-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VYD9DM10T9e2PyBHl0DJsXg4zATjEnYO78NLDWYXvN+cvBE/MFr4vvHvDmn5w4XN YYQJ217nSw50gSVbkJDhbw== 0000922224-05-000039.txt : 20050505 0000922224-05-000039.hdr.sgml : 20050505 20050505083835 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000922224-05-000039 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050505 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Regulation FD Disclosure ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20050505 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050505 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PPL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000922224 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 232758192 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-11459 FILM NUMBER: 05801384 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO N NINTH ST CITY: ALLENTOWN STATE: PA ZIP: 181011179 BUSINESS PHONE: 6107745151 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO N NINTH ST CITY: ALLENTOWN STATE: PA ZIP: 18101-1179 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: PP&L RESOURCES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19941123 8-K 1 ppl8k5-5.htm PPL FORM 8K MAY 5, 2005 PPL Form 8K May 5, 2005

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 5, 2005

Commission File
Number
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address and Telephone Number
IRS Employer
Identification No.
     
1-11459
PPL Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA 18101-1179
(610) 774-5151
23-2758192
     
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
[  ]
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[  ]
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[  ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[  ]
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))




Section 2 - Financial Information
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
     On May 5, 2005, PPL Corporation ("PPL" or the "Company") issued a press release announcing its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 and reaffirming its 2005 earnings forecast. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Section 7 - Regulation FD
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
     Representatives of PPL will be talking with analysts and investors during a series of meetings and discussions throughout May and in early June. Unless it publicly discloses otherwise, PPL expects that during these meetings and discussions it will reaffirm the Company's 2005 forecast of $3.80 to $4.20 per share in earnings from ongoing operations and $3.63 to $4.03 per share in reported earnings, as described in the press release attached to this Form 8-K. As described in the press release, PPL’s 2005 forecast of earnings from ongoing operations excludes the impact of the first quarter after-tax charges of $27 million, or $0.14 per share, related to the PJM billing dispute and $6 million, or $0.03 per share, related to an agreement in principle to settle litigation with NorthWestern Energy Corporation.  This 2005 forecast also excludes any other unusual items that may occur this year, such as the potential noncash, after-tax charge of approximately $47 million, or $0.25 per share, related to PPL’s previously announced proposed sale of its Sundance power plant in Arizona. The information to be presented at the meetings will be available on or around May 19 on the Investor Center page of the Company’s Web site at www.pplweb.com.
 
Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
(c)
 
Exhibits
 
         
     
99.1 -
Press Release, dated May 5, 2005, announcing PPL Corporation's results for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 and reaffirming its 2005 earnings forecast.
 
"Earnings from ongoing operations" excludes the impact of unusual items. Earnings from ongoing operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income, or reported earnings, which is an indicator of operating performance determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). PPL Corporation believes that earnings from ongoing operations, although a non-GAAP measure, is also useful and meaningful to investors because it provides them with the company's underlying earnings performance as another criterion in making their investment decisions. PPL Corporation's management also uses earnings from ongoing operations in measuring certain corporate performance goals. Other companies may use different measures to present financial performance.
 
Statements made in this Form 8-K, including statements with respect to future earnings and asset dispositions, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although PPL Corporation believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the statements. The following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: market demand and prices for energy, capacity and fuel; weather conditions affecting customer energy usage and operating costs; competition in power markets; the effect of any business or industry restructuring; the profitability and liquidity of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; new accounting requirements or new interpretations or applications of existing requirements; operation and availability of existing generation facilities and operating costs; transmission and distribution system conditions and operating costs; environmental conditions and requirements; development of new projects, markets and technologies; performance of new ventures; asset acquisitions and dispositions; political, regulatory or economic conditions in states, regions or countries where PPL Corporation or its subsidiaries conduct business; receipt of necessary government permits, approvals and rate relief; the impact of state, federal or foreign investigations applicable to PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries and the energy industry; the outcome of litigation against PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; capital market conditions and decisions regarding capital structure; stock price performance; the market prices of equity securities and the impact on pension income and resultant cash funding requirements for defined pension plans; the securities and credit ratings of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; state, federal and foreign regulatory developments; foreign exchange rates; new state, federal or foreign legislation, including new tax legislation; national or regional economic conditions, including any potential effects arising from terrorist attacks in the U.S., the situation in Iraq and any consequential hostilities or other hostilities; and the commitments and liabilities of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries. Any such forward-looking statements should be considered in light of such important factors and in conjunction with PPL Corporation's Form 10-K and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 




SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
PPL CORPORATION

 
By:
/s/ Paul A. Farr                           
Paul A. Farr
Vice President and Controller






