-----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, UMvv3ASxSs0IsncGoKJd6L0V2RDjbNTEGb/nvwHN4sW07powAR90CaxCue9eVQ2C jNkVujbBOCxtg7S912TEGA== 0000922224-05-000077.txt : 20050802 0000922224-05-000077.hdr.sgml : 20050802 20050802131327 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000922224-05-000077 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20050802 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Regulation FD Disclosure ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20050802 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050802 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: 05991008 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 ppl8k8-02.htm PPL CORP 8K 8-02-05 PPL Corp 8K 8-02-05

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):  August 2, 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 August 2, 2005, PPL Corporation ("PPL") issued a press release announcing its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. 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
On August 2, 2005, PPL issued a press release announcing its earnings forecast for 2006, a quarterly dividend increase and a 2-for-1 stock split. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
As noted in the press release, the record date for the stock split is August 17, 2005 and the distribution date will be August 24, 2005. At the distribution date, the share and per share amounts included in PPL’s consolidated financial statements will be adjusted to reflect the stock split in both future and prior periods, and PPL’s stock-based compensation awards and the conversion rate and market price trigger of PPL Energy Supply’s 2-5/8% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 will also be adjusted to reflect the stock split.
 
Also as noted in the press release, the Board of Directors of PPL approved an increase to its quarterly common stock dividend, payable October 1, 2005, to $0.50 per share, equivalent to $2.00 per annum. (After giving effect to the stock split, the dividend is $0.25 per share, equivalent to $1.00 per annum.) The record date for the October 1 dividend is September 9, 2005. Future dividends, declared at the discretion of PPL’s Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
(c)
 
Exhibits
 
         
     
99.1 -
Press Release, dated August 2, 2005, announcing PPL Corporation's results for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
     
99.2 -
Press Release, dated August 2, 2005, announcing PPL Corporation's earnings forecast for 2006, a quarterly dividend increase, and a 2-for-1 stock split.
 

 




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
Senior Vice President - Financial and Controller



Dated: August 2, 2005
EX-99.1 CHARTER 2 ppl8k8-2ex991.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 Second Quarter of 2005

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Aug. 2, 2005) PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) today reported second-quarter earnings that reflect vastly improved electricity delivery revenues in Pennsylvania and solid operating results in all of the company's business segments.

The company reported net income, or earnings, of $128 million for the second quarter of this year, compared to $148 million for the second quarter of 2004. On a per share basis, second quarter net income was $0.67 in 2005 compared to $0.81 a year ago. PPL's positive operating performance in the quarter was partially offset by the previously announced unusual, non-cash after-tax charge of $47 million, or $0.24 per share, from the sale of PPL's Sundance power plant in Arizona.

PPL's second-quarter earnings from ongoing operations, which exclude unusual items, increased by 33 percent compared to the year-ago period, to $175 million from $132 million. On a per share basis, PPL's second-quarter earnings from ongoing operations increased by 26 percent, to $0.91 from $0.72 last year. This per share growth came despite 8 million more average shares of common stock outstanding compared to a year ago.

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.

“Our performance in the second quarter shows significant improvement in revenues from our electricity delivery business in Pennsylvania,” said William F. Hecht, PPL's chairman and chief executive officer. “This growth in our delivery business, due primarily to increased distribution rates and transmission charges since the first of this year, has helped PPL's financial performance. We also saw strong operating results from all of our business segments.”

For the first six months of 2005, PPL announced reported earnings of $296 million, or $1.55 per share, compared to $325 million, or $1.80 per share, for the same period last year. Earnings from ongoing operations for the first six months of 2005 increased by 20 percent compared to the year-ago period, to $381 million from $317 million. On a per share basis, PPL's first-half 2005 earnings from ongoing operations increased by 14 percent, to $1.99 per share, from $1.75 per share for the same period last year. This per share growth came despite 10 million more average shares of common stock outstanding compared to a year ago.

In addition to the sale of the Sundance plant in May 2005, PPL's reported results for the first half of 2005 reflect three other unusual after-tax charges in the first quarter of 2005: $0.14 per share related to a PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM), billing dispute; $0.03 per share related to accelerated amortization of certain stock-based compensation awarded in prior years; and $0.03 per share related to an agreement in principle to settle litigation with NorthWestern Energy.

For the 12-month period ended June 30, 2005, PPL's net income was $669 million, or $3.51 per share, compared to $704 million, or $3.93 per share, for the period ended June 30, 2004. The company recorded several unusual items during these periods. Earnings from ongoing operations for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2005, were $754 million, or $3.96 per share, compared to $667 million, or $3.72 per share, for the period ended June 30, 2004. (See the table entitled “Reconciliation of Business Segment Earnings from Ongoing Operations and Reported Earnings.”)
 
