PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) is among the 15 Best Electric Utility Stocks to Invest In Now. Morgan Stanley Keeps an Overweight Rating on PPL Corporation (PPL) PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) is among the Best Utility Stocks. On February 20, 2026, Morgan Stanley analyst David Arcaro boosted PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL)'s price objective to $42 from $40, maintaining an Overweight rating. The firm increased its price predictions for North American Regulated and Diversified Utilities and IPPs. Morgan Stanley noted t ...

Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) is among the 15 Best Electric Utility Stocks to Invest In Now. Morgan Stanley Retains an Equal Rating on Ameren Corporation (AEE) Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) is among the Best Utility Stocks. On February 20, 2026, Morgan Stanley elevated Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE)'s price objective to $116 from $108 while retaining an Equal Weight rating. The firm raised its price projections for North American Regulated and Diversified Utilities and IPPs. Morgan Stanley said that util ...

格隆汇2月26日｜今日电网、电力板块逆势上涨，电网设备ETF(159326)大涨2.55%，盘中获资金净申购 1.97亿份，预估净申购规模3.87亿元，近5日净流入额高达19.8亿元，绿电ETF(562550)、公用事业 ETF(159301)分别涨1.4%和0.7%。 ③高盛提出，AI时代资金正在涌向"重资产、低淘汰"（HALO）实体资产，比如电网、管道、公用事 业、交通基建及关键工业产能。 相关产品： 特高压权重高达66.28%+智能电网含量55%+可控核聚变含量14%"：电网设备ETF(159326)，权重股包括 国电南瑞（国内电网智能龙头）、特变电工（全球特高压设备核心供应商）、思源电气（电力设备研发 与制造）等。该ETF最新规模突破200亿，近20日净流入额高达47.59亿元。 电力转型全链条：绿电ETF(562550)，核心权重股：长江电力（国内最大水电运营商）、三峡能源（国 内最大的新能源运营商）。 MACD金叉信号形成，这些股涨势不错！ 消息面上： ①高盛最新报告上调2030年全球数据中心用电需求增幅，从175%上调到220%，AI投资增量正从算力外 溢至电力供应链，引发基础设施"可靠性超级周 ...

Achieved 2025 earnings of $5.05 per share, landing in the upper half of guidance despite a $0.71 year-over-year headwind from milder weather compared to the record heat of 2024. Capitalized on Arizona's industrial expansion, specifically citing TSMC's multi-fab development and a 900-acre land acquisition as primary drivers for infrastructure requirements. Managed robust 5% weather-normalized sales growth in 2025, fueled by a 7.5% increase in commercial and industrial (C&I) demand and the highest resid ...

