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8-K - FORM 8-K - PPL Corpppl-12312016earnings.htm

Exhibit 99.1
news release
 
ppllogo.jpg
www.pplnewsroom.com
 
 
 

Contacts:
For news media: Ryan Hill, 610-774-5997
For financial analysts: Lisa Pammer, 610-774-3316

PPL Corporation Reports 2016 Earnings

Exceeds high end of 2016 reported earnings forecast range.
Delivers 2016 earnings from ongoing operations at high end of forecast range, representing 11 percent year-over-year growth and seventh straight year above forecasted midpoint.
Reaffirms 2017 forecast and expectation for 5 to 6 percent compound annual earnings growth from 2017 to 2020.
Increases annualized common stock dividend 4 percent to $1.58 per share.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Feb. 1, 2017) – PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) on Wednesday (2/1) announced 2016 reported earnings (GAAP) of $1.9 billion, or $2.79 per share, compared with $682 million, or $1.01 per share, in 2015.
The company's results for 2015 reflect the $921 million loss from discontinued operations, or $1.36 per share, resulting primarily from the June 1 spinoff of its competitive supply business.
Adjusting for special items, earnings from ongoing operations were $1.67 billion, or $2.45 per share, compared with earnings from ongoing operations of $1.49 billion, or $2.21 per share in 2015, an increase of 11 percent on a per-share basis.
The company's results exceeded the high end of its 2016 reported earnings forecast range of $2.55 to $2.70 per share, driven by strong performance across its regulated businesses and gains on foreign currency-related economic hedges.
In addition, PPL's results were at the high end of its earnings from ongoing operations forecast range of $2.30 to $2.45 per share. This marks the seventh consecutive year PPL has exceeded the midpoint of its ongoing earnings forecast. Reflected in both reported earnings and ongoing earnings is a positive tax adjustment of $0.05 per share related to a benefit recorded for the carryforward of foreign tax credits.
"The past year demonstrated the strength of our diverse portfolio of regulated utilities as our U.S. and U.K. companies all delivered or exceeded expected results," said William H. Spence, PPL's chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer.
"In 2016, we executed more than $3 billion in infrastructure improvements to advance a smarter, cleaner, more reliable energy infrastructure for our customers. At the same time, we delivered award-winning customer service at each of our U.S. utilities and continued to excel with industry-leading performance in the United Kingdom.
"As we look ahead, we're intent on making PPL even stronger for our customers and shareowners. That includes investing an additional $16 billion in infrastructure improvements over the next five years to secure a brighter energy future for generations to come and delivering competitive earnings growth and dividend yields for shareowners."
The company reaffirmed its 2017 earnings forecast of $2.05 to $2.25 per share, which reflects additional hedging to mitigate foreign currency exposure through 2020. "Based on actions taken to date," Spence said, "we are confident in our ability to deliver our projected 5 to 6 percent compound annual earnings growth range from 2017 to 2020 even if the exchange rate declines well below current levels. Our currency hedging strategies have continued to strengthen our ability to deliver this growth as we are now significantly hedged into 2019 with room to do more."
In addition, Spence said PPL remains confident in its ability to deliver targeted annual dividend growth of about 4 percent through the end of the decade.
In keeping with that commitment, PPL announced that it is increasing its common stock dividend from $0.38 per share to $0.395 per share on a quarterly basis. The increased dividend will be payable April 3 to shareowners of record as of March 10. The increase, PPL's 15th in 16 years, raises the annualized dividend 4 percent from $1.52 per share to $1.58 per share.
PPL reported fourth-quarter earnings of $465 million, or $0.68 per share, compared with reported earnings of $399 million, or $0.59 per share, in 2015. Adjusting for special items, fourth-quarter earnings from ongoing operations were $409 million, or $0.60 per share, compared with $294 million, or $0.43 per share, in 2015.
    