2005 Earnings Forecast
 
Reflecting its solid results for the first half of 2005, PPL has tightened its 2005 forecast from $3.80 to $4.20 per share in earnings from ongoing operations to $4.00 to $4.20 per share. The company's revised 2005 forecast of $3.56 to $3.76 per share in reported earnings reflects unusual items through June 30, 2005.
 
Long-term Earnings Forecast, Dividend Increase and Stock Split

PPL also announced today its initial earnings forecast for 2006 -- $4.30 to $4.50 per share. The midpoint of this 2006 forecast represents a 7.3 percent increase from the midpoint of the company's 2005 forecast for earnings per share from ongoing operations. The company now is forecasting, for the remainder of this decade, a 6 to 7 percent compound annual growth rate in earnings per share. Previously, PPL had been forecasting long-term earnings growth of 3 to 5 percent.

In addition, based on its solid 2005 operating performance and improving earnings per share forecast, PPL also announced today an 8.7 percent increase in its quarterly common stock dividend. Effective Oct. 1, the quarterly dividend will increase from $0.46 per share to $0.50 per share, or from $1.84 per share to $2.00 per share on an annualized basis. PPL also announced today a 2-for-1 common stock split. (See separate news release today: "PPL Announces Significantly Higher Earnings Forecast; 8.7 Percent Dividend Increase on Oct. 1; 2- for-1 Stock Split".)
 
Earnings by Business Segment

The following chart shows earnings contributions from PPL's business segments for the second quarter and for the first six months of 2005, compared to the same periods of 2004. Dilution to per share earnings due to more common stock outstanding affects all business segments for all time frames.
 
   
2nd Quarter
   
Year to Date
 
   
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
   
(per share)
   
(per share)
 
Earnings from ongoing operations
                               
                                 
Supply
 
$
0.45
   
$
0.47
   
$
0.95
   
$
0.97
 
Pennsylvania Delivery
   
0.18
     
0.01
     
0.43
     
0.23
 
International Delivery
   
0.28
     
0.24
     
0.61
     
0.55
 
Total
 
$
0.91
   
$
0.72
   
$
1.99
   
$
1.75
 
                         
Unusual Items
                               
                                 
Supply
   
(0.24
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.03
)
Pennsylvania Delivery
   
-
     
-
     
(0.15
)
   
-
 
International Delivery
   
-
     
0.12
     
-
     
0.08
 
Total
 
$
(0.24
)
 
$
0.09
   
$
(0.44
)
 
$
0.05
 
                         
Reported earnings
                               
                                 
Supply
 
$
0.21
   
$
0.44
   
$
0.66
   
$
0.94
 
Pennsylvania Delivery
   
0.18
     
0.01
     
0.28
     
0.23
 
International Delivery
   
0.28
     
0.36
     
0.61
     
0.63
 
Total
 
$
0.67
   
$
0.81
   
$
1.55
   
$
1.80
 
                         

(For more details of earnings in dollars and per share, as well as a detailed description of all unusual items for all time frames, see reconciliation tables at the end of this news release.)

 
Key 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 second quarter of 2005 were $40 million, or $0.21 per share, compared to $80 million, or $0.44 per share, a year ago. Excluding unusual items, second-quarter 2005 earnings from ongoing operations for this segment were $87 million, or $0.45 per share, compared to $86 million, or $0.47 per share, a year ago. Reported earnings for this segment in the second quarter of 2005 were affected by the unusual, non-cash, after-tax charge of $47 million, or $0.24 per share, for the sale of PPL's Sundance power plant in Arizona.

Excluding the unusual charge, the Sundance sale will be accretive to the company's earnings in 2005 and in subsequent years, as is reflected in the company's revised earnings forecast. Sale proceeds of $190 million were used to reduce PPL's outstanding debt and to improve liquidity.

Key earnings drivers for PPL's supply segment in the second quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago were: 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; improved earnings contributions from the company's synfuel operations; and higher nuclear generation as a result of the 45-megawatt increase in capacity at PPL's Susquehanna nuclear plant in 2004.

Partially offsetting the key positive earnings drivers for the supply segment in this quarter compared to a year ago were higher fuel costs and lower coal-fired and hydroelectric generation resulting in higher purchased power costs.
 
For the first six months of 2005, reported earnings for this business segment were $126 million, or $0.66 per share, compared to $169 million, or $0.94 per share, for the year-ago period. Excluding unusual items, earnings from ongoing operations for this business segment for the same period of 2005 were $182 million, or $0.95 per share, compared to $175 million, or $0.97 per share, a year ago.

