Ameren(AEE) ZACKS·2025-05-02 14:25Core Viewpoint - Ameren Corporation (AEE) reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.07 per share, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08, but showing a 9.2% improvement from the previous year's earnings of 98 cents per share [1] Financial Performance - Total revenues for the quarter reached $2.10 billion, marking a 15.5% increase year over year and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.98 billion by 5.7% [1] - Total operating expenses were reported at $1.67 billion, up 15.4% year over year [2] - Interest expenses for the first quarter totaled $175 million, compared to $154 million in the same quarter of the previous year [2] Segmental Results - The Ameren Missouri segment reported earnings of $42 million, up from $36 million a year ago, attributed to increased infrastructure investments and higher retail sales due to colder winter temperatures [3] - The Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution segment's earnings increased to $63 million from $56 million, driven by infrastructure investments under a multi-year rate plan [4] - The Ameren Illinois Natural Gas segment reported earnings of $108 million, slightly up from $106 million, due to lower operations and maintenance expenses [4] - The Ameren Transmission segment's earnings rose to $89 million from $72 million, reflecting increased infrastructure investments [5] Financial Condition - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $23 million, up from $7 million at the end of 2024 [6] - Long-term debt totaled $18.35 billion, an increase from $17.26 billion as of December 31, 2024 [6] - Cash flow from operating activities amounted to $431 million, down from $492 million a year ago [6] 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 $4.94 per share, near the midpoint of the company's guidance [7] Zacks Rank - Ameren currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [8]