Core Insights - Ameren reported revenue of $2.1 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a 15.5% increase year-over-year and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.98 billion by 5.73% [1] - The company's EPS was $1.07, up from $0.98 in the same quarter last year, although it fell short of the consensus estimate of $1.08 by 0.93% [1] Revenue Performance - Total electric sales for Ameren reached 17,808 GWh, exceeding the two-analyst average estimate of 16,855.46 GWh [4] - Electric revenues from Ameren Missouri totaled $893 million, surpassing the average estimate of $821.85 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 25.1% [4] - Electric revenues from Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution amounted to $572 million, exceeding the average estimate of $519.30 million, with a year-over-year change of 13% [4] - Electric revenues from Ameren Transmission were reported at $210 million, above the average estimate of $194.26 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.5% [4] - Operating revenues from natural gas reached $475 million, compared to the estimated $459.92 million, representing a 5.1% year-over-year increase [4] - Gas revenues from Ameren Illinois Natural Gas totaled $411 million, exceeding the average estimate of $400.24 million, with a year-over-year change of 5.1% [4] - Operating revenues from electric sources were $1.62 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $1.46 billion, indicating an 18.9% year-over-year increase [4] - Gas revenues from Ameren Missouri were reported at $64 million, exceeding the average estimate of $60.11 million, with a year-over-year change of 4.9% [4] Stock Performance - Ameren's shares have returned -1.6% over the past month, compared to a -0.7% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ameren reported quarterly earnings of $1.07 per share, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08 per share, but showing an increase from $0.98 per share a year ago, indicating a -0.93% earnings surprise [1] - The company posted revenues of $2.1 billion for the quarter, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.73% and up from $1.82 billion year-over-year [2] Earnings Performance - Over the last four quarters, Ameren has surpassed consensus EPS estimates only once [2] - The company had a previous quarter earnings expectation of $0.79 per share but reported $0.77, resulting in a -2.53% surprise [1] Stock Performance - Ameren shares have increased by approximately 11.3% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -5.3% [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, with current consensus EPS estimates at $0.97 for the upcoming quarter and $4.94 for the current fiscal year [7] - The Zacks Rank for Ameren is currently 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry is ranked in the top 14% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for stocks in this sector [8] - Vistra Corp., another company in the same industry, is expected to report a significant year-over-year earnings increase of +134.8% for the quarter ended March 2025 [9]

Financial Performance - First quarter 2025 net income attributable to common shareholders was $289 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to $261 million, or $0.98 per diluted share in Q1 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.7% in net income and 9.2% in diluted EPS [2][5]. - Adjusted net income for Q1 2024 was $272 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, indicating a 6.3% increase in adjusted EPS from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025 [2][5]. - Total operating revenues for Q1 2025 increased to $2,097 million, up 15.5% from $1,816 million in Q1 2024 [21]. - Operating income for Q1 2025 was $430 million, reflecting a 15.9% increase from $371 million in Q1 2024 [21]. - Cash flows from operating activities totaled $431 million, down from $492 million in Q1 2024 [25]. - Dividends on common stock increased to $191 million in Q1 2025, compared to $178 million in Q1 2024 [25]. Segment Performance - Ameren Missouri's first quarter 2025 earnings were $42 million, up from $25 million in Q1 2024, driven by increased infrastructure investments and higher retail sales due to colder winter temperatures [9]. - Ameren Transmission segment earnings increased to $89 million in Q1 2025 from $72 million in Q1 2024, reflecting growth from infrastructure investments [10]. - Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution segment earnings rose to $63 million in Q1 2025 from $56 million in Q1 2024, attributed to increased infrastructure investments under the multi-year rate plan [11]. - Ameren Illinois Natural Gas segment earnings were $108 million in Q1 2025, slightly up from $106 million in Q1 2024, due to lower operations and maintenance expenses [12]. - Ameren Total gas sales increased to 74 million dekatherms in Q1 2025, up from 68 million dekatherms in Q1 2024, representing an 8.82% increase [30]. - Ameren Total gas revenues reached $475 million in Q1 2025, compared to $452 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a growth of 5.1% [30]. - Ameren Missouri gas revenues increased to $64 million in Q1 2025, up from $61 million in Q1 2024, marking a 4.92% rise [30]. - Ameren Illinois Natural Gas revenues grew to $411 million in Q1 2025, compared to $391 million in Q1 2024, indicating a 5.12% increase [30]. Guidance and Outlook - Ameren reaffirmed its 2025 diluted EPS guidance range of $4.85 to $5.05 per share, assuming normal temperatures for the remaining nine months of the year [4][8]. - The earnings guidance is subject to various risks, including regulatory actions, energy market conditions, and customer usage patterns [8][17]. Capital and Assets - Capital expenditures for Q1 2025 were $1,064 million, compared to $890 million in Q1 2024, indicating a 19.5% increase [25]. - Total assets as of March 31, 2025, were $45,665 million, up from $44,598 million at the end of 2024 [23]. - The total current liabilities decreased to $2,863 million from $3,413 million at the end of 2024 [23]. Shareholder Information - The number of shares outstanding increased slightly to 270.3 million as of March 31, 2025, from 269.9 million as of December 31, 2024 [30]. - The book value per share rose to $45.21 as of March 31, 2025, up from $44.88 as of December 31, 2024, showing an increase of 0.73% [30]. Other Financial Metrics - The company reported a decrease in unbilled revenue to $253 million from $346 million in the previous quarter [23]. - Ameren Parent reported a loss of $13 million in Q1 2025, compared to earnings of $2 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to higher interest expenses [13]. - Electric sales in Ameren Missouri reached 9,421 million kilowatt-hours, a 6.4% increase compared to 8,857 million kilowatt-hours in Q1 2024 [28].