Key earnings drivers for PPL's supply segment in the first six months of 2005 compared to a year ago were higher energy margins in the Eastern U.S. and increased earnings contributions from the company's synfuel operations. Partially offsetting the key positive earnings drivers for the supply segment in the first half of 2005 compared to a year ago were lower energy margins in the Western U.S. and higher operating and maintenance costs, including higher outage costs at the company's power plants.

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 second quarter of 2005 for this segment were $34 million, or $0.18 per share, compared to $2 million, or $0.01 per share, a year ago. There were no unusual items for this segment in the second quarter of 2005 or 2004.

The key earnings driver for PPL's Pennsylvania delivery segment in the second quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago was the 7.1 percent increase in distribution rates and transmission charges effective Jan. 1, 2005.
 
For the first six months of 2005, reported earnings for this business segment were $54 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to $42 million, or $0.23 per share, for the year-ago period. Excluding unusual items, first-half 2005 earnings from ongoing operations for this segment were $83 million, or $0.43 per share, compared to $42 million, or $0.23 per share a year ago.

The key earnings driver for PPL's Pennsylvania delivery segment in the first six months of 2005 compared to a year ago was the increase in distribution rates and transmission charges, as in the second quarter of 2005. However, partially offsetting this key positive earnings driver were: restoration expenses of $0.05 per share associated with severe January ice storms in northeastern Pennsylvania, for which PPL Electric Utilities is seeking approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for a deferral accounting order that allows the utility to seek recovery in a future rate filing; and the favorable resolution of certain tax issues a year ago, but not recurring this year.
 
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 second quarter of 2005 were $54 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to $66 million, or $0.36 per share, a year ago. There were no unusual items for this segment in the second quarter of 2005. Excluding unusual items, earnings from ongoing operations for this segment in the second quarter of 2004 were $44 million, or $0.24 per share.
 
Key earnings drivers for PPL's international delivery segment in the second quarter of 2005 compared to a year ago were: higher electricity delivery margins in the United Kingdom; lower U.S. taxes due to greater utilization of foreign tax credits from the United Kingdom; and positive foreign currency exchange rates in the United Kingdom.

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

For the first six months of 2005, reported earnings for this business segment were $116 million, or $0.61 per share, compared to $114 million, or $0.63 per share, a year ago.

There were no unusual items for this segment in the first half of 2005. Excluding unusual items a year ago, first-half earnings from ongoing operations in 2004 for this segment were $100 million, or $0.55 per share. The key positive earnings drivers and offsets for this segment in the first six months of 2005 compared to a year ago were identical to those in the second quarter of 2005.

2005 Earnings Forecast by Business Segment

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
2005
(forecast)
2004
(actual)
 
Low
High
 
 
(per share)
Supply
$2.15
$2.25
$2.31
Pennsylvania Delivery
0.85
0.90
0.43
International Delivery
1.00
1.05
0.98
Total
$4.00
$4.20
$3.72

 
PPL's 2005 earnings forecast includes specific key factors for each of the company's three business segments. The 2005 forecast also includes the dilutive effect of an increase of 4 million average shares of common stock outstanding.
 
Supply Segment
 
Excluding unusual items, PPL projects that its supply business segment will contribute $2.15 to $2.25 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; and the absence, in 2005, of tax benefits recorded in 2004.
 
Pennsylvania Delivery Segment
 
Excluding unusual items, PPL projects that its Pennsylvania delivery business segment will contribute $0.85 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 the 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 $0.05 per share impact from the severe January ice storms in northeastern Pennsylvania.
 
International Delivery Segment
 
Excluding unusual items, PPL projects that its international delivery business segment will contribute $1.00 to $1.05 per share of its total earnings from ongoing operations in 2005, compared to $0.98 per share in 2004. Key positive factors affecting 2005 international earnings are improved delivery margins including an incentive revenue award earned by PPL's electric distribution businesses in the United Kingdom for outstanding customer service for the regulatory year ending in March 2005. Partially offsetting these positive factors is an increase in pension costs at PPL's electric distribution businesses in the United Kingdom due to an actuarial valuation of the pension plan in late-2004, 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 June 30, 2005, was 38 percent, using debt and equity as presented on PPL's balance sheet. PPL's adjusted equity to total capitalization ratio as of June 30, 2005, was 52 percent. The adjusted ratio for June 30, 2005 excludes $1.0 billion of transition bonds and $2.2 billion of debt of international affiliates, all of which are non-recourse to PPL.

PPL expects its equity to total capitalization ratio at the end of 2005 to be 39 percent using debt and equity as presented on PPL's balance sheet, and 53 percent on an adjusted basis. The adjusted ratio excludes $892 million of transition bonds and $2.2 billion of debt of international affiliates. The forecasted improvement in PPL's equity to total capitalization ratio reflects an increase of about $200 million in common equity through growth in retained earnings.

