Ameren (NYSE: AEE) Announces 2010 Earnings

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today announced 2010 net income, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), of $139 million, or 58 cents per share, compared to 2009 GAAP net income of $612 million, or $2.78 per share.  Excluding certain items in each year, which are discussed below, Ameren recorded 2010 core (non-GAAP) net income of $657 million, or $2.75 per share, compared to 2009 core (non-GAAP) net income of $615 million, or $2.79 per share.

Core (non-GAAP) net income increased in 2010, compared to 2009, despite challenging wholesale power market conditions.  Factors favorably affecting 2010 core (non-GAAP) net income, compared to 2009, included increased regulated utility margins, reflecting higher electricity sales volumes and new electric utility rates, and lower financing costs. Sales volumes benefited from favorable weather, a recovering economy and the return to full service of a large customer's aluminum smelter plant.  Offsetting factors included reduced merchant generation margins and higher depreciation and amortization expenses. Merchant margins were reduced by lower realized power prices and higher fuel and related transportation costs.  Ameren total non-fuel operations and maintenance costs increased only slightly reflecting the Callaway Nuclear Plant refueling outage largely mitigated by disciplined cost management across all business segments. The Callaway Plant did not have a refueling outage in 2009.  On a per share basis, 2010 core (non-GAAP) earnings declined, compared to 2009, because of an increased average number of common shares outstanding.

“This past year was marked by significant accomplishments, as we aggressively pursued our vision of leading the way to a secure energy future,” said Thomas R. Voss, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation.  "Disciplined cost management, strong customer sales and rate relief allowed us to overcome the financial impact of weak wholesale power prices and higher fuel and related transportation costs. We also returned our newly rebuilt Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric plant to service, installed major environmental controls at two coal-fired plants, simplified our corporate structure, launched plans for growing our transmission business and improved our safety and customer satisfaction performance.

"We continue to position our company for long-term success," Voss added.  "Our regulated utilities narrowed the gap between earned and allowed returns on investment, and our merchant generation business lowered its cost structure to enhance long-term competitiveness. These accomplishments were the direct result of a focused, dedicated workforce."

Kilowatthour (KWh) sales of electricity to native load utility customers increased 9% in 2010, compared to 2009.  KWh sales to industrial customers rose 16%.  Excluding KWh sales to the previously mentioned aluminum smelter plant, industrial KWh sales increased 8%.  KWh sales to residential and commercial customers rose 7%.  

For the fourth quarter of 2010, Ameren recorded GAAP net income of $52 million, or 21 cents per share, compared to $79 million, or 34 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of 2009.  Excluding certain items in each year, which are discussed below, Ameren recorded fourth quarter 2010 core (non-GAAP) net income of $56 million, or 22 cents per share, compared to fourth quarter 2009 core (non-GAAP) net income of $85 million, or 37 cents per share.  

Factors favorably affecting core (non-GAAP) earnings in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, included increased regulated utility margins reflecting new electric utility rates and colder winter weather. These factors were more than offset by reduced merchant generation margins, as a result of lower realized power prices and higher fuel and related transportation costs.

The following items were excluded from full-year and fourth quarter 2010 and 2009 core (non-GAAP) earnings, as applicable:

• Non-cash goodwill and other asset impairment charges related to our merchant generation business, which reduced net income by $522 million in the full-year 2010;
• Net unrealized mark-to-market activity, which decreased net income by $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, increased net income by $17 million in the full-year 2010, and increased net income by $1 million and $29 million in the fourth quarter and full-year 2009, respectively;  
• A charge for the impact on deferred taxes of changes in federal healthcare laws, which reduced net income by $13 million in the full-year 2010;
• Net costs associated with the Illinois electric rate relief settlement agreement (reached in 2007), which reduced net income by $5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 and $17 million in the full-year 2009; and
• Employee separation and other charges, which reduced net income by $2 million and $15 million in the fourth quarter and full-year 2009, respectively.

A reconciliation of GAAP to core (non-GAAP) earnings per share follows:

2011 Earnings Guidance

Ameren expects 2011 GAAP and core (non-GAAP) earnings to be in the range of $2.20 to $2.60 per share.  Any net unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses will impact GAAP earnings but are excluded from GAAP and core (non-GAAP) earnings guidance because the company is unable to reasonably estimate the impact of any such gains or losses.

The projected decline in core (non-GAAP) earnings per share in 2011, compared to 2010, is primarily due to an assumed return to normal weather and expected lower margins at Ameren’s merchant generation business.  The merchant generation segment has proactively sold forward or hedged more than 90% of its expected 2011 generation output at an average price per megawatthour that is greater than the current market price; however, the 2011 average realized price is expected to be less than that of 2010.  In addition, fuel and related transportation costs are expected to be higher in 2011 than in 2010.