Fourth-Quarter and Year-to-Date Earnings Details

PPL's reported earnings for 2016 included net special-item after-tax benefits of $228 million, or $0.34 per share, due to foreign currency-related economic hedges and a reduction in the U.K. corporate income tax rate. Reported earnings for 2015 included net special-item after-tax charges of $807 million, or $1.20 per share, primarily due to a loss from discontinued operations of $921 million, or $1.36 per share. The loss resulted primarily from the June 1 spinoff of PPL's competitive supply business, partially offset by a reduction in the U.K. corporate income tax rate and foreign currency-related economic hedges.
PPL's reported earnings for the fourth quarter of 2016 included net special-item after-tax benefits of $56 million, or $0.08 per share, from foreign currency-related economic hedges. Reported earnings for the fourth quarter of 2015 included net special-item after-tax benefits of $105 million, or $0.16 per share, primarily from a reduction in the U.K. corporate income tax rate and foreign currency-related economic hedges.
As discussed in this news release, reported earnings are calculated in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). "Earnings from ongoing operations" is a non-GAAP financial measure that is adjusted for special items, including for 2015 the former Supply segment's earnings and the loss associated with the Supply segment spinoff. See the tables at the end of this news release for a reconciliation of reported earnings to earnings from ongoing operations, including an itemization of special items.
(Dollars in millions, except for per share amounts)
4th Quarter
 
Year
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Reported earnings
$
465

 
$
399

 
17
%
 
$
1,902

 
$
682

 
179
%
Reported earnings per share
$
0.68

 
$
0.59

 
15
%
 
$
2.79

 
$
1.01

 
176
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter
 
Year
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Earnings from ongoing operations
$
409

 
$
294

 
39
%
 
$
1,674

 
$
1,489

 
12
%
Earnings from ongoing operations per share
$
0.60

 
$
0.43

 
40
%
 
$
2.45

 
$
2.21

 
11
%
Fourth-Quarter and Year-to-Date Earnings by Segment
 
4th Quarter
 
Year
Per share
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Reported Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.K. Regulated
$
0.48

 
$
0.45

 
$
1.83

 
$
1.66

Kentucky Regulated
0.12

 
0.09

 
0.58

 
0.48

Pennsylvania Regulated
0.11

 
0.09

 
0.50

 
0.37

Corporate & Other
(0.03
)
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.12
)
 
(0.14
)
Former Supply/Discontinued Operations

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(1.36
)
    Total
$
0.68

 
$
0.59

 
$
2.79

 
$
1.01

 
4th Quarter
 
Year
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Special items benefit (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.K. Regulated
$
0.08

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.34

 
$
0.22

Kentucky Regulated

 

 

 
(0.03
)
Pennsylvania Regulated

 

 

 

Corporate & Other

 
0.01

 

 
(0.03
)
Former Supply/Discontinued Operations

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(1.36
)
Total Special Items
$
0.08

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.34

 
$
(1.20
)
 
4th Quarter
 
Year
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.K. Regulated
$
0.40

 
$
0.29

 
$
1.49

 
$
1.44

Kentucky Regulated
0.12

 
0.09

 
0.58

 
0.51

Pennsylvania Regulated
0.11

 
0.09

 
0.50

 
0.37

Corporate and Other
(0.03
)
 
(0.04
)
 
(0.12
)
 
(0.11
)
    Total
$
0.60

 
$
0.43

 
$
2.45

 
$
2.21



Key Factors Impacting Earnings

U.K. Regulated Segment
PPL's U.K. Regulated segment primarily consists of the regulated electricity delivery operations of Western Power Distribution (WPD), serving Southwest and Central England and South Wales.
Reported earnings in 2016 increased by $0.17 per share compared with a year ago, and earnings from ongoing operations in 2016 increased by $0.05 per share. Excluding special items, positive factors driving earnings results included an April 1, 2016 price increase; lower operation and maintenance expense, including pension expense; and lower U.S. income taxes due to a benefit recorded for the carryforward of foreign tax credits. Negative factors driving earnings results included the unfavorable impact of lower British pound sterling exchange rates; an April 1, 2015 price decrease due to the beginning of the eight-year RIIO-ED1 price control period; lower sales volumes; higher interest expense; and higher depreciation expense.
Reported earnings in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by $0.03 per share compared to a year ago, and earnings from ongoing operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by $0.11 per share. Excluding special items, earnings results primarily reflect an April 1, 2016 price increase, lower U.S. income taxes due to a benefit recorded for the carryforward of foreign tax credits, and lower operation and maintenance expense, including pension expense, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of lower British pound sterling exchange rates.
    
