Will PPL's Infrastructure Upgrades Boost Its Reliability & Earnings?
The transmission and distribution upgrades enable PPL to handle increased energy demand, especially from data centers and other industries, positioning it to capitalize on future growth opportunities.
PPL is investing heavily in upgrading its transmission and distribution infrastructure, including smart grid technologies like advanced metering and automated switching. This leads to a more reliable and resilient energy grid, reducing the frequency and duration of power outages. From 2025 to 2028, PPL intends to invest $20 billion to upgrade infrastructure and improve service quality. The capital investment for 2025 and 2026 is expected to be $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, respectively.
Since 2012, investments in stronger infrastructure have led to a 93% decrease in outage frequency, 89% fewer lightning-related outages and 64% fewer equipment failures (all stats compare 2023 to 2012). PPL is the first U.S. utility to fully integrate Dynamic Line Rating ('DLR') technology into real-time and market operations. DLR enables real-time performance adjustments to deliver more power over existing lines, reducing congestion and deferring costly infrastructure upgrades.
PPL is strategically leveraging its transmission and distribution infrastructure to capitalize on the opportunities presented by data center growth and the broader transition to a cleaner energy future, while also improving reliability and customer satisfaction.
Utilities Strengthening Transmission & Distribution
Some other utility companies that are also focused on improving their transmission and distribution systems have been discussed below.
FirstEnergy FE: With planned investments of $28 billion between 2025 and 2029, the company will install advanced equipment and technologies that will strengthen and modernize its transmission and distribution infrastructure.
NextEra Energy 's NEE subsidiary, Florida Power & Light, plans to invest nearly $21.7 billion in transmission and distribution projects from 2025 to 2029 to support customer growth and continue hardening the energy grid. This will allow the company to provide power to customers even during storms.
PPL's Earnings Estimates
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 EPS indicates an increase of 7.69% and 8.33%, respectively, year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PPL Stock Trading at a Premium
PPL is trading at a premium relative to the industry, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings of 19.32X compared with the industry average of 15.04X.
PPL Stock Price Performance
In the past three months, PPL's shares have risen 9.1% compared with the industry 's 3.1% growth.
PPL's Zacks Rank
PPL currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
See our %%CTA_TEXT%% report – free today!
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
PPL Corporation (PPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report
FirstEnergy Corporation (FE): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
32 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Elite Express Holding Inc. Announces Pricing of $15.2 Million Initial Public Offering
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elite Express Holding Inc. (ETS), a last-mile delivery service provider based in California, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 3,800,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $15.2 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, ETS has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 570,000 shares of Class A common stock at the initial public offering price. All shares of Class A common stock are being offered by ETS. The shares of Class A common stock are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol 'ETS' on August 21, 2025. The offering is expected to close on August 22, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Dominari Securities LLC is acting as the representative of the underwriters for the offering, with Revere Securities acting as co-underwriter for the offering. Pacific Century Securities, LLC is acting as the advisor to ETS. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-286965), as amended, was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') and was declared effective on August 20, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. A preliminary prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at Electronic copies of the prospectus may be obtained from the underwriter by contacting Dominari Securities LLC at 725 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by calling (212) 393-4500 or (800) 299-7618, or by emailing info@ This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction where such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Elite Express Holding Inc. ETS is a Delaware holding company that conducts its operations through its wholly owned subsidiary, JAR Transportation Inc., based in California. ETS provides last-mile delivery services, primarily focused on transporting packages from distribution centers to end customers within defined service areas. Leveraging logistics software to support route planning, driver oversight, and regulatory compliance, ETS is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability through the use of technology-driven solutions. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements about the anticipated timing of the offering. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'future,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'outlook,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements relate to future events, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the expected closing date of the offering and expected gross proceeds from the offering. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ include risks related to our ability to satisfy the closing conditions related to the offering, general market and economic conditions, and those other risks as are detailed in ETS' filings with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form S-1 under the section 'Risk Factors.' ETS undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Rubicon Technology, Inc. to acquire Janel Group LLC
BENSENVILLE, Ill. and NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubicon Technology, Inc. (OTCQB:RBCN) ('Rubicon') and Janel Corporation (OTCQX:JANL) ('Janel Corp') today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which Rubicon will acquire Janel Group LLC ('Janel Group') with Janel Group becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Rubicon and Janel Corp receiving shares of Rubicon common stock. Janel Group, based in Garden City, New York, and originally founded in 1974, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Janel Corp. Janel Group had revenues of approximately $181.3 million and operating income of approximately $8.7 million for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2025. The company is a non-asset based, full-service provider of cargo transportation logistics management services. Its management team will remain in place as part of Rubicon. The transaction allows Rubicon to acquire a profitable business and better access to capital. Janel Corp shareholders will benefit from its ownership of Rubicon. The transaction, which was approved by the Rubicon board, including its independent directors, is subject to approval by the majority of Rubicon's disinterested stockholders. Additional Transaction Details Janel Corp will sell all of the issued and outstanding equity of Janel