Core Insights - Ameren reported revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting an 8.2% decrease year-over-year and a significant miss of 14.92% against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09 billion [1] - The company's EPS was $0.78, slightly up from $0.77 in the same quarter last year, resulting in a positive surprise of 1.56% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.77 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total electric sales for Ameren reached 16,927 GWh, exceeding the average estimate of 16,648.05 GWh from two analysts [4] - Electric revenues for Ameren Missouri totaled $738 million, significantly below the $1.1 billion average estimate, marking a year-over-year decline of 21.9% [4] - Electric revenues for Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution were $555 million, surpassing the estimated $527.9 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.3% [4] - Electric revenues from Ameren Transmission amounted to $204 million, slightly below the $208.2 million estimate, but showing a year-over-year growth of 4.6% [4] - Operating revenues from natural gas were reported at $337 million, exceeding the $327.17 million estimate, with a year-over-year increase of 5% [4] - Gas revenues for Ameren Illinois Natural Gas were $282 million, close to the average estimate of $284.35 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 1.4% [4] - Operating revenues from electric sources were $1.45 billion, falling short of the $1.76 billion estimate, indicating a year-over-year decline of 10.8% [4] - Gas revenues for Ameren Missouri reached $55 million, outperforming the $43.13 million estimate, with a notable year-over-year increase of 27.9% [4] Stock Performance - Ameren's shares have returned 4.3% over the past month, contrasting with a -0.3% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite, indicating potential outperformance in the near term [3]

分组1 - Ameren reported quarterly earnings of $0.78 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.77 per share, and showing an increase from $0.77 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +1.56% [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.78 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, which was 14.92% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a decrease from $1.94 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Ameren has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters, indicating a positive trend in earnings performance [2] 分组2 - The stock has gained approximately 5.9% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.4% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.17 on revenues of $2.22 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.35 on revenues of $9.65 billion [7] - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Ameren belongs, is currently ranked in the top 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook for the sector [8]

Core Viewpoint - Ameren Corp reported a fourth-quarter profit that narrowly exceeded Wall Street estimates, driven by increased electricity rates and stronger retail sales in its Missouri unit [1] Financial Performance - The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $1.78 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.67 billion [1] - Ameren's profit for the quarter was 78 cents per share, slightly above the analysts' estimate of 77 cents per share [1] - Revenue from the gas segment increased to $337 million, up from $321 million a year earlier [1] Operational Highlights - Ameren Missouri's electric sales reached 8,405 million kilowatt hours, compared to 7,806 million in the previous year [1] - The company reaffirmed its profit forecast for 2026, estimating earnings between $5.25 and $5.45 per share [1] Strategic Developments - Ameren Missouri received approval for the Big Hollow Energy Center, a new hybrid facility expected to begin operations in 2028, which includes an 800 MW natural gas plant and a large-scale battery storage facility [1] - The company plans to add 1,000 MW of battery storage by 2030 and expand to 1,800 MW by 2042 [1] Industry Context - U.S. electricity usage reached record highs in 2025 and is projected to continue rising, influenced by the expansion of AI and the transition from fossil fuels to electric heating and vehicles [1] - Utilities are increasing power rates to offset higher grid modernization costs amid extreme weather and rising demand from industrial electrification and data center expansions [1]

Core Insights - Ameren Missouri has received approval for the Big Hollow Energy Center, a hybrid energy facility aimed at enhancing energy reliability across Missouri, featuring an 800-megawatt natural gas plant and a 400-megawatt lithium-ion battery system [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The Big Hollow Energy Center will be the first integrated natural gas and battery storage facility in Missouri, designed to provide rapid-response backup power during peak demand periods [1] - The facility is expected to be operational by 2028 and will support reliable electric service for residential, small business, and industrial customers [1] Group 2: Capacity and Technology - The natural gas component will deliver energy during extreme weather conditions and peak demand, while the battery storage will respond quickly to energy needs, potentially powering thousands of homes for hours [1] - Ameren Missouri plans to expand its battery storage capacity to 1,000 megawatts by 2030 and a total of 1,800 megawatts by 2042 across multiple sites [1] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The project is part of Ameren Missouri's strategy to meet growing energy demand while maintaining grid reliability, combining natural gas generation with battery storage for enhanced flexibility and resilience [1] - The integration of these technologies is expected to reduce construction time and costs by leveraging existing infrastructure [1]

