UPDATE: Morgan Stanley Upgrades Ameren to Equal-weight

Morgan Stanley raised its rating on Ameren AEE from Underweight to Equal-weight while raising the price target to $36.50. Morgan Stanley noted, "We are upgrading AEE to Equal-weight given significant underperformance year-to-date and an improved outlook at each of its business segments. We believe shares now have upside potential as reflected in our raised PT, but note the EPS loss at its merchant fleet will likely remain an overhang. … AEE shares have underperformed peers by nearly 500bps YTD due to merchant weakness and regulatory uncertainty. However, with progress on rate cases, transmission approvals, and limited unregulated cash needs, we are raising our EPS estimates and no longer believe shares should trade at a discount." Ameren closed at $32.33 on Friday.