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Decommissioning Trust Funds
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
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, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, Vermont Yankee, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$4,439

 

$1,823

 

$5

Debt Securities
 
2,230

 
35

 
22

Total
 

$6,669

 

$1,858

 

$27

 
 
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 March 31, 2017 are $458 million for Indian Point 1, $582 million for Indian Point 2, $743 million for Indian Point 3, $426 million for Palisades, $994 million for Pilgrim, and $592 million for Vermont Yankee. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds for the Registrant Subsidiaries’ nuclear plants are detailed below.

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 $438 million and $399 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,217 million as of March 31, 2017 and $2,212 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.21%, an average duration of approximately 5.79 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$13

 

$5

 

$1,087

 

$21

More than 12 months

 

 
13

 
1

Total

$13

 

$5

 

$1,100

 

$22


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$99

 

$125

1 year - 5 years
783

 
763

5 years - 10 years
742

 
719

10 years - 15 years
113

 
109

15 years - 20 years
69

 
73

20 years+
424

 
424

Total

$2,230

 

$2,213



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $514 million and $729 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $9 million and $10 million, respectively, and gross losses of $5 million and $3 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$557.7

 

$307.2

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
310.0

 
3.1

 
3.6

Total
 

$867.7

 

$310.3

 

$3.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $310.5 million as of March 31, 2017 and $310.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.61%, an average duration of approximately 5.26 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.10 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6

More than 12 months

 

 

 

Total

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$17.8

 

$16.7

1 year - 5 years
109.7

 
106.2

5 years - 10 years
162.1

 
161.2

10 years - 15 years
7.0

 
7.7

15 years - 20 years
1.0

 
1.0

20 years+
12.4

 
16.5

Total

$310.0

 

$309.3



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $36 million and $58.6 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$750.6

 

$382.7

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
439.5

 
8.5

 
4.3

Total
 

$1,190.1

 

$391.2

 

$4.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $435.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and $421.9 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.77%, an average duration of approximately 5.72 years, and an average maturity of approximately 11.20 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.6

 

$—

 

$189.9

 

$4.1

More than 12 months

 

 
2.7

 
0.2

Total

$1.6

 

$—

 

$192.6

 

$4.3


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

$—

 

$—

 

$198.8

 

$4.8

More than 12 months

 

 
4.8

 
0.2

Total

$—

 

$—

 

$203.6

 

$5.0



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$28.1

 

$31.4

1 year - 5 years
101.2

 
99.1

5 years - 10 years
126.4

 
122.8

10 years - 15 years
44.0

 
41.4

15 years - 20 years
30.3

 
30.9

20 years+
109.5

 
99.2

Total

$439.5

 

$424.8



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $40.6 million and $53.8 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.03 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.2 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$509.0

 

$245.4

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
307.0

 
2.4

 
3.4

Total
 

$816.0

 

$247.8

 

$3.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $308 million as of March 31, 2017 and $309.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 1.99%, an average duration of approximately 5.04 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.5

 

$3.3

More than 12 months

 

 
0.2

 
0.1

Total

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.7

 

$3.4


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, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.7

 

$6.6

1 year - 5 years
188.5

 
188.2

5 years - 10 years
84.6

 
78.5

10 years - 15 years
1.4

 
1.3

15 years - 20 years
7.6

 
7.8

20 years+
23.2

 
24.2

Total

$307.0

 

$306.6



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $75.8 million and $188.5 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.

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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, Vermont Yankee, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$4,439

 

$1,823

 

$5

Debt Securities
 
2,230

 
35

 
22

Total
 

$6,669

 

$1,858

 

$27

 
 
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 March 31, 2017 are $458 million for Indian Point 1, $582 million for Indian Point 2, $743 million for Indian Point 3, $426 million for Palisades, $994 million for Pilgrim, and $592 million for Vermont Yankee. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds for the Registrant Subsidiaries’ nuclear plants are detailed below.

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 $438 million and $399 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,217 million as of March 31, 2017 and $2,212 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.21%, an average duration of approximately 5.79 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$13

 

$5

 

$1,087

 

$21

More than 12 months

 

 
13

 
1

Total

$13

 

$5

 

$1,100

 

$22


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$99

 

$125

1 year - 5 years
783

 
763

5 years - 10 years
742

 
719

10 years - 15 years
113

 
109

15 years - 20 years
69

 
73

20 years+
424

 
424

Total

$2,230

 

$2,213



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $514 million and $729 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $9 million and $10 million, respectively, and gross losses of $5 million and $3 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$557.7

 

$307.2

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
310.0

 
3.1

 
3.6

Total
 

$867.7

 

$310.3

 

$3.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $310.5 million as of March 31, 2017 and $310.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.61%, an average duration of approximately 5.26 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.10 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6

