Month: April 2024

NEW ORLEANS, April 3, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Entergy announced its 2023 Performance Report, titled “Energy for a Better Future.” This detailed report integrates a comprehensive overview of the company’s 2023 achievements, including financial results with economic, environmental, governance, and social performance and impacts. Entergy’s strategic approach, outlined in the report, is designed to drive growth, enhance sustainability and build a more resilient system for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

“As we build upon a successful 2023, Entergy is well-positioned to amplify our impact and power life in the years ahead,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy’s chair and chief executive officer. “Our proactive investments in customer-centric solutions, including system resilience, clean energy and renewables, demonstrate our dedication to meeting evolving customer and community needs. We are nurturing a workforce that not only supports our growth and investments but also mirrors the vibrant diversity of the communities we serve, paving the way for a sustainable energy transition and a brighter future.”

Highlights from 2023 include:

A customer-centric focus. We’re committed to creating sustainable value for our customers, employees, communities and owners. Over the next three years, we plan to invest nearly $19.8 billion in the energy delivery system for the benefit of our customers. Affordability for our customers remains a priority, and we’re actively pursuing ways to manage bill growth through programs like the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and other solutions.
 Creating a cleaner energy future. We continue to make progress on our commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We achieved 23% toward our 2030 goal of 50% carbon-free capacity and our utility carbon dioxide emission rate is 38% lower than in 2000, inclusive of purchased power. And approximately 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy projects are approved and in development.
 Fostering a diverse and talented workforce. We strive to foster an inclusive workforce culture that values a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We’re working to increase the diversity of our workforce and management through long-term effective strategies to attract, develop and retain females and racially/ethnically underrepresented employees while maintaining our commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates.
 Empowering our communities. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility resulted in an economic impact of nearly $140 million for our customers and communities. Through strategic community partnerships, we implemented a range of initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting education and workforce development, providing financial assistance to vulnerable customers, improving our communities and caring for the environment. Our dedicated employees played a pivotal role in our economic impact, contributing more than 120,000 hours of volunteer service valued at $3.8 million across our service areas.
 Expanding our region’s economic impact. Entergy helped attract or expand 63 economic development projects to our utility service area representing a capital investment in local communities of more than $17.7 billion and 3,316 new jobs in our region.
 Delivering on our financial commitments. Financially, we again delivered steady, predictable financial growth that benefited our stakeholders. We grew our quarterly dividend per share by approximately 6% and we finished in the top half of our guidance range. This was the eighth year in a row that our financial results have come in above our guidance midpoint.

Explore the report to see our progress and learn how we provide energy for a better future.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Forward-looking information

Entergy’s statements concerning its environmental plans, goals, beliefs and expectations, including statements regarding its capital plans and climate transition goals or commitments, and other statements of Entergy’s plans, beliefs, or expectations included in this news release are “forward-looking statements” which apply only as of the dates indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including, among other things, uncertainties associated with regulatory proceedings and other cost recovery mechanisms; operation and relicensing of nuclear facilities; major storms and other catastrophic events; risks associated with executing on our business strategies; effects of changes in laws, regulations or policies; risks and uncertainties associated with executing on business strategies; the effects of technological change, including the costs, pace of development and commercialization of new and emerging technologies, uncertainties and other factors discussed in Entergy’s most recent Annual Report or Form 10-K and subsequent reports and filings made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

NEW ORLEANS, April 3, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, Entergy announced its 2023 Performance Report, titled “Energy for a Better Future.” This detailed report integrates a comprehensive overview of the company’s 2023 achievements, including financial results with economic, environmental, governance, and social performance and impacts. Entergy’s strategic approach, outlined in the report, is designed to drive growth, enhance sustainability and build a more resilient system for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

“As we build upon a successful 2023, Entergy is well-positioned to amplify our impact and power life in the years ahead,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy’s chair and chief executive officer. “Our proactive investments in customer-centric solutions, including system resilience, clean energy and renewables, demonstrate our dedication to meeting evolving customer and community needs. We are nurturing a workforce that not only supports our growth and investments but also mirrors the vibrant diversity of the communities we serve, paving the way for a sustainable energy transition and a brighter future.”

Highlights from 2023 include:

