ALLENTOWN, Pa., Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 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            2016 actual           2017 forecast
                             midpoint                                       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.



                    Contacts:     For news media: Ryan
                                  Hill, 610-774-5997

                                  For financial analysts:
                                  Lisa Pammer,
                                  610-774-3316

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ppl-corporation-reports-2016-earnings-300400340.html

SOURCE PPL Corporation