Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
New Orleans, Louisiana
March 26, 2003
To the Stockholders of ENTERGY CORPORATION:
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Date: Friday, May 9, 2003
Time: 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time
Place: Del Lago Conference Center
Secretary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROXY
STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING
HOW YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY INSTRUCTIONS. To revoke your proxy instructions, you must either advise the Secretary in writing before your shares have been voted by the proxies at the meeting, deliver to us later proxy instructions or attend the meeting and vote your shares in person.
QUORUM REQUIREMENT. The Annual Meeting cannot be held unless a quorum equal to a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote is represented at the meeting. If you have returned valid proxy instructions or attend the meeting in person, your shares will be counted to determine whether there is a quorum, even if you wish to abstain from voting on some or all matters introduced at the meeting. "Broker non-votes" also count for quorum purposes. If you hold your Common Stock through a broker, bank or other nominee, it may only vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. However, if it has not received your instructions by a specified date, it may vote on matters that the New York Stock Exchange has determined to be routine.
VOTES NECESSARY FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN. Fifteen directors will be elected at the meeting, meaning that the fifteen nominees receiving the most votes will be elected. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors.
COST OF THIS PROXY SOLICITATION. We will pay the cost of this proxy solicitation. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, we expect that certain of our employees may solicit stockholders for their proxies, personally and by telephone. None of these employees will receive any additional or special compensation for doing so. We have retained Morrow & Co. Inc. for a fee of $12,500 plus reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses, to assist in the solicitation of proxies. We will, upon request, reimburse brokers, banks and other nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to their principals and obtaining their proxies.
Name and Address of Amount and Nature of Percent Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc. ("BHM&S") 16,144,388(1) 7.27% One McKinney Plaza 3232 McKinney Avenue, 15th Floor Dallas, Texas 75204-2429 AXA Financial, Inc. 12,457,216 (2) 5.6% 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10104 Putnam, LLC 12,736,385 (3) 5.7% One Post Office Square Boston, Massachusetts 02109
BHM&S has indicated that it has sole voting power over 4,379,188 shares, sole investment power over all 16,144,388 shares and shared voting power over 11,765,200 shares. BHM&S also advised Entergy that it is a registered investment advisor and these shares are held on behalf of various clients. These shares include 9,542,300 shares (4.30%) held on behalf of the Vanguard Windsor Funds-Vanguard Windsor II Fund, 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355.
2. Alliance Capital Management L.P. is a majority-owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc. and is deemed to have sole
power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 12,127,316 shares (5.5%), to have sole voting power over 6,165,280
shares and to have shared voting power over
3,109,427 shares. AXA Financial, Inc. reports in its Schedule 13G that
"A majority of the shares reported in this Schedule 13G are held by unaffiliated third party client accounts managed by
Alliance Capital Management L.P. as investment advisor."
PROPOSAL 1 ¾ ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES
All nominees are currently members of the Board, with the exception of Ms. Herman. Each has agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve if elected. Except where authority to vote for one or more nominee(s) is withheld, the proxies will vote all Common Stock represented by an executed proxy equally for the election of the nominees listed below.
MAUREEN S. BATEMAN
Age 59
Director Since 2000
Boston, Massachusetts
W. FRANK BLOUNT
Age 64
Director Since 1987
Atlanta, Georgia
VADM. GEORGE W. DAVIS
Age 69
Director Since 1998
USN (Ret.)
Columbia, South Carolina
SIMON D. deBREE
Age 65
Director Since 2001
The Netherlands
CLAIBORNE P. DEMING
Age 48
Director Since 2002
El Dorado, Arkansas
ALEXIS HERMAN
Age 55
Nominee for Director
McLean, Virginia
J. WAYNE LEONARD
Age 52
Director Since 1999
New Orleans, Louisiana
ROBERT v.d. LUFT
Age 67
Director Since 1992
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
KATHLEEN A. MURPHY
Age 52
Director Since 2000
Stamford, Connecticut
DR. PAUL W. MURRILL
Age 68
Director Since 1993
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
JAMES R. NICHOLS
Age 64
Director Since 1986
Boston, Massachusetts
WILLIAM A. PERCY, II
Age 63
Director Since 2000
Greenville, Mississippi
DENNIS H. REILLEY
Age 49
Director Since 1999
Danbury, Connecticut
WM. CLIFFORD SMITH
Age 67
Director Since 1983
Houma, Louisiana
BISMARK A. STEINHAGEN
Age 68
Director Since 1993
Beaumont, Texas
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES
In 2002, the Board of Directors met nine times. Reference to the "Board" means to the Board of Directors. In addition to meetings of the Board, directors attended meetings of separate Board Committees. In 2002, all who are directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which they serve. In 2003, the Board adopted revised Corporate Governance Guidelines, a revised charter for the Audit Committee, and charters for the Corporate Governance Committee and the Personnel Committee. Each of these documents is attached as an Exhibit to this Proxy Statement.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The Board of Directors has six standing committees.
Audit Committee
8 meetings in 2002
Present Members:
Dennis H. Reilley (Chairman)
George W. Davis
Maureen S. Bateman
Kathleen A. Murphy
Bismark A. Steinhagen
Claiborne P. Deming
Functions:
Oversee the integrity of the financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Oversee the system of internal controls.
Oversee the independent auditor's qualifications and independence.
Oversee the performance of the internal audit function and the independent auditors.
Finance Committee 7 meetings in 2002
Present Members:
Paul W. Murrill (Chairman)
Robert v.d. Luft
James R. Nichols
Wm. Clifford Smith
Dennis H. Reilley
Kathleen A. Murphy
Function:
Reviews all financial, budgeting and banking policies.
Makes recommendations to the Board concerning financial transactions and the sale of securities.
Personnel Committee 8 meetings in 2002
Present Members:
W. Frank Blount (Chairman)
William A. Percy, II
George W. Davis
Norman C. Francis
Simon D. deBree
James R. Nichols
Functions:
Establishes and administers the Company's policies, programs and procedures for hiring,
promoting,
and setting compensation for its executive officers.
Reviews other major employment matters, including workforce diversity, safety and
compensation.
Nuclear Committee 8 meetings in 2002
Present Members:
George W. Davis (Chairman)
Bismark A. Steinhagen
Robert v.d. Luft
Wm. Clifford Smith
William A. Percy, II
Paul W. Murrill
Functions:
Provides non-management oversight and review of all the Corporation's nuclear generating
plants, focusing
on safety, operating performance, operating costs, staffing and training.
Consults with management concerning internal and external nuclear-related issues.
Reports to the Board with respect to the Corporation's nuclear facilities.
Corporate Governance
Committee
(formerly Director
Affairs/Public
Affairs Committee)
6 meetings in 2002
Present Members:
William A. Percy, II (Chairman)
W. Frank Blount
Maureen S. Bateman
Kathleen A. Murphy
Simon D. deBree
Norman C. Francis
Claiborne P. Deming
Functions:
Provides oversight on a broad range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of the
Board, including identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, recommending to
the Board director
nominees to be elected at the annual meeting of shareholders and
recommending to the Board a set of
corporate governance principles applicable to the
Corporation.
Advises and counsels management and the Board regarding governmental, regulatory and public
relations matters.
Executive Committee 1 meeting and 1 action in writing without a meeting during 2002
Present Members:
Robert v.d. Luft (Chairman)
J. Wayne Leonard
Paul W. Murrill
W. Frank Blount
George W. Davis
Functions:
May exercise Board powers with respect to management and the business affairs of the
Corporation between Board meetings.
Reports all actions to the Board.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION. Directors who are Entergy officers do not receive any fee for service as a director. Each non-employee director receives a fee of $1,500 for attendance at Board meetings, $1,000 for attendance at committee meetings scheduled in conjunction with Board meetings and $2,000 for attendance at committee meetings not scheduled in conjunction with a Board meeting. If a director attends a meeting of a committee on which that director does not serve as a member, he or she receives one-half of the fee of an attending member. Directors also receive $1,000 for participation in any inspection trip or conference not held in conjunction with a Board or committee meeting. In addition, the committee chairpersons of the Audit Committee and Nuclear Committee are paid an additional $10,000 annually and the committee chairpersons of the Personnel Committee, Corporate Governance Committee and Finance Committee are paid an additional $5,000 annually. Directors receive only one-half the fees set forth above for telephone attendance at Board or committee meetings. All non-employee directors receive on a quarterly basis 150 shares of Common Stock and one-half the value of the 150 shares in cash. In 2002, Mr. Luft was paid $200,000 plus 47,000 stock options (granted at market price) to serve as Chairman of the Board. The non-employee Directors have the opportunity to receive annually an executive physical examination either from their local physician or at the Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville, Florida location. The Corporation will pay the cost of the physical examination, and, if at Mayo, travel and living expenses. Non-employee Directors are reimbursed for all normal travel and expenses associated with attending Board and committee meetings as well as inspection trips and conferences associated with their Board duties.
SERVICE AWARDS FOR DIRECTORS. All non-employee directors are credited with 800 "phantom" shares of Common Stock for each year of service on the Board. The "phantom" shares vest after five years of service on the Board and are credited to a specific account for each director that is maintained solely for accounting purposes. After separation from Board service, these directors receive an amount in cash equal to the value of their accumulated "phantom" shares. Payments are made in at least five but no more than 15 annual payments. Each "phantom" share is assigned a value on its payment date equal to the value of a share of Common Stock on that date. Dividends are earned on each "phantom" share from the date of original crediting.