Ameren expects its business segments to provide the following contributions to 2011 GAAP and core (non-GAAP) earnings per share:

Ameren’s earnings guidance for 2011 assumes normal weather for the year and is subject to the effects of, among other things, regulatory decisions and legislative actions; plant operations; energy, economic, and capital and credit market conditions; severe storms; unusual or otherwise unexpected gains or losses; and other risks and uncertainties outlined, or referred to, in the Forward-looking Statements section of this press release.

Ameren Missouri Results

At the company's Missouri regulated operations, the gap between earned and allowed returns on investment narrowed in 2010, versus the prior year.  Full-year 2010 core (non-GAAP) earnings were $367 million, compared to $241 million in 2009.  The improvement in core (non-GAAP) earnings was primarily due to an 8% increase in electricity sales volumes to native load customers, as a result of favorable weather; the return to full capacity of the segment’s largest customer, an aluminum smelter plant, in March 2010; disciplined cost management; and a recovering economy.  New electric rates and higher capitalization of financing costs for construction projects also contributed to the earnings improvement.  The impact of these positive factors was reduced by higher plant operations and maintenance expenses, primarily due to the spring refueling of the Callaway Nuclear Plant and increased scheduled outages at coal-fired plants, and other items.  Full-year 2010 GAAP earnings were $364 million, compared to $259 million in 2009.  The GAAP earnings comparison was impacted by the factors mentioned above and by a charge for the impact on deferred taxes of changes in federal healthcare laws in 2010, a reduced gain in 2010 from net unrealized mark-to-market activity and employee separation and other charges in 2009.

Ameren Illinois Results

At the company's Illinois regulated operations, prompt action to reduce planned spending levels mitigated the impact on 2010 earnings of a disappointing spring 2010 energy delivery rate order, contributing to a narrowing of the gap between earned and allowed returns on investment, versus the prior year. Full-year 2010 core (non-GAAP) earnings were $208 million, compared to $130 million in 2009.  The increase in core (non-GAAP) earnings was primarily due to a 9% increase in electric Kwh sales, reflecting favorable weather and a recovering economy.  New energy delivery rates, even though disappointing, and new transmission rates also contributed to the earnings improvement.  The impact of these positive factors was mitigated by the absence of a 2009 benefit from recovery of prior years' bad debt expense, among other items.  Full-year 2010 GAAP earnings were $208 million, compared to $127 million in 2009.  The GAAP earnings comparison was impacted by the factors mentioned above, a reduced gain in 2010 from net unrealized mark-to-market activity and the impact on deferred taxes of changes in federal healthcare laws in 2010.  The GAAP comparison was also impacted by charges related to the Illinois electric rate relief settlement agreement (reached in 2007)and employee separation and other charges, both recorded in 2009.

Merchant Generation Results

At the company's merchant generation operations, aggressive cost control measures mitigated, to some extent, the financial impact of challenging conditions in the wholesale power markets.  Full-year 2010 core (non-GAAP) earnings for the merchant generation operations were $108 million, compared to $273 million in 2009.  The decline in core (non-GAAP) earnings was principally due to lower realized power prices and higher fuel and related transportation costs.  In addition, depreciation expense increased, reflecting environmental control equipment placed in service in late 2009 and early 2010.  The impact of these negative factors was mitigated by aggressive cost control measures, which reduced non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, among other items.  Full-year 2010 GAAP losses were $409 million, compared to GAAP earnings of $247 million in 2009.  The GAAP earnings comparison was impacted by the factors mentioned above and by non-cash goodwill and other asset impairment charges of $522 million and a charge for the impact on deferred taxes of changes in federal healthcare laws in 2010.  The GAAP comparison was also impacted by a gain in 2010, compared to a loss in 2009, from net unrealized mark-to-market activity, and by employee separation and other charges and a charge related to the Illinois electric rate relief settlement agreement (reached in 2007), both recorded in 2009.

Analyst Conference Call

Ameren will conduct a conference call for financial analysts at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, Feb. 22, to discuss fourth quarter and full-year 2010 earnings and other matters.  Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live Internet broadcast of the call at www.ameren.com by clicking on "Q4 2010 Ameren Corporation Earnings Conference Call," followed by the appropriate audio link.  An accompanying slide presentation will be available on Ameren’s website.  This presentation will be posted in the “Investors” section of the website under “Webcasts &Presentations.”  The analyst call will also be available for replay on the Internet for one year.  In addition, a telephone playback of the conference call will be available beginning at approximately noon Central Time, from Feb. 22 through March 1, by dialing, U.S. (877) 660-6853 or international (201) 612-7415, and entering account number 352 and ID number 366467.