Financial Performance - Ameren reported 2025 net income of $1,456 million, or $5.35 per diluted share, up from $1,182 million, or $4.42 per diluted share in 2024, reflecting a 23.2% increase in net income[2]. - Adjusted net income for 2025 was $1,370 million, or $5.03 per diluted share, compared to $1,237 million, or $4.63 per diluted share in 2024, marking an increase of 10.7%[2]. - The fourth quarter of 2025 saw GAAP net income of $252 million, or 92 cents per diluted share, compared to $207 million, or 77 cents per diluted share in the same period of 2024, reflecting a 21.7% increase[6]. - Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025, increased to $1,461 million, up from $1,187 million in 2024, representing a growth of 23%[29]. - Net cash provided by operating activities rose to $3,353 million in 2025, compared to $2,763 million in 2024, marking a 21.3% increase[29]. Earnings Guidance - The earnings guidance for 2026 is affirmed at $5.25 to $5.45 per diluted share, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 6% to 8% from 2026 through 2030[5]. Infrastructure Investments - Ameren's infrastructure investments are projected to total $31.8 billion, supporting an expected rate base growth of approximately 10.6% compounded annually from 2025 through 2030[9]. Segment Performance - Ameren Missouri's 2025 GAAP and adjusted earnings were $747 million, compared to $559 million in 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 33.7%[13]. - Ameren Transmission's 2025 GAAP earnings were $415 million, up from $323 million in 2024, indicating a 28.5% increase[14]. - Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution reported 2025 GAAP earnings of $281 million, compared to $234 million in 2024, representing a 20.1% increase[15]. Revenue and Sales - Total operating revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2025, were $1,782 million, a decrease from $1,941 million in the same period of 2024, while total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025, increased to $8,799 million from $7,623 million in 2024[25]. - Total electric sales for Ameren increased to 69,416 million kilowatt-hours in 2025, up from 68,744 million kilowatt-hours in 2024, reflecting a growth of 1%[32]. - Ameren Missouri's total electric revenues decreased to $4,631 million in 2025 from $3,847 million in 2024, a decline of 1.5%[32]. - Gas revenues for Ameren totaled $1,131 million in 2025, an increase from $1,083 million in 2024, representing a growth of 4.4%[34]. Operating Income - Operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2025, was $360 million, compared to $198 million in the same period of 2024, and for the year ended December 31, 2025, it rose to $2,026 million from $1,516 million in 2024[25]. Shareholder Information - Dividends on common stock increased to $768 million in 2025 from $714 million in 2024, a rise of 7.6%[29]. - The number of shares outstanding increased to 276.4 million in 2025 from 269.9 million in 2024, reflecting a growth of 2%[34]. - The book value per share rose to $48.48 in 2025, up from $44.88 in 2024, indicating an increase of 8.7%[34]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of December 31, 2025, were $48,476 million, an increase from $44,598 million as of December 31, 2024[27]. - Current assets increased to $2,571 million as of December 31, 2025, from $2,264 million as of December 31, 2024[27]. - Long-term debt, net, as of December 31, 2025, was $18,214 million, compared to $17,262 million as of December 31, 2024[27]. - The company reported a total of $1,526 million in the nuclear decommissioning trust fund as of December 31, 2025, up from $1,342 million in 2024[27]. Challenges and Risks - The increase in earnings was primarily driven by higher electric retail sales and new electric service rates, partially offset by increased interest expenses and operational costs[3]. - The effectiveness of risk management strategies and the use of financial and derivative instruments were highlighted as critical for future operations[23]. - The company faces challenges related to supply chain disruptions affecting the construction and acquisition of utility infrastructure, impacting overall performance[23]. Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for the year were $4,128 million in 2025, slightly down from $4,319 million in 2024, indicating a decrease of 4.4%[29]. - Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $4,145 million in 2025 from $4,456 million in 2024, a reduction of 7%[29].

