Core Insights - Ameren (AEE) is focusing on systematic investments in infrastructure to enhance service reliability, planning to invest up to $26.3 billion from 2025 to 2029 [1][10] - The company is emphasizing the expansion of its nuclear power portfolio, which is expected to contribute to its growth strategy [1][8] Growth Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEE's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 0.60% to $4.99 over the past 60 days [3] - Revenue for 2025 is projected at $8.85 billion, indicating a growth of 16.15% from the 2024 reported figure [3] - AEE's long-term earnings growth rate is estimated at 8.01% [3] - The company has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 0.22% [3] Return to Shareholders - AEE has been consistently increasing shareholder value through dividends, currently paying a quarterly dividend of 71 cents per share, which annualizes to $2.84 [4] - The current dividend yield stands at 2.71%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.11% [4] Investment and Growth Focus - AEE has secured power supply contracts for approximately 3 GW of capacity, driven by the increasing demand from the data center industry, AI, and cloud computing [5] - The company is investing in clean energy infrastructure, including wind and solar projects, to enhance its emission-free generation capabilities [6] - AEE plans to add 2,700 MW of renewable generation capacity by 2030 and a total of 4,200 MW by 2035, with estimated investments of $6 billion and $9 billion respectively [7] - The company also aims to strengthen grid reliability through battery storage, planning to install 1,000 MW by 2030 and 1,400 MW by 2035, translating to investments of about $1.5 billion and $2 billion respectively [7] Nuclear Operations - AEE intends to extend the operational license of its Callaway Energy Center nuclear facility beyond 2044 and anticipates adding about 1,500 MW of new nuclear capacity by 2040 [8] Financial Metrics - AEE's return on equity (ROE) is currently at 10.92%, which is higher than the industry average of 9.95% [11] - The times interest earned (TIE) ratio at the end of Q3 2025 was 3.0, indicating effective management of long-term debt obligations [12] Stock Performance - Over the past year, AEE's shares have increased by 13.73%, although this lags behind the industry's growth of 20.2% [13]

Group 1: Market Overview - Tech stocks that had been driving the market rally are now weighing on Wall Street, with significant declines observed in major indices such as the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq [1][4] - Concerns over high valuations and ongoing market volatility have led investors to shun riskier assets, particularly in the tech sector [1][6] Group 2: Defensive Investment Recommendations - In light of market volatility, it is advisable to invest in defensive stocks from the utilities sector, such as American States Water Company, Ameren Corporation, and Entergy Corporation, all of which carry a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [2] - The recommended approach is to focus on low-beta stocks with high dividend yields and favorable Zacks rankings [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - **American States Water Company (AWR)**: Provides fresh water, wastewater services, and electricity, with an expected earnings growth rate of 4.7% for the current year and a beta of 0.64, alongside a dividend yield of 2.73% [8][9] - **Ameren Corporation (AEE)**: Generates and distributes electricity and natural gas, serving nearly 2.4 million electric and over 900,000 natural gas customers, with an expected earnings growth rate of 7.8% and a beta of 0.50, offering a dividend yield of 2.70% [10][12] - **Entergy Corporation (ETR)**: Engaged in electric power production and retail distribution, with a generating capacity of 30,000 MW, an expected earnings growth rate of 6.9%, a beta of 0.63, and a dividend yield of 2.68% [13]

Industry Overview - The global renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing demand from transportation and AI sectors, alongside decreasing costs for solar and wind energy [1][2] - The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources presents a critical challenge, necessitating advancements in energy storage solutions [1][2] Energy Storage Market - The energy storage market is emerging as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, supported by falling prices and government backing [2] - Global energy storage battery shipments reached 246.4 GWh in the first half of 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 115.2% [4] Renewable Energy Generation - For the first time, renewable energy sources generated more power than coal, with a 31% increase in global solar generation and a 7.7% rise in wind energy [3] - The International Energy Agency predicts that global renewable power capacity will double from 2015 to 2030, increasing by 4,600 GW [8] Company Developments - Ameren Corp. plans to construct a 250 MW solar facility and aims to expand its renewable generation portfolio by adding 3,200 MW by 2030 [10][11] - American Electric Power Company has received approvals for 1,826 MW of renewable generation facilities and plans to invest $8.6 billion in renewables through 2027 [14][15] - Canadian Solar has a robust pipeline with 27.3 GWp of solar projects and 80.2 GWh of battery storage projects, indicating a strong position in the market [17][18] Future Outlook - Factors such as rising electricity demand, electric vehicle adoption, and favorable policies in emerging markets are expected to drive growth in renewable energy and storage [6] - The recent trade truce between the U.S. and China regarding rare earth elements has renewed optimism for the U.S. clean energy industry [7]

