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PPL Corporation (PPL)
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PPL (PPL) AI Stock Analysis

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PPL

PPL

(NYSE:PPL)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
$41.00
▲(12.33% Upside)
PPL's overall stock score is driven by strong earnings call insights and positive technical analysis. However, financial performance concerns, particularly high debt levels and negative free cash flow, weigh on the score. Valuation metrics suggest the stock may be overvalued, but the attractive dividend yield provides some offsetting benefits.
Positive Factors
Earnings Growth
The company's Q1 ongoing EPS grew by 9%, boosting confidence in meeting future guidance.
Strategic Initiatives
PPL continues to advance several strategic initiatives, enhancing its market position.
Negative Factors
Economic Exposure
Kentucky economy exposed to industrial activity during a rate case, equity issuances in the plan, coal retirements & environment compliance capex.
Regulatory Risks
The proposed energy legislation in Pennsylvania is seen as provocative, and there is caution regarding its passage.

PPL (PPL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

PPL Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPPL Corporation, a utility holding company, delivers electricity and natural gas in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments: Kentucky Regulated and Pennsylvania Regulated. It serves approximately 429,000 electric and 333,000 natural gas customers in Louisville and adjacent areas in Kentucky; 538,000 electric customers in central, southeastern, and western Kentucky; and 28,000 electric customers in five counties in southwestern Virginia. The company also provides electric services to approximately 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania; and generates electricity from coal, gas, hydro, and solar sources in Kentucky; and sells wholesale electricity to two municipalities in Kentucky. PPL Corporation was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
How the Company Makes MoneyPPL generates revenue primarily through its regulated utility operations, which include the distribution of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company earns a stable income from the sale of electricity, which is regulated by state utility commissions that allow for cost recovery and a return on investment. Additionally, PPL makes money through its generation segment, where it sells electricity into wholesale markets, leveraging its diverse energy portfolio, including nuclear, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. The company also benefits from long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and has established partnerships with various stakeholders in the energy sector, contributing to its overall revenue stability and growth.

PPL Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Electricity Sales by Geography
Electricity Sales by Geography
Chart Insights
Data provided by:Main Street Data

PPL Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 31, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a positive outlook for PPL Corporation with substantial infrastructure investment plans, robust earnings and dividend growth projections, and strategic regulatory and business advancements, particularly in data center projects. However, the company faces some challenges with declining earnings and sales volumes, as well as increased regulatory activity due to cost pressures.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Infrastructure Investment
PPL Corporation is on track to complete over $4 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2025, with a projection of $20 billion in improvements from 2025 to 2028, resulting in an average annual rate base growth of 9.8%.
Projected Earnings and Dividend Growth
PPL is well positioned to achieve a 6% to 8% annual earnings per share and dividend growth through at least 2028, with EPS growth expected in the top half of that range.
Positive Regulatory Advances
PPL has announced a constructive stipulation agreement with KPSC, supporting approval of new generation units and mechanisms that reduce investment lag, including a new tracker for cost recovery.
Data Center Strategy and Joint Venture
PPL is actively engaging in a joint venture with Blackstone Infrastructure to build new generation in Pennsylvania, with an estimated need of 7.5 gigawatts over the next 5 to 7 years.
Economic Development in PA and KY
PPL's regions are experiencing robust economic development with significant data center and manufacturing investments, totaling $36 billion in Kentucky alone, with half in PPL's service territories.
Negative Updates
Earnings Decline
Second quarter earnings from ongoing operations were $0.32 per share, a $0.06 per share decrease compared to Q2 2024, attributed to higher operating costs and the timing of certain expenses.
Sales Volume Decline
Lower sales volumes were primarily observed in Pennsylvania due to decreased industrial load from specific customers, and in Kentucky among smaller industrial customers.
Regulatory and Economic Challenges
PPL faces increased regulatory activity and inflationary pressures, leading to more frequent rate case filings across its service territories to manage costs and maintain service reliability.
Company Guidance
During PPL Corporation's Second Quarter 2025 earnings call, the company reported GAAP earnings of $0.25 per share and earnings from ongoing operations of $0.32 per share. PPL is confident in achieving at least the midpoint of its 2025 ongoing earnings forecast of $1.81 per share, driven by expected stronger earnings growth in the latter half of the year. This growth is anticipated due to higher returns on capital investments, projected cumulative O&M savings of $150 million compared to 2021, and over $4 billion in planned infrastructure improvements. PPL also forecasts $20 billion in infrastructure improvements from 2025 to 2028, driving an average annual rate base growth of 9.8%. The company aims to maintain a favorable credit profile with an FFO to debt ratio of 16% to 18% and a holding company to total debt ratio below 25%. Furthermore, PPL expects 6% to 8% annual EPS and dividend growth through at least 2028, targeting the top half of this range.

