$14.9

1 year - 5 years
145.2

 
127.3

5 years - 10 years
138.5

 
128.2

10 years - 15 years
2.4

 
1.7

15 years - 20 years
2.0

 
1.0

20 years+
14.0

 
9.5

Total

$303.9

 

$282.6



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $213 million, $181.5 million, and $266.4 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $5.9 million, $8.7 million, and $16.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$632.4

 

$283.7

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
409.9

 
13.2

 
2.4

Total
 

$1,042.3

 

$296.9

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$635.5

 

$294.3

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
385.8

 
18.8

 
0.7

Total
 

$1,021.3

 

$313.1

 

$0.7



The amortized cost of debt securities was $399.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and $369.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.89%, an average duration of approximately 5.49 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.91 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$124.0

 

$2.0

More than 12 months

 

 
7.4

 
0.4

Total

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$131.4

 

$2.4


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.2

 

$—

 

$33.1

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
27.1

 
0.5

Total

$0.2

 

$—

 

$60.2

 

$0.7


The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$27.1

 

$12.0

1 year - 5 years
124.0

 
118.0

5 years - 10 years
114.3

 
112.5

10 years - 15 years
39.3

 
50.9

15 years - 20 years
26.5

 
24.2

20 years+
78.7

 
68.2

Total

$409.9

 

$385.8



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $123.5 million, $216.7 million, and $303.7 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $1.9 million, $2.2 million, and $22 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, were recorded in 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$423.7

 

$179.2

 

$0.3

Debt Securities
 
277.8

 
2.2

 
2.3

Total
 

$701.5

 

$181.4

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$424.5

 

$188.0

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
255.3

 
5.9

 
0.3

Total
 

$679.8

 

$193.9

 

$0.3



The amortized cost of debt securities was $270.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and $251 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.16%, an average duration of approximately 4.86 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.34 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$8.3

 

$0.2

 

$200.4

 

$2.2

More than 12 months
0.9

 
0.1

 
5.0

 
0.1

Total

$9.2

 

$0.3

 

$205.4

 

$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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$51.6

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
6.5

 
0.1

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$58.1

 

$0.3



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$2.0

 

$33.5

1 year - 5 years
181.2

 
139.7

5 years - 10 years
63.0

 
53.5

10 years - 15 years
4.4

 
3.4

15 years - 20 years
1.6

 
3.2

20 years+
25.6

 
22.0

Total

$277.8

 

$255.3



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $390.4 million, $392.9 million, and $215.5 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $3.3 million, $1.8 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.5 million, $0.9 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains and losses

Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy evaluate 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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.  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 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.
System Energy [Member]  
Decommissioning Trust Funds
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 and 2, Vermont Yankee, and Palisades (NYPA currently retains the decommissioning trusts and liabilities for Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick).  The funds are invested primarily in equity securities, fixed-rate debt securities, and cash and cash equivalents.

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 and 2, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,195

 

$1,396

 

$2

Debt Securities
 
2,155

 
41

 
17

Total
 

$5,350

 

$1,437

 

$19

 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity Securities
 

$3,286

 

$1,513

 

$1

Debt Securities
 
2,085

 
76

 
6

Total
 

$5,371

 

$1,589

 

$7


Deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) 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 $342 million and $396 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,124 million as of December 31, 2015 and $2,019 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.16%, an average duration of approximately 5.70 years, and an average maturity of approximately 8.55 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$54

 

$2

 

$1,031

 

$15

More than 12 months
1

 

 
61

 
2

Total

$55

 

$2

 

$1,092

 

$17


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9

 

$1

 

$277

 

$2

More than 12 months

 

 
163

 
4

Total

$9

 

$1

 

$440

 

$6



The unrealized losses in excess of twelve months on equity securities above relate to Entergy’s Utility operating companies and System Energy.