RETIREMENT FOR DIRECTORS. Before Entergy Gulf States, Inc. became a subsidiary of Entergy, it established a deferred compensation plan for its officers and non-employee directors. A director could defer a maximum of 100% of his salary, and an officer could defer up to a maximum of 50% of his salary. Both Dr. Murrill, as an officer, and Mr. Steinhagen, as a director, deferred their salaries. The directors' right to receive this deferred compensation is an unsecured obligation of the Corporation, which accrues simple interest compounded annually at the rate set by Entergy Gulf States, Inc. in 1985. In addition to payments received prior to 1997, on January 1, 2000, Dr. Murrill began to receive his deferred compensation plus interest in equal installments annually for 15 years. Beginning on the January 1 after Mr. Steinhagen turns 70, he will receive his deferred compensation plus interest in equal installments annually for 10 years.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Dr. Francis and Messrs. Blount, Percy, Nichols, deBree and Adm. Davis served during 2002 as members of the Personnel Committee of the Board. None of these directors was, during 2002, an officer or employee of Entergy or any of its subsidiaries.
SHARE OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The following table shows how much Common Stock each current director, nominee and executive officer named in the "Summary Compensation Table" on page 21 beneficially owned as of December 31, 2002, as well as how much they and the other executive officers beneficially owned as a group. This information has been furnished by each individual. Each individual has sole voting and investment power, unless otherwise indicated. The amount of Common Stock owned by all directors, nominees and executive officers as a group totals less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock.
Entergy Corporation Common Stock |
Entergy Corporation Stock Equivalent Units (b) |
|||
Amount and Nature |
||||
|
|
Other |
||
Maureen S. Bateman |
1,500 |
- |
1,600 |
|
W. Frank Blount |
8,034 |
- |
12,000 |
|
VADM. George W. Davis |
2,700 |
- |
3,200 |
|
Simon D. deBree |
568 |
- |
800 |
|
Claiborne P. Deming |
500 |
- |
- |
|
Frank F. Gallaher |
8,519 |
63,167 |
66,097 |
|
Alexis Herman |
(e) |
- |
- |
|
Donald C. Hintz |
4,055 |
549,499 |
52,192 |
|
Jerry D. Jackson |
22,083 |
181,136 |
47,374 |
|
J. Wayne Leonard |
13,065 |
916,200 |
496 |
|
Robert v.d. Luft |
23,272 |
268,998 |
8,000 |
|
Kathleen A. Murphy |
1,500 |
1,000 (d) |
1,600 |
|
Dr. Paul W. Murrill |
2,740 (c) |
- |
12,800 | |
James R. Nichols |
10,673 |
- |
12,800 | |
William A. Percy, II |
1,750 |
- |
1,600 |
|
Dennis H. Reilley |
600 (c) |
- |
2,400 |
|
Wm. Clifford Smith |
11,335 |
- |
15,200 |
|
Bismark A. Steinhagen |
8,224 |
2,623 (d) |
22,400 | |
C. John Wilder |
798 |
163,524 |
119,673 |
|
All directors, nominees, and executive officers |
137,842 |
2,591,229 |
532,251 |
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE. Directors and certain executive officers must file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicating their ownership of any equity securities of the Corporation at the time they became a director or executive officer. Thereafter, reports must be filed to update any changes in ownership. In 2002, all directors' and officers' reports were timely filed.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Entergy Corporation Board of Directors' Audit Committee comprises six directors who are not officers of the Company. All members meet the current criteria for independence as defined by the New York Stock Exchange. During 2002, the Audit Committee complied with its written charter, as adopted by the Board of Directors. The Committee's revised charter, adopted by the Board in January 2003, is included as an appendix to this Proxy Statement.
The Committee held eight meetings during 2002. The meetings were designed to facilitate and encourage private communication between the Committee and management, the internal auditors, and the Company's independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche. During these meetings, the Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and Deloitte & Touche. The Audit Committee believes that management maintains an effective system of internal controls, which results in fairly presented financial statements.
The discussions with Deloitte & Touche also included the matters required by Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61
, "Communication with Audit Committees", as amended by SAS No. 89, "Audit Adjustments", and No. 90, "Audit Committee Communications." The Audit Committee received from Deloitte & Touche written disclosures and the letter regarding its independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. This information was discussed with Deloitte & Touche. The Audit Committee also has considered whether the provision of the non-audit services described below by Deloitte & Touche is compatible with maintaining its independence and has concluded that it is. Deloitte & Touche provides no internal audit services for the Company.Based on the above-referenced reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Entergy's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation:
Dennis H. Reilley, Chairperson
Claiborne P. Deming
Maureen S. Bateman
Kathleen A. Murphy
George W. Davis
Bismark A. Steinhagen
March 17, 2003
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
On the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Executive Committee (acting between board meetings) appointed Deloitte & Touche as independent accountants for the Corporation, effective August 13, 2001. The Corporation's former independent accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers, were dismissed effective August 13, 2001. The reports issued by PricewaterhouseCoopers on Entergy's financial statements for either of the two most recent fiscal years did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, or any qualification or modification as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During Entergy's two most recent fiscal years and through August 13, 2001, there were no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PricewaterhouseCoopers, would have caused PricewaterhouseCoopers to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports.
The Corporation initially reported the change in accountants on Form 8-K on August 13, 2001. The Form 8-K contained a letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that it agreed with the statements concerning their firm made therein.
A representative of Deloitte & Touche will be present at the meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions by stockholders and will be given an opportunity to make a statement if the representative desires to do so.
Aggregate fees billed to Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively, "Deloitte & Touche"), which includes Deloitte Consulting were as follows:
2002 |
2001 |
|||
Audit Fees |
$3,043,100 |
$2,147,992 |
||
Audit-Related Fees (a) |
392,021 |
381,683 |
||
Total audit and audit-related fees |
3,435,121 |
2,529,675 |
||
Tax Fees (b) |
128,029 |
139,543 |
||
All Other Fees (c) |
35,751 |
1,674,704 |
||
Total Fees (d) |
$3,598,901 |
$4,343,922 |
REPORT OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Introduction
The Personnel Committee of the Entergy Board of Directors has prepared the following report on the philosophy and key drivers of executive compensation, and the compensation that resulted from this process in 2002.
The Personnel Committee, which is composed entirely of non-employee directors, has been given by the entire Board of Directors the responsibility for the review, interpretation and administration of all components of the Company's executive officer compensation programs. The Personnel Committee Charter adopted March 17, 2003, which describes in greater detail the Committee's authority and duties, is attached as Exhibit C.
This report is required by rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and provides specific information regarding compensation for the Company's Chief Executive Officer and for other officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, as well as general compensation information of all executive officers of the Company.
Compensation Philosophy: Objectives and Key Drivers of Executive Compensation
It is the philosophy of Entergy and the Personnel Committee that all compensation programs should:
The Personnel Committee determines competitive levels of compensation using comparative data from an outside survey of similarly sized companies -- in terms of revenue, scope and scale - in general industry and in the energy industry specifically. A nationally recognized compensation consulting firm assists in providing data to the Committee, and in designing various compensation plans.
Executives are compensated with a combination of base pay and incentive pay, and a combination of short-term (annual) awards and long-term awards. The higher the level of the executive, the more compensation is weighted toward incentive pay and long-term awards. This weighting reflects these executives' greater control of and responsibility for Entergy's long-term performance. In addition, executives may elect to defer cash based compensation awards through the Entergy Deferred Compensation Plan, which provides a variety of investment alternatives. The structure of these compensation programs is presented in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Components of Entergy Corporation's Executive Compensation
Description of the 2002 Executive Compensation Program
Base Compensation
To provide a competitive level of compensation, base salaries for Entergy named executives in aggregate are set so that the aggregate base compensation for the group is at the median of the market. The compensation of individual executives can vary, relative to the market median, based on the roles, responsibilities, experience, and performance of each executive.
Base salaries for the Company's executive officers in 2002 were reviewed through comparisons with the market survey data described above. The Personnel Committee considers market base salary rates at the median of energy and general industry companies of comparable size (as measured by revenue), average annual salary increases for executives and overall corporate financial performance. The Personnel Committee also makes a subjective review of individual performance in making decisions on base salaries for executive officers.
The current base salary levels for the named executive officers as a group are consistent with the Company's overall philosophy of targeting the median of the published compensation survey data previously described.
Annual Incentive Compensation
The Executive Annual Incentive Plan (EAIP) is designed to reward management for attainment of short-term performance targets. These include improvement in earnings per share, operating cash flows, control of operation and maintenance costs, and customer satisfaction. The measures have varying weights and are specifically tailored to each executive's responsibilities.
Under Entergy's 2002 annual incentive strategy, executive officer award targets generally were set so that achievement of target performance would lead to total annual compensation at the median of the market survey data. Annual incentive awards earned in 2002 for named executives were in aggregate paid between target and maximum levels based on the Company's results and individual performance.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Entergy's Personnel Committee believes that executive officers should have an ongoing stake in the Company's success. The purpose of long-term incentive compensation is to focus management on creating long-term value for Entergy shareholders.
The Company also believes that these key employees should have a considerable portion of their total compensation tied to the Company's stock price performance and total shareholder return (i.e., stock price appreciation plus dividends) because stock-related compensation is directly tied to shareholder value. Long-term incentive compensation is designed to reward executives based on Entergy's share price, total shareholder return and to increase executives' ownership of Entergy stock.
Long term incentive compensation awards are provided in stock options and performance units. The stock options incentivize management efforts that lead to a long-term increase in the price of Entergy stock. Because stock options are granted at a price equal to 100 percent of fair market value on the day of the grant, recipients realize value from stock options only if Entergy's share price rises.
Performance units are paid in cash based on the value of Entergy stock. These cash payouts reward management for total shareholder returns compared to industry peer companies over a three-year period. For past cycles, and for the 2002-2004 cycle, the S&P Electric Index has been used to represent the peer group. Thus, management does not benefit from general increases in stock prices across the industry, but only from relative performance.
Options vest over a period of three years, with one-third vesting each year, to ensure that management benefits only from sustained increase in the value of Entergy shares. In addition, for awards made in 2003 and beyond, executives are required to invest at least 75 percent of the net gain from option exercise in Entergy stock for a period of not less than five years following the date of exercise. This provision increases management's ownership in Entergy and its stake in its long-term performance.