Dated: May 5, 2005
EX-99 2 ppl8k5-5ex99.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 Exhibit 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Contacts:
 
For media - Dan McCarthy, 610-774-5758
   
For financial analysts - Tim Paukovits, 610-774-4124


PPL Reports Earnings for First Quarter of 2005;
Reaffirms 2005 Earnings Forecast


ALLENTOWN, Pa. (May 5, 2005) ― PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) today reported first-quarter earnings that reflect solid power plant performance and increased revenues from its domestic and international electricity delivery businesses. Partially offsetting these positive factors were unusual charges related to a PJM billing dispute and an agreement in principle to settle litigation in Montana. Reported first-quarter earnings also reflect a non-cash charge to accelerate the amortization of certain stock-based compensation.

The company reported net income, or earnings, of $168 million for the first quarter of this year, compared to $177 million for the first quarter of 2004. On a per share basis, first-quarter net income was $0.88 in 2005 compared to $0.99 a year ago.

PPL’s earnings from ongoing operations increased by 9 percent compared to the year-ago period, to $201 million from $185 million. On a per share basis, PPL’s first quarter earnings from ongoing operations increased by 2 percent, to $1.05 from $1.03 last year, despite the accelerated stock-based compensation expense and 13 million more average shares of common stock outstanding compared to a year ago.

“Our solid first-quarter financial results underscore the value of the superior operating record that has become characteristic of the PPL workforce,” said William F. Hecht, PPL’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We were able to overcome some marketplace challenges because our eastern power plants generated about 6 percent more electricity in the first quarter of this year than last year, enabling us to take advantage of favorable wholesale prices in the Eastern United States,” said Hecht. “In addition to the positive impact of increased distribution rates and transmission charges in Pennsylvania, our electricity delivery customers increased their use by 3.7 percent in the United States and by 6.7 percent in Latin America over the first quarter a year ago.

“By continuing to improve operations, especially at our power plants, PPL is improving earnings despite rising fuel and emission allowance costs,” said Hecht. “We continue to achieve stable operational growth both in our regulated and unregulated businesses while managing risk and limiting volatility in cash flow and earnings.”
 
Reported earnings are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Earnings from ongoing operations is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes unusual items.
 
PPL’s reported first-quarter 2005 results recognize unusual after-tax charges of: $27 million, or $0.14 per share, for a loss contingency related to a previously announced dispute regarding PJM billing for prior periods; and $6 million, or $0.03 per share, for an agreement in principle to settle litigation with NorthWestern Energy relating to PPL’s original purchase of power plants in Montana. In the first quarter of 2004, PPL reported an unusual charge of $8 million, or $0.04 per share, for the sale of its minority interest in a Chilean energy holding company.

The company’s first-quarter 2005 results from ongoing operations reflect an after-tax, non-cash charge of approximately $10 million, or $0.06 per share, to accelerate the recording of stock-based compensation for retirement-eligible employees in cases where PPL’s stock-based plans allow for accelerated vesting upon retirement. This adjustment was made as a result of additional guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. Approximately one-half of this adjustment is related to prior periods.

The company also reaffirmed its 2005 forecast of $3.80 to $4.20 per share in earnings from ongoing operations. The midpoint of this forecast represents an 8 percent increase over 2004 earnings from ongoing operations. PPL’s 2005 forecast of $3.63 to $4.03 per share in reported earnings reflects the first-quarter unusual charges of $0.17 per share.

Hecht said that PPL expects the continued strengthening of its credit profile and liquidity position and projects a compound annual growth rate in per share earnings of 3 to 5 percent over the next several years.

Hecht also said PPL’s strong financial position and solid earnings support the company’s previously announced dividend policy, which provides for PPL to grow its common stock dividend at a rate that exceeds the projected growth rate in per share earnings from ongoing operations until the dividend payout ratio reaches the 50 percent level, subject to the board of directors’ quarterly dividend declarations based on the company’s financial position and other relevant considerations at the time. Hecht said that PPL expects to achieve that 50 percent level within two years. Consistent with this policy, PPL increased the annualized dividend rate by $0.20 per share, or 12.2 percent, to the current level of $1.84 per share effective with the dividend paid on April 1, 2005.




Earnings by Business Segment

The following chart shows earnings contributions from PPL’s business segments for the first quarter of 2005, compared to the first quarter of 2004. Dilution to per share earnings due to more common stock outstanding affects all business segments for both quarters.