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$77

 

$94

1 year - 5 years
857

 
783

5 years - 10 years
704

 
681

10 years - 15 years
124

 
173

15 years - 20 years
50

 
79

20 years+
343

 
275

Total

$2,155

 

$2,085



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $2,492 million, $1,872 million, and $2,032 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $72 million, $39 million, and $91 million, respectively, and gross losses of $13 million, $8 million, and $11 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other comprehensive income 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$467.4

 

$234.4

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
303.9

 
4.1

 
2.2

Total
 

$771.3

 

$238.5

 

$2.4

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$487.3

 

$248.9

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
282.6

 
6.2

 
1.1

Total
 

$769.9

 

$255.1

 

$1.1



The amortized cost of debt securities was $301.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and $277.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.44%, an average duration of approximately 5.14 years, and an average maturity of approximately 5.98 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$111.4

 

$1.7

More than 12 months

 

 
18.5

 
0.5

Total

$7.8

 

$0.2

 

$129.9

 

$2.2


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$56.5

 

$0.3

More than 12 months

 

 
34.8

 
0.8

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$91.3

 

$1.1



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.8

 

$14.9

1 year - 5 years
145.2

 
127.3

5 years - 10 years
138.5

 
128.2

10 years - 15 years
2.4

 
1.7

15 years - 20 years
2.0

 
1.0

20 years+
14.0

 
9.5

Total

$303.9

 

$282.6



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $213 million, $181.5 million, and $266.4 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $5.9 million, $8.7 million, and $16.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts.  The securities held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$632.4

 

$283.7

 

$0.2

Debt Securities
 
409.9

 
13.2

 
2.4

Total
 

$1,042.3

 

$296.9

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$635.5

 

$294.3

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
385.8

 
18.8

 
0.7

Total
 

$1,021.3

 

$313.1

 

$0.7



The amortized cost of debt securities was $399.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and $369.4 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.89%, an average duration of approximately 5.49 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.91 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$124.0

 

$2.0

More than 12 months

 

 
7.4

 
0.4

Total

$9.4

 

$0.2

 

$131.4

 

$2.4


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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.2

 

$—

 

$33.1

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
27.1

 
0.5

Total

$0.2

 

$—

 

$60.2

 

$0.7


The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$27.1

 

$12.0

1 year - 5 years
124.0

 
118.0

5 years - 10 years
114.3

 
112.5

10 years - 15 years
39.3

 
50.9

15 years - 20 years
26.5

 
24.2

20 years+
78.7

 
68.2

Total

$409.9

 

$385.8



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $123.5 million, $216.7 million, and $303.7 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $1.9 million, $2.2 million, and $22 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, were recorded in 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$423.7

 

$179.2

 

$0.3

Debt Securities
 
277.8

 
2.2

 
2.3

Total
 

$701.5

 

$181.4

 

$2.6

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$424.5

 

$188.0

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
255.3

 
5.9

 
0.3

Total
 

$679.8

 

$193.9

 

$0.3



The amortized cost of debt securities was $270.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and $251 million as of December 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2015, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.16%, an average duration of approximately 4.86 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.34 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 December 31, 2015:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$8.3

 

$0.2

 

$200.4

 

$2.2

More than 12 months
0.9

 
0.1

 
5.0

 
0.1

Total

$9.2

 

$0.3

 

$205.4

 

$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, 2014:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$0.1

 

$—

 

$51.6

 

$0.2

More than 12 months

 

 
6.5

 
0.1

Total

$0.1

 

$—

 

$58.1

 

$0.3



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$2.0

 

$33.5

1 year - 5 years
181.2

 
139.7

5 years - 10 years
63.0

 
53.5

10 years - 15 years
4.4

 
3.4

15 years - 20 years
1.6

 
3.2

20 years+
25.6

 
22.0

Total

$277.8

 

$255.3



During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $390.4 million, $392.9 million, and $215.5 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, gross gains of $3.3 million, $1.8 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.5 million, $0.9 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, were recorded in earnings.

Other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized gains and losses

Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy evaluate 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 years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.  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 in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.