The Zacks Utility -Electric Power industry offers a compelling case for stable, long-term income due to its regulated framework. These regulations enable utilities to recover costs and generate consistent returns, helping to minimize earnings volatility. With electricity demand remaining steady through various economic conditions and the sector offering attractive dividend yields, utilities represent a dependable, defensive choice for income-oriented investors.In the United States, electric utilities are mo ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on PPL, and highlights the potential misalignment of interests between brokerage analysts and retail investors [1][10]. Group 1: Brokerage Recommendations for PPL - PPL has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.57, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 15 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 15 recommendations, 10 are classified as Strong Buy, accounting for 66.7%, while one is a Buy, making up 6.7% of the total [2]. Group 2: Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - Studies indicate that brokerage recommendations have limited success in guiding investors towards stocks with the highest price increase potential [5]. - Analysts from brokerage firms tend to exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings, often issuing five Strong Buy recommendations for every Strong Sell [6][10]. - The ABR may not be up-to-date, as it does not reflect the latest changes in earnings estimates, which can mislead investors [12]. Group 3: Zacks Rank as an Alternative - Zacks Rank categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimate revisions, providing a more effective indicator of near-term stock price performance compared to ABR [8][11]. - The Zacks Rank is timely and reflects changes in earnings estimates quickly, unlike the ABR [12]. - For PPL, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year remains unchanged at $1.82, leading to a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - PPL Corporation has shown a mixed performance in the stock market, with a 2.5% increase in shares over the last three months, underperforming the Zacks Utility-Electric Power industry's 5.2% rally, while maintaining strong financial discipline and efficient execution of plans [1][2]. Price Performance - PPL shares have gained 2.5% in the last three months compared to the Zacks Utility-Electric Power industry's 5.2% increase [1]. - The average trading volume for PPL in the last three months was approximately 5.83 million shares per day, significantly higher than DTE Energy's 1.56 million shares [5]. Factors Supporting PPL Stock - PPL's service areas in Pennsylvania and Kentucky are seeing increased demand from data centers, with projected new requests reaching 50 gigawatts (GW) in Pennsylvania and 6 GW in Kentucky between 2026 and 2034 [7]. - The company plans to invest $20 billion from 2025 to 2028 to meet rising demand and improve service quality, with over 60% of this investment benefiting from "contemporaneous recovery" to minimize regulatory lag [8]. - PPL aims to reduce expenses by at least $175 million by 2026 compared to 2021 levels, which is expected to strengthen profit margins [9]. - PPL plans to invest over $8 billion in electric and gas distribution infrastructure between 2025 and 2028 to enhance system reliability [10]. Earnings Estimates - PPL expects earnings per share (EPS) of $1.75-$1.87 for 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate currently at $1.82 per share [11]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year EPS increases of 7.5% for 2025 and 8.26% for 2026 [11]. Earnings Surprise History - PPL has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 8.84% [12]. Capital Return Program - PPL continues to return value to shareholders through dividends, with a current annual dividend of $1.09 and projected growth of 6-8% per year through 2027 [14]. - The targeted dividend payout ratio is expected to be in the range of 60-65% [15]. Valuation and Performance Metrics - PPL is currently valued at a premium compared to its industry on a forward 12-month P/E basis [17]. - PPL's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 9.14%, lower than the industry average of 10.05% [19]. Strategic Outlook - PPL's investments in clean energy generation and infrastructure are expected to support reliable service, aided by efficient operational management and a supportive regulatory environment [21].

ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) declared a quarterly common stock dividend on Friday, May 16, 2025, of $0.2725 per share, payable Jul. 1, 2025 to shareowners of record as of Jun.10, 2025.About PPLPPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably and affordably to more than 3.5 million customers in the U.S. PPL's high-performing, award-winning utilit ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL achieved targeted earnings per share growth of 6% to 8% in 2024 [25] - The common stock dividend was increased by more than 7% in 2024 [26] - PPL's stock price increased by nearly 20% in 2024, ranking among the best performing regulated utility stocks in the U.S. [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL completed over $3 billion in planned infrastructure improvements in 2024 to enhance grid reliability and resilience [24] - Achieved annual O&M savings of approximately $130 million from a 2021 baseline, allowing for over $1 billion in capital investments [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL serves approximately 3.6 million customers across its service territories [23] - The company is experiencing unprecedented demand growth, particularly in Pennsylvania, with nearly 11 gigawatts of data center load in advanced planning stages [53] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PPL is focused on creating the utilities of the future, emphasizing innovation, efficiency, and advanced technology [29] - The company plans to invest $20 billion from 2025 to 2028 to strengthen reliability and advance a cleaner energy future [31] - PPL is committed to an all-of-the-above technology approach to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 [52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of affordability in energy services and ongoing engagement with stakeholders to identify opportunities [25] - The company is adapting to challenges in the energy sector, including the need for new technologies and infrastructure to meet growing demand [54] Other Important Information - PPL has implemented a wildfire mitigation plan, including public safety power shutoff policies and updated emergency response plans [62] - The company is actively exploring nuclear power as part of its strategy to achieve net zero emissions, while also considering advanced small modular reactors [56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why does PPL have so many directors? - The board size is consistent with industry standards, with 10 members, nine of whom are independent, providing a mix of experience and perspectives [39][40] Question: Why does PPL employ so many contractors? - Contractors are used for specialized expertise, seasonal work, and to provide flexibility in scaling operations [43][45] Question: What impact will tariffs have on PPL's partnership with WindGrid? - Tariffs may affect pricing and timing of offshore wind projects, but PPL remains prepared to participate in future opportunities [48][50] Question: How does PPL support the development of nuclear and fusion power? - PPL recognizes the need for nuclear power in achieving net zero emissions and is exploring partnerships for advanced nuclear technologies [56][58] Question: How is PPL addressing wildfire risks? - PPL has developed a wildfire mitigation plan, including updated training and capital projects to enhance safety and reduce risks [62]

Utilities upgrading aging equipment to defend against stronger storms and support increased energy needs.LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- If it feels like Kentucky has experienced Mother Nature's wrath more frequently over the last few years, that's not your imagination. Increasingly, scientists – including at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – are noting the extreme weather pattern of "Tornado Alley" is expanding eastward. In 2025 alone, Kentucky has experienced up to three ...

For the quarter ended March 2025, PPL (PPL) reported revenue of $2.5 billion, up 8.7% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.60, compared to $0.54 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +4.84% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.39 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.53, the EPS surprise was +13.21%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to ...

Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from _________ to ___________ | Commission File | Registrant; State of Incorporation; | IRS Employer | | --- | --- | --- | | Number | Address and Telephone ...

PPL (PPL) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Andrew Ludwig - VP, IRVincent Sorgi - President and Chief Executive OfficerJoseph Bergstein - EVP & CFOShar Pourreza - Senior Managing DirectorPaul Zimbardo - Managing DirectorAnthony Crowdell - Managing DirectorDavid Paz - Senior Vice PresidentIan Rapp - Vice President Conference Call Participants None - AnalystAngie Storozynski - Senior Equity Research Analyst Operator Please note, today's event is being recorded. I would now ...

PPL (PPL) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 11:00 AM ET Speaker0 Please note, today's event is being recorded. Speaker1 I would now like to turn the conference over to Andy Ludwig, Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead. Speaker2 Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining the PPL Corporation conference call on First Quarter twenty twenty five Financial Results. We have provided slides for this presentation on the Investors section of our website. We begin today's call with updates fro ...