Kentucky Regulated Segment
PPL's Kentucky Regulated segment primarily consists of the regulated electricity and natural gas operations of Louisville Gas and Electric Company and the regulated electricity operations of Kentucky Utilities Company.
Reported earnings in 2016 increased by $0.10 per share compared with a year ago, and earnings from ongoing operations in 2016 increased by $0.07 per share. Excluding special items, the increase was driven primarily by higher base electricity rates effective July 1, 2015, and lower operation and maintenance expense, partially offset by higher interest expense.
Reported earnings and earnings from ongoing operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by $0.03 per share compared with a year ago. The increase was primarily driven by higher sales volumes due to weather and lower operation and maintenance expense.        

Pennsylvania Regulated Segment
PPL's Pennsylvania Regulated segment consists of the regulated electricity transmission and distribution operations of PPL Electric Utilities.
Reported earnings and earnings from ongoing operations in 2016 increased by $0.13 per share compared with a year ago, driven primarily by higher base electricity rates for distribution effective Jan. 1, 2016, and higher transmission earnings from additional capital investments, partially offset by higher depreciation expense.
Reported earnings and earnings from ongoing operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by $0.02 per share compared with a year ago, driven primarily by higher base electricity rates for distribution effective Jan. 1, 2016, and higher transmission earnings from additional capital investments, partially offset by higher depreciation expense and a benefit received in 2015 from the release of a gross receipts tax reserve.

Corporate and Other
PPL's Corporate and Other category primarily includes unallocated corporate-level financing and other costs.
The reported loss for 2016 decreased by $0.02 per share compared to a year ago, and the reported loss for the fourth quarter was the same as a year ago. Earnings from ongoing operations in 2016 and in the fourth quarter were relatively flat compared to a year ago.

Earnings Forecast
 
Reported Earnings
 
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
 
2017 forecast midpoint
 
2016 actual
 
2017 forecast midpoint
 
2016 actual
Per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.K. Regulated
$
1.18

 
$
1.83

 
$
1.18

 
$
1.49

Kentucky Regulated
0.58

 
0.58

 
0.58

 
0.58

Pennsylvania Regulated
0.50

 
0.50

 
0.50

 
0.50

Corporate and Other
(0.11
)
 
(0.12
)
 
(0.11
)
 
(0.12
)
    Total
$
2.15

 
$
2.79

 
$
2.15

 
$
2.45


(See the tables at the end of this news release for a reconciliation of 2016 reported earnings to earnings from ongoing operations.)

PPL's lower earnings guidance in 2017 compared to 2016 results primarily from a lower assumed British pound sterling exchange rate in 2017, dilution from the issuance of additional equity and 2016 tax benefits that are not expected to repeat in 2017.

U.K. Regulated Segment
PPL projects lower segment earnings in 2017 compared with 2016, due to a lower assumed foreign currency rate in 2017, lower incentive revenues, higher interest expense, higher depreciation expense and higher income taxes, partially offset by lower operation and maintenance expense, including pension expense. 
The remaining 2017 foreign currency exposure for this segment is 92 percent hedged at an average rate of $1.21 per pound, compared to an average rate of $1.45 per pound in 2016.

Kentucky Regulated Segment
PPL projects relatively flat segment earnings in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily driven by electricity and gas base rate increases, offset by higher operation and maintenance expense and higher depreciation expense.

Pennsylvania Regulated Segment
PPL projects relatively flat segment earnings in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily driven by higher transmission earnings and lower operation and maintenance expense, offset by higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense and higher income taxes.

Corporate and Other
PPL projects costs to be relatively flat in this category in 2017 compared with 2016.

Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is one of the largest companies in the U.S. utility sector. PPL's seven high-performing, award-winning utilities serve 10 million customers in the U.S. and United Kingdom. With about 13,000 employees, the company is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and reliability and delivering superior value for shareowners. To learn more, visit 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 unless otherwise noted.)

Conference Call and Webcast

PPL invites interested parties to listen to a live Internet webcast of management's teleconference with financial analysts about 2016 financial results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The call will be webcast live, in audio format, along with slides of the presentation. For those who are unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay with slides will be accessible at www.pplweb.com/investors for 90 days after the call. Interested individuals can access the live conference call via telephone at 1-888-346-8683. International participants should call 1-412-902-4270. Participants will need to enter the following "Elite Entry" number in order to join the conference: 3826126. Callers can access the webcast link at http://www.pplweb.com/investors under Events and Presentations.