In 2002, stock options and performance units were set so that achievement of target performance would lead to total annual compensation at the 75th percentile of the market survey data for the aggregate of named executives. Beginning in 2003, the philosophy has been changed to target the median (50th percentile) of market survey data.
Other Benefits
Entergy also provides certain benefits and perquisites to its key executive officers. These benefits and perquisites are not tied to any formal performance criteria and are intended to serve as part of a competitive total compensation package.
Benefits include medical, dental, life insurance, and disability coverage. Perquisites are limited to Entergy-paid annual physical exams for the top 20 executives and financial counseling for the top 60 executives consistent with Entergy's philosophy that direct forms of compensation (e.g., base, annual and long-term incentive pay) are more effective tools for motivating performance.
Entergy's executives have the opportunity to contribute some portion of their compensation to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDCP). Beginning with grants made in 2003, the EOP preclude executives from reloading stock options, repricing stock options, or making discount stock purchases. Entergy's plans do not allow executives to obtain loans.
2002 Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer
This is how Chief Executive Officer Wayne Leonard's 2002 compensation was determined.
Base Compensation - Mr. Leonard's annual compensation from base salary was increased from $897,500 to $962,500 in 2002. The adjustment was intended to maintain a competitive level of compensation for Mr. Leonard and reflected the Personnel Committee's assessment that his performance continues to be very strong.
Annual Incentive Compensation - Based on Entergy's performance on earnings per share and operating cash flow, as well as strong individual performance in developing and implementing Entergy's strategy and serving the interests of Entergy's stakeholders, the Personnel Committee awarded Mr. Leonard an annual cash award of $1,450,400 for 2002.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation - Mr. Leonard received a grant of 330,600 stock options in 2002. These stock options were granted at 100 percent of the fair market value of Entergy Common Stock on the grant date. Stock options are a performance-based element of compensation, in that options produce income for the recipient only if Entergy's stock price rises after the grant date. In addition, Mr. Leonard was awarded $2,372,160 in cash under the performance units program within the EOP for Entergy's total return to shareholders relative to its peers for the three year period ended December 31, 2002.
Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the tax deductibility by a publicly held corporation of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Chief Executive Officer or any other of its four most highly compensated executive officers, unless that compensation is "performance-based compensation" as defined by the Code. Entergy believes that both stock option grants and performance unit payments under the annual and long term incentive plans qualify as performance-based compensation and are not subject to any deductibility limitations under Section 162(m).
The Personnel Committee considers deductibility under Section 162(m) with respect to other compensation arrangements with executive officers. However, the Personnel Committee and the Board believe that it is in the best interest of the Company that the Personnel Committee retain its flexibility and discretion to make compensation awards, whether or not deductible. This flexibility is necessary to foster achievement of performance goals established by the Personnel Committee as well as other corporate goals that the Committee deems important to Entergy's success, such as encouraging employee retention and rewarding achievement.
Personnel Committee Members:
Mr. W. Frank Blount, Chairman
Dr. Norman C. Francis
Mr. Simon DeBree
Mr. William A. Percy, II
Vice Adm. George W. Davis, USN (Ret.)
Mr. James R. Nichols
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN. The following graph compares the performance of the Common Stock of Entergy Corporation to the S&P 500 Index and Philadelphia Utility Index (each of which
includes the Corporation) for the last five years:
Years ended December 31, |
||||||
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
|
Entergy |
$100 |
$109.62 |
$94.45 |
$161.91 |
$154.58 |
$185.90 |
S&P 500 (2) |
$100 |
$128.58 |
$155.63 |
$141.46 |
$124.66 |
$97.12 |
Philadelphia Utility Index (2) |
$100 |
$117.63 |
$96.96 |
$145.91 |
$126.89 |
$103.61 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES
Summary Compensation Table
Long-Term Compensation Annual Compensation Awards Payouts Restricted Securities (a) Other Annual Stock Underlying LTIP All Other Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Awards Options Payouts Compensation(b) J. Wayne Leonard 2002 $962,500 $1,450,400 $5,257 (c) 330,600 shares $2,372,160 $20,517 Chief Executive Officer 2001 897,500 1,684,800 3,709 $ 7,400,000(c)(d) 330,600 0 0 2000 836,538 1,190,000 11,646 (c) 330,600 2,410,413 0 Frank F. Gallaher 2002 $450,461 $471,679 $118,763 (c) 60,000 shares $583,156 $30,294 Senior Vice President 2001 432,828 524,828 161,787 (c) 60,000 0 16,574 2000 416,390 504,642 127,484 (c) 34,500 328,084 13,910 Donald C. Hintz 2002 $629,423 $754,800 $206,963 (c) 160,000 shares $1,408,470 $34,318 President 2001 599,423 779,000 198,321 (c) 160,000 0 21,605 2000 570,096 743,000 104,399 (c) 175,000 1,181,837 26,516 Jerry D. Jackson 2002 $491,281 $513,150 $19,261 (c) 75,898 shares $627,634 $17,600 Executive Vice President 2001 475,345 576,382 19,646 (c) 80,000 0 17,378 2000 458,223 554,214 58,758 (c) 58,500 1,181,575 15,162 C. John Wilder 2002 $521,923 $549,080 $156,683 (c) 131,366 shares $627,634 $24,459 Executive Vice President and 2001 493,128 600,000 158,059 (c) 87,700 0 16,284 Chief Financial Officer 2000 468,392 619,370 148,540 (c) 87,700 953,006 13,919
c. Performance unit (equivalent to shares of Entergy common stock) awards in 2002 are reported under the "Long-Term
Incentive Plan Awards" table, and reference is made to that table for information on the aggregate number of
performance units awarded during 2002 and the vesting schedule for such units. At December 31, 2002, the number
and value of the aggregate performance unit holdings were as follows: Mr. Gallaher 29,700 units, $1,354,023; Mr.
Hintz 66,500 units, $3,031,735; Mr. Jackson 29,700 units, $1,354,023; Mr. Leonard 212,000 units, $9,665,080; and
Mr. Wilder 29,700 units, $1,354,023. Accumulated dividends are paid on performance units when vested. The value
of performance unit holdings as of December 31, 2002 is determined by multiplying the total number of units awarded
by the closing market price of Entergy common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on
December 31, 2002 ($45.59 per share). The value of stock for which restrictions were lifted in 2002 and 2000, and
the applicable portion of accumulated cash dividends, are reported in the LTIP payouts column in the above table.
d. In addition to the performance units granted under the Equity Ownership Plan, in January 2001 Mr. Leonard was
granted 200,000 restricted stock units. 50,000 of the restricted stock units vest on each of December 31, 2001,
December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, based on continued service with Entergy.
Accumulated dividends will not be paid on Mr. Leonard's restricted stock units when vested. The value that Mr.
Leonard may realize is dependent upon both the number of units that vest and the future market price of Entergy
common stock.
Option Grants to the Executive Officers in 2002
Individual Grants Potential Realizable % of Total Value Number of Options at Assumed Annual Securities Granted to Exercise Rates of Stock Underlying Employees Price Price Appreciation Options in (per Expiration for Option Term(b) Name Granted (a) 2002 share) Date 5% 10% J. Wayne Leonard 330,600 4.1% $41.69 2/11/12 $8,667,875 $21,966,097 Frank F. Gallaher 60,000 0.7% 41.69 2/11/12 1,573,117 3,986,587 Donald C. Hintz 160,000 2.0% 41.69 2/11/12 4,194,979 10,630,900 Jerry D. Jackson 50,000 0.6% 41.69 2/11/12 1,310,931 3,322,156 12,949 (c) 0.2% 46.37 1/27/10 272,375 646,414 3,811 (c) 0.1% 45.67 2/01/03 1,421 2,787 4,056 (c) 0.1% 45.67 1/27/04 10,054 20,149 5,082 (c) 0.1% 45.67 1/27/10 105,283 249,864 C. John Wilder 87,700 1.1% 41.69 2/11/12 2,299,373 5,827,062 8,666 (c) 0.1% 46.45 1/27/10 180,225 426,740 1,109 (c) 0.0% 43.85 1/27/10 20,076 46,891 3,891 (c) 0.1% 43.85 1/28/09 58,959 134,054 5,000 (c) 0.1% 43.90 1/28/09 75,849 172,458 5,000 (c) 0.1% 44.00 1/28/09 76,022 172,851 15,000 (c) 0.2% 43.90 1/28/09 227,548 517,375 5,000 (c) 0.1% 43.88 1/28/09 75,815 172,380
Aggregated Option Exercises in 2002 and December 31, 2002 Option Values
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised Underlying Unexercised Options In-the-Money Options Shares Acquired Value as of December 31, 2002 as of December 31,2002 (b) Name on Exercise Realized (a) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable J. Wayne Leonard - $ - 585,600 661,200 $9,916,842 $5,671,944 Frank F. Gallaher 43,000 620,327 11,667 111,500 184,649 837,385 Donald C. Hintz 30,000 624,375 384,499 405,001 6,411,858 4,070,235 Jerry D. Jackson 45,927 930,553 118,304 122,834 1,279,375 1,093,644 C. John Wilder 108,041 1,943,277 75,824 175,401 355,895 1,504,658
Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards in 2002
The following table summarizes the awards of performance units (equivalent to shares of Entergy common stock) granted under the Equity Ownership Plan in 2002 to the Named Executive Officers.
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Stock Price-Based Plans (a) (b) Number of Performance Period Until Name Units Maturation or Payout Threshold Target Maximum J. Wayne Leonard 64,000 1/1/02-12/31/04 8,000 32,000 64,000 Frank F. Gallaher 17,000 1/1/02-12/31/04 2,200 8,500 17,000 Donald C. Hintz 38,000 1/1/02-12/31/04 4,800 19,000 38,000 Jerry D. Jackson 17,000 1/1/02-12/31/04 2,200 8,500 17,000 C. John Wilder 17,000 1/1/02-12/31/04 2,200 8,500 17,000
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Entergy has two plans that grant stock options, equity awards, and incentive awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries. The Equity Ownership Plan is a shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plan. The Equity Awards Plan is a Board-approved stock-based compensation plan. The following table summarizes information about Entergy's stock options awarded under these plans.