Core Points - Ameren Corporation reported a first quarter 2025 net income of $289 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, an increase from $261 million, or $0.98 per diluted share in the same period of 2024 [1][2][19] - The increase in earnings was attributed to higher infrastructure investments and increased retail sales in Ameren Missouri due to colder winter temperatures, although this was partially offset by higher interest and storm-related expenses [2][7] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance range of $4.85 to $5.05 per share, assuming normal temperatures for the remainder of the year [3][6] Financial Performance - First quarter 2025 adjusted net income was $289 million, compared to $272 million in the first quarter of 2024, which had adjusted earnings of $1.02 per diluted share [1][4] - Ameren Missouri's earnings for the first quarter 2025 were $42 million, up from $25 million in 2024, reflecting increased infrastructure investments and retail sales [7] - The Ameren Transmission segment reported earnings of $89 million for the first quarter 2025, compared to $72 million in the previous year, driven by infrastructure investments [9] Revenue and Expenses - Total operating revenues for the first quarter 2025 were $2.097 billion, an increase from $1.816 billion in the same period of 2024 [19] - Operating expenses rose to $1.667 billion in the first quarter 2025 from $1.445 billion in 2024, with significant increases in fuel and purchased power costs [21] - The company reported a total operating income of $430 million for the first quarter 2025, compared to $371 million in the prior year [21] Cash Flow and Investments - Net cash provided by operating activities was $431 million in the first quarter 2025, down from $492 million in the same period of 2024 [22] - Capital expenditures increased to $1.064 billion in the first quarter 2025, compared to $890 million in 2024, reflecting ongoing investments in infrastructure [22] - The company reported a net cash used in investing activities of $1.087 billion for the first quarter 2025, compared to $906 million in the previous year [22] Shareholder Information - The weighted-average common shares outstanding increased to 271.4 million in the first quarter 2025 from 266.8 million in 2024 [19][21] - Dividends on common stock paid in the first quarter 2025 were $191 million, compared to $178 million in the same period of 2024 [22]

Core Viewpoint - Ameren Corporation (AEE) is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 1, with a negative earnings surprise of 2.53% in the last quarter and an average negative surprise of 2.60% over the past four quarters [1][2]. Factors Impacting Q1 Results - The service territories of Ameren experienced below-normal temperatures for most of the first quarter, which likely increased electricity demand for heating, although above-average temperatures in March may have partially offset this demand [2]. - Strong customer growth in Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, driven by rising data center demand and industrial customer growth, is expected to positively impact revenues [3]. - Severe weather events, including tornadoes and heavy snowfall, caused outages and potential infrastructure damage, which may have negatively affected sales and increased operating expenses for restoration [4]. - Despite these challenges, solid revenue expectations, strategic infrastructure investments, rate base growth, and disciplined cost management are anticipated to support overall earnings [5]. Q1 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEE's revenues is $1.98 billion, reflecting a 9.2% increase from the previous year [6]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $1.08 per share, indicating a 10.2% increase from the prior-year quarter [6]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for AEE, as it has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7][8].