# # #

Management utilizes "Earnings from Ongoing Operations" as a non-GAAP financial measure that should not be considered as an alternative to reported earnings, or net income, an indicator of operating performance determined in accordance with GAAP. PPL believes that Earnings from Ongoing Operations is useful and meaningful to investors because it provides management's view of PPL's earnings performance as another criterion in making investment decisions. In addition, PPL's management uses Earnings from Ongoing Operations in measuring achievement of certain corporate performance goals, including targets for certain executive incentive compensation. Other companies may use different measures to present financial performance.

Earnings from Ongoing Operations is adjusted for the impact of special items. Special items are presented in the financial tables on an after-tax basis with the related income taxes on special items separately disclosed. Income taxes on special items, when applicable, are calculated based on the effective tax rate of the entity where the activity is recorded. Special items include:

Unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency-related economic hedges (as discussed below).
Supply segment discontinued operations.
Gains and losses on sales of assets not in the ordinary course of business.
Impairment charges. 
Workforce reduction and other restructuring effects.
Acquisition and divestiture-related adjustments.
Other charges or credits that are, in management's view, non-recurring or otherwise not reflective of the company's ongoing operations.

Unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency economic hedges include the changes in fair value of foreign currency contracts used to hedge British-pound-sterling-denominated anticipated earnings. The changes in fair value of these contracts are recognized immediately within GAAP earnings. Management believes that excluding these amounts from Earnings from Ongoing Operations until settlement of the contracts provides a better matching of the financial impacts of those contracts with the economic value of PPL's underlying hedged earnings.

Statements contained in this news release, including statements with respect to future earnings, cash flows, dividends, financing, regulation and corporate strategy, 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 are subject to 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 for energy in our U.S. service territories; weather conditions affecting customer energy usage and operating costs; 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 our facilities; the length of scheduled and unscheduled outages at our generating plants; environmental conditions and requirements and the related costs of compliance; system conditions and operating costs; development of new projects, markets and technologies; performance of new ventures; asset or business acquisitions and dispositions; any impact of severe weather on our business; receipt of necessary government permits, approvals, rate relief and regulatory cost recovery; 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; British pound sterling to U.S. dollar 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 factors and other matters discussed in PPL Corporation's Form 10-K and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.




PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
341

 
$
836

Accounts receivable
712

 
732

Unbilled revenues
480

 
453

Fuel, materials and supplies
356

 
357

Current price risk management assets
63

 
139

Other current assets
115

 
129

Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
Regulated utility plant
34,674

 
34,399

Less: Accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant
6,013

 
5,683

Regulated utility plant, net
28,661

 
28,716

Non-regulated property, plant and equipment
413

 
516

Less: Accumulated depreciation - non-regulated property, plant and equipment
134

 
165

Non-regulated property, plant and equipment, net
279

 
351

Construction work in progress
1,134

 
1,315

Property, Plant and Equipment, net
30,074

 
30,382

Noncurrent regulatory assets
1,918

 
1,733

Goodwill and other intangibles
3,760

 
4,229

Noncurrent price risk management assets
336

 
156

Other noncurrent assets
160

 
155

Total Assets
$
38,315

 
$
39,301

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
923

 
$
916

Long-term debt due within one year
518

 
485

Accounts payable
820

 
812

Other current liabilities
1,576

 
1,663

Long-term debt
17,808

 
18,563

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
4,021

 
3,568

Accrued pension obligations
1,001

 
1,405

Asset retirement obligations
428

 
536

Noncurrent regulatory liabilities
899

 
945

Other noncurrent liabilities
422

 
489

Common stock and additional paid-in capital
9,848

 
9,694

Earnings reinvested
3,829

 
2,953

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(3,778
)
 
(2,728
)
Total Liabilities and Equity
$
38,315

 
$
39,301


(1)
The Financial Statements in this news release have been condensed and summarized for purposes of this presentation. Please refer to PPL Corporation's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for full financial statements, including note disclosure.




 PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, except share data)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Operating Revenues
$
1,832

 
$
1,780

 
$
7,517

 
$
7,669

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel
184

 
168

 
791

 
863

Energy purchases
175

 
179

 
706

 
855

Other operation and maintenance
453

 
533

 
1,745

 
1,938

Depreciation
234

 
225

 
926

 
883

Taxes, other than income
72

 
58

 
301

 
299

Total Operating Expenses
1,118

 
1,163

 
4,469

 
4,838

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
714

 
617

 
3,048

 
2,831

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense) - net
106

 
47

 
390

 
108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
217

 
226

 
888

 
871

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
603

 
438

 
2,550

 
2,068

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes
138

 
33

 
648

 
465

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
465

 
405

 
1,902

 
1,603

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)

 
(6
)
 

 
(921
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
465

 
$
399

 
$
1,902

 
$
682

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes Available to PPL Common Shareowners:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.68

 
$
0.60

 
$
2.80

 
$
2.38

Diluted
$
0.68

 
$
0.60

 
$
2.79

 
$
2.37

Net Income Available to PPL Common Shareowners:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.68

 
$
0.59

 
$
2.80

 
$
1.01

Diluted
$
0.68

 
$
0.59

 
$
2.79

 
$
1.01

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
679,641

 
673,028

 
677,592

 
669,814

Diluted
681,863

 
676,548

 
680,446

 
672,586





 PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,902

 
$
682

 
$
1,737

Loss (income) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes)

 
921

 
(300
)
Income from continuing operations (net of income taxes)
1,902

 
1,603

 
1,437

Adjustments to reconcile Income from continuing operations (net of taxes) to net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
926

 
883

 
923

Amortization
80

 
59

 
65

Defined benefit plans - expense (income)
(40
)
 
56

 
48

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
560

 
428

 
666

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, and other hedging activities
19

 
(77
)
 
(187
)
Adjustment to WPD line loss accrual

 

 
65

Other
16

 
17

 
66

Change in current assets and current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(15
)
 
47

 
(123
)
Accounts payable
57

 
(116
)
 
40

Taxes payable
31

 
(175
)
 
161

Unbilled revenues
(63
)
 
54

 
22

Prepayments
(4
)
 
(23
)
 
87

Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
(59
)
 
42

 
(7
)
Other
(31
)
 
40

 
30

Other operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit plans - funding
(427
)
 
(499
)
 
(384
)
Settlement of interest rate swaps
(9
)
 
(101
)
 

Other
(53
)
 
34

 
32

Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
2,890

 
2,272

 
2,941

Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations

 
343

 
462

Net cash provided by operating activities
2,890

 
2,615

 
3,403

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
(2,920
)
 
(3,533
)
 
(3,674
)
Expenditures for intangible assets
(37
)
 
(37
)
 
(49
)
Purchases of other investments

 

 
(120
)
Proceeds from the sale of other investments
2

 
136

 

Other investing activities
37

 
(5
)
 
17

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations
(2,918
)
 
(3,439
)
 
(3,826
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations

 
(149
)
 
497

Net cash used in investing activities
(2,918
)
 
(3,588
)
 
(3,329
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of long-term debt
1,342

 
2,236

 
296

Retirement of long-term debt
(930
)
 
(1,000
)
 
(237
)
Settlement of cross-currency swaps
46

 

 

Issuance of common stock
144

 
203

 
1,074

Payment of common stock dividends
(1,030
)
 
(1,004
)
 
(967
)
Net increase in short-term debt
29

 
94

 
147

Other financing activities
(40
)
 
(47
)
 
(51
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations
(439
)
 
482

 
262

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - discontinued operations

 
(546
)
 
(846
)
Net cash distributions to parent from discontinued operations

 
132

 
1,167

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(439
)
 
68

 
583

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents
(28
)
 
(10
)
 
(8
)
Net (Increase) Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents included in Discontinued Operations

 
352

 
(113
)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(495
)
 
(563
)
 
536

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
836

 
1,399

 
863

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
341

 
$
836

 
$
1,399




Key Indicators (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
12 Months Ended December 31,
Financial
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share of common stock
$
1.52