At June 30, 2005, PPL had $2.2 billion of available capacity under its $2.8 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 include $123 million in proceeds from the sale of PPL's minority interest in a Chilean energy holding company, and the 2005 amounts include $190 million in proceeds from the sale of PPL's Sundance plant in Arizona.
 
2005 Forecast of Cash Flow
     
(millions of dollars)
2005
(forecast)
 
2004
(actual)
       
       
Cash from operations
$1,375
 
$1,437
Plus: Proceeds from asset sales
190
 
123
 
1,565
 
1,560
 Less:
Transition bond repayments 265   254
 
Capital expenditures
870
 
734
 
Dividends-common & preferred
350
 
299
       
Free cash flow
$   80
 
$  273
       
 
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 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 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, the regulator has included the cost of capital expenditures in the determination of revenues that PPL's electricity delivery businesses can receive.

PPL plans to install sulfur dioxide scrubbers at two of its power plants in Pennsylvania. Scrubbers are planned at Units 1 and 2 of PPL's Montour coal-fired power plant and at Unit 3 of its Brunner Island coal-fired power plant during 2008. The company also plans to complete the installation of scrubbers at Units 1 and 2 of the Brunner Island plant during 2009. Key contracts for these scrubber projects have been awarded. The company's current plan for the installation of scrubbers and other pollution-control equipment from 2005 to 2010 reflects a cost of about $1.5 billion.

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 growth rate in per share earnings of 6 to 7 percent through 2010. In addition, 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 in 2006, a year earlier than previously announced. Thereafter, the company would expect dividend growth to at least match the growth rate in earnings per share.
 
Hecht identified a number of visible growth elements:

·  
Annual increases in the supply prices under the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission-approved contract, expiring at the end of 2009, 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.
·  
The opportunity to improve margins from wholesale electricity sales as certain long-term contracts expire over the next several years.
·  
Incremental capacity increases of about 255 megawatts at several existing generating facilities.

PPL's long-term forecast assumes the sale of electricity at current forward wholesale price levels for the periods involved and that no new assets are added to the company's portfolio.

PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls about 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 meeting with financial analysts about second-quarter 2005 financial results at 3 p.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, August 2. The meeting is available online live, in audio format, along with slides of the presentation, on PPL's Internet Web site: www.pplweb.com. The webcast will be available for replay on the PPL Web site for 30 days.


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

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Millions of Dollars)

 
June 30, 2005
   
Dec. 31, 2004 (a)
 
           
Assets
             
Cash
$
366
   
$
616
 
Other current assets
 
2,016
     
1,688
 
Investments
 
485
     
472
 
Property, plant and equipment - net
             
   Electric plant
 
10,422
     
10,715
 
   Gas and oil plant
 
215
     
213
 
   Other property
 
211
     
221
 
           
   
10,848
     
11,149
 
Recoverable transition costs
 
1,305
     
1,431
 
Goodwill and other intangibles
 
1,451
     
1,463
 
Regulatory and other assets
 
956
     
942
 
           
   Total assets
$
17,427
   
$
17,761
 
         
Liabilities and Equity
             
Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)
$
1,063
   
$
908
 
Other current liabilities
 
1,586
     
1,387
 
Long-term debt (less current portion)
 
6,151
     
6,881
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
 
2,396
     
2,426
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
 
1,819
     
1,813
 
Minority interest
 
54
     
56
 
Preferred stock
 
51
     
51
 
Earnings reinvested
 
1,991
     
1,870
 
Other common equity
 
3,596
     
3,530
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(442
)
   
(323
)
Treasury stock
 
(838
)
   
(838
)
           
   Total liabilities and equity
$
17,427
   
$
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 June 30,
   
6 Months Ended June 30,
   
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
                   
   
2005 (a)
   
2004 (a)(b)
   
2005 (a)
   
2004 (a)(b)
   
2005 (a)
   
2004 (a)(b)
 
                                     
Operating Revenues
                                               
 
Utility
 
$
1,010
   
$
908
   
$
2,161
   
$
1,993
   
$
4,068
   
$
3,824
 
 
Unregulated retail electric and gas
   
23
     
29
     
48
     
60
     
102
     
124
 
 
Wholesale energy marketing
   
276
     
290
     
544
     
567
     
1,205
     
1,170
 
 
Net energy trading margins
   
(1
)
   
6
     
15
     
12
     
25
     
17
 
 
Energy-related businesses
   
168
     
128
     
308
     
248
     
589
     
490
 
                                         
         
