WallStSmart

Ameren Corp (AEE)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 253% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $8.54B). AEE leads profitability with a 17.8% profit margin vs 14.5%. AEE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. AEE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

AEE

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.67

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEE.

SOSignificantly Overvalued (-47.7%)

Margin of Safety

-47.7%

Fair Value

$62.70

Current Price

$92.60

$29.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEE2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$102.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

AEE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.483/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.522/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

SO4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AEE

The strongest argument for AEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.8% and operating margin at 27.8%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : AEE

The primary concerns for AEE are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

AEE generates stronger free cash flow (-1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AEE scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 17.8% margins. Both earn "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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