The upcoming report from Ameren (AEE) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $1.08 per share, indicating an increase of 10.2% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $1.98 billion, representing an increase of 9.2% year over year.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 15.8% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timeframe.Prior to a c ...

Ameren (AEE) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended March 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on May 1. On the oth ...

Company Overview - Ameren Corporation serves 2.5 million electric customers and over 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area through its subsidiaries Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois [3] - Ameren Illinois focuses on electric transmission and distribution as well as natural gas distribution services, while Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission, and distribution services along with natural gas distribution [3] - Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois is involved in developing, owning, and operating rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. [3] Upcoming Earnings Call - Martin J. Lyons Jr., chairman, president, and CEO, along with Michael L. Moehn, senior executive vice president and CFO, will discuss the first quarter 2025 earnings and guidance during a conference call on May 2 at 9 a.m. Central Time [1] - The call will be accessible via live broadcast on AmerenInvestors.com, with supporting materials available in the "Investor News and Events" section [2] - A replay of the webcast will be available for one year starting approximately one hour after the call concludes [2]

Core Viewpoint - The utility sector is viewed as a safe investment during economic turbulence, providing essential services that consumers prioritize even in difficult times [1][7][8]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Utility Stocks - Utility stocks are companies primarily involved in distributing essential services such as electricity, gas, and water [5][6]. - The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) categorizes the utility sector to include electric, gas, and water utilities, as well as independent power producers and energy traders [6]. - Utility companies exhibit low economic sensitivity, generating stable revenues and profits, and are known for their substantial dividends [8][9]. Group 2: Investment Appeal - Investors are drawn to utility stocks due to their "stickiness" in revenues, similar to healthcare and consumer staples, making them defensive stocks [7][8]. - Utilities are often among the best-yielding market sectors, providing safety and potential upside during market downturns [9]. - The sector's stability allows for gradual rate increases, although growth is typically capped at low single-digit rates [11]. Group 3: Recent Trends and Opportunities - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly increase power usage over the next decade, presenting a unique growth opportunity for utility companies [12][13]. - This trend may enable utilities to enhance their business results in a way that has not been seen before [13]. Group 4: Criteria for Selecting Utility Stocks - A quality screen for selecting utility stocks includes companies within the S&P Composite 1500, with a long-term estimated earnings-per-share growth rate of at least 5% [15]. - Stocks should have a dividend yield of at least 2.5%, with a history of growing dividends by at least 5% over the past year [16][17]. - Companies should have at least five covering analysts and a consensus Buy rating of 2.5 or less on S&P Global Market Intelligence's ratings scale [18][19]. Group 5: Recommended Utility Stocks - Recommended utility stocks include: - IDACORP (IDA): 2.9% yield, 5.5% estimated annual dividend growth, 8.3% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 1.75 [19]. - NiSource (NI): 2.8% yield, 6.8% estimated annual dividend growth, 8.0% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 1.53 [19]. - DTE Energy (DTE): 3.1% yield, 6.9% estimated annual dividend growth, 8.0% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.05 [19]. - New Jersey Resources (NJR): 3.6% yield, 5.4% estimated annual dividend growth, 7.6% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.22 [19]. - CMS Energy (CMS): 2.9% yield, 5.8% estimated annual dividend growth, 7.3% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.21 [19]. - Sempra (SRE): 3.7% yield, 5.6% estimated annual dividend growth, 7.0% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.11 [19]. - Ameren (AEE): 2.6% yield, 6.3% estimated annual dividend growth, 6.9% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.24 [19]. - Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG): 3.1% yield, 5.7% estimated annual dividend growth, 6.6% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.35 [19]. - Essential Utilities (WTRG): 3.2% yield, 6.6% estimated annual dividend growth, 6.5% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 1.46 [19]. - FirstEnergy (FE): 4.1% yield, 5.6% estimated annual dividend growth, 5.7% long-term EPS growth, consensus rating 2.39 [20].

ST. LOUIS, March 26, 2025 /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 $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% first mortgage bonds due 2035 at 99.975% of their principal amount. The transaction is expected to close on April 4, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Ameren Missouri intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay short ...