Ameren Corp (AEE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AEE
Ameren Corp
$104.90
-0.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $29.05B
SO
Southern Company
$87.02
-0.17%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 259% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $8.41B). AEE leads profitability with a 18.6% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AEE
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEE.
Margin of Safety
-40.5%
Fair Value
$62.06
Current Price
$87.02
$24.96 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 6.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEE
The strongest argument for AEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.6% and operating margin at 25.2%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : AEE
The primary concerns for AEE are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.59 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEE profiles as a declining stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AEE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 0.1% — sustainability is the question.
AEE generates stronger free cash flow (-287M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Ameren Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Ameren Corporation is an American power company created December 31, 1997, by the merger of St. Louis, Missouri's Union Electric Company (formerly NYSE: UEP) and the neighboring Central Illinois Public Service Company (CIPSCO Inc. holding, formerly NYSE: CIP) of Springfield, Illinois. It is now a holding company for several power companies and energy companies.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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