Weighted Number of Securities Average Number of to be Issued Upon Exercise Securities Plan Exercise of Price Remaining Outstanding Options Available for Future Issuance Equity Ownership Plan 3,963,349 $34.96 8,614,275 Equity Awards Plan 15,979,765 36.07 5,671,792 ---------- ------ ---------- Total 19,943,114 $35.85 14,286,067========== ====== ==========
As part of its decision to seek stockholder re-approval of the Equity Ownership Plan (see below), the Personnel Committee has directed that no further awards be issued under the Equity Awards Plan, effective upon stockholder approval of the Equity Ownership Plan.
RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN. The Corporation has a defined benefit plan for employees, including executive officers, that provides for a retirement benefit calculated by multiplying the number of years of employment by 1.5% which is then multiplied by the final average pay. A single employee receives a lifetime annuity and a married employee receives a reduced benefit with a 50% surviving spouse annuity. Retirement benefits are not subject to any deduction for social security or other offset amounts. The credited years of service under the plan, as of December 31, 2002, were for Mr. Gallaher (33), for Mr. Jackson (23) and for Mr. Leonard (4). Because they entered into supplemental retirement agreements, the credited years of service under this plan were for Mr. Hintz (31) and for Mr. Wilder (19).The following table shows the annual retirement benefits that would be paid at normal retirement (age 65 or later) and includes covered compensation for the executive officers included in the salary column of the summary compensation table on page 21.
Retirement Income Plan Table (1)
Annual Covered Years of Service Compensation 15 20 25 30 35 $100,000 $ 22,500 $ 30,000 $ 37,500 $ 45,000 $ 52,500 200,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 105,000 300,000 67,500 90,000 112,500 135,000 157,500 400,000 90,000 120,000 150,000 180,000 210,000 500,000 112,500 150,000 187,500 225,000 262,500 650,000 146,250 195,000 243,750 292,500 341,250 950,000 213,750 285,000 356,250 427,500 498,750
PENSION EQUALIZATION PAYMENTS. Supplemental retirement benefits are provided to all executive officers and other participants whose benefits are limited under the qualified plans by applicable federal tax laws and regulations equal to the difference between the benefits that would have been payable under the qualified plans but for the applicable limitations and the benefits that are indicated in the above referenced pension table.
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLANS. Two other supplemental plans are offered to executive officers. Executives may participate in one or the other of these supplemental plans at the invitation of the Corporation. These plans provide that a participant may receive a monthly payment for 120 months. The amount of monthly payment shall not exceed 2.5% or 3.33%, depending upon the plan, of the participant's average basic annual pay (as defined in the plans). Current estimates indicate that the annual payments to any executive officer under either of these two plans would be less than the payments to that officer under the System Executive Retirement Plan discussed below.
Receipt of benefits under any of the supplemental retirement plans described above is contingent upon several factors. The participant must agree not to take any employment after retirement with any entity that is in competition with or similar in nature to the Corporation or any affiliated company. Benefits are forfeitable for various reasons, including a violation of an agreement with the Corporation or resignation or termination of employment for any reason without the Corporation's permission.
The credited years of service for the Named Executive Officers under this plan are as follows: Mr. Gallaher (33), Mr. Hintz (31), Mr. Jackson (29) and Mr. Wilder (4).
The following table shows the annual retirement benefits that would be paid at normal retirement (age 65 or later).
System Executive Retirement Plan Table (1)
Annual Covered Years of Service Pay 10 15 20 25 30+ $200,000 $60,000 $ 90,000 $100,000 $110,000 $120,000 300,000 90,000 135,000 150,000 165,000 180,000 400,000 120,000 180,000 200,000 220,000 240,000 500,000 150,000 225,000 250,000 275,000 300,000 600,000 180,000 270,000 300,000 330,000 360,000 700,000 210,000 315,000 350,000 385,000 420,000 1,000,000 300,000 450,000 500,000 550,000 600,000
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND RETIREMENT AGREEMENTS. Upon completion of a transaction resulting in a change-in-control of Entergy (a "Merger"), benefits already accrued under Entergy's System Executive Retirement Plan, Post-Retirement Plan, Supplemental Retirement Plan and Pension Equalization Plan will become fully vested if the participant is involuntarily terminated without "cause" or terminates employment for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in such plans).
EXECUTIVE RETENTION AGREEMENTS
Retention Agreement with Mr. Leonard - The retention agreement with Mr. Leonard provides that upon a termination of employment while a Merger is pending (a) by Entergy without "cause" or by Mr. Leonard for "good reason", as such terms are defined in the agreement, other than a termination of employment described in the next paragraph, or (b) by reason of Mr. Leonard's death or disability:
If Mr. Leonard's employment is terminated by Entergy for "cause" at any time, or by Mr. Leonard without "good reason" and without Entergy's permission prior to his attainment of age 55, Mr. Leonard will forfeit his supplemental retirement benefit. If Mr. Leonard's employment is terminated by Mr. Leonard without "good reason" with Entergy's permission prior to his attainment of age 55, Mr. Leonard will be entitled to a supplemental retirement benefit, reduced by 6.5% for each year that the termination date precedes his attainment of age 55, payable commencing upon Mr. Leonard's attainment of age 62. If Mr. Leonard's employment is terminated by Mr. Leonard without "good reason" following his attainment of age 55, Mr. Leonard will be entitled to his full supplemental retirement benefit. The amounts payable under the agreement will be funded in a rabbi trust.
Employment Agreement with Mr. Gallaher - The employment agreement between Mr. Gallaher and his Entergy employer supercedes all prior agreements with Entergy and provides as follows:
Retention agreement with Mr. Hintz - The retention agreement with Mr. Hintz provides that Mr. Hintz will be paid an initial retention payment of approximately $2.8 million on the date on which a Merger is completed and an additional retention payment of approximately $2.3 million on the second anniversary of the completion of a Merger if he remains employed on each of those dates. The agreement also provides that upon termination of employment while a Merger is pending and for two years after completion (a) by Mr. Hintz for "good reason" or by Entergy without "cause", as such terms are defined in the agreement or (b) by reason of Mr. Hintz's death or disability:
Retention Agreement with Mr. Jackson - The retention agreement with Mr. Jackson provides that upon retirement in accordance with the agreement, Mr. Jackson: (a) will be entitled to a subsidized retirement benefit equal to the applicable nonqualified retirement benefit payable to Mr. Jackson without reduction for early retirement ("Subsidized Retirement Benefit"); and (b) may enter into a consulting arrangement with Entergy through March 31, 2005, under terms and conditions set forth in the agreement.
Pursuant to the agreement, should Mr. Jackson experience a Qualifying Event (as defined in the agreement) after the Successor Placement Date (as defined in the agreement) but before March 31, 2003, he shall not be entitled to benefits under the System Executive Continuity Plan but shall instead be entitled to the following:
Additionally, Mr. Jackson is entitled to certain benefits, as described in the agreement, in the event of a change in control (as defined in the System Executive Continuity Plan) after which Entergy or its successor company fails to honor Mr. Jackson's consulting arrangement.
Retention Agreement with Mr. Wilder - The retention agreement with Mr. Wilder provides that if Mr. Wilder terminates his employment without "good reason" and prior to a termination for "cause," as those terms are defined in his agreement, Entergy will pay to him a lump sum cash severance payment equal to three times the sum of his base salary and target annual award and a "gross-up" payment in respect of any excise taxes he might incur.
The agreement also provides that, as a substitute for the above entitlement, upon termination of employment (a) by Mr. Wilder for "good reason" or by Entergy without "cause", as such terms are defined in the agreement, in each case prior to the termination of a Merger or prior to the second anniversary of the completion of a Merger, (b) by reason of Mr. Wilder's death or disability while a Merger is pending and for two years after completion of a Merger or (c) for any reason following the second anniversary of a Merger:
If Mr. Wilder terminates employment without good reason and other than on account of death or disability, on or after the completion of a Merger and before the second anniversary of the completion of a Merger:
PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED 1998 EQUITY OWNERSHIP PLAN
The Personnel Committee has approved and recommends that the stockholders vote for the approval of the Entergy Corporation Amended and Restated 1998 Equity Ownership Plan (the "EOP") to supercede the 1998 Equity Ownership Plan (the "1998 Plan"). The Personnel Committee believes the EOP will enhance the Company's ability to attract and retain outstanding employees and align their interests with those of the stockholders. The EOP is designed to allow amounts paid and stock issued upon grant performance units or exercise of stock options to qualify as performance-based compensation that is deductible under IRS Code Section. 162(m) provided that all other requirements for exempt status of such compensation are followed.
The Personnel Committee's approval and recommendation of the EOP follows a review and evaluation of Entergy's existing compensation plans and a comparison of those plans with the programs offered by comparable companies. While the EOP represents, in part, a continuation of Entergy's stock option program, it also provides flexibility in the form and payment of awards to meet changing business needs.
The EOP includes provisions which provide for the grant or award of (a) stock options, (b) restricted stock, and (c) other awards payable in cash. The EOP would permit total equity-based awards from the effective date through the life of the EOP of up to 7,900,000 shares.
A summary of the EOP follows.
At the Annual Meeting the stockholders will vote on the approval of the EOP.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE ENTERGY CORPORATION AMENDED AND RESTATED 1998 EQUITY OWNERSHIP PLAN.
HISTORY OF THE EOP
The EOP that is proposed to be approved by stockholders began as the 1991 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries (the "1991 Plan"). The 1991 Plan was itself amended and restated in 1998. This amendment and restatement of the 1991 Plan was approved by stockholders, resulting in the 1998 Plan. The 1998 Plan has been amended several times since 1998, so that change in control provisions are now part of the EOP and the ability to defer taxable gain has been expressly addressed.
