Ameren Corporation (NYSE:AEE) posted first-quarter 2017 earnings from continuing operations of 42 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, earnings declined 2.3% year over year.
The year-over-year decline in earnings was primarily due to lower 2017 electric retail sales at Ameren Missouri, thanks to very mild winter temperatures as well as lower tax benefits associated with share-based compensation.
Total Revenue
Total revenue of $1,514 million in the first quarter of 2017 was up 5.6% year over year on the back of higher electric sales volumes.
Highlights of the Release
Ameren’s total electricity sales in the reported quarter grew 2.6% to 19,174 million kilowatt hours (kWh) from 18,690 million kWh in the prior-year quarter. Gas volumes were down 7.2% to 64 million dekatherms from 69 million dekatherms in the prior-year quarter.
Total operating expenses in the first quarter were $1,260 million, up 3.8% year over year.
Interest expenses were $99 million, up 4.2% from the year-ago figure.
Ameren Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Ameren Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Ameren Corporation Quote
Financial Condition
Ameren reported cash and cash equivalents of $8 million as of Mar 31, 2017 compared with $9 million at 2016 end.
Long-term debt as of Mar 31, 2017 was $6,597 million compared with $6,595 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
Cash from operating activities in the first quarter was $331 million compared with $349 million in the prior-year period.
Guidance
Ameren reiterates 2017 diluted earnings per share to be in a range of $2.65−$2.85.
Zacks Rank
Ameren currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Peer Releases
DTE Energy Company (NYSE:DTE) reported first-quarter 2017 operating earnings per share of $1.79, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57 by 14%. Total revenue came in at $3.24 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.58 billion by 25.6%. The company has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) reported first-quarter 2017 operational earnings of 99 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06 by 6.6%. Total revenue of $2,588.5 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,566 million by 0.9%. The company has a Zacks Rank #3.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is also a Zacks Rank #3 company. It reported first-quarter 2017 adjusted EPS of $1.75, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.56 by 12.2%. Operating revenues totaled $3,972 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,943 million by nearly 0.7%.
Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?
Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.
With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.
It's not the one you think.
See This Ticker Free >>
Ameren Corporation (AEE): Free Stock Analysis Report
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Entergy Corporation (ETR): Free Stock Analysis Report
DTE Energy Company (DTE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research