 
$
1.50

Book value per share (1)(2)
$
14.56

 
$
14.72

Market price per share (1)
$
34.05

 
$
34.13

Dividend yield
4.5
%
 
4.4
%
Dividend payout ratio (3)(4)
54.5
%
 
148.5
%
Dividend payout ratio - earnings from ongoing operations (3)(5)
62.0
%
 
67.9
%
Price/earnings ratio (3)(4)
12.2

 
33.8

Price/earnings ratio - earnings from ongoing operations (3)(5)
13.9

 
15.4

Return on common equity (4)
19.2
%
 
5.8
%
Return on common equity - earnings from ongoing operations (5)(6)
16.9
%
 
15.2
%
Spot rate of U.S. Dollar per British pound sterling for Balance Sheet translation (7)
$
1.25

 
$
1.51

Average rate of U.S. Dollar per British pound sterling for Statement of Income translation (8)
$
1.45

 
$
1.57


(1)
End of period.
(2)
Based on 679,731 and 673,857 shares of common stock outstanding (in thousands) at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
(3)
Based on diluted earnings per share.
(4)
2015 includes the impact of the $879 million loss on the spinoff of the Supply segment, reflecting the difference between PPL's recorded value for the Supply segment and the estimated fair value determined in accordance with applicable accounting rules under GAAP. 2015 also includes five months of Supply segment earnings.
(5)
Calculated using earnings from ongoing operations, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that includes adjustments described in the text and tables of this news release.
(6)
2015 was adjusted to exclude the equity of PPL Energy Supply, LLC as that business was spun off in 2015.
(7)
As of November 30, 2016 and 2015 as WPD is consolidated on a one-month lag.
(8)
Includes the impact of foreign exchange hedges as of November 30, 2016 and 2015 as WPD is consolidated on a one-month lag.

Operating - Domestic & International Electricity Sales (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 Months Ended December 31,
 
12 Months Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
Percent
 
 
 
 
 
Percent
(GWh)
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic Retail Delivered
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PPL Electric Utilities
8,885

 
8,433

 
5.4
 %
 
36,645

 
36,984

 
(0.9
)%
LKE
7,184

 
6,830

 
5.2
 %
 
30,829

 
30,814

 
 %
Total
16,069

 
15,263

 
5.3
 %
 
67,474

 
67,798

 
(0.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic Retail Supplied
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LKE (1)
7,184

 
6,830

 
5.2
 %
 
30,829

 
30,814

 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Delivered
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United Kingdom
18,758

 
18,785

 
(0.1
)%
 
74,728

 
75,907

 
(1.6
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic Wholesale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LKE (2)
581

 
452

 
28.5
 %
 
2,177

 
2,241

 
(2.9
)%

(1)
Represents GWh supplied by LKE to retail customers in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.
(2)
Represents FERC-regulated municipal and unregulated off-system sales.




Reconciliation of Segment Reported Earnings to Earnings from Ongoing Operations
(After-Tax)
(Unaudited)
 
 
4th Quarter 2016
(millions of dollars)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
331

 
$
84

 
$
75

 
$
(25
)
 
$
465

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges, net of tax of ($31)
57

 

 

 

 
57

Spinoff of the Supply segment, net of tax of $1

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total Special Items
57

 

 

 
(1
)
 
56

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
274

 
$
84

 
$
75

 
$
(24
)
 
$
409

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(per share - diluted)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
0.48

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.11

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.68

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges
0.08

 

 

 

 
0.08

Total Special Items
0.08

 

 

 

 
0.08

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
0.40

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.11

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.60






Reconciliation of Segment Reported Earnings to Earnings from Ongoing Operations
(After-Tax)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-to-Date December 31, 2016
(millions of dollars)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
1,246

 
$
398

 
$
338

 
$
(80
)
 
$
1,902

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges, net of tax of $4
(8
)
 

 

 

 
(8
)
Spinoff of the Supply segment, net of tax of $2

 

 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Settlement of foreign currency contracts, net of tax of ($108)
202

 

 

 

 
202

Change in U.K. tax rate
37

 

 

 

 
37

Total Special Items
231

 

 

 
(3
)
 
228

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
1,015

 
$
398

 
$
338

 
$
(77
)
 
$
1,674

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(per share - diluted)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
1.83

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.50

 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
2.79

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges
(0.01
)
 

 

 

 
(0.01
)
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Settlement of foreign currency contracts
0.30

 

 

 

 
0.30

Change in U.K. tax rate
0.05

 

 

 

 
0.05

Total Special Items
0.34

 

