Every day, the sun rises on Wall Street, and a plethora of professional analysts wake to issue new opinions on stocks. Here at the Fool, we use our "This Just In" column to examine some of these picks -- and the track records of the companies behind them -- so individuals can make better investing decisions.

In addition to following professional banks, anyone can use Motley Fool CAPS to monitor the collective opinions of more than 145,000 members, many of whom demonstrate better investing insight than published analysts do.

After spending months stuck at a middle-of-the-road three-star rank, enough top-performing CAPS members have turned bullish on PPL (NYSE:PPL) recently to upgrade it to a more formidable four stars. A total of 268 members have given their opinion on the energy utility, with many of them offering analysis and commentary explaining the recent optimism.

Lower wholesale power prices and slower demand pressured earnings in recent quarters for PPL and others utilities such as Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL), Allegheny Energy (NYSE:AYE), and NRG Energy (NYSE:NRG). The Barclays Capital U.S. Power Index, which tracks wholesale power contract prices, has fallen far from its peaks in mid-2008. However, some CAPS members see a turn for the better with PPL and look for a recovery in power demand and like the long-term power outlook.

The company also recently reported record production at its Susquehanna nuclear power plant for 2009. PPL is undertaking a multiyear project to increase electricity generation there, and also scored a 20-year operating license renewal for both reactors at the plant.                                                                                                                         

Investors are also bullish about the rate cap expiration in its Pennsylvania market that took place at the beginning of the year, allowing PPL to charge its customers higher rates -- a benefit that top 2010 stock Exelon (NYSE:EXC) and Allegheny will enjoy there next year. The deregulation is expected to help PPL's generation business and the company is forecasting earnings much higher than last year. Many CAPS members also like the solid dividend that PPL pays out, similar to another dividend favorite among investors in the sector, Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK).                         

Do you think PPL deserves its raised status? Add your thoughts in the comments box below on this page, or head over to CAPS to rate the company and check out all the information and opinions the community offers, absolutely free.

The Motley Fool Inside Value team looks for beaten-down stocks that are selling at bargain prices well below their intrinsic value. To see the full list of cheap companies the service is recommending today, take a free 30-day trial.

Fool contributor Dave Mock would gladly upgrade his power grid with some nuclear sourced electrons. He owns no shares of companies mentioned here. Exelon is an Inside Value selection. Duke Energy is an Income Investor pick. The Fool's disclosure policy has yet to lose its car key ... knock on wood.