PPL Corporation operates a regulated electric and natural gas utility holding company serving customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Rhode Island and Virginia. Its news commonly covers earnings releases, long-term growth targets, utility rate proceedings, transmission and distribution investments, and capital-market actions tied to funding regulated infrastructure.
Company updates also feature subsidiary activity at PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy. Recurring operating themes include electric delivery and transmission in Pennsylvania, electric generation and gas distribution in Kentucky, Rhode Island electric and gas utility matters, renewable-energy partnerships, grid reliability initiatives and evaluations of long-term energy supply options.
PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) reaffirmed its earnings forecast and growth projections following the enactment of Kentucky Senate Bill 4. This law mandates the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) to approve the retirement of fossil-fuel-fired electric generation units. PPL plans to add new combined-cycle natural gas plants, nearly 1,000 megawatts of solar, and expand energy efficiency programs by 2028. The company maintains its 2023 earnings forecast between $1.50 to $1.65 per share, with expected annual growth of 6% to 8% through at least 2026. The new law is not expected to materially impact PPL's business outlook.
John Kaiser of Kaiser Research predicts a "lithium awakening" in Canada, moving past a 10-year bear market into a bull market led by lithium. The James Bay region is highlighted as a key area for lithium projects. E3 Lithium has upgraded its mineral resource to 16.0 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, marking the largest resource in Canada. The Clearwater Lithium Project boasts an NPV8% of US$1.1 Billion. Additionally, Piedmont Lithium (PPL) and Sayona Mining recently produced their first batch of lithium concentrate at their North American Lithium mine, while Lithium Americas (LAC) has commenced construction at the Thacker Pass project in Nevada.
PPL Capital Funding, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), announced the pricing of $900 million in 2.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2028. The offering is aimed at qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A. Settlement is expected on February 24, 2023, with anticipated net proceeds of approximately $882 million after discounts. The notes will be secured by PPL Corporation and will bear interest payable semi-annually, starting September 15, 2023. They are exchangeable into PPL common stock at an initial rate of 29.3432 shares per $1,000 note. The proceeds are intended for repaying short-term debt and corporate purposes.
Enel X Way North America has signed a five-year contract with Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company to enhance EV charging infrastructure in Kentucky. The utilities aim to add fast charging stations to eight locations, launching with four in 2023, featuring eight 350-kW DC fast charging stations. This initiative aligns with Kentucky's commitment to invest $86.9 million for charging infrastructure. The partnership builds upon a previous collaboration focused on energy efficiency for commercial users. With ongoing federal support, this development is pivotal in promoting electric vehicle adoption in the state.
PPL Capital Funding, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), announced plans for a $900 million private placement of Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2028. The offering aims to attract qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act. The notes, which will have semi-annual interest payments, are exchangeable for cash or shares of PPL's common stock. Proceeds will be used to repay short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. Additionally, the announcement includes details about redemption options and investor rights upon fundamental changes.
PPL Corporation reported 2022 earnings of $1.02 per share, surpassing the previous year's loss of $1.93 per share. Adjusted ongoing operations earnings were $1.41 per share, up from $1.05 in 2021. The company reaffirmed its 2023 earnings forecast at $1.50 to $1.65 per share, targeting a midpoint of $1.58, reflecting a 7% increase from 2022. A quarterly common stock dividend was raised by 7% to $0.24, payable on April 3, 2023. PPL aims for 6% to 8% annual EPS and dividend growth through 2026 and has planned $12 billion in infrastructure investments through 2026 to enhance grid reliability.
PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is set to release its consolidated fourth-quarter and year-end 2022 earnings results on February 17, 2023. The conference call, featuring PPL's CEO Vincent Sorgi and the executive team, will start at 11 a.m. Eastern Time and will be available for live streaming on their investor website. The call will cover quarterly and annual results alongside the company's business outlook. A replay will be accessible for 90 days. PPL serves over 3.5 million customers with a focus on creating innovative, reliable, and sustainable power solutions.
PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) has announced its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareowners will be held virtually on May 17, 2023, at 9 a.m. Eastern time. Shareowners of record as of February 28, 2023 are eligible to vote and participate. The company provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.5 million customers in the U.S., focusing on building resilient power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Proxy materials with meeting instructions will be sent to shareowners.
PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) announced a robust updated business plan predicting 6% to 8% annual EPS and dividend growth through at least 2026. The plan includes an additional $2.5 billion for capital investments, raising total investments to $14.3 billion, resulting in a projected 5.6% rate base growth. Expected EPS for 2023 is between $1.50 and $1.65, representing a 7% increase over prior forecasts. They also plan to boost the quarterly dividend by 7% to $0.24 per share.
PPL Corporation has appointed Francis X. Sullivan as the new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2023, replacing Gregory N. Dudkin, who is on extended medical leave. Sullivan, with over 40 years in the energy sector, previously held leadership positions at NRG Energy and Kindle Energy. He will oversee PPL's regulated utility operations and report to President and CEO Vincent Sorgi. Sorgi expressed confidence in Sullivan’s leadership as the company focuses on transforming and growing within the evolving energy landscape.