1,476
     
1,361
     
3,076
     
2,880
     
5,989
     
5,625
 
                                         
Operating Expenses
                                               
 
Fuel and purchased power
   
411
     
389
     
922
     
861
     
1,746
     
1,621
 
 
Other operation and maintenance
   
331
     
318
     
695
     
632
     
1,303
     
1,222
 
 
Amortization of recoverable transition costs
   
59
     
57
     
128
     
128
     
256
     
261
 
 
Depreciation
   
105
     
100
     
208
     
197
     
416
     
389
 
 
Taxes, other than income
   
69
     
63
     
141
     
119
     
269
     
248
 
 
Energy-related businesses
   
170
     
132
     
316
     
269
     
608
     
503
 
 
Workforce reduction
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
9
 
                                         
         
1,145
     
1,059
     
2,410
     
2,206
     
4,598
     
4,253
 
                                         
Operating Income
   
331
     
302
     
666
     
674
     
1,391
     
1,372
 
Other Income - net
   
11
     
18
     
18
     
27
     
32
     
56
 
Interest Expense
   
125
     
133
     
260
     
254
     
519
     
491
 
                                         
Income from Continuing Operations Before
                                               
 
Income Taxes, Minority Interest and
                                               
 
Distributions on Preferred Securities
   
217
     
187
     
424
     
447
     
904
     
937
 
Income Taxes
   
38
     
30
     
72
     
105
     
171
     
159
 
Minority Interest
   
2
     
2
     
4
     
4
     
8
     
9
 
Distributions on Preferred Securities
   
0
     
0
     
1
     
1
     
2
     
3
 
                                         
Income from Continuing Operations
   
177
     
155
     
347
     
337
     
723
     
766
 
Loss from Discontinued Operations (net of
                                               
 
income taxes) (c)
   
49
     
7
     
51
     
12
     
54
     
43
 
                                         
Income Before Cumulative Effect of a
                                               
 
Change in Accounting Principle
   
128
     
148
     
296
     
325
     
669
     
723
 
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting
                                               
 
Principle (net of income taxes)
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
(19
)
                                         
Net Income
 
$
128
   
$
148
   
$
296
   
$
325
   
$
669
   
$
704
 
                                         
                                                     
Earnings per share of common stock - basic
                                               
 
Ongoing Earnings
 
$
0.92
   
$
0.72
   
$
2.01
   
$
1.75
   
$
3.99
   
$
3.73
 
 
Unusual items
   
(0.25
)
   
0.09
     
(0.45
)
   
0.05
     
(0.45
)
   
0.21
 
                                         
 
Net Income
 
$
0.67
   
$
0.81
   
$
1.56
   
$
1.80
   
$
3.54
   
$
3.94
 
                                         
                                                     
Earnings per share of common stock - diluted
                                               
 
Ongoing Earnings
 
$
0.91
   
$
0.72
   
$
1.99
   
$
1.75
   
$
3.96
   
$
3.72
 
 
Unusual items
   
(0.24
)
   
0.09
     
(0.44
)
   
0.05
     
(0.45
)
   
0.21
 
                                         
 
Net Income
 
$
0.67
   
$
0.81
   
$
1.55
   
$
1.80
   
$
3.51
   
$
3.93
 
                                         
                                                     
Average shares outstanding (thousands)
                                               
 
Basic
   
189,626
     
182,962
     
189,317
     
180,437
     
188,995
     
178,642
 
 
Diluted
   
191,677
     
183,524
     
191,150
     
181,022
     
190,384
     
179,241
 

(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.
(c)
 
Includes the sale and operating losses of the Sundance power plant and the loss on sale of a Latin American telecommunications company.
 
Key Indicators

Financial
   
12 Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 
12 Months Ended
June 30, 2004
             
Dividends declared per share
 
$1.74
   
$1.59
 
Book value per share (a)
 
$22.67
   
$21.48
 
Market price per share (a)
 
$59.38
   
$45.90
 
Dividend yield (a)
 
2.9%
   
3.5%
 
Dividend payout ratio (b)
 
50%
   
40%
 
Dividend payout ratio - earnings from ongoing operations (b)(c)
 
44%
   
43%
 
Price/earnings ratio (a)(b)
 
16.9
   
11.7
 
Price/earnings ratio - earnings from ongoing operations (a)(b)(c)
 
15.0
   
12.3
 
Return on average common equity
 
15.81%
   
21.35%
 
Return on average common equity - earnings from ongoing operations (c)
 
17.80%
   
20.46%
 

(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)
 

2nd Quarter 2005
 
(millions of dollars)
 
(per share)
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                                   
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
87
 
$
34
 
$
54
 
$
175
 
$
0.45
 
$
0.18
 
$
0.28
 
$
0.91
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
   
Sale of Sundance (Q2, '05)
   
(47
)
             
(47
)
 
(0.24
)
             
(0.24
)
     
Total unusual items
   
(47
)
             
(47
)
 
(0.24
)
             