A customer-centric focus. We’re committed to creating sustainable value for our customers, employees, communities and owners. Over the next three years, we plan to invest nearly $19.8 billion in the energy delivery system for the benefit of our customers. Affordability for our customers remains a priority, and we’re actively pursuing ways to manage bill growth through programs like the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and other solutions.
 Creating a cleaner energy future. We continue to make progress on our commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We achieved 23% toward our 2030 goal of 50% carbon-free capacity and our utility carbon dioxide emission rate is 38% lower than in 2000, inclusive of purchased power. And approximately 1,900 megawatts of renewable energy projects are approved and in development.
 Fostering a diverse and talented workforce. We strive to foster an inclusive workforce culture that values a diversity of ideas, backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We’re working to increase the diversity of our workforce and management through long-term effective strategies to attract, develop and retain females and racially/ethnically underrepresented employees while maintaining our commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates.
 Empowering our communities. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility resulted in an economic impact of nearly $140 million for our customers and communities. Through strategic community partnerships, we implemented a range of initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting education and workforce development, providing financial assistance to vulnerable customers, improving our communities and caring for the environment. Our dedicated employees played a pivotal role in our economic impact, contributing more than 120,000 hours of volunteer service valued at $3.8 million across our service areas.
 Expanding our region’s economic impact. Entergy helped attract or expand 63 economic development projects to our utility service area representing a capital investment in local communities of more than $17.7 billion and 3,316 new jobs in our region.
 Delivering on our financial commitments. Financially, we again delivered steady, predictable financial growth that benefited our stakeholders. We grew our quarterly dividend per share by approximately 6% and we finished in the top half of our guidance range. This was the eighth year in a row that our financial results have come in above our guidance midpoint.

Explore the report to see our progress and learn how we provide energy for a better future.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Forward-looking information

Entergy’s statements concerning its environmental plans, goals, beliefs and expectations, including statements regarding its capital plans and climate transition goals or commitments, and other statements of Entergy’s plans, beliefs, or expectations included in this news release are “forward-looking statements” which apply only as of the dates indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including, among other things, uncertainties associated with regulatory proceedings and other cost recovery mechanisms; operation and relicensing of nuclear facilities; major storms and other catastrophic events; risks associated with executing on our business strategies; effects of changes in laws, regulations or policies; risks and uncertainties associated with executing on business strategies; the effects of technological change, including the costs, pace of development and commercialization of new and emerging technologies, uncertainties and other factors discussed in Entergy’s most recent Annual Report or Form 10-K and subsequent reports and filings made under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom

TEMPE, Ariz., April 3, 2024 /3BL/ — New research from GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) shows that entrepreneurs are quickly embracing generative AI (GenAI) and increasingly using the rapidly evolving technology to run and grow their small businesses. 

GoDaddy’s January survey of over 500 U.S. small business owners found that they expect GenAI to give them a competitive edge over other small or similar-sized businesses (75%) and anticipate it will also allow them to better compete with larger businesses (68%).  

GenAI usage among entrepreneurs is on the rise, with 73% of survey respondents indicating they have tried the technology, and 26% of those using it for business purposes. This is a drastic increase from GoDaddy’s inaugural survey of U.S. small businesses on GenAI*, published in May 2023, which revealed only 38% of respondents had used GenAI at that time. Of those, only 11% had tried applying GenAI to their business. 

In GoDaddy’s 2024 survey, small business operators’ satisfaction and consistency using GenAI for their business remained consistently high (78%) – the same as in 2023 (78%).  

Small businesses are also experimenting with how they’re using GenAI tools. Outside of content creation or marketing, entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging it to help boost sales for their business (44% in 2024 vs 22% in 2023).  

“We’re at the beginning of the AI revolution and small businesses are already taking advantage of the technology, which is really unprecedented,” said Amy Jennette, senior director of marketing at GoDaddy. “Small businesses usually lag big business in getting the most out of cutting-edge tech, but with easy-to-use GenAI and solutions like GoDaddy Airo, the playing field is finally leveling out.” 

Much has been written about concerns around AI technology, however GoDaddy’s survey found that apprehension is low among small business owners. Only 1 in 10 respondents believed GenAI could do their job better than them. Similarly, 89% said they are not worried about negative consequences associated with using AI technology for their business – a rise from May 2023 (83%).   

Looking ahead, entrepreneurs are feeling optimistic about the future, with 47% sharing enthusiasm about their business overall.  

“Small business owners expect to save more than $4,000 and 300 hours of work this year using generative AI,” Jennette said. “The best part about this is we’re at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s possible with GenAI.” 

On Feb. 26, GoDaddy unveiled its AI-powered solution that makes leveraging the power of AI easy for anyone. In mere minutes, GoDaddy Airo™ can help entrepreneurs start a business or take their existing one to the next level, with no tech skills required, by automatically generating a logo, website, email, payment capabilities, social posts and more.  

To learn more about GoDaddy Airo™, visit www.godaddy.com/airo.

To explore the survey results, visit www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/spring-2024-generative-ai-survey-results. 

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help small business owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com. 

*January 2024 (Total Surveyed: 504) and April 2023 (Total Surveyed: 1,003) 

Source: GoDaddy Inc. 

Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom

TEMPE, Ariz., April 3, 2024 /3BL/ — New research from GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) shows that entrepreneurs are quickly embracing generative AI (GenAI) and increasingly using the rapidly evolving technology to run and grow their small businesses. 

GoDaddy’s January survey of over 500 U.S. small business owners found that they expect GenAI to give them a competitive edge over other small or similar-sized businesses (75%) and anticipate it will also allow them to better compete with larger businesses (68%).  