Regulation G Statement

Ameren has presented certain information in this release on a diluted cents per share basis. These diluted per share amounts reflect certain factors that directly impact Ameren’s total earnings per share. The core (non-GAAP) earnings per share and core (non-GAAP) earnings per share guidance exclude one or more of the following: charges for goodwill and other asset impairments, net unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses, a charge for the deferred tax impact of new federal healthcare laws, the earnings impact of the 2007 settlement agreement among parties in Illinois for comprehensive electric rate relief and customer assistance, and employee separation and other charges. Ameren uses core (non-GAAP) earnings internally for financial planning and for analysis of performance. Ameren also uses core (non-GAAP) earnings as primary performance measurements when communicating with analysts and investors regarding our earnings results and outlook, as the company believes it allows it to more accurately compare the company’s ongoing performance across periods.

In providing consolidated and segment core (non-GAAP) earnings guidance, there could be differences between core (non-GAAP) earnings and earnings prepared in accordance with GAAP as a result of our treatment of  certain items, such as those listed above. Ameren is unable to estimate the impact, if any, on future GAAP earnings of such items.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered “forward-looking” and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this release and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:

• regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, including changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, such as the outcome of Ameren Missouri's pending electric rate proceeding and Ameren Illinois’ electric and gas rate proceeding; the court appeals and regulatory proceedings related to Ameren Missouri's 2009 and 2010 electric rate orders and the court appeals related to Ameren Illinois’ 2010 electric and natural gas rate order; and future regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions that seek to limit or reverse rate increases;
• the effects of, or changes to, the Illinois power procurement process;
• changes in laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and tax policies;
• changes in laws or regulations that adversely affect the ability of electric distribution companies and other purchasers of wholesale electricity to pay their suppliers, including Ameren Missouri and Ameren Energy Marketing Company;
• the effects of increased competition in the future due to, among other things, deregulation of certain aspects of our business at both the state and federal levels, and the implementation of deregulation, such as occurred when the electric rate freeze and power supply contracts expired in Illinois at the end of 2006;
• the effects on demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in energy efficiency and distributed generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption;
• increasing capital expenditure and operating expense requirements and our ability to recover these costs in a timely fashion in light of regulatory lag;
• the effects of participation in, or potential withdrawal from, the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.;
• the cost and availability of fuel such as coal, natural gas and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities, including the ability to recover the costs for such commodities;
• the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and the use of financial and derivative instruments;
• the level and volatility of future prices for power in the Midwest;
• business and economic conditions, including their impact on interest rates, bad debt expense, and demand for our products;
• disruptions of the capital markets or other events that make the Ameren Companies’ access to necessary capital, including short-term credit and liquidity, impossible, more difficult, or more costly;
• our assessment of our liquidity;
• the impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance and the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance;
• actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions;
• the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers;
• the impact of system outages;
• generation, transmission and distribution asset construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery;
• the extent to which Ameren Missouri prevails in its claims against insurers in connection with its Taum Sauk pumped-storage hydroelectric plant incident;
• the extent to which Ameren Missouri is permitted by its regulators to recover in rates (i) certain of the Taum Sauk rebuild costs not covered by insurance and (ii) investments made in connection with a proposed second unit at its Callaway nuclear plant;
• impairments of long-lived assets, intangible assets, or goodwill;
• operation of Ameren Missouri's nuclear power facility, including planned and unplanned outages, and decommissioning costs;
• the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures;
• the impact of current environmental regulations on utilities and power generating companies and the expectation that more stringent requirements, including those related to greenhouse gases, other emissions, and energy efficiency, will be enacted over time, which could limit or terminate the operation of certain of our generating units, increase our costs, result in an impairment of our assets, reduce our customers’ demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect;
• the impact of complying with renewable energy portfolio requirements in Missouri;
• labor disputes, work force reductions, future wage and employee benefits costs, including changes in discount rates and returns on benefit plan assets;
• the inability of our counterparties and affiliates to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit facilities and financial instruments;
• the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by the Ameren Companies’ facilities or required to satisfy energy sales made by the Ameren Companies;
• legal and administrative proceedings; and
• acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or intentionally disruptive acts.

Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.

With assets of $24 billion, St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation owns a diverse mix of electric generating plants strategically located in our Midwest market, with a generating capacity of more than 16,900 megawatts. Through our Missouri and Illinois subsidiaries, we serve 2.4 million electric customers and nearly 1 million natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. For more information, visit Ameren.com.

SOURCE Ameren Corporation