PPL(US:PPL)2026-02-20 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved ongoing earnings of $1.81 per share, reflecting a 7.1% growth from the previous year and aligning with the midpoint of the forecast [5][30] - GAAP earnings for 2025 were reported at $1.59 per share, compared to $1.20 per share in 2024, indicating significant year-over-year improvement [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kentucky results increased by $0.09 per share, driven by higher sales volumes and additional capital expenditures [30] - Pennsylvania results increased by $0.04 per share, led by higher transmission revenue and distribution rider recovery [30] - Rhode Island results decreased by $0.02 per share due to higher operating costs, although higher distribution revenue partially offset this decline [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in data center interconnection requests, totaling approximately 25.2 gigawatts, a 23% increase since the last quarterly update [18] - In Kentucky, the current pipeline reflects over 9 gigawatts of potential new load, with data center requests exceeding 8 gigawatts [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The updated business plan extends the company's growth outlook while maintaining a focus on customer affordability and a strong credit profile [7] - The capital investment plan is projected at $23 billion from 2026 to 2029, an increase from the previous $20 billion, aimed at strengthening networks against severe weather impacts [9][10] - The company is committed to a dividend growth rate target of 4%-6% while issuing equity to fund its capital plan [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the need for new, reliable generation resources to meet growing demand, particularly from data centers [42][43] - The company remains focused on minimizing bill increases for customers while ensuring financial strength to support economic growth [44] Other Important Information - The company outperformed its O&M savings target by about $20 million, achieving approximately $170 million in run rate savings from the 2021 baseline [6] - The commission approved an aggregate increase of approximately $233 million in annual electric and gas revenues in Kentucky, which aligns with the company's business plan [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Pennsylvania rate case process - Management indicated that discussions are ongoing and the focus is on the impact of data centers on customer affordability, with a constructive outcome not hinging on a settlement [49][53] Question: Updates on joint venture and potential contracts - Management stated that significant events related to the joint venture could be communicated outside of earnings calls, and they are evaluating participation in upcoming auctions [62][63] Question: Data center backlog and generation sources - Management noted that hyperscalers are focused on speed to connect to the grid and are not overly concerned about the specific sources of generation, as they typically procure energy through market mechanisms [72][73]