Management is shifting strategic focus toward the core utility business, introducing non-GAAP utility earnings to exclude volatile nonregulated valuation swings. The 2025 utility performance was impacted by a $0.07 per share headwind from a Washington Commission order regarding Colstrip-related investment recovery. A significant data center developer has provided a deposit for a project expected to scale from 125 megawatts to 500 megawatts by 2030. The company filed a four-year rate plan in Washingt ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company earned $0.13 per share, compared to a loss of $0.06 in Q4 2024, reflecting strong operational execution and cost management [12] - For the full year 2025, earnings were $5.05 per share, down from $5.24 per share in 2024, primarily due to weather impacts, with a $0.71 drag from weather normalization [13] - Weather-normalized sales growth for Q4 was 6.8%, contributing to a full-year growth of 5%, including 2% residential growth and 7.5% commercial and industrial growth [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a new system peak of 8,648 megawatts in August 2025, exceeding the previous year's peak by over 400 megawatts [6] - Customer satisfaction metrics improved, with the company ranking in the top quartile nationally for residential customer satisfaction and in the second quartile for business customers [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The customer base grew by 2.4% in 2025, driven by new businesses and residents in Arizona, indicating a strong economic environment [14] - The semiconductor sector, particularly with TSMC's expansion, is expected to drive significant economic activity, with agreements anticipated to spur at least $250 billion in additional investments [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on processing its rate case, executing grid expansion plans, and maintaining affordable rates for customers while finalizing commercial opportunities with large customers [5][11] - The capital program emphasizes reliability, grid resiliency, and meeting customer needs, with a rate-based growth guidance of 7%-9% through 2028 [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet rising demand and create long-term value, emphasizing the importance of safety and operational excellence [5][11] - The company aims to achieve a more linear earnings trajectory through the implementation of a formula rate, which would provide more consistent cost recovery [87][93] Other Important Information - The company successfully reduced O&M per megawatt hour by 3.3% year-over-year in 2025 and aims for further reductions in 2026 [15] - The company is actively engaged in discussions regarding potential new nuclear projects, although these are viewed as medium to long-term opportunities [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on capacity growth and IRP planning - The company plans to file an updated 15-year integrated resource plan mid-year, focusing on load forecasts and resource planning [19][20] Question: Credit metric update and holdco debt - The holdco debt percentage at year-end was approximately 17%, within the targeted range [22] Question: Future sales growth and assumptions - The sales growth forecast of 5%-7% is based on existing demand and projects with high confidence, with potential upside from uncommitted load [27][28] Question: Implications from the UNS case - The UNS case was viewed as generally constructive, with differences noted between UNS and APS situations [41][43] Question: Breakdown of committed versus uncommitted load - The majority of the 4.5GW committed load is from high load factor customers, primarily data centers, with ongoing negotiations for uncommitted load [50][51] Question: FFO to debt ratio and future outlook - The FFO to debt ratio is expected to remain above 14%, with a focus on maintaining a cushion for credit metrics [84][86] Question: TSMC expansions and clarity on future plans - The company is in active discussions with TSMC regarding their expansion plans, with readiness to articulate utility infrastructure needs once solidified [104]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company earned $0.13 per share, compared to a loss of $0.06 in Q4 2024, reflecting strong operational execution and cost management [12] - For the full year 2025, earnings were $5.05 per share, down from $5.24 in 2024, primarily due to weather impacts, with a $0.71 drag from weather normalization [13][15] - Weather-normalized sales growth for Q4 was 6.8%, contributing to a full-year growth of 5%, including 2% residential growth and 7.5% commercial and industrial growth [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a new system peak of 8,648 megawatts in August 2025, exceeding the previous year's peak by over 400 megawatts [6] - Customer satisfaction metrics improved, with the company ranking in the top quartile nationally for residential customer satisfaction and in the second quartile for business customers [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong growth among commercial and industrial customers, particularly in chip manufacturing and data centers, with long-term sales growth projected at 5%-7% through 2030 [8][9] - The U.S. Department of Commerce and Taiwan announced agreements expected to spur at least $250 billion in additional semiconductor investment in the U.S., benefiting the company's market position [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on processing its rate case, executing grid expansion plans, and maintaining affordable rates for customers in 2026 [5][11] - Investments in infrastructure are aimed at supporting Arizona's economic growth and maintaining grid reliability, with a capital program focused on reliability and resiliency [10][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet rising demand and create long-term value, emphasizing a commitment to safety and operational excellence [5][11] - The company is focused on cost efficiencies, with a goal of reducing O&M per megawatt hour, achieving a 3.3% decrease in 2025 [16] Other Important Information - The company is actively engaged in discussions regarding its integrated resource plan (IRP), which will reflect known and committed customer demand over a 15-year period [20][50] - The company is exploring financing options for transmission build-out, including potential customer financing and federal grants [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on capacity growth and IRP planning - The company plans to file an updated 15-year integrated resource plan mid-year, detailing load forecasts and resource plans [20] Question: Credit metric update and holdco debt - Holdco debt was at 17% at year-end 2025, within the target range, with plans to maintain modest levels in 2026 [24] Question: Future sales growth and assumptions - The sales growth forecast of 5%-7% is based on existing demand and projects with high confidence, with potential upside from uncommitted load [30] Question: Implications from the UNS case and formula rate decision - The UNS case was seen as generally constructive, with differences noted between UNS and APS, particularly regarding growth and regulatory lag [44] Question: Breakdown of committed versus uncommitted load - The majority of committed load is from high load factor customers, including TSMC, with ongoing negotiations for uncommitted load [53] Question: FFO to debt basis and forecast period - The company aims to maintain an FFO to debt ratio of 14%-16%, focusing on improving credit metrics through regulatory dialogue [90] Question: Transparency and earnings trajectory with formula rate - The company aims for more consistent and linear earnings trajectories post-formula rate implementation, improving visibility for investors [92]

Pinnacle West Capital (NYSE:PNW) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 25, 2026 11:00 AM ET Speaker6Welcome to the Pinnacle West Capital Corporation 2025 fourth quarter earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are placed on a listen-only mode, and we'll open the floor for your questions and comments after the presentation. It is now my pleasure to hand the floor over to your host, Amanda Ho. Ma'am, the floor is yours.Speaker0Thank you, Matthew. I would like to thank everyone for participating in th ...

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley has lowered its price target for Vistra Corp. (VST) to $215 from $227 while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating a positive long-term outlook despite recent underperformance compared to the S&P 500 [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Morgan Stanley analyst David Arcaro updated the price target for Vistra to $215, reflecting a broader adjustment across utilities in North America [1] - Jefferies upgraded Vistra to a Buy rating and raised its 12-month price target to $203 from $191, suggesting a potential upside of about 30% [2] - Following Jefferies' upgrade, Vistra shares experienced a rise of up to 5.5% in early trading the next day [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Sentiment - Vistra's stock has faced significant pressure, declining approximately 25% since the announcement of a 1,200 megawatt power supply agreement from its Comanche Peak nuclear plant [3] - Despite the decline, Jefferies views the current stock price as an attractive entry point due to increasing demand for reliable nuclear power alongside data center expansion [3] - Analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith believes that current valuations do not fully capture the potential benefits from future data center contracts, indicating room for upside surprises [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Vistra Corp. is a Texas-based integrated retail electricity and power generation company, founded in 1882, providing electricity and natural gas solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial customers [4]

Key Takeaways Low price-to-sales ratios uncover stocks with undervalued but improving revenue trends and operating traction.The screen highlights stocks with operational strength, disciplined capital allocation and sustained growth.Pairing sales valuations with solid balance sheets helps identify value opportunities with durability.Investing in stocks based on valuation metrics is a proven strategy for identifying opportunities with strong upside potential. While the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is a popul ...