Core Insights - Ameren Corporation reported a net income of $1,456 million for 2025, translating to $5.35 per diluted share, an increase from $1,182 million or $4.42 per diluted share in 2024 [1] - The company affirmed its earnings guidance for 2026, projecting earnings between $5.25 and $5.45 per diluted share, with a compound annual growth rate of 6% to 8% expected from 2026 through 2030 [1][2] - The increase in earnings was attributed to higher infrastructure investment returns, new electric service rates, and increased retail electric sales, particularly in Ameren Missouri, driven by favorable weather conditions [1][2] Financial Performance - 2025 adjusted EPS was $5.03 compared to $4.63 in 2024, while GAAP diluted EPS rose from $4.42 in 2024 to $5.35 in 2025 [1] - For Q4 2025, GAAP net income was $252 million or $0.92 per diluted share, up from $207 million or $0.77 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [1] - The total operating revenues for 2025 were $8,799 million, compared to $7,623 million in 2024, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase [4] Segment Performance - Ameren Missouri's 2025 GAAP and adjusted earnings were $747 million, up from $559 million in 2024, driven by infrastructure investments and new electric service rates [2] - Ameren Transmission reported 2025 GAAP earnings of $415 million, an increase from $323 million in 2024, attributed to higher infrastructure investment returns [2] - Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution segment saw GAAP earnings rise to $281 million in 2025 from $234 million in 2024, reflecting increased infrastructure investments [2] Future Outlook - The company plans to invest $31.8 billion in infrastructure, which is expected to support a projected rate base growth of approximately 10.6% compounded annually from 2025 through 2030 [1][2] - The earnings guidance for 2026 assumes normal temperature conditions and is subject to various regulatory and market factors [1][2] - The company emphasizes a strategic approach to investing in energy infrastructure to enhance reliability and support community growth [1]

Core Viewpoint - Jefferies expresses a positive outlook on five dividend-paying utility stocks while cautioning about potential regulatory and political challenges in the sector due to upcoming elections [1]. Group 1: Sector Overview - The utility sector has seen a significant increase, with a nearly 21% gain from its low in April 2025, driven by rising electricity demand from data centers [1]. - Despite the positive start to 2026, investor concerns have emerged due to unfavorable regulatory and political developments, particularly with 36 gubernatorial elections expected [1]. - Jefferies highlights that utility stocks are likely to perform better than high-flying technology stocks during potential market declines [1]. Group 2: Recommended Utility Stocks - **Ameren Corp. (NYSE: AEE)**: Offers a 2.69% dividend; operates in four segments including electric and natural gas distribution. Jefferies target price is $124 [1]. - **CenterPoint Energy Inc. (NYSE: CNP)**: Provides a 2.16% dividend; operates electric and natural gas distribution services. Jefferies target price is $44 [1]. - **Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR)**: Engaged in electric power production with a 2.48% dividend; operates in the Deep South. Jefferies target price is $114 [2]. - **NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI)**: Offers a 2.55% yield; operates natural gas distribution in several states. Jefferies target price is $49 [2]. - **One Gas Inc. (NYSE: OGS)**: Provides a 3.32% dividend; focuses on natural gas distribution across multiple states. Jefferies target price is $95 [2].

Key Takeaways Ameren is set to report Q4 results, with consensus EPS at 77 cents, flat year over year.AEE may benefit from grid modernization, smart switches, data center demand and new electric service rates.Ameren is likely to have faced higher O&M and interest costs, even as revenues may rise 7.9%.Ameren Corporation (AEE) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 11, after market close. The company delivered an earnings surprise of 3.3% in the last reported quarter. Let’s discuss the fa ...

Core Viewpoint - Ameren Corporation has elected Timothy S. Rausch to its board of directors, effective March 1, 2026, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing its leadership in nuclear generation [1][3]. Group 1: Leadership Appointment - Timothy S. Rausch has extensive experience in nuclear generation, having served as executive vice president and chief nuclear officer at Tennessee Valley Authority from October 2018 to July 2025 [2]. - Rausch's previous roles include senior vice president and chief nuclear officer at Talen Energy Corporation and PPL Corporation, as well as various leadership positions at Exelon Nuclear Corporation and FirstEnergy Corporation [2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance of Nuclear Generation - Martin J. Lyons, chairman and CEO of Ameren, emphasized that Rausch's leadership in nuclear generation will add significant value to the board, as nuclear energy is crucial for Ameren's strategy to provide reliable and affordable energy [3]. - The company aims to ensure a diverse generation resource strategy, with nuclear generation being a key component [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Ameren Corporation serves 2.5 million electric customers and over 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area through its subsidiaries, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois [4]. - Ameren Illinois focuses on electric transmission and distribution, while Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission, and distribution services, along with natural gas distribution [4].

New annualized rate is $3.00 per share ST. LOUIS, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 75 cents per share, a 5.6 percent increase from the prior quarterly cash dividend of 71 cents per share, resulting in an annualized equivalent dividend rate of $3.00 per share. ...