PPL(US:PPL)2025-11-05 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third-quarter GAAP earnings of $0.43 per share, an increase from $0.29 per share in Q3 2024 [31] - Adjusted ongoing earnings were $0.48 per share, a $0.06 increase compared to Q3 2024, driven by higher revenues and lower operating costs [31][32] - The ongoing earnings forecast for 2025 has been narrowed to a range of $1.78-$1.84 per share, with a midpoint of $1.81 per share [5][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Kentucky segment results increased by $0.02 per share due to higher sales volumes and lower operating costs [33] - The Pennsylvania regulated segment also saw a $0.02 per share increase, driven by higher transmission revenue and distribution rider recovery [33] - The Rhode Island segment results increased by $0.01 per share, primarily due to lower operating costs [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic development pipeline in Kentucky has grown to just under 10 GW of electricity demand, with data center requests totaling about 8.7 GW [22][23] - In Pennsylvania, the number of data center projects in advanced planning stages increased by over 40%, from 14.4 GW to 20.5 GW [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a utility-to-the-future strategy, with plans for $20 billion in infrastructure investments from 2025 to 2028 [6] - The company aims for average annual rate-based growth of 9.8% and 6%-8% annual EPS and dividend growth through at least 2028 [6] - The company is actively engaged in legislative discussions to spur new generation and stabilize capacity prices in the wholesale markets [50][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the midpoint of the ongoing earnings forecast, supported by operational discipline and strategic execution [5][36] - The company is addressing regulatory challenges and is optimistic about future approvals for infrastructure investments [12][13] - Management highlighted the importance of building new generation to meet the growing demand from data centers [19][20] Other Important Information - The company is on track to complete approximately $4.3 billion in infrastructure improvements this year [5] - The company has proposed new tariffs in both Pennsylvania and Kentucky to ensure large load customers pay their fair share [26][27] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong credit profile, with an FFO to debt ratio of 16%-18% [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What information was missing for the Kentucky CPCN case denial? - Management indicated that the commission felt the CPCN proceeding was not the proper arena for rate mechanisms and encouraged re-filing in future proceedings [44][45] Question: Thoughts on resource adequacy legislation in Pennsylvania? - Management noted that state budget issues are impacting legislative movement but expressed optimism about future discussions and potential solutions with IPPs [49][51] Question: Details on the 20.5 GW data center pipeline? - Management provided insights on the growth of the pipeline and emphasized the company's ability to connect large loads quickly due to a strong transmission grid [59][61] Question: Clarification on the Blackstone JV developments? - Management confirmed ongoing activity with the Blackstone team but did not provide specific timelines for announcements [62][63] Question: Concerns about revenue concentration from data centers? - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory protections in place and the continued demand for power from hyperscalers [96][99]