(0.24
)
Reported earnings
 
$
40
 
$
34
 
$
54
 
$
128
 
$
0.21
 
$
0.18
 
$
0.28
 
$
0.67
 
                                                   
                                                   

Year to date June 30, 2005
 
(millions of dollars)
 
(per share)
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                                   
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
182
 
$
83
 
$
116
 
$
381
 
$
0.95
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.61
 
$
1.99
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
    PJM billing dispute (Q1, '05)           (27          (27          (0.14          (0.14 
   
NorthWestern litigation (Q1, '05)
   
(6
)
             
(6
)
 
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
   
Sale of Sundance (Q2, '05)
   
(47
)
             
(47
)
 
(0.24
)
             
(0.24
)
   
Stock-based compensation
    adjustment (Q1, '05) (a)
   
(3
)
 
(2
)
       
(5
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.01
)
       
(0.03
)
     
Total unusual items
   
(56
)
 
(29
)
       
(85
)
 
(0.29
)
 
(0.15
)
       
(0.44
)
Reported earnings
 
$
126
 
$
54
 
$
116
 
$
296
 
$
0.66
 
$
0.28
 
$
0.61
 
$
1.55
 
                                                   
                                                   

12 Months Ended June 30, 2005
 
(millions of dollars)
 
(per share)
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                                   
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
434
 
$
121
 
$
199
 
$
754
 
$
2.28
 
$
0.63
 
$
1.05
 
$
3.96
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
    PJM billing dispute (Q1, '05)           (27  )         (27          (0.14          (0.14 
   
NorthWestern litigation (Q1, '05)
   
(6
)
             
(6
)
 
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
   
Sale of Sundance (Q2, '05)
   
(47
)
             
(47
)
 
(0.25
)
             
(0.25
)
   
Stock-based compensation
    adjustment (Q1, '05) (a)
   
(3
)
 
(2
)
       
(5
)
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.01
)
       
(0.03
)
     
Total unusual items
   
(56
)
 
(29
)
       
(85
)
 
(0.30
)
 
(0.15
)
       
(0.45
)
Reported earnings
 
$
378
 
$
92
 
$
199
 
$
669
 
$
1.98
 
$
0.48
 
$
1.05
 
$
3.51
 
 
(a)
 
This represents the portion of the first-quarter, stock-based compensation adjustment related to prior periods. The charge was reported in earnings from ongoing operations in the first-quarter earnings news release. However, this portion of the charge has been reclassified as an "unusual item," based on additional accounting guidance issued subsequent to the earnings release for the first quarter.
 

 

 
Reconciliation of Business Segment Earnings from Ongoing Operations and Reported Earnings (Diluted)
 
2nd Quarter 2004
 
(millions of dollars)
 
 (per share)
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                                   
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
86
 
$
2
 
$
44
 
$
132
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.72
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
   
Impairment of investment in
    technology supplier (Q2, '04)
   
(6
)
             
(6
)
 
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
               
1
   
1
                         
   
Sale of CEMAR (Q2, '04)
               
23
   
23
               
0.13
   
0.13
 
   
Discontinued operations (Q4, '03,
    Q2, '04)
               
(2
)
 
(2
)
             
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
     
Total unusual items
   
(6
)
       
22
   
16
   
(0.03
)
       
0.12
   
0.09
 
Reported earnings
 
$
80
 
$
2
 
$
66
 
$
148
 
$
0.44
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.36
 
$
0.81
 
               

Year to date June 30, 2004
 
(millions of dollars)
 
 (per share)
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                                   
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
175
 
$
42
 
$
100
 
$
317
 
$
0.97
 
$
0.23
 
$
0.55
 
$
1.75
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
   
Impairment of investment in
    technology supplier (Q2, '04)
   
(6
)
             
(6
)
 
(0.03
)
             
(0.03
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
               
(7
)
 
(7
)
             
(0.04
)
 
(0.04
)
   
Sale of CEMAR (Q2, '04)
               
23
   
23
               
0.13
   
0.13
 
   
Discontinued operations (Q4, '03,
    Q2, '04)
               
(2
)
 
(2
)
             
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
     
Total unusual items
   
(6
)
       
14
   
8
   
(0.03
)
       
0.08
   
0.05
 
Reported earnings
 
$
169
 
$
42
 
$
114
 
$
325
 
$
0.94
 
$
0.23
 
$
0.63
 
$
1.80
 
               

12 Months Ended June 30, 2004
 
(millions of dollars)
 
 (per share)
 
   
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
Supply
 
PA
Delivery
 
Int'l
Delivery
 
Total
 
                                                   
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
$
463
 
$
46
 
$
158
 
$
667
 
$
2.58
 
$
0.26
 
$
0.88
 
$
3.72
 
 
Unusual Items
                                                 
   
Consolidation of variable interest
    entities (Q4, '03)
   
