Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sellside) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter? Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about PPL (PPL) . PPL currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of ...

PPL (PPL) closed the latest trading day at $32.74, indicating a +0.52% change from the previous session's end. The stock's performance was ahead of the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.19%. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.7%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.04%. The the stock of energy and utility holding company has risen by 2.65% in the past month, lagging the Utilities sector's gain of 4.22% and overreaching the S&P 500's gain of 1.95%. The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings perfo ...

Core Viewpoint - PPL Corporation has secured up to $72 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for its carbon emission capture project, which aims to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future and reduce emissions significantly [1][2]. Funding and Project Details - The first tranche of funding awarded to PPL is $4.9 million to initiate Phase 1 activities at the Cane Run generating station in Louisville, KY [1]. - The emission control system at Cane Run is designed to capture over 95% of carbon emissions from up to 20 MW of the plant's 691 MW capacity, equating to approximately 67,000 metric tons of CO2 annually [6][5]. Emission Reduction Goals - PPL aims to achieve a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 and an 80% reduction by 2040 from 2010 levels, with a long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 [8][9]. - The pilot project is crucial for assessing the viability of utility-scale carbon capture technology on natural gas units, potentially leading to broader commercial adoption [7]. Research and Development Initiatives - PPL is involved in over 175 research and development projects in partnership with more than 30 industry and academic partners, focusing on low-carbon energy technologies [10]. - The government funding is expected to facilitate advancements in emission reduction technologies, making clean electricity more affordable [17]. Stock Performance and Financial Outlook - PPL's stock has outperformed its industry, with a 31% increase over the past year compared to the industry's 19.9% growth [10]. - The company anticipates its 2024 EPS to range from $1.63 to $1.75, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 7.5% [11]. - PPL has a current annual dividend of $1.03, with a dividend yield of 3.17%, which is higher than the S&P 500 composite's 1.59% [13]. Valuation - PPL is currently trading at a premium compared to its industry on a forward 12-month P/E basis [15].

PPL (PPL) closed the most recent trading day at $32.46, moving +1.56% from the previous trading session. This move outpaced the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.54%. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.72%, while the techheavy Nasdaq added 0.65%. The the stock of energy and utility holding company has risen by 3.16% in the past month, lagging the Utilities sector's gain of 4.65% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.86%. The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of PPL in its forthcoming earnings report. T ...

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) announced today it has executed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) for an award up to $72 million to help fund a groundbreaking carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture research and development project at the company's natural gas combined-cycle generation facility in Louisville, Kentucky. OCED awarded PPL with the first tranche of funding – $4.9 million – to begin Phase 1 activitie ...

PPL Corp.'s (PPL) shares have rallied 20% year to date, compared with its industry's growth of 13%. The company continues to provide electricity and natural gas to its 3.5 million customers across the United States. In the same time period, PPL has outperformed its sector and the S&P 500. PPL plans to invest $14.3 billion through 2027 to strengthen its infrastructure and prevent outages. The company is also working to lower emissions from electricity production and develop a net-zero energy system by 2050. ...