In addition, an additional plan, the Equity Awards Plan (the "EAP"), was authorized in 2000. Because some senior executives were prohibited from participation in the EAP, stockholder approval was neither sought nor required. As part of its decision to seek re-approval of the EOP, the Personnel Committee has directed that no further awards be issued under the EAP, effective upon the approval of the EOP by stockholders.
A table showing the number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, and the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under both the EOP and the EAP can be found above in the discussion of executive compensation under the heading "Equity Compensation Plan Information." In 2002, approximately 2,200 employees participated in the EAP or the EOP.
MATERIAL CHANGES TO THE EOP
The EOP makes several revisions to the 1998 Plan. First, two of the four award types, performance units and equity awards, have been effectively combined and are payable only in cash. The provisions relating to stock options have been revised in a number of respects, the most significant of which are:
Also, while there was no cap on restricted share grants under the 1998 Plan, the EOP limits the aggregate number of restricted shares that may be granted to 1,500,000 shares.
In addition, under the EOP, there is now a limit on cash awards. Specifically, the total value of all performance units available to be granted to the named executives in the Compensation Table in any period may not exceed 1% of operating cash flow, and the value of performance units available to any one individual during a single period may not exceed .5% of operating cash flow for the period. Performance shares have been eliminated. Finally, under the EOP, payments made to certain executives are allowed to be deferred into the Company's Executive Deferral Compensation Plan, and authority is granted to the Personnel Committee or its delegatee to determine whether other investment options should be available for amounts held in EOP deferral accounts. All of these changes would only apply to grants or elections made after the effective date, which is February 13, 2003 if the EOP is approved by stockholders.
SUMMARY OF THE EOP
Term
If approved by the stockholders, the EOP will be effective as of February 13, 2003.
Purpose
The purpose of the EOP is to align the personal financial interests of key employees with the Company's stockholders. The EOP includes provisions for awarding stock options, restricted stock, and awards payable in cash to key employees.
Administration
The EOP will be administered by the Personnel Committee. Subject to the terms of the EOP, the Personnel Committee has authority:
Eligibility
Eligibility under the EOP is limited to employees of the Company and its affiliates. The Personnel Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine which employees are eligible to participate in the EOP, and only those employees identified by the Personnel Committee as able to affect the equity value of the Company through significant contributions to Company profitability and growth will be selected for participation.
Securities subject to the EOP
Currently, up to 15,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued under the 1998 Plan, and approximately 7,100,000 of those shares have been issued. Because the EOP does not seek an increase in the number of authorized shares, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued after the effective date under the EOP in satisfaction of exercised options or restricted stock is 7,900,000. No more than 1,500,000 of the 7,900,000 shares available under the EOP may be used for grants of restricted stock to eligible employees. If any stock option granted pursuant to the EOP terminates, expires or lapses, or any restricted stock granted pursuant to the EOP is forfeited, any shares of Common Stock subject to such option or restricted stock will again be available for grant.
In the event of a stock split, merger, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend or other event described under the terms of the EOP, the Personnel Committee will make appropriate adjustments to the number of shares subject to grants previously made to participants, in the exercise price per share of stock options previously granted to participants and in the number and kinds of shares which may be distributed under the EOP.
Stock Options.
The EOP authorizes grants of stock options to eligible employees from time to time as determined by the Personnel Committee. Subject to the limits of the EOP, the Personnel Committee may grant options under the EOP for such number of shares and having such terms as the Personnel Committee designates; however, the maximum number of options that may be granted to any one employee under the EOP may not exceed 1,000,000 after the effective date.Each stock option shall have an exercise price that is not less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted.
Payment for shares received upon exercise of a stock option may be made by an optionee in cash, shares of Common Stock, shares of Common Stock subject to restrictions, a combination of the foregoing, through a cashless exercise with a broker, or, in the discretion of the Personnel Committee, by the Company withholding shares of Common Stock equal in value to the exercise price of the stock option. The EOP requires senior executives to retain at least 75% of their after tax net profit in Common Stock for 60 months, unless their full-time employment ceases before the expiration of that 60 month holding period.
The Personnel Committee is authorized to determine whether and how an optionee may exercise his or her options after an optionee ceases to be an employee for any reason including total disability, death or retirement (as defined under the EOP).
Under no circumstances will any option be exercisable after it has terminated or expired.
Restricted Stock. The Personnel Committee will determine the nature and extent of the restrictions on grants of restricted stock, the duration of such restrictions, and any circumstances under which restricted shares will be forfeited. Restricted shares will be deposited with the Company while any restrictions remain in place. Except as otherwise provided by the Personnel Committee during any such period of restriction, recipients shall have all of the rights of a holder of Common Stock, including but not limited to voting rights and the right to receive dividends. The Personnel Committee may establish rules concerning the impact of the termination of employment (by reason of retirement, total disability, death or otherwise) on the applicability of any outstanding restrictions.
Cash Awards. The EOP permits the Personnel Committee to grant cash awards in two forms: performance units and equity awards.
To determine the value of performance units, the Personnel Committee will establish the time period of not less than one year over which performance will be measured (the "Performance Period") and the criteria to be used by the Personnel Committee to evaluate the Company's performance with respect to each Performance Period. Such criteria may include financial or operating measures of the Company or its divisions, such as pretax income, net income, earnings per share, revenue, expenses, return on assets, return on equity, return on investment, net profit margin, operating profit margin, operating cash flow, total stockholder return, capitalization, liquidity, results of customer satisfaction surveys and other measures of quality, safety, productivity, cost management or process improvement or other criteria established by the Personnel Committee, or they may be based on the Company's performance compared with one or more selected companies. The EOP permits the Personnel Committee to grant equity awards to eligible employees from time to time. An equity award consists of the ability to purchase a phantom unit, equal in value to one share of Common Stock. Payment of earned performance units and equity awards will be made to participants in cash.
The value of all performance units granted under the EOP during a calendar year will not exceed 1% of the operating cash flow for the Company during the relevant performance period as calculated by the Personnel Committee, and the value of all performance units granted to an individual under the EOP during a performance period will not exceed 0.5% of the operating cash flow for the Company during the relevant performance period as calculated by the Personnel Committee.
Deferral of Payment
The EOP allows payments to executives above a certain level to be deferred through the purchase of Equity Awards. Also, subject to the terms of the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the "EDCP"), an officer or other key employee eligible to participate in the EDCP may defer the receipt of some or all of the cash or Common Stock receivable pursuant to a stock option or other grant.
Amendment
The Board may at any time terminate or amend the EOP in any respect. No amendment or termination of the EOP may, without the consent of an affected participant, alter or impair any of the rights or obligations under any options or other rights theretofore granted such participant under the EOP.
Change in Control
In the event of a change in control, any outstanding options held by senior executives that have not yet vested shall vest effective as of such date, restrictions on restricted stock held by senior executives shall lapse, and senior executives who have previously been awarded performance units shall earn no less than the participant would have earned if the performance period terminated as of such date.
A change in control occurs (a) if any person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of Entergy's outstanding Common Stock, (b) upon the consummation of a merger or consolidation of Entergy with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation where the Board of Directors immediately preceding the transaction constitutes a majority of the Board immediately following the transaction, (c) upon shareholder approval of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Entergy, or the consummation of an agreement to sell substantially all of the assets of Entergy, or (d) upon a change in any two year period in a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Entergy, as defined in the EOP.
Federal Income Tax Effects
The federal income tax consequences applicable to the Company in connection with stock option, restricted stock, performance units or equity awards are complex and depend, in large part, on the surrounding facts and circumstances. Under current federal income tax laws, unless deferred, a participant will generally recognize income with respect to grants of restricted stock, stock options, performance units or equity awards, as follows:
Other Matters
Entergy is unable to provide meaningful disclosure as to what benefits will be payable under the EOP because payments are contingent on performance goals that have not been set and the number of participants and the amount of stock options or performance shares to be awarded, which have not been determined. Under the 1998 Plan, however, the Personnel Committee granted options in January of 2003 to named executive officers as follows: Leonard, 195,000; Gallaher, 20,000; Hintz, 80,000; Jackson, 10,000; and Wilder, 60,000. A total of 664,500 options were granted under the 1998 Plan, all to executive officers. The strike price of these options is $44.45. Options granted to the named executive officers in 2002 are reported on the Option Grant Table, and the securities exercisable under all of these grants are included in the Equity Compensation Plan Information table.
PROPOSAL 3 - APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
The Personnel Committee has approved and recommends that the Stockholders vote for the approval of the Entergy Corporation Executive Annual Incentive Plan (the "EAIP"). The Board of Directors believes "at risk" compensation is a significant factor in stimulating executive performance to increase stockholder value. The EAIP is designed to link pay and performance by providing Entergy's officers with the opportunity to receive an annual cash award based on the achievement of pre-established performance goals.
The EAIP is structured to allow that, to the extent that applicable requirements are satisfied, any amounts in excess of $1 million paid under the EAIP to the Chief Executive Officer and the other officers of the Company listed in the Summary Compensation Table qualify as performance-based compensation deductible for federal income tax purposes under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("IRS Code"), and the applicable regulations. Stockholder approval is required to satisfy the requirements of IRS Code Section 162(m).
The EAIP will afford flexibility in the form and payment of awards to meet changing business needs. The Board's approval and recommendation of the EAIP follows a review and evaluation of the Company's existing compensation plans and a comparison with incentive compensation plans offered by other comparable companies to their key employees. A summary of the EAIP follows.
At the Annual Meeting the Stockholders will vote on the approval of the EAIP.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE ENTERGY CORPORATION EXECUTIVE ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN.
SUMMARY OF THE EXECUTIVE ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
Term
If approved by the Stockholders, the EAIP, as amended, will be effective for grants and elections made after January 1, 2003, and will continue until terminated by the Board. The terms of the EAIP prior to this amendment will continue to govern any payments that may be made for the 2002 plan year.