 
 
1st Quarter
 
 
2005
2004
   
 
(per share)
   
Earnings from ongoing operations
       
         
Supply
$0.48
$0.50
   
Pennsylvania Delivery
  0.24
  0.22
   
International Delivery
  0.33
  0.31
   
     Total
$1.05
$1.03
   
         
Unusual items
       
         
Supply
($0.03)
-
   
Pennsylvania Delivery
  (0.14)
-
   
International Delivery
     -       
($0.04)
   
     Total
($0.17)
($0.04)
   
         
Reported earnings
       
         
Supply
$0.45
 $0.50
   
Pennsylvania Delivery
  0.10
   0.22
   
International Delivery
  0.33
   0.27
   
     Total
$0.88
$0.99
   

(For more details, see reconciliation tables at the end of this news release.)

Key First Quarter 2005 Earnings Factors by Business Segment
 
Supply Segment
 
PPL’s supply business segment primarily consists of the domestic energy marketing and generation operations of PPL Energy Supply. Reported earnings for this segment in the first quarter of 2005 were $86 million, or $0.45 per share, compared to $89 million, or $0.50 per share, a year ago. Reported earnings in 2005 were affected by an unusual after-tax charge of $6 million, or $0.03 per share, related to an agreement in principle to settle litigation with NorthWestern Energy. This matter is fully described in the company’s first-quarter 2005 Form 10-Q Report. Excluding this charge, first quarter 2005 earnings from ongoing operations for this segment were $92 million, or $0.48 per share, as compared to $89 million, or $0.50 per share, a year ago, when there were no unusual items in this segment.

Key earnings drivers for PPL’s supply segment in the first quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago were increased energy margins in the Eastern United States and improved earnings contributions from the company’s synfuel operations. Energy margins were higher in the Eastern United States due to higher wholesale electricity prices and increased output at PPL’s coal-fired, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants, despite higher fuel and emission allowance costs.

Partially offsetting the key earnings drivers for the supply segment in this quarter compared to a year ago were: lower energy margins in the Western United States due to decreased output from PPL’s coal-fired and hydroelectric power plants as a result of unplanned power plant outages and severe drought conditions, respectively; and higher operation and maintenance costs, including the accelerated amortization of stock-based compensation.

Pennsylvania Delivery Segment

PPL’s Pennsylvania delivery business segment includes the regulated electric and gas delivery operations of PPL Electric Utilities and PPL Gas Utilities. Reported earnings in the first quarter of 2005 for this segment were $20 million, or $0.10 per share, compared to $40 million, or $0.22 per share, a year ago. Reported earnings in 2005 were affected by the accrual of an unusual charge of $27 million after tax, or $0.14 per share, for the loss contingency related to the previously announced dispute regarding billing by PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) covering prior periods. This matter is fully described in the company’s first-quarter 2005 Form 10-Q Report. Excluding this charge, earnings from ongoing operations for this segment were $47 million, or $0.24 per share, in the first quarter of 2005 as compared to $40 million, or $0.22 per share, a year ago, when there were no unusual items in this segment.
 
Key earnings drivers for PPL’s Pennsylvania delivery segment in the first quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago were the combined 7.1 percent increase in distribution rates and transmission charges, beginning Jan. 1, 2005, and increased residential, commercial and industrial electricity delivery sales volumes.

Partially offsetting the key earnings drivers for the Pennsylvania delivery segment in this quarter compared to a year ago were: restoration expenses of $0.06 per share associated with severe January ice storms in northeastern Pennsylvania, for which PPL is seeking deferral approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission; the favorable resolution of certain tax issues a year ago but not recurring this year; and the accelerated amortization of stock-based compensation.

International Delivery Segment

PPL’s international delivery business segment primarily includes investments in electric distribution companies in the United Kingdom and Latin America. Reported earnings for this segment in the first quarter of 2005 were $62 million, or $0.33 per share, compared to $48 million, or $0.27 per share, a year ago. Since there were no unusual items in the first quarter of 2005 for this business segment, its earnings from ongoing operations equaled reported earnings. Earnings from ongoing operations for this segment in the first quarter of 2004 were $56 million, or $0.31 per share. In 2004, PPL reported an unusual charge of $8 million, or $0.04 per share, for the sale of its minority interest in a Chilean energy holding company.

Key earnings drivers for PPL’s international delivery segment in the first quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago were: lower U.S. taxes due to greater utilization of foreign tax credits from the United Kingdom; increased electricity delivery sales volumes in Latin America; and positive foreign currency exchange rates in the United Kingdom.

Partially offsetting the key earnings drivers for the international delivery segment in this quarter compared to a year ago were lower electricity delivery sales volumes and higher pension costs in the United Kingdom.