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Aug. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) declared a quarterly common stock dividend on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, of $0.2575 per share, payable Oct. 1, 2024, to shareowners of record as of Sept. 10, 2024. About PPL PPL 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 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL Corporation reported second quarter GAAP earnings of $0.26 per share, an increase from $0.15 per share in Q2 2023. Adjusted ongoing earnings were $0.38 per share, up $0.09 from the previous year [22][3][4] - Year-to-date GAAP earnings reached $0.67 per share compared to $0.54 per share in the same period last year. Adjusted ongoing earnings for the first half of 2024 totaled $0.92 per share, an improvement of $0.15 per share compared to the first half of 2023 [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Kentucky segment's results increased by $0.05 per share compared to Q2 2023, driven by higher sales volumes and lower operating costs [24] - The Pennsylvania Regulated segment also saw an increase of $0.05 per share, attributed to higher transmission revenues and increased usage per customer [24] - The Rhode Island segment's results improved by $0.01 per share, mainly due to higher distribution and transmission revenues, offset by increased operating costs [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - PPL has over 17 gigawatts of interconnection requests in Pennsylvania, with nearly 5 gigawatts in advanced planning stages, up from 3 gigawatts previously discussed [13] - The company estimates that for every 1 gigawatt of data center demand connected to the grid, residential customers could save about 10% on the transmission portion of their bill, translating to approximately $3 monthly savings [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PPL's "Utility of the Future" strategy aims for a net zero energy system by 2050 while ensuring reliability and affordability [6][7] - The company plans to invest $14.3 billion in infrastructure improvements from 2024 to 2027, focusing on decarbonization and enhancing grid reliability [5][6] - PPL is actively pursuing partnerships for R&D in low-carbon technologies, including advanced nuclear and carbon capture [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2024 ongoing earnings forecast of $1.63 to $1.75 per share, with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet to support investment needs [3][26] - The company is positioned to achieve annual earnings per share and dividend growth of 6% to 8% through at least 2027 [5][26] Other Important Information - PPL is on track to complete approximately $3.1 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2024 [4] - The Pennsylvania PUC approved modifications to PPL's long-term infrastructure improvement plan, allowing for $200 million of reliability investments to be classified as capital eligible for recovery [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on transmission side and capacity auction implications - Management acknowledged the need for generation and transmission investments in PJM, indicating potential opportunities for additional transmission solutions [29][30] Question: Impact of PJM auction results on customer bills - Management estimated that higher prices could increase the generation portion of the bill by about $10 to $15 per month for average customers starting in 2025 [37] Question: Balance sheet capacity and CapEx considerations - Management confirmed a strong balance sheet and indicated that capital needs would be assessed in light of various factors, including interest rates and inflation [39][40] Question: Kentucky IRP and potential new generation needs - Management stated that a comprehensive load forecast would be conducted to determine if new generation is necessary, with results expected in October [43][44] Question: Data center demand and associated CapEx - Management indicated that formal announcements regarding data center demand would likely come at the end of the year or early next year [56][57]

Core Viewpoint - PPL Corporation reported strong second-quarter 2024 operating earnings, exceeding expectations, while total revenues slightly missed estimates, indicating a mixed performance in financial results. Financial Performance - Operating earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2024 were 38 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 31 cents by 22.6% and increasing 31% from 29 cents in the same quarter last year [1] - Total revenues amounted to $1.88 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.91 billion by 1.7%, but reflecting a 3.2% increase from $1.82 billion year-over-year [2] - Operating income reached $390 million, up 27.9% from $305 million in the prior year [3] Segment Performance - Pennsylvania Regulated segment reported adjusted EPS of 21 cents, a 40% increase from 15 cents year-over-year, driven by higher sales volumes and transmission revenues [5] - Kentucky Regulated segment achieved adjusted EPS of 18 cents, up 50% from 12 cents, attributed to increased sales volumes due to weather and lower operating costs [5] - Rhode Island Regulated segment maintained adjusted EPS at 1 cent, with higher distribution revenues offset by increased operating costs [6] Expenses and Financial Position - Total operating expenses decreased to $1.49 billion, down 1.8% from $1.52 billion year-over-year, primarily due to reduced energy purchase expenses [3] - Interest expense rose to $182 million, a 10.3% increase from $165 million in Q2 2023 [4] - As of June 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were $282 million, down from $331 million at the end of 2023, while long-term debt increased to $15.8 billion from $14.6 billion [7] Guidance and Future Outlook - PPL reiterated its 2024 EPS guidance of $1.63-$1.75, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $1.70, slightly above the midpoint of the guidance [8] - The company expects a long-term annual earnings growth rate of 6-8% through 2027 [8] - Capital expenditure for 2024 to 2027 is restated at $14.3 billion, with anticipated O&M savings of at least $175 million by 2026 [9] Market Position - PPL currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable market position [10]

