Ameren(AEE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter 2025 earnings of $1.07 per share, an increase from adjusted earnings of$ 1.02 per share in the first quarter of 2024 [6][20] - The expected diluted earnings per share for 2025 is projected to be in the range of $4.85 to$ 5.05 [7][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Infrastructure investments continue to strengthen the energy grid and provide more energy resources, driving earnings growth across the company [20] - The economic outlook for service territories remains strong, with a 3% increase in total weather-normalized retail sales over the trailing twelve months ended in March [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a $355 million annual revenue increase, marking the fifth consecutive settlement of electric revenue requirements in the state [22] - The company expects approximately 5.5% compound annual sales growth in Missouri from 2025 through 2029, driven by increasing data center demand [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to its strategic plan, focusing on reliable and affordable energy while investing in energy infrastructure [5][6] - The company is pursuing significant investments in dispatchable natural gas, renewable generation resources, and battery storage to ensure reliable service over the next decade [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute investment plans and strategies across all business segments, expecting strong long-term earnings and dividend growth [19][34] - The company is optimistic about the prospects for growth in Missouri, supported by recent legislative developments that favor utility infrastructure investment [9][11] Other Important Information - The company has a robust pipeline of investment opportunities exceeding$ 63 billion, aimed at enhancing the energy grid and supporting economic growth [18] - The company plans to issue approximately $600 million of common equity in 2025 to support its capital needs [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the$ 350 million referenced - Management clarified that the incremental change is from 1.8 to 2.3 gigawatts, with an additional 500 megawatts under construction agreements related to data centers [39][40] Question: Need for new generation due to load growth - Management indicated that the 2.3 gigawatts of data center load growth provides greater confidence in sales growth estimates and aligns with their resource plan [43][44] Question: Impact of potential changes to tax credits - Management discussed the importance of maintaining tax credits and transferability for affordability and energy reliability, expressing optimism about legislative outcomes [49][50] Question: Exposure to tariffs in capital plans - Management estimated that about 2% of the overall capital plan could be exposed to tariffs, primarily related to battery projects, but noted that this is manageable [84][86] Question: Cost estimate for the Castle Bluff plant - Management confirmed the cost estimate for the Castle Bluff 800 megawatt plant is approximately $900 million [91] Question: EPS growth expectations - Management affirmed expectations for EPS growth to be at or above the midpoint of the 6% to 8% CAGR range for 2025 to 2029, driven by load growth and strategic investments [100][101]