ZACKSยท2025-07-22 13:46Core 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]