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][21] - The expected diluted earnings per share for 2025 is projected to be in the range of $4.85 to$5.05 [7][26] 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 [21] - 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 [22] 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 [24] - The company expects approximately 5.5$63 billion is anticipated to strengthen the energy grid and support economic growth [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the 2025 guidance range and expects to deliver at the midpoint or higher [26] - The company is optimistic about the legislative environment in Missouri, which supports significant investments in utility infrastructure [10] Other Important Information - The company has successfully prevented over 114,000 customer outages through smart technology investments, equating to more than 30 million outage minutes avoided [11] - The company plans to file for approval of a proposed rate structure for large load customers in the second quarter [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the 2.3 gigawatts referenced - Management clarified that the incremental change is from 1.8 to 2.3 gigawatts, with an additional 500 megawatts signed under construction agreements related to data centers [39] Question: Need for new generation due to load growth - Management expressed confidence that the current generation plans would be adequate to serve the 2.3 gigawatts of load growth anticipated [44] Question: Impact of potential changes to tax credits - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining tax credits for building generation resources affordably, emphasizing that these credits are crucial for customer rates [48] Question: Exposure to tariffs in the capital plan - 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 [86][87] Question: Cost estimate for the Castle Bluff plant - Management confirmed that the cost estimate for the Castle Bluff 800 megawatt plant remains at $900 million [92] 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 [100]