PPL Financial Statement Overview

Summary
PPL demonstrates solid revenue growth and profitability with strong margins. However, high debt levels and negative free cash flow are areas of concern. The company needs to focus on improving cash flow management and reducing leverage to enhance financial stability.
Income Statement
75
Positive
PPL has shown consistent revenue growth, with a TTM revenue growth rate of 1.66%. The gross profit margin is healthy at 40.72%, and the net profit margin has improved to 11.22% in the TTM. EBIT and EBITDA margins are strong, indicating efficient operations. However, the revenue growth rate has slowed compared to previous years.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The debt-to-equity ratio is relatively high at 1.25, indicating significant leverage, which could pose risks if not managed properly. Return on equity is modest at 6.96%, reflecting moderate profitability. The equity ratio stands at 33.73%, suggesting a balanced capital structure but with room for improvement in reducing debt levels.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Operating cash flow is positive, but free cash flow is negative, with a decline in free cash flow growth rate by 20.19% in the TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is below 1, indicating potential challenges in converting income to cash. The negative free cash flow to net income ratio suggests cash flow management issues.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue8.81B8.46B8.31B7.90B5.78B5.47B
Gross Profit3.59B3.39B3.28B2.89B2.71B2.79B
EBITDA3.37B3.21B2.92B2.66B2.56B2.67B
Net Income988.00M888.00M740.00M756.00M-1.48B1.47B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets42.36B41.07B39.24B37.84B33.22B48.12B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments294.00M306.00M331.00M356.00M3.57B442.00M
Total Debt17.80B16.81B15.60B14.23B11.21B15.86B
Total Liabilities28.08B26.99B25.30B23.92B19.50B34.74B
Stockholders Equity14.29B14.08B13.93B13.91B13.72B13.37B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-344.00M-465.00M-632.00M-425.00M297.00M-503.00M
Operating Cash Flow1.99B2.34B1.76B1.73B2.27B2.75B
Investing Cash Flow-2.02B-2.82B-2.38B-5.65B7.96B-3.26B
Financing Cash Flow356.00M435.00M650.00M709.00M-7.39B386.00M

PPL Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price36.50
Price Trends
50DMA
35.69
Positive
100DMA
35.19
Positive
200DMA
34.23
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.16
Positive
RSI
52.77
Neutral
STOCH
30.84
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PPL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 36.5 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 36.61, above the 50-day MA of 35.69, and above the 200-day MA of 34.23, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.16 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 52.77 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 30.84 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for PPL.

PPL Risk Analysis

PPL disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. PPL reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 1 New Risks
1.
PPL may not realize the anticipated benefits of the RIE acquisition, which could materially adversely affect PPL's business, financial condition and results of operations. Q3, 2022

PPL Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$26.97B21.9010.29%2.74%17.32%3.35%
73
Outperform
$25.10B19.1910.33%4.00%6.44%49.07%
71
Outperform
$26.99B27.236.96%2.90%6.62%17.35%
71
Outperform
$28.16B19.5212.61%3.14%14.35%3.62%
66
Neutral
$17.25B17.875.54%3.65%6.63%11.55%
66
Neutral
$21.41B21.1112.48%2.99%8.25%4.37%
66
Neutral
$23.64B27.425.63%4.63%14.44%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PPL
PPL
36.50
5.44
17.51%
AEE
Ameren
100.88
20.17
24.99%
CMS
CMS Energy
71.54
5.55
8.41%
DTE
DTE Energy
136.41
17.26
14.49%
FE
FirstEnergy
43.47
1.08
2.55%
ES
Eversource Energy
63.42
-0.86
-1.34%

PPL Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
PPL’s LG&E and KU Issue $700M Bonds
Neutral
Aug 13, 2025

On August 13, 2025, Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU) issued $700 million each in First Mortgage Bonds due 2055, with an interest rate of 5.850%. These bonds are secured by liens on the companies’ real and tangible personal property in Kentucky, used for electricity and natural gas operations. The proceeds will be used to repay existing bonds, short-term debt, and for general corporate purposes.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $36.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
PPL Corporation Enters Forward Contracts for Stock Sale
Neutral
Aug 12, 2025