More than 12 months

 

 

 

Total

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$17.8

 

$16.7

1 year - 5 years
109.7

 
106.2

5 years - 10 years
162.1

 
161.2

10 years - 15 years
7.0

 
7.7

15 years - 20 years
1.0

 
1.0

20 years+
12.4

 
16.5

Total

$310.0

 

$309.3



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $36 million and $58.6 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$750.6

 

$382.7

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
439.5

 
8.5

 
4.3

Total
 

$1,190.1

 

$391.2

 

$4.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $435.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and $421.9 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.77%, an average duration of approximately 5.72 years, and an average maturity of approximately 11.20 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.6

 

$—

 

$189.9

 

$4.1

More than 12 months

 

 
2.7

 
0.2

Total

$1.6

 

$—

 

$192.6

 

$4.3


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

$—

 

$—

 

$198.8

 

$4.8

More than 12 months

 

 
4.8

 
0.2

Total

$—

 

$—

 

$203.6

 

$5.0



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$28.1

 

$31.4

1 year - 5 years
101.2

 
99.1

5 years - 10 years
126.4

 
122.8

10 years - 15 years
44.0

 
41.4

15 years - 20 years
30.3

 
30.9

20 years+
109.5

 
99.2

Total

$439.5

 

$424.8



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $40.6 million and $53.8 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.03 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.2 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$509.0

 

$245.4

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
307.0

 
2.4

 
3.4

Total
 

$816.0

 

$247.8

 

$3.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $308 million as of March 31, 2017 and $309.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 1.99%, an average duration of approximately 5.04 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.5

 

$3.3

More than 12 months

 

 
0.2

 
0.1

Total

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.7

 

$3.4


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, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.7

 

$6.6

1 year - 5 years
188.5

 
188.2

5 years - 10 years
84.6

 
78.5

10 years - 15 years
1.4

 
1.3

15 years - 20 years
7.6

 
7.8

20 years+
23.2

 
24.2

Total

$307.0

 

$306.6



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $75.8 million and $188.5 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.

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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, Vermont Yankee, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$4,439

 

$1,823

 

$5

Debt Securities
 
2,230

 
35

 
22

Total
 

$6,669

 

$1,858

 

$27

 
 
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 March 31, 2017 are $458 million for Indian Point 1, $582 million for Indian Point 2, $743 million for Indian Point 3, $426 million for Palisades, $994 million for Pilgrim, and $592 million for Vermont Yankee. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds for the Registrant Subsidiaries’ nuclear plants are detailed below.

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 $438 million and $399 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,217 million as of March 31, 2017 and $2,212 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.21%, an average duration of approximately 5.79 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$13

 

$5

 

$1,087

 

$21

More than 12 months

 

 
13

 
1

Total

$13

 

$5

 

$1,100

 

$22


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$99

 

$125

1 year - 5 years
783

 
763

5 years - 10 years
742

 
719

10 years - 15 years
113

 
109

15 years - 20 years
69

 
73

20 years+
424

 
424

Total

$2,230

 

$2,213



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $514 million and $729 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $9 million and $10 million, respectively, and gross losses of $5 million and $3 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$557.7

 

$307.2

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
310.0

 
3.1

 
3.6

Total
 

$867.7

 

$310.3

 

$3.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $310.5 million as of March 31, 2017 and $310.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.61%, an average duration of approximately 5.26 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.10 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6

More than 12 months

 

 

 

Total

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$17.8

 

$16.7

1 year - 5 years
109.7

 
106.2

5 years - 10 years
162.1

 
161.2

10 years - 15 years
7.0

 
7.7

15 years - 20 years
1.0

 
1.0

20 years+
12.4

 
16.5

Total

$310.0

 

$309.3



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $36 million and $58.6 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$750.6

 

$382.7

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
439.5

 
8.5

 
4.3

Total
 

$1,190.1

 

$391.2

 

$4.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $435.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and $421.9 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.77%, an average duration of approximately 5.72 years, and an average maturity of approximately 11.20 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.6

 

$—

 

$189.9

 

$4.1

More than 12 months

 

 
2.7

 
0.2

Total

$1.6

 

$—

 

$192.6

 

$4.3


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

$—

 

$—

 

$198.8

 

$4.8

More than 12 months

 

 
4.8

 
0.2

Total

$—

 

$—

 

$203.6

 

$5.0



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$28.1

 

$31.4

1 year - 5 years
101.2

 
99.1

5 years - 10 years
126.4

 
122.8

10 years - 15 years
44.0

 
41.4

15 years - 20 years
30.3

 
30.9

20 years+
109.5

 
99.2

Total

$439.5

 

$424.8



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $40.6 million and $53.8 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.03 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.2 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$509.0

 

$245.4

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
307.0

 
2.4

 
3.4

Total
 

$816.0

 

$247.8

 

$3.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $308 million as of March 31, 2017 and $309.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 1.99%, an average duration of approximately 5.04 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.5

 

$3.3

More than 12 months

 

 
0.2

 
0.1

Total

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.7

 

$3.4


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, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.7

 

$6.6

1 year - 5 years
188.5

 
188.2

5 years - 10 years
84.6

 
78.5

10 years - 15 years
1.4

 
1.3

15 years - 20 years
7.6

 
7.8

20 years+
23.2

 
24.2

Total

$307.0

 

$306.6



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $75.8 million and $188.5 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.

