Why did AEE's Q4 2024 earnings surprise positively?

Ameren Corporation (AEE) experienced a positive earnings surprise in Q4 2024 due to several key factors: 1. **Increased Infrastructure Investments and Disciplined Cost Management**: Ameren's strong operating performance and strategic investments in infrastructure drove earnings higher. The company's focus on infrastructure upgrades and grid strengthening has enhanced its ability to efficiently serve customers, which in turn boosted performance. 2. **New Electric and Natural Gas Service Rates**: The company benefited from new electric service rates at Ameren Missouri and higher electric retail sales at Ameren Missouri across all customer classes, as well as new natural gas service rates at Ameren Illinois. These rate adjustments and increased sales volumes contributed to the earnings surprise. 3. **Financial Metrics Alignment with Guidance**: Ameren's Q4 2024 earnings per share (EPS) of $0.77 was in line with the company's guidance for the period, which reinforced investor confidence in the company's financial outlook. These factors, combined with effective cost management and strategic investments, positioned Ameren for a strong financial performance in Q4 2024, exceeding market expectations and driving a positive earnings surprise. |code|Ticker|Name|Date|Total Revenue|Operating Cash Flow|Net Income|Diluted EPS|market_code| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q1|1.816E9|4.92E8|2.62E8|0.98|169| |AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q2|1.693E9|5.57E8|2.6E8|0.97|169| |AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q3|2.173E9|8.97E8|4.57E8|1.7|169| |AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q4|1.941E9|8.17E8|2.08E8|0.77|169|