GenAI usage among entrepreneurs is on the rise, with 73% of survey respondents indicating they have tried the technology, and 26% of those using it for business purposes. This is a drastic increase from GoDaddy’s inaugural survey of U.S. small businesses on GenAI*, published in May 2023, which revealed only 38% of respondents had used GenAI at that time. Of those, only 11% had tried applying GenAI to their business. 

In GoDaddy’s 2024 survey, small business operators’ satisfaction and consistency using GenAI for their business remained consistently high (78%) – the same as in 2023 (78%).  

Small businesses are also experimenting with how they’re using GenAI tools. Outside of content creation or marketing, entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging it to help boost sales for their business (44% in 2024 vs 22% in 2023).  

“We’re at the beginning of the AI revolution and small businesses are already taking advantage of the technology, which is really unprecedented,” said Amy Jennette, senior director of marketing at GoDaddy. “Small businesses usually lag big business in getting the most out of cutting-edge tech, but with easy-to-use GenAI and solutions like GoDaddy Airo, the playing field is finally leveling out.” 

Much has been written about concerns around AI technology, however GoDaddy’s survey found that apprehension is low among small business owners. Only 1 in 10 respondents believed GenAI could do their job better than them. Similarly, 89% said they are not worried about negative consequences associated with using AI technology for their business – a rise from May 2023 (83%).   

Looking ahead, entrepreneurs are feeling optimistic about the future, with 47% sharing enthusiasm about their business overall.  

“Small business owners expect to save more than $4,000 and 300 hours of work this year using generative AI,” Jennette said. “The best part about this is we’re at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s possible with GenAI.” 

On Feb. 26, GoDaddy unveiled its AI-powered solution that makes leveraging the power of AI easy for anyone. In mere minutes, GoDaddy Airo™ can help entrepreneurs start a business or take their existing one to the next level, with no tech skills required, by automatically generating a logo, website, email, payment capabilities, social posts and more.  

To learn more about GoDaddy Airo™, visit www.godaddy.com/airo.

To explore the survey results, visit www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/spring-2024-generative-ai-survey-results. 

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help small business owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com. 

*January 2024 (Total Surveyed: 504) and April 2023 (Total Surveyed: 1,003) 

Source: GoDaddy Inc. 

Tax season is a time when scammers are on high alert — which means you should be too. The IRS warns of upticks in scams meant to deceive individuals, businesses and tax professionals, but fear not — we’ve got your back! Meet Carrie Kerskie, the identity theft security expert extraordinaire. As the president of the renowned Kerskie Group and author of the eye-opening book Your Public Identity: Because Nothing is Private Anymore, she’s a pro at sharing how people can keep their identities safe from those pesky scammers. She’s also the host of the super informative podcast “Privacy Mentor,” where she spills all the secrets on how to outsmart those fraudsters.

“This stuff can be overwhelming to people,” she says. “In 15 years of meeting with victims, I’ve worked with people who’ve seen their entire life savings gone overnight. It can be devastating. With these types of crimes, it feels like you’re being played by a ghost,” Carrie adds. “You never know who did it. You don’t know how they got your information. You don’t know where they are.”

Here are some of Carrie’s top tips to stay one step ahead of these sneaky criminals.

Prioritize your privacy. Make it tough for the bad guys by using strong and unique passwords with at least 12 characters. When it comes to PINs, opt for random numbers and take advantage of extra security measures. Adding multi-factor authentication to your apps and accounts adds an extra layer of protection against potential threats.Leverage the resources available to you. Take advantage of the free anti-fraud safeguards provided by your mobile carrier. For example, T-Mobile’s Scam Shield offers enhanced caller ID, scam ID and blocking, which helps identify and block suspicious calls. Download the app and simply follow these steps to get all the protections! T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers can download the Scam Shield app for free on the App Store or Google Play. To learn more about how T-Mobile helps protect customers from scammers, check out the 2023 Scam and Robocall Report.Report anything suspicious or fraudulent. You can report phishing emails or websites to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov, or report phone scams to the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. You can also file complaints with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Smishing texts, the text version of phishing emails, have become increasingly popular. If you receive a suspicious text, don’t click on any links or reply. T-Mobile customers can forward Smishing texts to 7726, a service that screens out these types of messages.

Validate a sender’s information. When encountering any potential threat via email, text, letter or phone call, it’s crucial to confirm its authenticity or legitimacy. If it seems suspicious, it’s best to discard it, block the number or email address, and report it as spam or junk mail. Also, don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. They could contain malware or viruses that could compromise your device or data. And remember that the IRS — and many reputable companies — will never initiate contact via phone, email or social media to request personal or financial information or immediate payment. If you owe taxes, you will receive a bill in the mail, and you can pay online or by mail using the official IRS website or address.

Get even more last minute tax season tips from financial experts helping you learn ways to make the most of your tax return HERE.