Group to Rubicon in exchange for 7,000,000 shares of Rubicon common stock, at a value of $4.75 per share. Rubicon will assume approximately $23 million of Janel Group indebtedness and net working capital liabilities and gain access to a total of $35 million in borrowing capacity as part of a revolving credit facility under Janel Corp's existing credit line. Prior to this transaction, Janel Corp owned 1,108,000 shares of Rubicon common stock, representing approximately 46.6 percent of all outstanding Rubicon common stock. Following this transaction, Janel Corp will own approximately 86.5 percent of Rubicon's common stock. Janel Corp and Rubicon will maintain the existing governance, nomination and voting agreement requiring review and approval by Rubicon's independent directors of related party transactions between Rubicon and Janel Corp, and any of its affiliates, until such time that Janel Corp and/or its affiliates acquire more than 90 percent of Rubicon's outstanding stock. In order to protect Rubicon's ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards, Rubicon had previously adopted a stockholder rights plan to limit the ability of any group or person to acquire 5% or more of Rubicon's common stock (subject to certain exceptions, including acquisitions approved by its board) by any group or person. The board of Rubicon has determined that the transaction will not impair the Rubicon's net loss carryforwards. Rubicon shares will continue to be traded on the OTC market. Janel Corp Tender Offer of Rubicon Common Stock Contingent upon a successful Rubicon stockholder vote and consummation of the transaction, Janel Corp expects to make a tender offer for an additional 400,000 shares of Rubicon stock at $4.75 per share in cash upon which Janel Corp would own approximately 90.7% of Rubicon's common stock outstanding. The tender offer described in this announcement has not yet commenced. This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Rubicon's common stock. If Rubicon stockholders approve the transaction, Janel will distribute an Offer to Purchase relating to the tender offer following the consummation of the transaction, and any Rubicon stockholder who would like to participate in the tender offer should review the terms of the tender offer set forth in such Offer to Purchase when it becomes available. About Rubicon Technology, Inc. Rubicon Technology, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Rubicon Technology Worldwide LLC, is an advanced materials provider specializing in monocrystalline sapphire products for optical systems and specialty electronic devices. Rubicon has expertise in sapphire products with superior quality and precision. About Janel Group LLC Janel Group LLC is a non-asset based, full-service provider of cargo transportation logistics management services, including freight forwarding via air, ocean and land-based carriers; customs brokerage services; warehousing and distribution services; trucking and other value-added logistics services. The company operates in the United States with over 25 locations and serves customers globally through its networks of international partners. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that are, or may deemed to be, 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that reflect management's current expectations with respect to the closing of Rubicon's acquisition of Janel Group, the benefits of the transaction for Rubicon, the continuation of agreements between Rubicon and Janel Corp following the closing of the acquisition, the tax impact of the transaction and Janel Corp's plans to commence a tender offer following approval of the transaction by Rubicon stockholders. These forward – looking statements may generally be identified using the words 'may,' 'will,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'projects,' 'believes,' 'should,' 'expects,' 'predicts,' 'anticipates,' 'estimates,' and similar expressions or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are necessarily estimates reflecting management's best judgment based upon current information and involve several risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and readers are advised that various factors could affect our financial performance, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Janel Corp's Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') filings, which could cause Janel Corp's actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in its SEC filings. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, such factors include, but are not limited to, we may fail to realize the expected benefits or strategic objectives of this transaction, or that we spend resources exploring acquisitions that are not consummated; risks associated with litigation and indemnification claims and other unforeseen claims and liabilities that may arise from an acquisition; changes in tax rates, laws or regulations and our acquired companies and subsidiaries' ability to utilize anticipated tax benefits; the impact of rising interest rates on our investments, business and operations; conflicts of interest with the minority shareholders of our business; we may not have sufficient working capital to continue operations; we may lose customers who are not obligated to long-term contracts to transact with us; instability in the financial markets; changes or developments in U.S. laws or policies (including the imposition of tariffs and any resulting counter-tariffs as well as reductions in federal government funding); competition from companies with greater financial resources and from companies that operate in areas in which we plan to expand; impacts from climate change, including the increased focus by third-parties on sustainability issues and our ability to comply therewith; competition from parties who sell their businesses to us and from professionals who cease working for us; the level of our insurance coverage, including related to product and other liability risks; each of our compliance with applicable privacy, security and data laws; risks related to the diverse platforms and geographies which host each of our management information and financial reporting systems; the Logistic business' dependence on the availability of cargo space from third parties; the impact of claims arising from transportation of freight by the carriers with which the Logistic business contracts, including an increase in premium costs; higher carrier prices may result in decreased adjusted gross profit; risks related to the classification of owner-operators in the transportation industry; recessions and other economic developments that reduce freight volumes; other events affecting the volume of international trade and international operations; risks arising from each of our ability to comply with governmental permit and licensing requirements or statutory and regulatory requirements; the impact of seasonal trends and other factors beyond our control on the Logistics business; and risks related to ownership of each of our common stock, including share price volatility, the lack of a guaranteed continued public trading market for each of our common stock, and costs related to maintaining Janel Corp's status as a public company; terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war and, in the case of Janel Corp, such other factors that may be identified from time to time in its SEC filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those projected. You should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Inflation Is Ticking Upwards. Should Opendoor Investors Be Worried?