Core Points - The article emphasizes the importance of enabling Javascript and cookies in browsers to avoid access issues [1] - It highlights that ad-blockers may prevent users from proceeding to the desired content, suggesting users disable them [1] Summary by Sections - **Technical Requirements** - Users are advised to enable Javascript and cookies in their browsers to ensure proper functionality [1] - The presence of ad-blockers can hinder access to content, prompting a recommendation to disable them [1]

Core Insights - Current market conditions reflect a balance between optimism due to strong earnings and potential rate cuts, and caution stemming from high tech stock valuations and uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve actions [1] - Recent market pullbacks are viewed as a normal reset rather than a significant reversal, making stock selection challenging for retail investors [1] Stock Selection Strategy - A traditional stock-picking approach focusing on sales growth is recommended, as it provides a more reliable evaluation compared to earnings metrics [2][3] - Companies with impressive sales growth and strong cash flow are prioritized, with specific screening parameters including a 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than industry average and cash flow exceeding $500 million [6] Key Metrics for Evaluation - Price-to-Sales (P/S) Ratio should be less than the industry average, indicating better value for each dollar of revenue [7] - Positive revisions in sales estimates compared to the industry can lead to stock price increases [7] - Operating Margin should average over 5% over the last five years, reflecting effective cost control and sales growth [8] - Return on Equity (ROE) should exceed 5%, ensuring that sales growth translates into profits [9] - Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 indicates stocks likely to outperform the market [9] Highlighted Stocks - Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) is projected to have a sales growth rate of 27.5% for 2025 and currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 [10][12] - Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS) expects a sales growth rate of 9.7% for 2025 and also holds a Zacks Rank 1 [10][13] - Aptiv PLC (APTV) anticipates a sales increase of 2.9% in 2025, with a Zacks Rank 2 [10][14] - Ameren Corporation (AEE) has a projected sales growth of 16.2% for 2025 and carries a Zacks Rank 2 [10][15] - FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (FCFS) expects a sales growth of 5.3% in 2025 and also holds a Zacks Rank 2 [10][16]

Core Insights - Ameren Corporation (AEE) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.17 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.10 by 3.3% and showing a 16% increase from $1.87 per share in the same quarter last year [1][7] - Total revenues for the quarter reached $2.70 billion, marking a 24.2% year-over-year increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.41 billion by 12% [2][7] Revenue and Sales Performance - Total electricity sales volumes increased by 2.4% to 19,009 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) compared to 18,565 million kWh in the prior year [3] - Gas volumes decreased by 3.4% to 28 million dekatherms from the previous year's level [3] Operating Expenses and Financials - Total operating expenses rose to $1.87 billion, an 18.1% increase year over year [3] - Interest expenses for the third quarter totaled $208 million, up from $173 million in the same quarter last year [3] - Cash flow from operating activities amounted to $2.40 billion, compared to $1.95 billion a year ago [6] Segment Performance - The Ameren Missouri segment reported earnings of $518 million, up from $415 million a year ago, driven by new electric service rates and increased infrastructure investments [4] - The Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution segment reported earnings of $57 million, slightly up from $56 million in the previous year [4] - The Ameren Illinois Natural Gas segment posted a loss of $13 million, compared to a loss of $10 million in the prior year [5] - The Ameren Transmission segment reported earnings of $103 million, up from $100 million a year ago [5] Guidance and Outlook - Ameren raised its 2025 EPS outlook to a range of $4.90-$5.10, higher than the previous guidance of $4.85-$5.05 [7][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at $4.98 per share, which is below the midpoint of the company's guided range [8] Zacks Rank - Ameren currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [9]