 

 

 
0.34

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
1.49

 
$
0.58

 
$
0.50

 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
2.45







Reconciliation of Segment Reported Earnings to Earnings from Ongoing Operations
(After-Tax)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4th Quarter 2015
(millions of dollars)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 Disc.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Ops.
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
307

 
$
59

 
$
61

 
$
(23
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
399

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges, net of tax of ($20)
35

 

 

 

 

 
35

Spinoff of the Supply segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations, net of tax of ($7)

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Transition and transaction costs, net of tax of $6

 

 

 
4

 

 
4

Employee transitional services, net of tax of $0

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
Separation benefits, net of tax of $1

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in U.K. tax rate
78

 

 

 

 

 
78

Certain valuation allowances, net of tax of $0

 
(4
)
 

 

 

 
(4
)
Total Special Items
113

 
(4
)
 

 
1

 
(5
)
 
105

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
194

 
$
63

 
$
61

 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
$
294

 
(per share - diluted)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 Disc.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Ops.
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
0.45

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.03
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.59

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges
0.05

 

 

 

 

 
0.05

Spinoff of the Supply segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations

 

 

 

 
(0.01
)
 
(0.01
)
Transition and transaction costs

 

 

 
0.01

 

 
0.01

Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in U.K. tax rate
0.11

 

 

 

 

 
0.11

Total Special Items
0.16

 

 

 
0.01

 
(0.01
)
 
0.16

Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
0.29

 
$
0.09

 
$
0.09

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$

 
$
0.43





Reconciliation of Segment Reported Earnings to Earnings from Ongoing Operations
(After-Tax)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-to-Date December 31, 2015
(millions of dollars)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 Disc.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Ops.(1)
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
1,121

 
$
326

 
$
252

 
$
(96
)
 
$
(921
)
 
$
682

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges, net of tax of ($30)
55

 

 

 

 

 
55

Spinoff of the Supply segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations, net of tax of $30

 

 

 

 
(921
)
 
(921
)
Transition and transaction costs, net of tax of $6

 

 

 
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
Employee transitional services, net of tax of $2

 

 

 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Separation benefits, net of tax of $3

 

 

 
(5
)
 

 
(5
)
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in U.K. tax rate
78

 

 

 

 

 
78

Settlement of certain income tax positions
18

 

 

 

 

 
18

WPD Midlands acquisition-related adjustment, net of tax of ($1)
2

 

 

 

 

 
2

Certain valuation allowances, net of tax of $0

 
(12
)
 

 

 

 
(12
)
LKE acquisition-related adjustment, net of tax of $0

 
(5
)
 

 

 

 
(5
)
Total Special Items
153

 
(17
)
 

 
(22
)
 
(921
)
 
(807
)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
968

 
$
343

 
$
252

 
$
(74
)
 
$

 
$
1,489

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(per share - diluted)
 
 U.K.
 
 KY
 
 PA
 
 Corp.
 
 Disc.
 
 
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 Reg.
 
 & Other
 
 Ops.(1)
 
 Total
Reported Earnings
$
1.66

 
$
0.48

 
$
0.37

 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(1.36
)
 
$
1.01

Less: Special Items (expense) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency-related economic hedges
0.08

 

 

 

 

 
0.08

Spinoff of the Supply segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations

 

 

 

 
(1.36
)
 
(1.36
)
Transition and transaction costs

 

 

 
(0.02
)
 

 
(0.02
)
Employee transitional services

 

 

 
(0.01
)
 

 
(0.01
)
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in U.K. tax rate
0.11

 

 

 

 

 
0.11

Settlement of certain income tax positions
0.03

 

 

 

 

 
0.03

Certain valuation allowances

 
(0.02
)
 

 

 

 
(0.02
)
LKE acquisition-related adjustment

 
(0.01
)
 

 

 

 
(0.01
)
Total Special Items
0.22

 
(0.03
)
 

 
(0.03
)
 
(1.36
)
 
(1.20
)
Earnings from Ongoing Operations
$
1.44

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.37

 
$
(0.11
)
 
$

 
$
2.21


(1)
Includes an $879 million charge reflecting the difference between PPL's recorded value for the Supply segment and the estimated fair value determined in accordance with applicable rules under GAAP.