(27
)
             
(27
)
 
(0.15
)
             
(0.15
)
   
Workforce reduction (Q3, '03)
         
(5
)
       
(5
)
       
(0.03
)
       
(0.03
)
   
Impairment of investment in
    technology supplier (Q2, '04)
   
(6
)
             
(6
)
 
(0.04
)
             
(0.04
)
   
Sale of CGE (Q1, '04)
               
(7
)
 
(7
)
             
(0.04
)
 
(0.04
)
   
Sale of CEMAR (Q2, '04)
               
23
   
23
               
0.13
   
0.13
 
   
CEMAR-related tax benefit
    (Q3, '03)
               
81
   
81
               
0.46
   
0.46
 
   
Discontinued operations (Q4, '03,
    Q2, '04)
               
(22
)
 
(22
)
             
(0.12
)
 
(0.12
)
     
Total unusual items
   
(33
)
 
(5
)
 
75
   
37
   
(0.19
)
 
(0.03
)
 
0.43
   
0.21
 
Reported earnings
 
$
430
 
$
41
 
$
233
 
$
704
 
$
2.39
 
$
0.23
 
$
1.31
 
$
3.93
 
               




 
Operating - Domestic and International Electricity Sales

(millions of kwh)
               
 
3 Months Ended June 30,
   
6 Months Ended June 30,
   
12 Months Ended June 30,
 
                 
 
2005
 
2004
 
Percent
Change
   
2005
 
2004
 
Percent
Change
   
2005
 
2004
 
Percent
Change
 
                                         
Domestic retail
                                       
   Delivered (a)
8,402
 
8,383
 
0.2%
   
18,706
 
18,303
 
2.2%
   
36,305
 
35,655
 
1.8%
 
   Supplied
8,913
 
8,842
 
0.8%
   
19,715
 
19,211
 
2.6%
   
38,247
 
37,353
 
2.4%
 
                                         
International delivered
                                       
   United Kingdom
7,310
 
7,313
 
0.0%
   
15,159
 
15,274
 
(0.8%
)
 
28,733
 
28,487
 
0.9%
 
   Latin America
1,081
 
1,004
 
7.7%
   
2,158
 
2,013
 
7.2%
   
4,145
 
3,915
 
5.9%
 
                                         
Domestic wholesale
                                       
   East (b)
4,767
 
6,001
 
(20.6%
)
 
9,579
 
11,690
 
(18.1%
)
 
22,929
 
25,463
 
(10.0%
)
   West
                                       
      NorthWestern Energy
839
 
827
 
1.4%
   
1,655
 
1,662
 
(0.4%
)
 
3,334
 
3,345
 
(0.3%
)
      Other Montana
1,799
 
1,729
 
4.1%
   
3,868
 
3,937
 
(1.8%
)
 
7,677
 
7,782
 
(1.3%
)
      PPL EnergyPlus
272
 
287
 
(5.3%
)
 
456
 
480
 
(5.0%
)
 
1,242
 
1,415
 
(12.2%
)

(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 reported earnings, or 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” is derived by deducting the following from cash flow from operations: capital expenditures (net of disposals, but adjusted to include lease financing) and repayment of transition bonds. Free cash flow 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 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 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, whether the debt is on or off balance sheet. 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 from operations, dividends, credit profile, capital expenditures 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 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; operating performance of plants and other facilities; environmental conditions and requirements and the related costs of compliance including environmental capital expenditures and emission allowance and other expenses; 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 government permits, approvals and rate relief; capital market conditions and decisions regarding capital structure; the impact of state, federal or foreign investigations applicable to PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; the outcome of litigation against PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; 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; political, regulatory or economic conditions in states, regions or countries where PPL Corporation or its subsidiaries conduct business, including any potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism or war or other hostilities; foreign exchange rates; new state, federal or foreign legislation, including new tax legislation; 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.
 
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Note to Editors: Visit PPL's media Web site at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about the corporation and its subsidiaries.