Financial Performance - Operating revenues for Q2 2024 were $1,881 million, an increase from $1,823 million in Q2 2023, representing a growth of 3.2%[38] - Operating income for the first half of 2024 was $935 million, compared to $803 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 16.4% increase[38] - Net income for Q2 2024 was $190 million, up from $112 million in Q2 2023, marking a significant increase of 69.6%[38] - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2024 were $0.26, compared to $0.15 in Q2 2023, indicating a growth of 73.3%[38] - For the six months ended June 30, 2024, net income was $497 million, up from $397 million in the same period last year, reflecting a 25% growth[42] - Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $299 million, an increase from $248 million for the same period in 2023, representing a growth of 20.6%[54] - Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $62 million, compared to $45 million for the same period in 2023, showing a growth of 37.8%[65] - Net income for the Kentucky Regulated segment increased to $134 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $91 million for the same period in 2023, representing a growth of 47.3%[97] - The total net income for PPL Electric was $190 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $112 million for the same period in 2023, representing a significant increase of 69.6%[97] - Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, increased to $155 million, up from $131 million in the same period last year, representing a growth of approximately 18.3%[69] Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses decreased to $1,491 million in Q2 2024 from $1,518 million in Q2 2023, a reduction of 1.8%[38] - Total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024, were $437 million, down from $474 million in the same period of 2023, indicating a decrease of 7.8%[50] - Total Operating Expenses for Q2 2024 were $338 million, slightly down from $340 million in Q2 2023[79] - Total operating expenses decreased to $265 million from $273 million year-over-year, a reduction of 2.9%[65] Cash Flow and Investments - Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $1,048 million, compared to $842 million for the same period in 2023, indicating a 24% increase[42] - Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $353 million, up from $236 million in the same period in 2023, marking a growth of 49.8%[54] - The company’s net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $1,020 million, compared to $398 million in the same period of 2023, indicating a significant increase in investment outflows[54] - Cash provided by Operating Activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $352 million, an increase from $298 million in the same period last year[82] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of June 30, 2024, amounted to $39,839 million, an increase from $39,236 million at the end of 2023[44] - Current liabilities decreased to $2,515 million as of June 30, 2024, from $3,340 million at the end of 2023, showing a reduction of 25%[45] - Long-term debt increased to $15,756 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $14,611 million at the end of 2023, marking an 8% rise[45] - Total equity rose to $14,065 million as of June 30, 2024, up from $13,933 million at the end of 2023, reflecting a 1% increase[45] - Total assets increased to $15,229 million as of June 30, 2024, up from $14,294 million at December 31, 2023, representing a growth of 6.5%[55] - Current assets rose significantly to $1,430 million, compared to $869 million at the end of 2023, marking a 64.5% increase[55] - Long-term debt increased to $5,212 million from $4,567 million, reflecting a rise of 14.1%[57] - Total equity grew to $6,698 million, up from $5,903 million, indicating an increase of 13.5%[57] Regulatory and Compliance - The company is focused on enhancing its energy efficiency programs and exploring new technologies to support sustainable growth[33] - The company is currently reviewing IRS Revenue Procedure 2023-15 to assess its impact on financial statements, which may affect accounting for expenses related to natural gas transmission and distribution property[120] - PPL does not anticipate a material impact on financial statements regarding prior or future credit transfers under the Inflation Reduction Act, as per the final regulations effective July 1, 2024[122] - The allowed return on equity (ROE) rate for Rhode Island activities is set at 9.275% based on a common equity ratio of approximately 51%[127] Debt and Financing - The company issued $649 million in long-term debt during the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $1,329 million in the same period of 2023[54] - PPL issued $650 million of 4.85% First Mortgage Bonds due 2034 in January 2024, receiving proceeds of $644 million for general corporate purposes[155] - The total capacity of PPL Capital Funding's syndicated credit facility is $1.25 billion, with $280 million in commercial paper outstanding as of June 30, 2024[152] - LG&E and KU's credit facilities include a $500 million syndicated credit facility expiring in December 2028, with $490 million unused capacity as of June 30, 2024[151] Revenue Sources - Total Operating Revenues for Q2 2024 reached $464 million, a 6.7% increase from $435 million in Q2 2023[79] - PPL's operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were $4,238 million, compared to $4,269 million for the same period in 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 0.7%[104] - Revenues from contracts with customers for PPL Electric in the first six months of 2024 were $1,558 million, consistent with the same period in 2023[104] - PPL's residential revenues for the first six months of 2024 were $1,927 million, down from $2,079 million in 2023, a decrease of about 7.3%[106] - The Kentucky Regulated segment's revenues for the first six months of 2024 were $1,810 million, compared to $1,733 million in 2023, indicating an increase of about 4.4%[107] Environmental and Regulatory Costs - Storm damage costs accounted for $38 million as of June 30, 2024, up from $12 million in December 2023, showing a significant rise of 216.7%[123] - PPL Electric recorded a liability of $8 million for environmental remediation activities as of June 30, 2024[175] - PPL reported a recorded liability of $99 million for RIE's environmental remediation activities, expected to be incurred over approximately 30 years[177] - RIE has recovered amounts from certain insurers and may seek additional recovery, but the success of these efforts is uncertain[177] Miscellaneous Income and Expenses - Other Income (Expense) - net for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $32 million, compared to $5 million in the same period of 2023, representing a significant increase[192] - Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, decreased to $15 million from $17 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of approximately 11.76%[192] - Other Income (Expense) - net for the six months ended June 30, 2024, totaled $54 million, up from $35 million in 2023, indicating a rise of 54.29%[192] - Miscellaneous income for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $1 million, compared to $(10) million in the same period of 2023, showing a turnaround[192]