10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2015

AMEREN CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2015

Filed November 6, 2015For Securities:AEE

Summary

Ameren Corporation reported an increase in net income attributable to common stockholders from continuing operations to $343 million for the third quarter of 2015, up from $294 million in the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2015, net income from continuing operations was $549 million, a slight increase from $541 million in the prior year. The company's performance was bolstered by increased earnings from its Ameren Illinois electric transmission and delivery businesses, as well as ATXI's electric transmission operations. Improved electric sales volumes, attributed to warmer weather, also contributed positively. Ameren continued to strategically invest capital in its regulated transmission and delivery infrastructure, with significant expenditures planned for the coming years. While overall financial performance showed improvement, Ameren Missouri recorded a $69 million non-cash provision related to the discontinuation of efforts to license and build a second nuclear unit, which impacted the nine-month results. The company is navigating various regulatory proceedings, including rate case updates and environmental compliance, which could influence future costs and revenues.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.83B
Operating Expenses$1.21B
Operating Income$626.00M
Interest Expense$87.00M
Net Income$343.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.42
EPS (Diluted)$1.41
Shares Outstanding (Basic)242.60M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)243.90M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to Ameren common stockholders from continuing operations increased to $343 million in Q3 2015 from $294 million in Q3 2014.
  • 2For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net income from continuing operations was $549 million, up from $541 million in the prior year.
  • 3Ameren Illinois and ATXI electric transmission services, along with Ameren Illinois' electric delivery services, showed increased earnings due to rate base investments and regulatory frameworks.
  • 4The company recorded a $69 million non-cash provision related to the discontinued nuclear unit licensing effort at Ameren Missouri.
  • 5Ameren continued its strategic capital investments, with significant planned expenditures in electric transmission and utility infrastructure.
  • 6The company raised its quarterly common stock dividend to $0.425 per share in October 2015, an increase from $0.41 per share.
  • 7Ameren Missouri experienced increased electric margins driven by rate increases, warmer weather, and energy efficiency program cost recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ameren reported an increase in net income attributable to common stockholders from continuing operations to $343 million for the third quarter of 2015, compared to $294 million in the same period of 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, net income from continuing operations was $549 million, an increase from $541 million in the comparable 2014 period.

The improved results were primarily driven by increased earnings from Ameren Illinois and ATXI's electric transmission services and Ameren Illinois' electric delivery services. Higher electric sales volumes due to warmer weather and strategic capital investments in infrastructure also contributed positively.

Yes, Ameren Missouri recorded a $69 million non-cash provision in the second quarter of 2015 due to discontinued efforts to license and build a second nuclear unit at its Callaway energy center. This impacted the nine-month results.

Ameren expects to make significant capital expenditures of $8.6 billion to $9.3 billion from 2015 through 2019, focusing on electric and natural gas utility infrastructure, environmental compliance, and transmission projects. The company anticipates funding these through operating cash flows, debt issuance, and maintaining access to capital markets. Additionally, the board increased the quarterly dividend to $0.425 per share.