 

 

 

 

 




EX-99.2 3 ppl8k8-2ex992.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 Exhibit 99.2

Exhibit 99.2


Contact: For news media, Dan McCarthy, (610) 774-5758
For financial analysts, Tim Paukovits, (610) 774-4124



PPL Announces Significantly Higher Earnings Forecast;
8.7 Percent Dividend Increase on Oct. 1;
2-for-1 Stock Split

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Aug. 2, 2005) — Based on solid 2005 operating performance and a dramatically improved earnings per share forecast, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) Tuesday (8/2) announced an 8.7 percent increase in its common stock dividend, as well as a 2-for-1 common stock split.
William F. Hecht, PPL’s chairman and chief executive officer, said the company now is forecasting, for the remainder of this decade, a 6 to 7 percent compound annual growth rate in earnings per share. Previously, PPL had been forecasting long-term earnings growth of 3 to 5 percent.
“We have spent the last decade building a company — and a strategy — that increases value for our shareowners across a range of market conditions,” said Hecht. “This strategy has allowed PPL to provide consistent growth during the challenging markets of the past few years and now has us positioned to benefit from improving prospects in the competitive wholesale markets.”
Hecht said the new long-term growth forecast is largely based on the company’s opportunity to improve its margins from wholesale electricity sales as certain long-term contracts expire over the next several years.
“We are projecting continued solid financial performance from our delivery operations and superior results from our supply operations,” said Hecht. “Our forecast for improving energy supply margins is based on our outstanding generation fleet, which is compiling an availability record that is approaching the best in the industry.”
In conjunction with the reporting of its second quarter earnings today, the company announced its initial earnings forecast for 2006 — $4.30 to $4.50 per share. The $4.40 per share midpoint of this 2006 forecast represents a 7.3 percent increase from the midpoint of the company’s 2005 forecast for earnings per share from ongoing operations. (See separate news release: “PPL Reports Earnings for Second Quarter of 2005.”)
“Our forecast of improved financial performance is based on solid, visible prospects for growth reflecting our current assets and little or no increase in forward wholesale price levels over the remainder of the decade,” said Hecht. “We continue to pursue assets that will immediately add value for our shareowners and we believe it is possible that wholesale prices will increase above current projected levels. These factors, however, are not included in our projection of a 6 to 7 percent compound annual earnings growth rate.”

Dividend increased to $2.00 per share on annualized basis
As a result of solid operating performance and the improving growth forecasts, the company’s board of directors has approved a 4-cent per share increase in PPL’s quarterly common stock dividend to $0.50 per share, payable Oct. 1, 2005.
Hecht said the company now expects to reach its goal of a 50 percent dividend payout ratio in 2006, rather than in 2007, as previously announced. All future dividend decisions, Hecht noted, are subject to the board of directors’ quarterly dividend declarations based on the company’s financial position and other relevant considerations at the time.
With this latest announcement, PPL now has increased its dividend by 100 percent over the past six years.
Dividend levels will be adjusted to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split announced Tuesday.
 
Stock split
The stock split is the first for PPL since 1992 and will bring the company’s number of outstanding common shares to 380 million.
“The fact that PPL’s common stock is trading near its all-time high, combined with our strong current financial condition and excellent prospects for future growth, led to our decision to split the stock,” said Hecht. “A split can make a company’s stock attractive to a larger number of shareowners and also broaden the shareowner base.”
PPL common stock’s record high is $62.36 per share, achieved on May 23, 2001.
The split shares will be distributed on Aug. 24, to shareowners of record as of the close of business on Aug. 17, 2005. For the convenience of shareowners, the split shares will be issued using direct registration (book-entry). After Aug. 24, PPL shareowners will receive a statement reflecting their split shares along with information regarding direct registration from PPL’s transfer agent and registrar, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
“We believe that the actions we are announcing today have the potential to further improve the total return for PPL’s shareowners, who have enjoyed one of the best total returns in our industry over the past five years,” said Hecht. Over that period, PPL shareowners who have reinvested their dividends have experienced a total return of 177 percent, a level that is more than twice the average of the U.S. investor-owned utilities.
Hecht and other members of the PPL executive team will discuss second-quarter results, increased growth forecasts, the dividend increase, the stock split and other business issues in a meeting with financial analysts on Tuesday at 3 p.m. A webcast of that meeting, along with the slides to be presented at the meeting, will be available at www.pplweb.com. The webcast will be available for replay on the PPL Web site for 30 days.
PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls about 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 this release are stated in terms of diluted earnings per share.)
 

“Earnings from ongoing operations” excludes the impact of unusual items. Earnings from ongoing operations should not be considered as an alternative to reported earnings, or 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.

Statements contained in this news release, including statements with respect to future earnings, energy prices, margins and sales, growth, dividends, asset acquisitions 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 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; operating performance of plants and other facilities; environmental conditions and requirements and the related costs of compliance including environmental capital expenditures and emission allowance and other expenses; 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 government permits, approvals and rate relief; capital market conditions and decisions regarding capital structure; the impact of state, federal or foreign investigations applicable to PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; the outcome of litigation against PPL Corporation and its subsidiaries; 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; political, regulatory or economic conditions in states, regions or countries where PPL Corporation or its subsidiaries conduct business, including any potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism or war or other hostilities; foreign exchange rates; new state, federal or foreign legislation, including new tax legislation; 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.




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