Ameren(AEE) ZACKS·2025-02-14 20:01Core Insights - Ameren Corporation (AEE) reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings of 77 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 79 cents by 2.5%, but showing a 28.3% improvement from the previous year's figure of 60 cents [1] - For the full year 2024, adjusted earnings were reported at $4.63 per share, aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [2] Revenue Performance - Total operating revenues for the fourth quarter reached $1.94 billion, a 20% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.75 billion by 10.3% [3] - For the full year 2024, operating revenues amounted to $7.62 billion, up from $7.50 billion in the prior year, also exceeding the consensus estimate of $7.50 billion [3] Sales and Expenses - Total electricity sales volumes increased by 1.1% to 15,929 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) from 15,760 million kWh in the year-ago period, while gas volumes decreased by 1.9% to 53 million dekatherms [4] - Total operating expenses rose to $1.74 billion, reflecting a 28.7% year-over-year increase [4] - Interest expenses for the fourth quarter totaled $171 million, compared to $153 million in the prior-year quarter [4] Segment Performance - The Ameren Missouri segment reported adjusted earnings of $604 million in 2024, with GAAP earnings of $559 million compared to $545 million in 2023 [5] - The Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution segment reported earnings of $234 million in 2024, down from $258 million a year ago due to a lower allowed return on equity [5] - The Ameren Illinois Natural Gas segment saw earnings increase to $149 million in 2024 from $134 million, attributed to new delivery service rates and lower operational expenses [6] - The Ameren Transmission segment reported adjusted earnings of $333 million in 2024, with GAAP earnings of $323 million compared to $296 million in the prior year, driven by infrastructure investments [7] Financial Condition - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were reported at $7 million, down from $25 million at the end of 2023 [8] - Long-term debt increased to $17.26 billion from $15.12 billion as of December 31, 2023 [8] - Cash flow from operating activities amounted to $2.76 billion, compared to $2.56 billion a year ago [8] Guidance - Ameren reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance, expecting earnings per share (EPS) in the range of $4.85-$5.05, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings at $4.93 per share [9] Zacks Rank - Ameren currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [10]