Purpose
The EAIP links pay and performance by providing Entergy's officers with an opportunity to receive an annual cash award based upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals. The performance goals are determined by the Personnel Committee and are intended to align the interests of plan participants with those of Entergy and its shareholders.
Administration
The EAIP will be administered by the Personnel Committee. Subject to the terms of the EAIP, the Personnel Committee will have the authority to determine the size, terms and conditions of awards under the EAIP, to construe and interpret the EAIP, to amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding award to the extent such terms and conditions are within the sole discretion of the Personnel Committee as provided in the EAIP, and to make all other determinations which may be necessary or advisable for administration of the EAIP.
Eligibility
All employees of Entergy or its 80% owned subsidiaries as of the last fiscal quarter of the performance period at the approximate equivalent of a corporate Vice President, are eligible to participate in the EAIP for that performance period.
Awards Under the EAIP
Not later than 90 days after the beginning of each performance period, the Personnel Committee will select one or more performance measures, establish written performance goals with respect to each selected performance measure and determine the award opportunities for that performance period.
The performance measures may be based on any combination of corporate, division and/or individual goals. For each performance measure, the Personnel Committee will establish performance goals which will be used to determine award opportunities. For example, the Personnel Committee may establish various levels of Company pretax income as performance goals and link each such performance goal to an award opportunity. The performance measures, performance goals and award opportunities may vary among officers and from year to year. The Personnel Committee may establish minimum levels of performance goal achievement below which grants will not be made.
As soon as practicable after the end of the performance period, the Personnel Committee will assess performance to determine what payments, if any, will be made under the EAIP for each of the Company's officers.
The EAIP provides that the total amount payable for one performance period to named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable period shall not exceed 1% of Entergy's operating cash flow for the performance period and the amount payable to any one named officer under the EAIP for a performance period shall not exceed 0.5% of Entergy's operating cash flow for the performance period.
The EAIP provides that the performance measures that may serve as determinants of an officer's award opportunities may consist of financial and operating measures of Entergy or its divisions such as pretax income, net income, earnings per share, revenues, expenses, return on assets, return on equity, return on investment, net profit margin, operating profit margin, operating cash flow, total stockholder return, capitalization, liquidity, results of customer satisfaction surveys and other measures of quality, safety, productivity or process improvement, or other measures as determined by the Personnel Committee. Performance goals may be determined solely by reference to the performance of the Company, its subsidiaries or limited liability companies, or any division or unit of the Company, or they may be based upon comparisons of any of the performance measures relative to other companies. In assessing a performance goal with respect to any of these performance measures, the Personnel Committee may exclude the impact of any event or occurrence which the Personnel Committee determines should appropriately be excluded, such as a restructuring or other nonrecurring charge, an event either not directly related to the operations of the Company or not within the reasonable control of the Company's management, or a change in accounting standards required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As provided in the EAIP, the Personnel Committee has negative discretion to reduce or eliminate any or all final grants that would otherwise be paid. However, the Personnel Committee may not exercise discretion to increase the amount otherwise payable to an officer.
In the event that changes are made to IRS Code Section 162(m) or the regulations thereunder to permit greater flexibility with respect to any award opportunities under the EAIP, the Personnel Committee may exercise such greater flexibility consistent with the terms of the EAIP without regard to the restrictive provisions of the EAIP.
Payment of Awards
Amounts due under the EAIP are payable as soon as practicable after the payment is approved by the Personnel Committee. Subject to the terms of the Company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the "EDCP"), an officer eligible to participate in the EDCP may defer the receipt of some or all of the officer's payment. If all or a portion of an officer's payment is not deductible by the Company under Section 162(m), the Personnel Committee may, in its discretion, require that payment of the nondeductible portion of the payment be deferred under a Company sponsored deferred compensation plan.
If during a performance period the officer ceases to be a regular, full time employee of the Company for a reason other than death, total disability or retirement, the officer's eligibility under the EAIP shall terminate and no amounts will be paid to that officer under the EAIP. In the event a participating officer (who was an officer as of the first day of a performance period) terminates employment due to death, total disability or retirement, that officer shall be entitled to a portion of his or her potential payment, as determined by Administrative Guidelines.
Amendments
The Personnel Committee may modify, amend, suspend or terminate the EAIP at any time.
Other Matters
As discussed above, amounts that may be paid under the EAIP for fiscal 2003 and future years are dependent on the attainment of performance goals established by the Personnel Committee, as well as the Personnel Committee's authority, subject to the terms of the EAIP, to reduce or eliminate such grants. Accordingly, the amounts, if any, that may be paid under the EAIP in the future cannot presently be determined. If the Stockholders do not approve the EAIP, it will continue in effect, but compensation paid under it will not be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Personnel Committee will review the Company's executive compensation program in light of such vote and the principles described in its Report on Executive Compensation.
PROPOSAL 4 - STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL CONCERNING "POISON PILLS"
The Corporation has been advised that Mr. Emil Rossi, P.O. Box 249, Boonville, CA 95415, a holder of 558 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, proposes to submit the following resolution to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:
"This is to recommend that the Board of Directors redeem any poison pill previously issued (if applicable) and not adopt or extend any poison pill unless such adoption or extension has been submitted to a shareholder vote."
STATEMENT OF SECURITY HOLDER.
4 - Shareholder Vote on Poison Pills
This topic won an average 60%-yes vote at 50 companies in 2002
Harvard Report
A 2001 Harvard Business School study found that good corporate governance (which took into account whether a company has a poison pill) was positively and significantly related to company value. This study, conducted with the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, reviewed the relationship between the corporate governance index for 1,500 companies and company performance from 1990 to 1999.
Some believe that a company with good governance will perform better over time, leading to a higher stock price. Others see good governance as a means of reducing risk, as they believe it decreases the likelihood of bad things happening to a company.
Since the 1980s Fidelity, a mutual fund giant with $800 billion invested, has withheld votes for directors at companies that have approved poison pills, Wall Street Journal, June 12, 2002.
Council of Institutional Investors Recommendation
The Council of Institutional Investors www.cii.org, an organization of 120 pension funds which invests $1.5 trillion, called for shareholder approval of poison pills. In recent years, various companies have been willing to redeem existing poison pills or seek shareholder approval for their poison pill. This includes Columbia/HCA, McDermott International and Bausch & Lomb. I believe that our company should follow suit and allow shareholder participation.
Shareholder Vote on Poison Pills
Yes on 4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSE: Your Board of Directors notes that a substantially similar proposal by this proponent received a 79% favorable vote at last year's Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Entergy has never had a poison pill and the present Board has no intention of implementing a poison pill.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS DOES NOT MAKE A RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING PROPOSAL 4.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2004 MEETING
For a stockholder proposal to be included in the proxy statement for our next annual meeting, including a proposal for the election of a director, the proposal must be received by the Corporation at its principal offices no later than November 27, 2003. Also, under our Bylaws, stockholders must give advance notice of nominations for director or other business to be addressed at the meeting not later than the close of business on March 12, 2004 and not earlier than February 14, 2004.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Robert v.d. Luft
Chairman of the Board.
Dated: March 26, 2003
Exhibit A
ENTERGY CORPORATION
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Purpose
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and assists the Board in oversight of (1) the integrity of the financial statements, (2) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) the system of internal controls, (4) the independent auditor's qualifications and independence, and (5) the performance of the internal audit function and independent auditors. The Committee reports to the Board on a quarterly or as-needed basis.
The Audit Committee shall prepare the report, required by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, to be included in Entergy's annual Proxy Statement.
Organization
Membership will consist of four or more directors and will comply with the New York Stock Exchange and SEC independence and experience requirements. At least one Audit Committee member shall be a financial expert as defined by the SEC. Committee members shall not simultaneously serve on the Audit Committees of more than two other public companies. The Board shall appoint the Audit Committee Chairman, who generally shall serve at least two years. Meetings shall be held at least four times per year. The Committee shall meet periodically with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditor, in separate executive sessions. Additionally, the internal auditors and the independent auditor may meet with the Committee without restriction.
Authority
General: The Committee has unrestricted authority to investigate any Entergy or subsidiary activity. The Committee may request assistance from the independent auditors, internal auditors, management, and others with special competence. It also has the authority, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, to retain independent legal, accounting, or other advisors. Entergy shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of compensation to the independent auditor for the purpose of rendering or issuing an audit report and to any advisors employed by the Committee.
Financial Reporting: Recommend to the Board whether the audited financial statements should be included in Entergy's Form 10-K.
Compliance: Advise the Board with respect to policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with Entergy's Code of Conduct.
Independent Auditor
: The independent auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee and the Committee has sole authority to appoint or replace the independent auditor. The Committee shall be directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or its related work. The Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for the Company by its independent auditor. The Committee shall adopt policies that help assure the independent auditor's independence, including policies for Entergy's hiring of the independent auditor's employees or former employees.Internal Audit: The Committee shall review and approve the Internal Audit Charter and the appointment or dismissal of the Vice President, Risk Management & General Auditor or person performing a similar function.
Responsibility
Financial Reporting:
Business Risks
:Independent Auditor
:
Responsibility (Cont'd.)
Internal Audit
:Committee Effectiveness and Scope
:
Approved this 31st day of January 2003 by the Board of Directors, Entergy Corporation.
Exhibit B
ENTERGY CORPORATION
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
Purposes
The purpose of the Committee is to a) provide oversight on the broad range of issues surrounding the composition and operation of the Board of Directors, including identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, recommending to the Board director nominees to be elected at the annual meeting of shareholders and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Corporation, and b) advise management regarding governmental, regulatory and public relations matters.
Composition
Size. The size of the Committee shall be determined by the Board, but it must always have at least three members.
