Company Performance - PPL reported quarterly earnings of $0.32 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 per share, and down from $0.38 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -13.51% [1] - The company posted revenues of $2.03 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.15%, compared to year-ago revenues of $1.88 billion [2] - Over the last four quarters, PPL has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - PPL shares have increased about 11% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 8.2% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.47 on $2.18 billion in revenues, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.82 on $8.64 billion in revenues [7] Industry Outlook - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which PPL belongs, is currently in the top 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can impact PPL's stock performance [5]

Exhibit 99.1 news release www.pplnewsroom.com Contacts: For news media: Ryan Hill, 610-774-4033 For financial analysts: Andy Ludwig, 610-774-3389 PPL Corporation reports second-quarter 2025 earnings ALLENTOWN, Pa. (July 31, 2025) - PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) today announced second-quarter 2025 reported earnings (GAAP) of $183 million, or $0.25 per share, compared with second-quarter 2024 reported earnings of $190 million, or $0.26 per share. PPL reported earnings of $597 million, or $0.80 per share, for th ...

Announces 2025 second-quarter reported earnings (GAAP) per share of $0.25. Achieves 2025 second-quarter ongoing earnings per share of $0.32 versus $0.38 in 2024, with lower results primarily due to timing and weather. Reaffirms 2025 ongoing earnings forecast range of $1.75 to $1.87 per share; expects to achieve at least the midpoint of $1.81 per share. Reaffirms 6% to 8% annual EPS and dividend growth targets through at least 2028; expects to achieve EPS growth in the top half of targeted growth range.ALLE ...

Core Viewpoint - Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) have reached a stipulation agreement with several intervening parties to support their request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to add new generation capacity, ensuring reliable service amid unprecedented economic growth in Kentucky [1][3][5]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The stipulation agreement was filed with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) for approval [2]. - The agreement includes the construction of two new 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle units, with the first unit expected to be operational in 2030 and the second in 2031 [8]. - The agreement also involves the installation of a selective catalytic reduction facility to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions for Ghent Unit 2, expected to be available in 2028 [8]. Group 2: Economic Context - The request for the CPCN was prompted by record-breaking economic growth and data center development in Kentucky, which LG&E and KU forecasted through their Integrated Resource Plan [4]. - The companies have responded to numerous requests for information regarding their generation investment plans during the regulatory process [3]. Group 3: Stakeholder Involvement - The stipulation agreement was reached with various parties, including the Attorney General of Kentucky and the Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers, Inc. [5]. - Parties not joining the stipulation agreement retain the opportunity to participate in the regulatory process [5]. Group 4: Company Background - LG&E and KU serve over 1.3 million customers and are recognized for their customer service in the United States [7]. - LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and surrounding areas, while KU serves 545,000 customers across 77 Kentucky counties [7].

Company Performance - PPL's stock closed at $36.81, reflecting a +1.69% change from the previous day's closing price, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.06% [1] - Over the past month, PPL shares have increased by 5.54%, while the Utilities sector gained 1.55% and the S&P 500 gained 5.88% [1] Upcoming Earnings - PPL is set to release its earnings report on July 31, 2025, with an expected EPS of $0.38, indicating no change compared to the same quarter last year [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $1.99 billion, representing a 5.87% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $1.82 per share and revenue of $8.91 billion, reflecting changes of +7.69% and +5.32% respectively from the previous year [3] - Recent analyst estimate revisions indicate optimism regarding PPL's business and profitability [3] Analyst Ratings and Valuation - PPL currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remaining unchanged over the past month [5] - The Forward P/E ratio for PPL is 19.89, which is a premium compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 18.52 [5] Industry Comparison - PPL has a PEG ratio of 2.59, which is slightly lower than the Utility - Electric Power industry's average PEG ratio of 2.67 [6] - The Utility - Electric Power industry is ranked 81 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the top 33% of over 250 industries [6]