12-Month Earnings

For the 12-month period ended March 31, 2005, PPL’s net income was $689 million, or $3.67 per share, compared to $672 million, or $3.82 per share, for the same period of 2004. PPL’s earnings from ongoing operations for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2005, were $706 million, or $3.76 per share, compared to $651 million, or $3.70 per share, for the same period in 2004. (For more details, see reconciliation tables.)

 
2005 Earnings Forecast
 
PPL’s 2005 earnings forecast of $3.80 to $4.20 per share in earnings from ongoing operations excludes the impact of the first quarter unusual after-tax charges of $33 million, or $0.17 per share, and any other unusual items that may occur this year, such as a potential noncash, after-tax charge of approximately $47 million, or $0.25 per share, related to PPL’s previously announced proposed sale of its Sundance power plant in Arizona. The 2005 forecast includes specific key factors for each of PPL’s three business segments. The 2005 forecast also reflects the dilutive effect of an increase of 4 million average shares of common stock outstanding, primarily as a result of common stock issued in May 2004.
 
2005 Earnings Forecast by Business Segment
 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
2005
(forecast)
2004
(actual)
 
Low
High
 
 
(per share)
Supply
$2.10
$2.30
$2.31
Pennsylvania Delivery
  0.80
  0.90
  0.43
International Delivery
  0.90
  1.00
  0.98
    Total
$3.80
$4.20
$3.72

Supply Segment
 
Excluding the unusual first-quarter NorthWestern litigation charge and the potential unusual charge for the sale of the Sundance power plant, PPL projects that its supply business segment will contribute $2.10 to $2.30 per share of its total earnings from ongoing operations in 2005, compared to $2.31 per share in 2004. The segment is projecting flat energy margins based on a combination of offsetting factors. These factors include an increase in the generation prices under the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission-approved contract between PPL Electric Utilities and PPL EnergyPlus for customers who choose not to shop for an energy supplier and a full-year benefit from the 45-megawatt increase in capacity from replacing the Unit 1 turbine at the Susquehanna nuclear plant in April 2004. The positive effect of these factors is expected to be offset by increased costs for fuel and emission allowances.
 
In addition to projected flat energy margins, the following key factors are having an impact on 2005 supply business segment earnings: higher operation and maintenance expenses for a larger number of planned outages at the company’s power plants; the absence, in 2005, of tax benefits recorded in 2004; and higher depreciation expense, including a full year of depreciation associated with PPL’s Lower Mount Bethel Energy plant, in Pennsylvania, which went into service in May 2004.

Pennsylvania Delivery Segment
 
Excluding the unusual first-quarter charge for the PJM billing dispute, PPL projects that its Pennsylvania delivery business segment will contribute $0.80 to $0.90 per share of its total earnings from ongoing operations in 2005, compared to $0.43 per share in 2004. A key factor affecting 2005 Pennsylvania delivery earnings is a combined 7.1 percent increase in distribution rates and transmission charges beginning Jan. 1, 2005. This rate increase, along with projected modest load growth, is being partially offset by the absence, in 2005, of tax benefits recorded in 2004, as well as by increased operation and maintenance expenses in 2005, including a $0.06 per share impact from the severe January ice storms in northeastern Pennsylvania.
 
International Delivery Segment
 
PPL projects that its international delivery business segment will contribute $0.90 to $1.00 per share of its total earnings from ongoing operations in 2005, compared to $0.98 per share in 2004. A key factor affecting 2005 international earnings is an increase in pension costs at PPL’s electric distribution businesses in the United Kingdom due to a recent actuarial valuation of the pension plan, which reflects higher pension obligations.

Credit Profile and Liquidity Position
 
Hecht said PPL continues to strengthen its credit profile while maintaining its solid liquidity position.
 
PPL’s equity to total capitalization ratio as of March 31, 2005 was 36 percent, using debt and equity as presented on PPL’s balance sheet. PPL’s adjusted equity to total capitalization ratio as of March 31, 2005 was about 50 percent. The adjusted ratio for March 31, 2005 excludes $1.09 billion of transition bonds and $2.3 billion of debt of international affiliates, which are non-recourse to PPL.
 
PPL expects its equity to total capitalization ratio at the end of 2005 to be 40 percent using debt and equity as presented on PPL’s balance sheet, and 55 percent on an adjusted basis. The adjusted ratio excludes $890 million of transition bonds and $2.3 billion of debt of international affiliates. The forecasted improvement in PPL’s equity to total capitalization ratio reflects an overall reduction of debt of about $600 million and about a $400 million increase in common equity through growth in retained earnings.
 