Qualifications. Each Committee member must satisfy the applicable independence requirements set forth in the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
Appointment and Removal. The Board selects Committee members, including the Committee's Chair, based on recommendations of the Corporate Governance Committee. Each Committee member will serve at the pleasure of the Board for such term as the Board may decide or until such Committee member is no longer a Board member.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee shall include the following:
10. To make recommendations to the Board concerning the Board's duty to conduct an annual self-evaluation.
11. To periodically review and recommend to the Board compensation to be paid to non-employee Directors.
12. To specify the desired components of director orientation and to oversee and make periodic recommendations
13. To review annually with the Board whether the roles of Chairman of the Board and CEO should be separate or
14. To review any substantial charitable contributions by the Company or its affiliates to any organization with which
15. To meet with any director who does not attend at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board
16. To review and to counsel management concerning governmental, regulatory and public relations matters.
17. To review and to counsel management concerning public policy issues and concerning equal opportunity in all
18. To perform an annual performance evaluation of the committee.
Meetings
The Committee will meet as frequently as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this Charter. The Committee Chair will, in consultation with the other members of the Committee and appropriate officers of the Company, establish the agenda for each Committee meeting. Any Committee member may suggest items to be included on the agenda. Committee members may also raise subjects that are not on the agenda at any meeting. The Committee Chair or a majority of the Committee members may call a meeting of the Committee at any time. A majority of the number of Committee members selected by the Board will constitute a quorum for conducting business at a meeting of the Committee. The act of a majority of Committee members present at a Committee meeting at which a quorum is in attendance will be the act of the Committee, unless a greater number is required by law or by the Company's certificate of incorporation or its bylaws. The Committee Chair will supervise the conduct of the meetings and will have other responsibilities as the Committee may specify from time to time.
The Committee may request any officer or other employee of the Company, or any representative of the Company's legal counsel or other advisors, to attend a meeting or to meet with any members or representatives of the Committee. Any Committee member may be excused from a meeting to permit the remaining members of the Committee to act on any matter in which such member's participation is not appropriate, and such member's absence shall not destroy the quorum for the meeting.
Delegation
The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate all or a portion of its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to any other body or individual.
Resources and Authority
The Committee shall have appropriate resources and sole authority to discharge its responsibilities, including, without limitation, appropriate funding, in such amounts as the Committee deems necessary, to compensate any consultants or any other advisors retained by the Committee. The Committee may also retain independent counsel and other independent advisors to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities. The Committee may also direct management to assist the Committee in any of its duties.
Annual Review
At least annually, the Committee will (a) review this Charter with the Board and recommend any changes to the Board and (b) evaluate its own performance against the requirements of this Charter and report the results of this evaluation to the Board. The evaluation will include establishment of the goals and objectives of the Committee for the upcoming year. The Committee will conduct its review and evaluation in such manner as it deems appropriate.
Consistent with New York Stock Exchange listing requirements, this Charter will be included on the Company's website and will be made available in print upon a request sent to the Company's Secretary. The Company's annual report to stockholders will state that this Charter is available on the Company's website and will be available in print upon a request sent to the Company's Secretary.
March 17, 2003
Exhibit C
ENTERGY CORPORATION
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE CHARTER
Purposes
The Personnel Committee (Committee) establishes and administers the Company's policies, programs and procedures for hiring, promoting, and setting compensation for its executive officers (i.e., Chairman, CEO, President, Executive Vice President). The Committee discharges the Board's responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company's executive officers and produces a report on executive compensation for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement for its annual meeting of stockholders in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
The Committee also reviews other major employee matters, including workforce diversity, safety, and compensation.
The Committee serves as the sole decision-maker concerning issues relating to executive compensation in accordance with applicable tax and securities laws.
The Committee monitors performance and developmental activities of the executive officer team.
Composition
Size. The size of the Committee shall be determined by the Board, but it must always have at least three members.
Qualifications. Each Committee member must satisfy the applicable independence requirements set forth in the New York Stock Exchange Rules and tax and securities laws. Desirable qualifications for Committee members include experience in business management, executive compensation, employee benefits, and human resources.
Appointment and Removal. The Board selects Committee members, including the Committee's Chair, based on recommendations of the Corporate Governance Committee. Each Committee member will serve at the pleasure of the Board for such term as the Board may decide or until such Committee member is no longer a Board member. The Chairman of the Committee shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board, serve at least two years as Chair.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are:
Meetings
The Committee will meet as frequently as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this Charter, but in no case shall this be less than four times per year. The Committee Chair will, in consultation with the other members of the Committee and appropriate Company management, establish the agenda for each Committee meeting. Any Committee member may suggest items to be included on the agenda. Committee members may also raise subjects that are not on the agenda at any meeting. The Committee Chair or a majority of the Committee members may call a meeting of the Committee at any time. A majority of the number of Committee members selected by the Board will constitute a quorum for conducting business at a meeting of the Committee. The act of a majority of Committee members present at a Committee meeting at which a quorum is in attendance will be the act of the Committee, unless a greater number is required by law or by the Company's certificate of incorporation or its by-laws. The Committee Chair will supervise the conduct of the meetings.
The Committee may request any officer or other employee of the Company, or any representative of the Company's legal counsel or other advisors, to attend a meeting or to meet with any members or representatives of the Committee.
Delegation
The Committee may delegate all or a portion of its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to any other body or individual. In particular, the Committee may delegate the approval of certain transactions to a subcommittee consisting solely of three or more members of the Committee.
Resources and Authority
The Committee shall have appropriate resources and authority to discharge its responsibilities, including, appropriate funding, in such amounts as the Committee deems necessary, to compensate any consultants or any other advisors retained by the Committee. The Committee will have the sole authority to retain and terminate compensation consultants to assist in the evaluation of executive officer compensation and the sole authority to approve the fees and other retention terms of such compensation consultants. The Committee may also retain independent counsel and other independent advisors to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities. The Committee may also direct management to assist the Committee in any of its duties.
Annual Review
At least annually, the Committee will (a) review this Charter and recommend any changes to the Board and (b) evaluate its own performance against the requirements of this Charter and report the results of this evaluation to the Board. The evaluation will include establishment of the goals and objectives of the Committee for the upcoming year. The Committee will conduct its review and evaluation in such manner as it deems appropriate.
Consistent with New York Stock Exchange listing requirements, this Charter will be included on the Company's website and will be made available in print upon a request sent to the Company's Secretary. The Company's annual report to stockholders will state that this Charter is available on the Company's website and will be available in print upon a request sent to the Company's Secretary.
March 17, 2003
Exhibit D
ENTERGY CORPORATION
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
1. Responsibility of the Board
The primary mission of the Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation is to advance the interests of the Company's stockholders by creating a valuable long-term business. The Board believes that this mission is best served by establishing a corporate culture of accountability, responsibility and ethical behavior through the careful selection and evaluation of senior management and members of the Board and by carrying out the Board's responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
In discharging their obligations, directors should be entitled to rely on the honesty and integrity of the Company's senior executives and its outside advisors and auditors. Board members are expected to rigorously prepare for, attend, and participate in all Board meetings and meetings of Board committees on which they serve and to devote the time necessary to appropriately discharge their responsibilities. Each Board member is expected to ensure that other commitments do not materially interfere with the member's service as a director.
2. Selection of Chairman and CEO
The Entergy Board elects both the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, but it does not have a set policy concerning whether or not the roles of the Chairman of the Board and CEO should be combined or separate. The Board will review this structure on an annual basis through the Corporate Governance Committee. Should the Board combine the roles of Chairman of the Board and CEO, it will then consider the advisability of appointing a lead independent director.
3. Standing Committees; Independent Advisors
A committee structure of six standing committees is appropriate: Executive, Audit, Nuclear, Personnel, Corporate Governance and Finance. The Board may create or disband committees to accommodate changing circumstances. Members of the Audit Committee, the Personnel Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee will be independent under criteria established buy the New York Stock Exchange. The Board and each committee may, as it deems necessary and appropriate, retain independent counsel and other independent advisors.
4. Assignment and Rotation of Committee Members
The Chairman of the Board and the Corporate Governance Committee shall annually recommend to the Board proposed committee memberships and committee chairs. The Corporate Governance Committee will review these recommendations and report the matter to the full Board for action. In general rotation of memberships and chairmanships is deemed desirable. Unless specified in a committee's charter, there is no mandated periodic rotation of committee members since the Board wishes to have the flexibility to change committee memberships as needed to ensure appropriate breadth of background and experience for each committee.
5. Frequency and Length of Committee Meetings
The Committee Chair, in consultation with Committee members, will determine the frequency and length of the meetings of a Committee.
6. Committee Agenda
The Committee Chair, in consultation with the appropriate members of management and staff, will develop the Committee's agenda.
7. Selection of Agenda Items for Board Meetings
The Chairman of the Board and the CEO, with input from appropriate members of management and staff, set agenda items for Board meetings. Each Board member is free and encouraged to suggest items for the agenda.
8. Board and Committee Presentations and Materials Distributed in Advance
It is the sense of the Board that information and data that is important to the Board or its Committees be distributed to the appropriate directors before the Board and Committees meet. The meeting agendas, summaries and other relevant information should be sent to directors at least one week in advance of Board and Committee meetings. Directors are expected to have carefully reviewed this information prior to attending the Board and Committee meetings. This information should include an assessment by the Chairman and CEO as to issues, policies, strategies, or events to which the Board should give particular attention at upcoming meetings.
9. Regular Attendance of Non-Directors at Board Meetings
Key members of management, as designated by the CEO, may attend each meeting of the Board. The Board encourages the CEO to bring managers into Board meetings who: (a) can provide additional insight into agenda items and/or (b) have future potential that warrants exposure to the Board. The Board meets in executive session to consider matters of a confidential nature which may not be appropriate to discuss in the presence of non-directors.
10. Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors
At each Board meeting, an Executive Session is held with only directors attending. At the request of the Chairman of the Board or a majority of the Board, the Corporate Secretary may attend an Executive Session. At least four times each year, an Executive Session is held with only the non-management directors in attendance to discuss any matters determined by them as appropriate for such a meeting. If the Chairman of the Board is a non-management director, he or she will chair these non-management executive sessions. If the Chairman of the Board is not a non-management director, the Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee will chair these executive sessions. Among the matters that may be discussed at such Executive Sessions are succession planning, the CEO's evaluation of his or her direct reports and any self-assessment by the Board. Board members are free to meet or communicate with one another any time they wish.
