Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? Ameren (AEE) , which belongs to the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, could be a great candidate to consider.This utility has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 9.64%.For the most recent quarter, Ameren was e ...

Core Viewpoint - Ameren Corporation is facing challenges in a tough regulatory environment in Illinois, which has negatively impacted its stock performance compared to the broader utility sector. Despite being slightly undervalued, the company's dividend yield is less attractive compared to competitors, leading to a preference for its preferred shares among income investors [2][3][21]. Company Overview - Ameren Corporation operates as a utility holding company with 2.4 million electric customers and 900,000 gas customers across four business segments in Missouri and Illinois. The company has a total generating capacity of 10,200 megawatts, with 10% coming from its Callaway Nuclear Plant [1]. Financial Performance - In 2023, Ameren's shares declined by 21.6%, significantly underperforming the S&P Utility Index, which fell by 7.1%. This decline was primarily due to the rejection of new grid plans by the Illinois Commerce Commission [2]. - The current share price of Ameren is $69.40, reflecting a P/E ratio of approximately 14.8, which is slightly undervalued by about 5% compared to its estimated value [3][10]. - Ameren's earnings per share (EPS) for 2023 is estimated to be in the range of $4.30 to $4.45, with a forecasted EPS growth of 6.0-8.0% from 2023 to 2027 [10]. Dividend Policy - Ameren's current quarterly dividend is $0.63, yielding 3.63%. The company expects annual dividend growth of 6-8%, aligning with earnings growth. However, the dividend yield is considered unexciting compared to competitors [4][6]. - The company has a target payout ratio between 55% and 70%, currently operating at the lower end of this range, indicating potential for higher dividends in the future [6]. Regulatory Environment - The regulatory environment in Illinois is challenging, with the Illinois Commerce Commission approving low returns on equity for Ameren and rejecting proposed rate increases. This has resulted in Ameren having some of the lowest electric rates in the country [15][17]. - Ameren's allowed return on equity for its Illinois operations is significantly below the national average, which may limit its financial performance [17]. Transition to Renewables - Ameren aims for net-zero emissions by 2045, ahead of the 2050 target set by the Inflation Reduction Act. The company plans to invest $48 billion in infrastructure development from 2023 to 2032, with a significant reduction in coal revenue expected by 2027 [18][19]. - The company is also expanding its renewable energy portfolio, with plans to add 2,700 megawatts of wind and solar capacity by 2037 [19]. Preferred Shares - Ameren offers a variety of preferred shares with yields exceeding 6%, which are considered more attractive for income investors compared to the common shares. These preferred shares are thinly traded but may provide better returns as interest rates fluctuate [7][21].

Expanded energy efficiency and demand response programs include more than $200 million in rebates and incentives ST. LOUIS, Jan. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Missouri has filed an amended plan with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to provide 25 programs with $205 million in total rebates and incentives for residential and business customers over the next three years. The proposal also includes $70 million in expanded programs for income-eligible customers and social service agencies. The prop ...

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), announced today the pricing of a public offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% first mortgage bonds due 2054 at 99.267% of their principal amount. The transaction is expected to close on Jan. 9, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Ameren Missouri intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to fund capital e ...

Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) Q3 2023 Earnings Conference Call November 9, 2023 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Andrew Kirk - Director of Investor Relations Marty Lyons - Chairman, President, and CEO Michael Moehn - Senior Executive Vice President and CFO Conference Call Participants Shahriar Pourreza - Guggenheim Partners Jeremy Tonet - JPMorgan David Arcaro - Morgan Stanley Paul Patterson - Glenrock Associates Anthony Crowdell - Mizuho Securities Operator Greetings, and welcome to Ameren Corporation's Th ...

Transforming For Our Future Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Cautionary Statements Forward-looking Statements Statements in this presentation not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These stat ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2023 OR ☐ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter; Commission State of Incorporation; IRS Employer File Number Address and Telephone Num ber Identification No ...

Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) Q2 2023 Earnings Conference Call August 3, 2023 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Andrew Kirk - Director of Investor Relations Marty Lyons - President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Moehn - Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Julien Dumoulin-Smith - Bank of America Paul Patterson - Glenrock Associates Jeremy Tonet - J.P. Morgan Sophie Karp - KeyBanc Capital Markets Operator Greetings and welcome to Ameren Corporation's Se ...

Transforming For Our Future Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Cautionary Statements Forward-looking Statements Statements in this presentation not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These sta ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2023 OR ☐ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from to Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter; Commission State of Incorporation; IRS Employer File Number Address and Telephone Num ber Identification No . 1-1 ...