Bank of America (BAC) Cuts Entergy (ETR), Scana (SCG) on Japan Nuclear Issues

Challenges from the earthquake in Japan to its nuclear reactors has put pressure on a number of stocks with exposure to the industry, and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) downgraded Entergy (NYSE:ETR) and Scana (NYSE:SCG) as a result, although numerous other companies with nuclear exposure are down today.

Cuts to Entergy and Scana were based upon the probability they'll have to pay higher approval and relicensing costs in light of the nuclear power crisis and focus in Japan, said the giant bank.

Other stocks being strong affected today are General Electric (NYSE:GE), Edison International (NYSE:EIX), PG&E, Exelon (NYSE:EXC) and Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL).

Entergy is trading at $69.94, down $3.75, or 5.09 percent, as of 11:55 AM EDT. Scana was at $38.85, down $1.20, or 3.00 percent.