11. Board Access to Senior Management
Board members have complete access to Entergy's management. Board members will use good judgment to assure that these contacts are not disruptive to the business operations of the Company and, if the content of the contact is significant, it should be brought to the attention of the Chairman of the Board and CEO.
12. Board Compensation Review
13. Size of Board
Entergy Corporation's Articles of Incorporation state that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than 9 nor more than 19 members.
14. Mix of Inside and Outside Directors
There should be a substantial majority of non-employee directors and a majority of independent directors. All corporate governance decisions should be approved by a majority of the independent directors.
15. Board Definition of What Constitutes Independence for Non-employee Directors
The Board supports and complies with the New York Stock Exchange statement of director independence specified in the NYSE's Listed Company Manual. Specifically, among other things:
(a) No director qualifies as "independent" unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no
material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization
that has a relationship with the company).
(b) In addition:
The Board shall adopt a Code of Conduct for directors, officers and employees. Any request for an exception to that Code of Conduct involving a director or an executive officer shall be considered by the Corporate Governance Committee and approved by the Board.
17. Former Chief Executive Officer's Board Membership
When the CEO resigns, he/she should also offer his/her resignation as director at the same time. The Board, with due consideration of input from the new CEO, may allow the former CEO to continue to serve as a director. After a period of five years, the Board may determine that the former CEO is an independent director.
18. Board Membership Criteria
b. Directors should advise the Chairman of the Board, the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and the
General Counsel in advance of accepting an invitation to sit on the Board of another Company.
19. Selection of New Director Candidates; Orientation and Continuing Education
a. The Corporate Governance Committee will be responsible for the search, screening and selection process for
new director candidates, with input from the Chairman of the Board and CEO and other sources as appropriate.
The entire Board will then vote on approval of the nominee. The invitation to join the Board will be jointly
extended by the Board, the Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Board
of the Company. The nominee shall be elected to the Board
in a manner set forth in the bylaws, the Certificate of
Incorporation or relevant state statutes.
b. The Corporate Governance Committee will specify the desired components of new director orientation and will
make periodic
recommendations concerning the continuing education of all Board members.
20. Assessing the Board's Performance
The Board will conduct a self-evaluation at least annually to determine whether it and its committees are functioning effectively. The assessment includes evaluation of the Board's contribution as a whole and specific areas in which the Board and/or management believes a better contribution could be made. The purpose of the review is to increase the effectiveness of the Board as a whole.
21. Directors Who Change Their Present Job Responsibility
Non-employee directors should offer their resignations when they change employment or the major responsibilities they held when they joined the Board. This does not necessarily mean that such directors should leave the Board. There should, however, be an opportunity for the Board, through the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee, to review the appropriateness of their nomination for re-election to the Board under these circumstances.
22. Term Limits
The Board has not established term limits. While acknowledging that term limits may bring new ideas and views to the Board, term limits cause the Company to lose the insight and knowledge of the organization and its operations that are developed over a period of time and therefore allow a director to make increasing contributions to the Board. The Corporate Governance Committee will annually consult with each director and allow each director the opportunity to confirm his or her desire to continue as a member of the Board.
23. Retirement Age
Directors may not be nominated by the Board for election or re-election after they have reached the age of 70, unless specifically recommended to serve beyond the age of 70 by the Corporate Governance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
24. Evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer
As set forth in the Charter of the Personnel Committee, the Personnel Committee will conduct an annual review of the performance of the CEO and will set the CEO's compensation. The results of the review and evaluation are communicated to the CEO by the Chairman of the Board.
25. Succession Planning
The Personnel Committee shall, at least annually, report to the Board on succession planning. The Company's succession plan will include appropriate contingencies in case the CEO retires or is incapacitated. The Personnel Committee will evaluate potential successors to the CEO. The CEO should make available to the Personnel Committee and to the Board recommendations and evaluations of potential successors.
26. Management Development
The CEO will present to the Board annually a report on the Company's program for management development. The Board of Directors will thereafter review and discuss the CEO's report.
27. Board Interaction With Institutional Investors, the Press, Customers, etc.
Management is expected to be the principal spokesman for Entergy. It is expected that public statements by directors regarding the Company will be with the knowledge of and, in most instances, at the request of management.
28. Directors' Responsibility of Oversight
The Directors of the Company, in their role of the oversight of management, have a responsibility to: 1) approve fundamental operating, financial and other corporate plans, strategies and objectives; 2) evaluate the performance of the Company and its senior management and take appropriate action, including removal, when warranted; 3) select, regularly evaluate and fix compensation of senior executives (Personnel Committee function); 4) require, approve and implement senior executive succession plans; 5) adopt policies of corporate conduct, including compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and maintain accounting, financial and other controls; 6) review the process of providing appropriate financial and operational information to decision makers (including Board members) and 7) evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Board.
29. Directors' Responsibility of Diligence and Knowledge
The Directors of the Company have the responsibility to have a basic understanding of the: 1) principal operational and financial objectives, strategies and plans of the Company; 2) results of operations and financial condition of the Company and any significant subsidiaries; 3) relative standing of the business segments and subsidiaries within the Company.
The Directors of the Company have the responsibility to satisfy themselves that an effective system is in place for periodic and timely reporting to the Board on the following matters: 1) current business and financial performance, including the degree of achievement of approved objectives and the need to address forward-planning issues; 2) financial statements, with appropriate segment or divisional breakdowns; 3) compliance with laws and corporate policies; 4) material litigation and regulatory matters.
Directors are expected to review Board and committee agendas and material sufficiently to enable them to participate in the meetings in an informed manner.
30. Directors' Responsibility in Disagreement
If, after a thorough discussion, a Director disagrees with any significant action to be taken by the Board, the Director may vote against the proposal and request that the dissenting vote be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
31. Directors' Responsibility of Participation
Directors are expected to attend and participate in Board and committee meetings. If, during the course of a Board year, a director does not attend 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board or committees on which the director serves, the Corporate Governance Committee shall meet with that director in an attempt to resolve the situation. If the situation cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Committee may take any action it deems appropriate, including a recommendation to the full Board not to renominate that director for election.
32. Directors' Responsibility of Loyalty
Directors should not use their corporate position to make personal profit or to gain a personal advantage. When a director, directly or indirectly, has a financial or personal interest in a transaction to which the Company is to be a party, the director should obtain the approval of the Corporate Governance Committee to participate in the transaction or should refrain from participating in the transaction.
33. Directors' Responsibility of Confidentiality
A Director should deal in confidence with all matters involving the Company until such time that there has been general public disclosure.
34. Amendments and Availability
These Corporate Governance Guidelines should be reviewed periodically by the Corporate Governance Committee and may be amended by a majority vote of the independent members of the Board of Directors. Consistent with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, these guidelines will be included on the Company's website and will be made available in print upon a request sent to the Company's Secretary.
Exhibit E
ENTERGY CORPORATION
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS
The principal executive officer and those responsible for the preparation, evaluation and dissemination of financial information hold an important and elevated role in corporate governance. Therefore, in addition to the principles in the Code of Entegrity, Entergy expects that such personnel adhere to and advocate the following principles and responsibilities governing professional and ethical conduct.
To the best of their knowledge and ability, such personnel shall:
ENTERGY CORPORATION
Proxy Solicited by the Board of Directors for the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders--May 9, 2003
I hereby appoint J. Wayne Leonard, Robert v.d. Luft and Bismark A. Steinhagen jointly and severally, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all shares of Common Stock of Entergy Corporation held of record by me on March 12, 2003, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Del Lago Conference Center, 600 Del Lago Blvd., Montgomery, Texas 77356, on Friday, May 9, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time, and any adjournment or adjournments thereof, with all powers that I would possess if personally present.
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Receipt of the notice of meeting, the proxy statement and the Annual Report of Entergy Corporation for 2002 is acknowledged.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
I hereby appoint J. Wayne Leonard, Robert v.d. Luft and Bismark A. Steinhagen jointly and severally, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all shares of Common Stock of Entergy Corporation held of record by me on March 12, 2003, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Del Lago Conference Center, 600 Del Lago Blvd., Montgomery, Texas 77356, on Friday, May 9, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time, and any adjournment or adjournments thereof, with all powers that I would possess if personally present.
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, and any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Receipt of the notice of meeting, the proxy statement and the Annual Report of Entergy Corporation for 2002 is acknowledged.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)
Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side) |
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Access your Entergy Corporation stockholder account online via Investor ServiceDirectSM(ISD).
Mellon Investor Services LLC, agent for Entergy Corporation, now makes it easy and convenient to get current information on your shareholder account. After a simple and secure process of establishing a Personal Identification Number (PIN), you are ready to log in and access your account to:
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END OF FRONT SIDE OF PROXY CARD
END OF FRONT SIDE OF PROXY CARD
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3 DOES NOT MAKE A RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING PROPOSAL 4. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3 AND ABSTAIN ON PROPOSAL 4. |
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Please mark your vote as indicated in this example. |
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FOR |
WITHHOLD |
FOR ALL |
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1) Election of Directors |
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01 M.S. Bateman |
09 K.A. Murphy |
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_____________________________________ Except Nominee(s) written above |
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FOR |
AGAINST |
ABSTAIN |
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2) Approval of the Amended and Restated 1998 Equity Ownership Plan. |
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3) Approval of the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. |
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4) Stockholder proposal concerning "poison pills". |
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Signature_____________________ |
Signature_____________________ |
Date______________ |
If acting as Attorney, Executor, Trustee or in other representative capacity, please sign name and title |
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Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you call. You will be prompted to enter your control number, located in the box below, and then follow the directions given. |
OR |
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. |
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.
You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement on the
Internet at: http://entergy.com/Investor/Financial/annual.asp