Yesterday’s Upgrade Review: Ameren Corp (AEE)

Ameren Corp (NYSE:AEE) received a stock rating upgrade from Barclays on Apr-04-16. In a note to investors, the firm issued an Overweight rating. The analysts previously had an Equal Weight rating on the stock.

The 52-week price range is $ 36.17 – 50.58 and the company has a market capitalization of $ 12.33B. Analysts covering the shares maintain a consensus Buy rating, according to Zacks Investment Research. zero analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, 4 has assigned a hold rating, zero says it’s a buy, and 4 have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

Ameren Corp (AEE) on February 19, 2016 announced 2015 net income attributable to common shareholders in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of $630 million, or $2.59 per diluted share, compared to $586 million, or $2.40 per diluted share, for 2014. Excluding certain items discussed below, Ameren recorded core earnings of $622 million, or $2.56 per diluted share, for 2015, compared to core earnings of $587 million, or $2.40 per diluted share, for 2014.

The year-over-year increase in 2015 core earnings reflected increased investments in electric transmission and delivery infrastructure made under modern, constructive regulatory frameworks as well as the absence, in 2015, of a nuclear refueling and maintenance outage at the Callaway Energy Center, which is scheduled to occur every 18 months. The positive effects of these factors were partially offset by increased depreciation and amortization expenses and lower retail electric and gas sales volumes in 2015 driven by milder winter temperatures.

“We delivered strong earnings growth in 2015,” said Warner L. Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. “Despite some challenges, including very mild fourth quarter weather, we were able to achieve this growth through the continued execution of our strategy, which includes allocating capital to jurisdictions with modern, constructive regulatory frameworks and managing costs in a disciplined manner.”

• 2015 Core (Non-GAAP) Diluted Earnings Per Share Were $2.56, Compared to $2.40 in 2014


• 2015 GAAP Diluted EPS were $2.59, Compared to $2.40 in 2014


• Lower Sales to Noranda Aluminum Estimated to Reduce 2016 Diluted EPS by 13 Cents


• 2016 Diluted EPS Guidance Range Established at $2.40 to $2.60


• Expect Diluted EPS to Grow at 5% to 8% Compound Annual Rate from 2016 through 2020

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