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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, Vermont Yankee, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$4,439

 

$1,823

 

$5

Debt Securities
 
2,230

 
35

 
22

Total
 

$6,669

 

$1,858

 

$27

 
 
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 March 31, 2017 are $458 million for Indian Point 1, $582 million for Indian Point 2, $743 million for Indian Point 3, $426 million for Palisades, $994 million for Pilgrim, and $592 million for Vermont Yankee. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds for the Registrant Subsidiaries’ nuclear plants are detailed below.

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 $438 million and $399 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The amortized cost of debt securities was $2,217 million as of March 31, 2017 and $2,212 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.21%, an average duration of approximately 5.79 years, and an average maturity of approximately 9.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$13

 

$5

 

$1,087

 

$21

More than 12 months

 

 
13

 
1

Total

$13

 

$5

 

$1,100

 

$22


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$99

 

$125

1 year - 5 years
783

 
763

5 years - 10 years
742

 
719

10 years - 15 years
113

 
109

15 years - 20 years
69

 
73

20 years+
424

 
424

Total

$2,230

 

$2,213



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $514 million and $729 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $9 million and $10 million, respectively, and gross losses of $5 million and $3 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$557.7

 

$307.2

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
310.0

 
3.1

 
3.6

Total
 

$867.7

 

$310.3

 

$3.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $310.5 million as of March 31, 2017 and $310.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 2.61%, an average duration of approximately 5.26 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.10 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6

More than 12 months

 

 

 

Total

$1.1

 

$—

 

$150.5

 

$3.6


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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$17.8

 

$16.7

1 year - 5 years
109.7

 
106.2

5 years - 10 years
162.1

 
161.2

10 years - 15 years
7.0

 
7.7

15 years - 20 years
1.0

 
1.0

20 years+
12.4

 
16.5

Total

$310.0

 

$309.3



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $36 million and $58.6 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$750.6

 

$382.7

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
439.5

 
8.5

 
4.3

Total
 

$1,190.1

 

$391.2

 

$4.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $435.2 million as of March 31, 2017 and $421.9 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 3.77%, an average duration of approximately 5.72 years, and an average maturity of approximately 11.20 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.6

 

$—

 

$189.9

 

$4.1

More than 12 months

 

 
2.7

 
0.2

Total

$1.6

 

$—

 

$192.6

 

$4.3


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

$—

 

$—

 

$198.8

 

$4.8

More than 12 months

 

 
4.8

 
0.2

Total

$—

 

$—

 

$203.6

 

$5.0



The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$28.1

 

$31.4

1 year - 5 years
101.2

 
99.1

5 years - 10 years
126.4

 
122.8

10 years - 15 years
44.0

 
41.4

15 years - 20 years
30.3

 
30.9

20 years+
109.5

 
99.2

Total

$439.5

 

$424.8



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $40.6 million and $53.8 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.03 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.2 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
 
Fair
Value
 
Total
Unrealized
Gains
 
Total
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
(In Millions)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Securities
 

$509.0

 

$245.4

 

$—

Debt Securities
 
307.0

 
2.4

 
3.4

Total
 

$816.0

 

$247.8

 

$3.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $308 million as of March 31, 2017 and $309.1 million as of December 31, 2016.  As of March 31, 2017, the debt securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 1.99%, an average duration of approximately 5.04 years, and an average maturity of approximately 6.45 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 March 31, 2017:
 
Equity Securities
 
Debt Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Millions)
Less than 12 months

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.5

 

$3.3

More than 12 months

 

 
0.2

 
0.1

Total

$1.0

 

$—

 

$200.7

 

$3.4


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, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In Millions)
less than 1 year

$1.7

 

$6.6

1 year - 5 years
188.5

 
188.2

5 years - 10 years
84.6

 
78.5

10 years - 15 years
1.4

 
1.3

15 years - 20 years
7.6

 
7.8

20 years+
23.2

 
24.2

Total

$307.0

 

$306.6



During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $75.8 million and $188.5 million, respectively.  During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, gross gains of $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and gross losses of $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively, were reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.

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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, resulting from the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment of certain equity securities held in its decommissioning trust funds.