Key Points Opendoor Technologies has a challenging business model and, on top of that, has executed it poorly. Higher inflation may keep rates elevated, which would work against Opendoor. The company's CEO recently resigned, another flashing warning sign. 10 stocks we like better than Opendoor Technologies › Prices of various goods and services continue to rise across the U.S. economy. Currently, the trailing 12-month inflation rate is 2.7% as of July 2025. Research by The Motley Fool tracks inflation, as well as its historical effect on the stock market and consumers. Generally speaking, too much inflation isn't a good thing. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Learn More » One area of the economy where inflation can have an effect is real estate. Opendoor Technologies (NASDAQ: OPEN) is trying to revolutionize the housing industry with an e-commerce business model, but the company has struggled. Should investors worry about inflation ticking upwards, and how that could affect Opendoor and the housing market? The root of Opendoor's struggles Opendoor is trying to build an Amazon -like e-commerce model for the housing industry, where people can buy and sell homes online. The company buys homes, usually those in good condition or those that only need minor repairs, then resells them on its online marketplace. It sounds like a great idea, but the company hasn't been able to turn that into a sustainable business yet. The profit margins are slim. Opendoor has to balance competitive offers for homes it buys with the need to resell those properties at a profitable price. Opendoor acquires homes with debt so that it can operate at a larger scale, but debt incurs interest expenses. Therefore, the company's goal is high inventory turnover, quickly buying and reselling homes to spread the cost of its capital and business operations across as many transactions as possible. All of this is even harder when you consider that market conditions and interest rates can change. Rapid interest rate hikes caught Opendoor off guard a few years ago and incurred massive losses on the inventory it was stuck holding on to. To put it kindly, Opendoor Technologies has not been a good investment thus far. The company went public via a SPAC merger in late 2020, and the stock has dropped over 90% from its all-time high. What happens if inflation heats up, and how might that affect Opendoor? The housing market is slow right now, and that's working against Opendoor. High interest rates on mortgages are the primary culprit. Rates on 30-year mortgages are currently at 6.5%. Higher rates can make housing payments dramatically more expensive. For example, suppose you buy a home for $420,000 using a 5% down payment and a conventional 30-year mortgage. The difference in the monthly payment on a mortgage with a 5% rate versus a 7% rate is over $500. The Federal Reserve (the Fed) controls the federal funds rate, the economy's benchmark rate at which banks lend to each other. It doesn't solely determine mortgage rates, but it does influence them. If inflation continues to rise, the Fed may be reluctant to lower rates or could even raise them to cool inflation down. It would be hard to see the housing market loosening up in that scenario, which would continue to make things difficult for Opendoor. Should investors worry about Opendoor, or is the stock a buy? Opendoor Technologies recently soared over 500% after a hedge fund manager posted about the stock on social media. Since then, the stock has cooled off some, but remains highly volatile. Adding to the uncertainty is the recent resignation of CEO Carrie Wheeler, who announced that she was stepping down from her position following the company's most recent earnings report. So, where does that leave investors right now? For one thing, if inflation continues to rise, Opendoor and its investors should be concerned. Second, it would work against Opendoor if the Fed maintains a high federal funds rate. Beyond that, an already struggling company now lacks leadership at the helm. Perhaps change will be a good thing, but it's hard to give Opendoor the benefit of the doubt. Despite the stock's recent rally, it's probably best to avoid Opendoor until there is a new CEO in place and the company shows at least two or three consecutive quarters of improved business performance. For now, it's unclear whether Opendoor can even keep its doors open over the long term. Should you invest $1,000 in Opendoor Technologies right now? Before you buy stock in Opendoor Technologies, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Opendoor Technologies wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $654,781!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,076,588!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,055% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 18, 2025