Financial Performance - Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders for Q3 2025 was $640 million, or $2.35 per diluted share, compared to $456 million, or $1.70 per diluted share in Q3 2024, representing a 40.3% increase in net income and a 38.2% increase in earnings per share [203]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders was $1,204 million, or $4.43 per diluted share, compared to $975 million, or $3.65 per diluted share in the same period of 2024, reflecting a 23.4% increase in net income and a 21.4% increase in earnings per share [223]. - Net income increases for Q3 2025 were primarily driven by Ameren Missouri ($137 million), Ameren Transmission ($61 million), and Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution ($1 million), partially offset by losses in Ameren Illinois Natural Gas ($3 million) [222]. - The total net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $522 million, an increase from $454 million in the same period of 2024 [229]. - Operating income for Ameren for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $1,666 million, compared to $1,318 million for the same period in 2024, indicating an increase of approximately 26.4% [227]. Revenue Growth - Electric revenues for Ameren reached $1,685 million in Q3 2025, compared to $1,324 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 27.3% [226]. - The total electric revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $6,223 million, compared to $4,920 million for the same period in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 26.4% [227]. - Ameren's electric revenues increased by $528 million, or 26%, for the three months ended September 30, 2025, and by $1,303 million, or 26%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the previous year [234]. - Ameren Missouri's electric revenues rose by $361 million, or 27%, for the three months and by $991 million, or 34%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the year-ago periods [236]. - Ameren Illinois' electric revenues increased by $157 million, or 23%, for the three months and by $304 million, or 16%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the previous year [238]. Capital Investments - Ameren invested $3.1 billion in its rate-regulated businesses in the nine months ended September 30, 2025, focusing on energy infrastructure and regulatory frameworks [204]. - Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan includes a five-year capital investment of approximately $16.2 billion from 2025 to 2029, aimed at upgrading electric infrastructure and accommodating renewable energy [211]. - Ameren Missouri plans to invest up to $27.4 billion in capital expenditures from 2025 to 2029, with up to $17.5 billion allocated to Ameren Missouri [353]. Regulatory Approvals - An increase of $355 million to Ameren Missouri's annual revenue requirement for electric retail service was approved, effective June 1, 2025, based on infrastructure investments as of December 31, 2024 [207]. - In July 2025, an increase of $32 million to Ameren Missouri's annual revenue requirement for natural gas delivery service was approved, effective September 1, 2025 [210]. - The ICC approved Ameren Illinois' energy-efficiency plan, which includes annual investments of approximately $126 million per year from 2026 through 2029 [217]. Operating Expenses - Ameren's electric fuel and purchased power expenses increased by $269 million, or 54%, and $910 million, or 79%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively [249]. - Other operations and maintenance expenses decreased by $18 million and $8 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively [262]. - Interest charges for Ameren increased by $35 million and $78 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, due to higher levels of short-term borrowings and long-term debt issuances [295]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Ameren's cash provided by operating activities increased by $451 million in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, totaling $2.397 billion [307]. - As of September 30, 2025, Ameren's net available liquidity was $1.647 billion, including $9 million in cash and cash equivalents [324]. - Ameren expects cash used for capital expenditures and dividends to exceed cash provided by operating activities over the next several years [355]. Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company aims for a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2045, with a 60% reduction by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2040 based on 2005 levels [351]. - Ameren plans to add 3,200 MWs of renewable generation by 2030, including 650 MWs of solar generation projects [352]. - The execution of strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and cost reductions, may materially impact Ameren's future results and financial position [357].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.17 per share, an increase from $1.87 per share in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 16% [5][25]. - The GAAP earnings for the same period were $2.35 per share, which included a tax benefit of $0.18 per share due to IRS guidance and a FERC order [25][6]. - The company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2025 to be in the range of $4.90-$5.10, up from the original guidance of $4.85-$5.05 [10][27]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company deployed over $3 billion in critical infrastructure upgrades during the first three quarters of 2025, including significant investments in electric distribution and transmission systems [7][8]. - In Missouri, 11,300 electric distribution poles were replaced, and in Illinois, over 8,500 stronger electric distribution poles were installed [7][8]. - The company has invested more than $825 million in new or existing generation resources, with plans to add approximately 10 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2035 [8][9]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total normalized retail sales in Ameren Missouri increased by approximately 1.5% across all customer classes over the trailing 12 months through September [26]. - The company is actively engaging with potential data center customers, with signed construction agreements now totaling 3 gigawatts, up from 2.3 gigawatts [12][56]. - The anticipated new load from data center customers is expected to contribute significantly to sales growth, with projections of 1 gigawatt by 2029 and 1.5 gigawatts by 2032 [12][13]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in electric and natural gas infrastructure to enhance reliability and safety, while also optimizing operations to keep customer rates affordable [4][5]. - The strategy includes engaging with stakeholders on economic development opportunities and advancing regulatory frameworks to support large-load customers [5][11]. - The company aims to maintain a balanced energy mix, targeting approximately 70% generation from on-demand resources and 30% from intermittent resources by 2040 [16]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic growth potential of the regions served, highlighting significant opportunities for investment and job creation [4][5]. - The company expects to continue delivering strong earnings growth, projecting a compound annual growth rate of 6-8% from 2025 through 2029 [10][22]. - Management emphasized the importance of regulatory approvals and energy service agreements to solidify future growth expectations [46][78]. Other Important Information - The company has a pipeline of investment opportunities exceeding $68 billion, with further details expected in February regarding planned capital investments for 2026-2030 [21][22]. - Leadership changes were announced, with Michael Moehn transitioning to Group President of Ameren's Utilities and Lenny Singh becoming the new CFO [23][24]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the increase in data center construction agreements necessitate revisions to generation plans? - Management indicated that the current generation plans can accommodate the increased sales expectations from the expanded data center agreements, with further evaluations to be made as ramp rates are established [34][36]. Question: What factors contribute to the company's current earnings guidance? - Management noted that the guidance reflects a conservative approach based on known factors, with potential for upside as regulatory approvals and energy service agreements are finalized [45][77]. Question: How does the recent omnibus energy bill in Illinois impact the business? - Management highlighted that the bill introduces integrated resource planning and increased investment in energy efficiency, which could provide opportunities for the company [60][62]. Question: Can you clarify the $5 billion increase in the capital plan pipeline? - Management explained that the increase is due to various factors, including investments in generation and grid reliability, with more details to be provided in February [87][88].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.17 per share, an increase from $1.87 per share in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a $0.30 increase in adjusted earnings per share [5][25][26] - The GAAP earnings for the third quarter 2025 were $2.35 per share, which included a tax benefit of $0.18 per share due to IRS guidance [25][26] - The company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2025 to be in the range of $4.90-$5.10, up from the original guidance of $4.85-$5.05 [10][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameren invested over $3 billion in critical infrastructure upgrades during the first three quarters of 2025, including the replacement of 11,300 electric distribution poles and installation of 300 smart switches [7][8] - The company has invested more than $825 million in new or existing generation resources through September 2025, with plans to add approximately 10 GW of generation capacity by 2035 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total normalized Ameren Missouri retail sales increased by approximately 1.5% across all customer classes over the trailing 12 months through September [26] - The executed construction agreements with data center developers in Missouri expanded to 3 GW, up from 2.3 GW, indicating strong demand in the region [12][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in electric and natural gas infrastructure to enhance reliability and safety, while also optimizing operations to keep customer rates affordable [4][5] - Ameren's long-term earnings growth guidance is set at a 6%-8% compound annual growth rate from 2025 through 2029, driven by strategic infrastructure investments [10][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic growth of the regions served, highlighting opportunities for investment and job creation [4][5] - The company anticipates significant growth in data center demand, with expectations of 1 GW of new load from data center customers by the end of 2029 [12][14] Other Important Information - A leadership transition is set for January 1, with Michael Moehn becoming Group President of Ameren's Utilities and Lenny Singh taking over as CFO [23][24] - The company plans to provide updates on its five-year sales growth expectations and capital investments in February 2026 [12][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the increase in data center construction agreements necessitate revisions to generation plans? - Management confirmed that the increase to 3 GW of construction agreements enhances confidence in sales projections and current generation plans can accommodate this growth [34][36] Question: What factors contribute to the current earnings guidance being at the lower end of the growth range? - Management indicated that while they are currently projecting growth within the 6%-8% range, they are open to revising this based on economic development opportunities and regulatory approvals [44][46] Question: Can you elaborate on the implications of the recent Omnibus Energy bill in Illinois? - Management highlighted that the bill introduces integrated resource planning and increased investment in energy efficiency, which could benefit the company in the long run [60][62] Question: How does the company view the potential for incremental investments from the Clean Grid Reliability Act? - Management noted that the biggest opportunity lies in energy efficiency investments, which are expected to double, providing regulatory asset treatment [68][70] Question: What is the breakdown of the 2 GW in advanced discussions for data centers? - Management clarified that the 2 GW in advanced discussions is specific to Missouri, with ongoing interest from developers in both states [91][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameren reported third quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.17 per share, an increase from $1.87 per share in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a $0.30 increase in adjusted earnings per share [5][25][26] - The company recorded a tax benefit of $0.18 per share in the third quarter of 2025, which was excluded from adjusted earnings [6][25] - The updated earnings guidance for 2025 is now in the range of $4.90-$5.10, up from the original range of $4.85-$5.05 [10][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameren invested over $3 billion in critical infrastructure upgrades during the first three quarters of 2025, including the replacement of 11,300 electric distribution poles and installation of 300 smart switches [6][8] - In Missouri, the company has invested more than $825 million in new or existing generation resources, with plans to add approximately 10 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2035 [8][9] - The transmission business placed in service 11 new or upgraded transmission substations and 40 miles of new or upgraded transmission lines [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total normalized Ameren Missouri retail sales increased by approximately 1.5% across all customer classes over the trailing 12 months through September [26] - The company expects to see significant economic growth in the region, driven by investments in data centers and other sectors, which will necessitate incremental investment in utility infrastructure [4][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ameren's strategy focuses on investing in electric and natural gas infrastructure to enhance reliability and safety while optimizing operations to keep customer rates affordable [4][5] - The company is actively engaging with stakeholders on economic development opportunities and regulatory frameworks to support new large-load customers [5][11] - Ameren aims to maintain a balanced energy mix, targeting approximately 70% generation from on-demand resources and 30% from intermittent resources by 2040 [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve strong long-term earnings growth, projecting a compound annual growth rate of 6-8% from 2025 through 2029 [10][23] - The leadership team highlighted the importance of securing energy services agreements with hyperscalers to solidify sales growth expectations [39][54] - The company anticipates a bright future, driven by significant investment opportunities and economic growth in the communities it serves [5][12] Other Important Information - A leadership update was announced, with Michael Moehn transitioning to Group President of Ameren's Utilities and Lenny Singh becoming the Chief Financial Officer [24] - The company has a pipeline of investment opportunities exceeding $68 billion, which will be detailed in February [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will future revisions to generation plans be needed with the new data center agreements? - Management indicated that the current generation plans can accommodate the increased sales expectations from the new data center agreements, with further evaluations to be made as ramp rates are established [33][34] Question: What factors contribute to the current earnings guidance? - Management emphasized that the guidance reflects strong sales growth, new electric service rates, and increased expenditures for energy center reliability [38][39] Question: How does the company view the implications of the recent omnibus energy bill in Illinois? - Management noted that the bill introduces integrated resource planning and increased investment in energy efficiency, which could provide opportunities for Ameren [46][48] Question: Can you clarify the breakdown of advanced discussions for data centers? - Management confirmed that the 2 gigawatts in advanced discussions are primarily in Missouri, with significant opportunities for data center development in both Missouri and Illinois [60][61]