Core Insights - Utility service providers are benefiting from increased electricity tariffs, accretive acquisitions, cost reductions, and energy-efficiency initiatives, alongside efforts to enhance electric infrastructure resilience and transition to renewable energy sources [1][3][19] - The shift to renewable energy is transforming electric utilities in the U.S., positioning leading companies for steady growth and providing investors with low-risk opportunities in the clean energy market [3][19] Company-Specific Insights PPL Corporation - PPL is focusing on infrastructure construction for generation, transmission, and distribution, resulting in fewer outages and increased load growth driven by data center demand, with active requests reaching 50 GW in Pennsylvania and nearly 6 GW in Kentucky for 2026-2034 [5][10] - The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2035 and 80% by 2040 from 2010 levels, with plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through new carbon capture technology and renewable energy integration [6][10] - PPL's current return on equity (ROE) is 9.14%, below the industry average of 10.41%, and it has a debt-to-capital ratio of 54.73% [13][17] Xcel Energy - Xcel Energy is enhancing its transmission, distribution, and renewable projects, leading to lower residential electric and natural gas bills, which are down 28% and 12% from the national average, respectively [7][10] - The company anticipates a total customer request for data centers of nearly 8.9 GW by 2029 and aims for 5% annual electric sales growth, with about 50% of this growth coming from data centers [7][10] - Xcel Energy's ROE is 10.2%, and it has a higher debt-to-capital ratio of 61.19% compared to the industry average [13][17] Financial Performance and Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PPL's earnings per share (EPS) indicates growth of 7.69% for 2025 and 8.06% for 2026, while Xcel Energy's EPS is expected to grow by 8.86% and 8.1% for the same years [9][12] - PPL's dividend yield is 3.01%, while Xcel Energy's is slightly higher at 3.19%, both exceeding the S&P 500 average of 1.18% [16] Strategic Investment Plans - PPL plans a regulated capital investment of $20 billion from 2025 to 2028, with $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion allocated for 2025 and 2026, respectively [14] - Xcel Energy aims to invest $45 billion from 2025 to 2029, with significant allocations for electric distribution, transmission, and renewable energy projects [15] Conclusion - Both PPL and Xcel Energy are strategically investing in infrastructure and renewable energy to meet growing demand, particularly from data centers, with PPL currently viewed as the better investment option due to its favorable debt levels and growth prospects [19][20]

Key Takeaways PPL is gaining from renewable energy efforts, improving grid reliability and customer satisfaction. PPL is expanding in states like Rhode Island to align with clean energy goals and smart grid strategies. PPL trades at a premium with a forward P/E of 18.93X compared with the industry average of 14.77X.PPL Corporation (PPL) is benefiting from its focus on renewable energy through increased grid reliability, access to new markets and enhanced customer satisfaction. PPL is expanding its presenc ...

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence through various resources like daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators designed to help investors select stocks with the potential to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [2] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [3] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's future prospects by analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] - The Momentum Score capitalizes on price trends and earnings outlook changes, using metrics like one-week price change and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for stock selection based on value, growth, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that utilizes earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +23.62% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7] - There are over 800 stocks rated 1 or 2, making it essential for investors to use Style Scores to narrow down their choices [8] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B are recommended for optimal investment potential [9] Company Spotlight: PPL Corp. - PPL Corp. is a diversified utility holding company serving over 3.6 million customers in the U.S., primarily generating electricity and supplying natural gas [11] - PPL holds a 2 (Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B and a Momentum Style Score of A, having seen a 4.7% increase in shares over the past four weeks [12] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have led to a consensus estimate increase to $1.82 per share, with an average earnings surprise of +8.8% [12][13]

Core Insights - PPL Corporation has formed a joint venture with Blackstone Infrastructure to build and operate gas-fired, combined-cycle generation stations aimed at powering data centers under long-term energy services agreements [1][11] Group 1: Joint Venture Details - The joint venture targets high data center interest areas and aims to create power generation facilities near the Marcellus and Utica shale basins, ensuring quick access to gas pipeline capacity [4] - PPL holds a 51% interest in the joint venture, while Blackstone Infrastructure owns 49%, with expenses and distributions shared ratably [6] Group 2: Market Context and Demand - There is a strong push in the U.S. for domestic manufacturing and reshoring of tech infrastructure, including semiconductor and AI data facilities, driven by inflationary pressures and aging infrastructure [2] - The U.S. data center market is projected to grow significantly, with an expected size of $308.83 billion by 2030, largely due to increasing AI workloads [9] Group 3: Infrastructure Investment - The U.S. is experiencing a historic investment cycle in infrastructure, supported by federal programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which promote public-private partnerships focused on clean energy and grid modernization [3] Group 4: Data Center Demand in PPL's Service Area - In Pennsylvania, there is over 60 gigawatts (GW) of potential data center projects within PPL Electric Utilities' service zone, with 13 GW in advanced development stages [7] - PPL anticipates a 6 GW generation gap in its service area if all 13 GW come online, necessitating approximately $15 billion in investment for natural gas combined-cycle units [8] Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Other utilities, such as Dominion Energy and Southern Company, are also expanding their capacities to meet data center demand, with Dominion having nearly 40 GW of data center capacity in development [10][12] - NRG Energy has entered into agreements targeting 400 MW of retail supply, with potential scaling to 6.5 GW, indicating a competitive environment for data center energy supply [13] Group 6: Stock Performance - PPL's stock has risen 5.7% in the past month, outperforming the industry, which saw a 1.2% decline [15]

Analyst's Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or a ...