In August 2025, PPL Corporation entered into forward contracts to sell 27.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $35.90 per share, with expected net proceeds of approximately $984 million. These contracts, part of PPL’s at-the-market program, aim to address a significant portion of its $2.5 billion equity requirement through 2028, with settlements scheduled through August 2027.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $36.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
PPL Secures $500M Through First Mortgage Bonds
Positive
Aug 11, 2025

On August 6, 2025, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation entered into an underwriting agreement with several financial institutions for the offering and sale of $500 million in First Mortgage Bonds, 5.55% Series due 2055. The issuance, completed on August 11, 2025, aims to secure funds for repaying short-term debt and general corporate purposes, potentially strengthening PPL Electric’s financial positioning and operational capabilities.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $36.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
PPL’s LG&E and KU Announce $700M Bond Offering
Neutral
Aug 5, 2025

On August 4, 2025, LG&E and KU entered into separate underwriting agreements for the offering and sale of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 5.850% First Mortgage Bonds due 2055. Both companies plan to issue these bonds around August 13, 2025, with the proceeds intended to repay existing bonds, short-term debt, and for other corporate purposes. This strategic financial move is expected to impact their debt structure and support their operational funding.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
PPL Reports Q2 2025 Earnings, Reaffirms Forecast
Neutral
Jul 31, 2025

On July 31, 2025, PPL Corporation announced its second-quarter 2025 earnings, reporting a GAAP earnings per share of $0.25 and ongoing earnings per share of $0.32, down from $0.38 in 2024 due to timing and weather factors. Despite this, PPL reaffirmed its 2025 earnings forecast range and projected strong earnings growth in the second half of the year, driven by higher returns on capital investments and lower operational costs. The company also highlighted its joint venture with Blackstone Infrastructure to develop electric generation stations for data centers, showcasing its commitment to innovation and stakeholder engagement.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $36.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
PPL Announces Agreement on Future Energy Projects
Neutral
Jul 29, 2025

On July 29, 2025, LG&E and KU announced a stipulation agreement with several intervenors regarding future generation-related construction projects, filed with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC). The agreement includes the construction of two 645 MW natural gas combined-cycle units and a selective catalytic reduction system, while withdrawing a battery storage project proposal. The stipulation, subject to KPSC approval, aims to address Kentucky’s growing energy needs amid economic development. The projected capital expenditures for these projects are approximately $4.1 billion, with the stipulation set for a hearing on August 4, 2025, and a ruling expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
PPL and Blackstone Announce Joint Venture in Pennsylvania
Positive
Jul 17, 2025

On July 15, 2025, PPL Corporation and Blackstone Infrastructure announced a joint venture to build, own, and operate new gas-fired, combined-cycle generation stations to power data centers in Pennsylvania. This initiative, revealed at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, aims to address the growing power demand from data centers and mitigate electricity price increases by leveraging the Marcellus and Utica shale basins. The joint venture, with PPL owning 51% and Blackstone 49%, plans to enter long-term energy services agreements and has already secured land for development, although no agreements with hyperscalers have been finalized. This move is part of a broader strategy to support economic development and address resource adequacy concerns in the PJM Interconnection region, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressing support for the investment’s potential to create jobs and drive economic growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
PPL Shareholders Elect Directors, Approve Executive Compensation
Neutral
May 19, 2025

At the Annual Meeting of Shareowners of PPL Corporation held on May 16, 2025, all ten nominees for the office of director were elected. Additionally, the shareowners approved the 2024 compensation of the Company’s named executive officers and ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025. However, a proposal for independent evaluation of greenhouse gas reduction targets was rejected.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
PPL Subsidiaries Seek Revenue Increases for System Upgrades
Neutral
May 15, 2025

On May 15, 2025, LG&E and KU announced plans to request revenue increases from the Kentucky Public Service Commission to support system enhancements aimed at improving reliability and resilience against severe weather. The proposed increases include 8.3% for LG&E electricity, 11.5% for KU electricity, and 14.0% for LG&E gas, with new rates potentially effective from January 1, 2026. These enhancements are part of ongoing efforts to upgrade aging infrastructure, improve customer service, and maintain competitive rates despite rising costs. The companies emphasize the importance of these investments in light of increasing severe weather events and the need for modernized systems.

The most recent analyst rating on (PPL) stock is a Buy with a $56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PPL stock, see the PPL Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 14, 2025