At March 31, 2005, PPL had $1.7 billion of available capacity under its $2.4 billion of bank credit facilities. The following table reflects PPL’s projected cash flows for 2005 and its actual cash flows for 2004. The 2004 amounts exclude the $123 million in proceeds from the sale of PPL’s minority interest in a Chilean energy holding company.
 

2005 Forecast of Free Cash Flow Before Dividends
(millions of dollars)
2005
(forecast)
2004
(actual)
     
Cash from operations
$1,375
$1,437
   Less:
Transition bond repayments
265
254
 
Capital expenditures
830
734
     
Free cash flow before dividends
$  280
$  449
     

 
Several key factors impact the change in cash from operations between periods. In 2004, cash from operations included a federal income tax refund, and cash payments for income taxes are expected to be higher in 2005 than in 2004. Other items include reductions in projected international cash from operations resulting from increased pension fund contributions, and the impact on cash flow from the regulator’s rate review of PPL’s electricity delivery business affiliates in the United Kingdom. Partially offsetting these items are projected higher 2005 revenues in PPL’s Pennsylvania electricity delivery business as a result of the increase in distribution rates and transmission charges that became effective Jan. 1, 2005.
 
PPL’s projection of increased capital expenditures in 2005 is primarily due to more planned maintenance outages at the company’s generation plants in 2005 than in 2004 and to increased investments in environmental equipment at those plants. PPL also expects increased capital expenditures by its domestic and international delivery businesses in 2005 to support system reliability. In the United Kingdom, these capital expenditures are reflected in the regulator’s most recent rate review.
 
PPL plans to complete the installation of sulfur dioxide scrubbers at Units 1 and 2 of its Montour coal-fired power plant and at Unit 3 of its Brunner Island coal-fired power plant, both in Pennsylvania, during 2008. PPL also is evaluating the possible installation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at Brunner Island Unit 3 at a later date. PPL’s current plan reflects a cost of approximately $730 million for the scrubbers at the Montour and Brunner Island power plants and for the SCR at Brunner Island. PPL currently is in the process of evaluating vendor proposals for this equipment and will provide updated cost estimates—which are expected to increase—after the completion of that process. PPL plans to finance these pollution-control installations as part of its overall capital expenditure program with cash from operations and, when necessary, the issuance of debt securities. The company has no plans to issue any common stock during this period.

 
Future Outlook

Hecht said the company believes its strategy will result in a compound annual per share earnings growth rate of 3 to 5 percent over the next several years, along with a dividend growth rate exceeding this range. PPL’s previously announced dividend policy provides for PPL to grow its common stock dividend at a rate that exceeds the projected growth rate in per share earnings from ongoing operations until the dividend payout ratio reaches the 50 percent level, which is expected to occur within two years.
 
Hecht identified a number of visible growth elements:

Annual increases in the generation prices under the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission-approved contract between PPL Electric Utilities and PPL EnergyPlus for PPL Electric Utilities customers who choose not to shop for an energy supplier.
Increases in the volume of sales from PPL EnergyPlus to PPL Electric Utilities reflecting the projected growth in customer use.
Incremental capacity increases of about 255 megawatts at several existing generating facilities.

This long-term forecast assumes essentially no growth in wholesale price levels and that no new assets are added to the company’s portfolio.

PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 12,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to nearly 5 million customers in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom and Latin America. More information is available at www.pplweb.com.


#      #      #

(Note: All references to earnings per share in the text and tables of this news release are stated in terms of diluted earnings per share.)
 

 
PPL invites interested parties to listen to the live Internet webcast of management’s teleconference with financial analysts about first-quarter 2005 financial results at 9 a.m. (EDT) on Thursday, May 5. The teleconference is available online live, in audio format, on PPL’s Internet Web site: www.pplweb.com. The webcast will be available for replay on the PPL Web site for 30 days. Interested individuals also can access the live conference call via telephone at 913-981-5543.

 



PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Millions of Dollars)

 
March 31, 2005
   
Dec. 31, 2004 (a)
 
Assets
             
Cash
$
754
   
$
616
 
Other current assets
 
1,945
     
1,688
 
Investments
 
471
     
472
 
Property, plant and equipment - net
             
   Electric plant
 
10,795
     
10,715
 
   Gas and oil plant
 
213
     
213
 
   Other property
 
219
     
221
 
   
11,227
     
11,149
 
Recoverable transition costs
 
1,363
     
1,431
 
Goodwill and other intangibles
 
1,478
     
1,463
 
Regulatory and other assets
 
940
     
942
 
   Total assets
$
18,178
   
$
17,761
 
Liabilities and Equity
             
Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)
$
1,146
   
$
908
 
Other current liabilities
 
1,655
     
1,387
 
Long-term debt (less current portion)
 
6,639
     
6,881
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
 
2,429
     
2,426
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
 
1,885
     
1,813
 
Minority interest
 
55
     
56
 
Preferred stock
 
51
     
51
 
Earnings reinvested
 
1,951
     
1,870
 
Other common equity
 
3,583
     
3,530
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(378
)
   
(323
)
Treasury stock
 
(838
)
   
(838
)
   Total liabilities and equity
$
18,178
   
$
17,761
 
           

(a)
 
Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.




Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
(Millions of Dollars, Except per Share Data)

   
3 Months Ended March 31,
   
12 Months Ended March 31,
 
             
   
2005
   
2004(a)(b)
   
2005(a)
   
2004(a)(b)
 
Operating Revenues
                               
 
Utility
 
$
1,151
   
$
1,085
   
$
3,966
   
$
3,783
 
 
Unregulated retail electric and gas
   
25
     
31
     
108
     
122
 
 
Wholesale energy marketing
   
271
     
278
     
1,240
     
1,200
 
 
Net energy trading margins
   
16
     
6
     
32
     
23
 
 
Energy-related businesses
   
139
     
119
     
549
     
491
 
         
1,602
     
1,519
     
5,895
     
5,619
 
                                     
Operating Expenses
                               
 
Fuel and purchased power
   
514
     
472
     
1,739
     
1,624
 
 
Other operation and maintenance
   
364
     
316
     
1,291
     
1,240
 
 
Amortization of recoverable transition costs
   
69
     
71
     
255
     
260
 
 
Depreciation
   
105
     
99
     
418
     
384
 
 
Energy-related businesses
   
148
     
138
     
576
     
507
 
 
Taxes, other than income
   
73
     
57
     
266
     
248
 
 
Workforce reduction
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
9
 
         
1,273
     
1,153
     
4,545
     
4,272
 
                                     
Operating Income
   
329
     
366
     
1,350
     
1,347
 
Other Income - net
   
9
     
11
     
39
     
62
 
Interest Expense
   
135
     
124
     
534
     
490
 
                           
Income from Continuing Operations Before
                               
 
Income Taxes, Minority Interest and
                               
 
Distributions on Preferred Securities
   
203
     
253
     
855
     
919
 
Income Taxes
   
32
     
72
     
155
     
173
 
Minority Interest
   
2
     
2
     
8
     
8
 
Distributions on Preferred Securities
   
1
     
1
     
2
     
17
 
                                     
Income from Continuing Operations
   
168
     
178
     
690
     
721
 
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
   
0
     
1
     
1
     
21
 
                                     
Income Before Cumulative Effect of a Change in
                               
 
Accounting Principle
   
168
     
177
     
689
     
700
 
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting
                               
 
Principle (net of income taxes)
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
(28
)
                                 
Net Income
 
$
168
   
$
177
   
$
689
   
$
672
 
                                     
Earnings per share of common stock - basic
                               
 
Ongoing earnings
 
$
1.06
   
$
1.04
   
$
3.78
   
$
3.72
 
 
Unusual items
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.09
)
   
0.12
 
                           
 
Net Income
 
$
0.89
   
$
1.00
   
$
3.69
   
$
3.84
 
                           
Earnings per share of common stock - diluted
                               
 
Ongoing earnings
 
$
1.05
   
$
1.03
   
$
3.76
   
$
3.70
 
 
Unusual items
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.09
)
   
0.12
 
                           
 
Net Income
 
$
0.88
   
$
0.99
   
$
3.67
   
$
3.82
 
                           
Average shares outstanding (thousands)
                               
 
Basic
   
189,060
     
177,150
     
187,022
     
175,327
 
 
Diluted
   
190,675
     
177,757
     
188,004
     
175,949
 

(a)
 
Earnings in the 2005 and 2004 periods were impacted by several unusual items, as described in the text and tables of this news release. Earnings from ongoing operations excludes the impact of these unusual items.
(b)
 
Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.


Key Indicators

Financial
       
   
12 Months Ended
March 31, 2005
 
12 Months Ended
March 31, 2004
             
Dividends declared per share
 
$1.69
   
$1.565
 
Book value per share (a)
 
$22.75
   
$19.31
 
Market price per share (a)
 
$53.99
   
$45.60
 
Dividend yield (a)
 
3.1%
   
3.4%
 
Dividend payout ratio (b)
 
46%
   
41%
 
Dividend payout ratio - earnings from ongoing operations (b)(c)
 
45%
   
42%
 
Price/earnings ratio (a)(b)
 
14.7
   
11.9
 
Price/earnings ratio - earnings from ongoing operations (a)(b)(c)
 
14.4
   
12.3
 
Return on average common equity
 
16.94%
   
22.32%
 
Return on average common equity - earnings from ongoing operations (c)
 
17.45%
   
21.65%
 

(a)
 
End of period.
(b)
 
Based on diluted earnings per share.
(c)
 
Calculated using earnings from ongoing operations, which excludes the impact of unusual items, as described in the text and tables
of this news release.





