Ameren Corporation - AEE STOCK NEWS

Ameren Missouri filed requests with the Missouri Public Service Commission to adjust electric and natural gas base rates for 2022. The adjustment, if approved, would increase an average electric customer’s bill by about $12 monthly and natural gas by approximately $4, reflecting a 5.4% increase over five years. Despite recent increases, electric rates remain 8.3% lower than in 2017. The adjustments are aimed at enhancing system reliability, transitioning to cleaner energy, and supporting infrastructure upgrades. Ameren Missouri aims to keep rates below national averages while continuing significant investments.

Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) announced the pricing of a public offering of $450 million in 1.75% senior notes due 2028, priced at 99.908% of their principal amount. The offering, expected to close on March 5, 2021, aims to leverage the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, particularly for repaying short-term debt. Key financial institutions involved as joint book-running managers include Barclays Capital, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley. This transaction reflects Ameren's ongoing efforts to enhance its financial stability and liquidity.

Ameren Missouri has submitted an updated Smart Energy Plan worth $8.4 billion to the Missouri Public Service Commission. The five-year plan includes the installation of over one million smart meters and renewable generation projects aimed at enhancing grid reliability and stimulating economic growth in Missouri. The company emphasizes its commitment to transition towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has already acquired wind facilities, becoming the largest operator in the state. The plan is designed to keep energy rates stable for customers while improving service reliability.

Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) reported a net income of $871 million, or $3.50 per diluted share for 2020, an increase from $828 million, or $3.35 per diluted share in 2019. This growth was driven by strong operating performance, infrastructure investments, and new electric service rates effective April 1, 2020. Fourth quarter income also rose to $115 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, compared to $94 million, or 38 cents per diluted share in 2019. Looking forward, Ameren expects 2021 EPS in the range of $3.65 to $3.85 and 6%-8% annual growth through 2025.

Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) announced a quarterly cash dividend increase to 55 cents per share, reflecting a 6.8% rise from the prior dividend of 51.5 cents. This marks the eighth consecutive year of dividend growth, with an annualized rate now at $2.20 per share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2021, to shareholders on record by March 10, 2021. The company maintains that future dividend growth aligns with long-term earnings expectations and will consider cash flow and investment needs.

Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (AEE), has successfully acquired its second wind energy center, the 300 MW Atchison Renewable Energy Center in northwest Missouri. Currently, approximately 100 MW is operational, with more expected by March. This acquisition, alongside the High Prairie Renewable Energy Center, boosts in-state wind generation capacity to 700 MW and involves a total investment of about $1.1 billion. Ameren aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with plans to invest $4.5 billion in renewable energy by 2030.

Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center, located in Fulton, Missouri, is currently offline due to a non-nuclear operating issue affecting its generator. The facility is undergoing investigation and action plan development to ensure a safe return to service. Despite this downtime, Ameren's generation resources are sufficient to meet customer demands. The company does not anticipate significant financial impact from this situation. Ameren aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as detailed in its recent Integrated Resource Plan.

Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) will host a conference call on February 19, 2021, at 9 a.m. CT to discuss fourth quarter 2020 earnings and guidance. The call, featuring CEO Warner L. Baxter and CFO Michael L. Moehn, will be live-streamed on AmerenInvestors.com with supporting materials available online. Ameren serves over 2.4 million electric and 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area through its subsidiaries Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois.

Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI), a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), has completed the final span of the Illinois Rivers Project. This 375-mile, 345,000-volt transmission line enhances regional energy grid reliability and supports renewable energy integration. Approved in 2011, the $1.4 billion project aims to provide lower-cost energy and improve transmission capacity across the Midwest. The project is ATXI's third Multi-Value Project, joining previously completed projects in Illinois and Northeast Missouri.