Ameren Corporation - AEE STOCK NEWS

Ameren Missouri has filed a proposal with the Missouri Public Service Commission to implement 25 energy efficiency programs offering $200 million in rebates over the next three years. This plan includes $67 million for income-eligible customers and aims to save over 800,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to the annual consumption of 66,500 homes. The proposal also features a demand response initiative targeting more than 80,000 customers by 2026. If approved, programs will run from 2024 to 2026, enhancing customer savings while contributing to a commitment towards net-zero carbon emissions.

On February 27, 2023, Union Electric Company, operating as Ameren Missouri, announced the pricing of a public offering of $500 million in 5.45% first mortgage bonds due 2053. The bonds were priced at 99.794% of their principal amount, with a closing date expected on March 13, 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. Proceeds from the offering will be utilized for capital expenditures and/or refinancing short-term debt. The offering is managed by multiple financial institutions, and details can be accessed via the Securities and Exchange Commission website.

On February 16, 2023, Ameren Missouri announced its $9.9 billion Smart Energy Plan to enhance grid reliability and modernize infrastructure. The plan aims to reduce outages, with an estimated 6.5 million minutes of customer outages avoided last year. Key upgrades include

• 1,178 smart switches
• 75 upgraded substations
• 170 miles of improved power lines
• 772,000 smart meters

Ameren Corporation reported a significant year-over-year increase in 2022 earnings, with a net income of $1,074 million, or $4.14 per diluted share, up from $990 million, or $3.84 per share in 2021. Key factors included infrastructure investments, higher electric retail sales, and improved energy efficiency incentives. The company established 2023 diluted EPS guidance between $4.25 and $4.45, projecting a compound annual growth rate of 6% to 8% from 2023 to 2027. Despite some challenges, such as increased operations expenses and higher interest costs, Ameren remains focused on modernizing the energy grid and maintaining disciplined cost management.

Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 63 cents per share, increasing by 7% from 59 cents per share. This marks the tenth consecutive year of dividend growth, bringing the annualized dividend rate to $2.52. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2023, to shareholders of record by March 15, 2023. Union Electric Company and Ameren Illinois Company also announced quarterly dividends on their preferred stock, payable on May 15, 2023 and May 1, 2023 respectively. Ameren maintains a payout ratio of 55% to 70% for future growth.

Ameren Missouri has received critical approval for the acquisition of the Huck Finn Solar Project, the largest solar facility in its history, located in central Missouri. This 200 MW facility aims to generate enough energy to power 40,000 homes and create approximately 250 jobs during construction. Expected to start operations by late 2024, the project supports Ameren's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Additionally, it comes as part of a broader plan to add 2,800 MW of renewable energy by 2030. This project is the first approved under the Inflation Reduction Act, enhancing long-term customer benefits.

Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) will host a conference call on February 16, 2023, at 9 a.m. Central Time to discuss its fourth quarter 2022 earnings and provide guidance. CEO Martin J. Lyons Jr. and CFO Michael L. Moehn will present the call, which will also be broadcast live on AmerenInvestors.com. Ameren serves approximately 2.4 million electric and 900,000 natural gas customers across a 64,000-square-mile area. For further information, supporting materials will be available on their investor website, and a replay will be accessible for one year after the call.

Ameren Missouri achieved the J.D. Power award for the highest customer satisfaction among large Midwest utilities, recognizing its commitment to business electric service. This honor, the third time for Ameren Missouri, reflects strong performance in areas such as power quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.

From 2019 to 2021, the company invested $3.6 billion in over 2,000 energy grid projects to enhance infrastructure and reliability. Ameren Missouri serves 1.2 million electric customers in central and eastern Missouri.