Reconciliation of Business Segment Earnings from Ongoing Operations and Reported Earnings (Diluted)
 
   
1st Quarter 2005
 
12 Months Ended March 31, 2005
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
(millions of dollars)
                                                 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
92
 
$
47
 
$
62
 
$
201
 
$
430
 
$
87
 
$
189
 
$
706
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
 
PJM billing dispute (Q1, ’05)
         
(27
)
       
(27
)
       
(27
)
       
(27
)
   
NorthWestern litigation (Q1, ’05)
   
(6
)
             
(6
)
 
(6
)
             
(6
)
   
Impairment of investment in technology
    supplier (Q2, '04)
                           
(6
)
             
(6
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
                                       
1
   
1
 
   
Sale of CEMAR (Q2, '04)
                                       
23
   
23
 
   
Discontinued operations (Q4, '03, Q2, '04)
                                       
(2
)
 
(2
)
               
     
Total unusual items
   
(6
)
 
(27
)
       
(33
)
 
(12
)
 
(27
)
 
22
   
(17
)
               
Reported earnings
 
$
86
 
$
20
 
$
62
 
$
168
 
$
418
 
$
60
 
$
211
 
$
689
 
               
                                                   
                                                   
(per share)
                                                 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
0.48
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.33
 
$
1.05
 
$
2.29
 
$
0.46
 
$
1.01
 
$
3.76
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
 
PJM billing dispute (Q1, ’05)
         
(0.14
)
       
(0.14
)
       
(0.15
)
       
(0.15
)
   
NorthWestern litigation (Q1, ’05)
   
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
 
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
   
Impairment of investment in technology
    supplier (Q2, '04)
                           
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
                                             
0.00
 
   
Sale of CEMAR (Q2, '04)
                                       
0.13
   
0.13
 
   
Discontinued operations (Q4, '03, Q2, '04)
                                       
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
               
     
Total unusual items
   
(0.03
)
 
(0.14
)
       
(0.17
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.15
)
 
0.12
   
(0.09
)
               
Reported earnings
 
$
0.45
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.33
 
$
0.88
 
$
2.23
 
$
0.31
 
$
1.13
 
$
3.67
 
               





Reconciliation of Business Segment Earnings from Ongoing Operations and Reported Earnings (Diluted)
 
   
1st Quarter 2004
 
12 Months Ended March 31, 2004
 
           
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                   
(millions of dollars)
                                                 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
89
 
$
40
 
$
56
 
$
185
 
$
467
 
$
44
 
$
140
 
$
651
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
   
Consolidation of variable interest
   entities (Q4, '03)
                           
(27
)
             
(27
)
   
Workforce reduction (Q3, '03)
                                 
(5
)
       
(5
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
               
(8
)
 
(8
)
             
(8
)
 
(8
)
   
CEMAR-related tax benefit
   (Q3, '03)
                                       
81
   
81
 
   
Discontinued operations
   (Q4, '03, Q2, '04)
                                       
(20
)
 
(20
)
               
     
Total unusual items
               
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
(27
)
 
(5
)
 
53
   
21
 
               
Reported earnings
 
$
89
 
$
40
 
$
48
 
$
177
 
$
440
 
$
39
 
$
193
 
$
672
 
               
                                                   
                                                   
(per share)
                                                 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
0.50
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.31
 
$
1.03
 
$
2.65
 
$
0.25
 
$
0.80
 
$
3.70
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
   
Consolidation of variable interest
   entities (Q4, '03)
                           
(0.16
)
             
(0.16
)
   
Workforce reduction (Q3, '03)
                                 
(0.03
)
       
(0.03
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
               
(0.04
)
 
(0.04
)
             
(0.04
)
 
(0.04
)
   
CEMAR-related tax benefit
   (Q3, '03)
                                       
0.46
   
0.46
 
   
Discontinued operations
   (Q4, '03, Q2, '04)
                                       
(0.11
)
 
(0.11
)
               
     
Total unusual items
               
(0.04
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.16
)
 
(0.03
)
 
