Ameren Corporation AEE is set to publish its Q4 fiscal 2024 results post-market close on Feb. 22, 2024.

Projections indicate earnings of 61 cents per share, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 63 cents per share. Revenue is expected at $2.03 billion, down from $2.05 billion in the same quarter last year.

This Missouri-based company has recently upped its quarterly dividend by 6.3%, marking over a decade of consecutive increases.

In the midst of Ameren’s current allure, some investors are eyeing the potential gains from the company’s dividends, which currently yield 3.75% annually.

How can investors leverage this dividend yield to secure a steady $500 monthly income?

To secure $500 monthly or $6,000 yearly from dividends alone, an investment of about $159,865 or roughly 2,239 shares is required. For a more moderate $100 monthly or $1,200 annually, around $31,987 or about 448 shares would be needed.

To calculate: Divide the desired annual income ($6,000 or $1,200) by the dividend ($2.68), resulting in 2,239 shares for $500 monthly income and 448 shares for $100 monthly income.

Keep in mind that the dividend yield is subject to change as both the dividend payment and stock price fluctuate over time.

How does this work: Dividend yield is the annual dividend payment divided by the stock’s current price.

For instance, if a stock pays a $2 annual dividend and is priced at $50, the yield is 4% ($2/$50). If the stock price rises to $60, the yield drops to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the price falls to $40, the yield increases to 5% ($2/$40).

Fluctuations in the dividend payment also affect the yield. An increase in dividends raises the yield, assuming the stock price remains constant. Conversely, if the dividend payment decreases, so does the yield.

AEE Price Action: Ameren shares climbed 2.2% to close at $71.40 on Wednesday.