0.31
   
0.12
 
               
Reported earnings
 
$
0.50
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.27
 
$
0.99
 
$
2.49
 
$
0.22
 
$
1.11
 
$
3.82
 
               

Operating - Domestic and International Electricity Sales

 
(millions of kwh)
 
3 Months Ended March 31,
   
12 Months Ended March 31,
   
             
 
2005
 
2004
 
Percent
Change
   
2005
 
2004
 
Percent
Change
   
                             
Domestic Retail
                           
   Delivered (a)
10,292
 
9,921
 
3.7%
   
36,301
 
35,330
 
2.7%
   
   Supplied
10,790
 
10,368
 
4.1%
   
38,192
 
36,888
 
3.5%
   
                             
International Delivered
                           
   WPD
7,849
 
7,960
 
(1.4%
)
 
28,736
 
28,418
 
1.1%
   
   Latin America
1,077
 
1,009
 
6.7%
   
4,068
 
3,873
 
5.0%
   
                             
Domestic Wholesale
                           
   East (b)
4,812
 
5,689
 
(15.4%
)
 
24,163
 
25,374
 
(4.8%
)
 
   West
                           
     NorthWestern Energy
816
 
834
 
(2.2%
)
 
3,322
 
3,355
 
(1.0%
)
 
     Other Montana
2,069
 
2,208
 
(6.3%
)
 
7,607
 
7,805
 
(2.5%
)
 
     PPL EnergyPlus
184
 
193
 
(4.7%
)
 
1,460
 
1,460
 
0.0%
   

(a)
 
Electricity delivered to retail customers represents the kwh delivered to customers within PPL Electric Utilities Corporation’s
service territory.
(b)
 
Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 
“Earnings from ongoing operations” excludes the impact of unusual items. Earnings from ongoing operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income, which is an indicator of operating performance determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). PPL believes that earnings from ongoing operations, although a non-GAAP measure, is also useful and meaningful to investors because it provides them with PPL’s underlying earnings performance as another criterion in making their investment decisions. PPL’s management also uses earnings from ongoing operations in measuring certain corporate performance goals. Other companies may use different measures to present financial performance.

“Free cash flow before dividends” should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operations, which is determined in accordance with GAAP. PPL believes that free cash flow before dividends is an important measure to both management and investors since it is an indicator of the company’s ability to sustain operations and growth without additional outside financing beyond the requirement to fund maturing debt obligations. Other companies may calculate free cash flow before dividends in a different manner.
 
“Equity to total capitalization ratio” includes as equity minority interest and preferred stock as well as all of the components of common equity as presented on the balance sheet. Total capitalization is calculated as equity plus short-term debt plus long-term debt as presented on the balance sheet.

“Adjusted equity to total capitalization ratio” excludes transition bonds issued by PPL Transition Bond Company LLC under the Pennsylvania Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act and excludes debt of international affiliates, which are nonrecourse to PPL. The adjusted equity to total capitalization ratio should not be considered as an alternative to an equity to total capitalization ratio using debt and equity balances as reflected on the balance sheet. PPL believes that this adjusted equity ratio is useful to investors because it provides them with another indicator of credit quality. The adjusted equity to total capitalization ratio focuses primarily on debt that is recourse to PPL. Other companies may present adjusted equity ratios in a different manner.

Statements contained in this news release, including statements with respect to future earnings, energy prices, margins and sales, growth, revenues, expenses and pension costs, cash flows, cash on hand, dividends, credit profile, electric rates, corporate strategy, capital expenditures, accounting treatment, business dispositions and generating capacity, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although PPL Corporation believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the statements. The following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: market demand and prices for energy, capacity and fuel; weather conditions affecting customer energy usage; competition in retail and wholesale power markets; the effect of any business or industry restructuring; the profitability and liquidity of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; new accounting requirements or new interpretations or applications of existing requirements; operating performance of plants and other facilities; environmental conditions and requirements; system conditions and operating costs; development of new projects, markets and technologies; performance of new ventures; asset acquisitions and dispositions; political, regulatory or economic conditions in states, regions and countries where PPL Corporation or its subsidiaries conduct business; receipt of necessary governmental permits, approvals and rate relief; the outcome of litigation against PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; capital market conditions; stock price performance; the market prices of equity securities and the impact on pension income and resultant cash funding requirements for defined benefit pension plans; the securities and credit ratings of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; foreign exchange rates; and the commitments and liabilities of PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries. Any such forward-looking statements should be considered in light of such factors and in conjunction with PPL Corporation’s Form 10-K and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

# # #

Note to Editors: Visit PPL’s media Web site at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about the corporation and its subsidiaries.


 

 

 

 


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