📊 AEE Key Takeaways
Is Ameren Corp. (AEE) a Good Investment?
Ameren maintains strong operating margins (24.4%) and positive operating cash flow typical of stable utility operations, but faces significant financial stress with negative free cash flow (-$1.2B), weak liquidity (0.62x current ratio), and elevated leverage (1.40x Debt/Equity) that constrains strategic flexibility. The company's poor returns (ROE 2.6%, ROA 0.7%), flat revenue growth, and thin interest coverage (2.6x) suggest deteriorating financial health despite decent operational profitability.
Ameren shows solid regulated-utility profitability, with a 23.0% operating margin, 16.5% net margin, and 10.9% ROE supporting a stable earnings base. However, growth quality is only moderate because revenue was flat, net income slightly declined, and heavy capital spending drove negative free cash flow. The balance sheet remains workable but leveraged, with weak liquidity and only modest interest coverage limiting flexibility.
Ameren Corp. Key Strengths (AEE)
- Strong operating margin of 24.4% and net margin of 16.4% demonstrates operational efficiency typical of regulated utilities
- Positive operating cash flow of $421.0M provides stable base for debt service and capex funding
- EPS growth of 21.0% YoY shows disciplined capital allocation, likely through share buybacks offsetting revenue stagnation
- Strong core profitability with 23.0% operating margin and 16.5% net margin
- Stable returns for a utility profile, including 10.9% ROE and resilient operating cash flow of $3.35B
- EPS growth of 21.0% indicates improving per-share earnings performance
AEE Stock Risks: Ameren Corp. Investment Risks
- Negative free cash flow of -$1.2B indicates company spending significantly more on capex than generating, creating refinancing dependency and vulnerability to credit market disruptions
- Critically weak liquidity position with current ratio of 0.62x, quick ratio of 0.44x, and only $13.0M cash reserves relative to $49.8B asset base
- High leverage with Debt/Equity of 1.40x combined with low interest coverage of 2.6x leaves minimal cushion for rising rates, economic stress, or operational setbacks
- Flat revenue growth (-0.0% YoY) and declining net income (-0.3% YoY) with very poor returns (ROE 2.6%, ROA 0.7%) indicate stagnant growth and poor capital efficiency
- Revenue was flat and net income declined slightly, pointing to limited underlying growth momentum
- Free cash flow was negative at -$775M because capital expenditures exceeded operating cash generation
- Leverage and liquidity are constrained, with debt/equity of 1.45x, current ratio of 0.66x, and interest coverage of 2.6x
Key Metrics to Watch
- Free cash flow trend and ability to fund capex from operating cash without increasing debt
- Debt/Equity ratio and interest coverage ratio as interest rate environment impacts debt costs
- Current ratio and working capital position given critically low liquidity levels
- Revenue growth and net income trends to confirm whether business stabilizes or continues deteriorating
- Free cash flow improvement relative to capital expenditure
- Interest coverage and debt-to-equity trend
Ameren Corp. (AEE) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
AEE Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
AEE vs Utilities Sector: How Ameren Corp. Compares
How Ameren Corp. compares to Utilities sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Ameren Corp. Stock Overvalued? AEE Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Ameren Corp. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Utilities sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Ameren Corp. Balance Sheet: AEE Debt, Cash & Liquidity
AEE Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Ameren Corp.'s revenue has grown significantly by 38% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $4.38 reflects profitable operations.
AEE Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
AEE Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $2.1B | $290.0M | $1.07 |
| Q3 2025 | $2.2B | $457.0M | $1.70 |
| Q2 2025 | $1.7B | $260.0M | $0.97 |
| Q1 2025 | $1.8B | $262.0M | $0.98 |
| Q3 2024 | $2.1B | $457.0M | $1.70 |
| Q2 2024 | $1.7B | $239.0M | $0.90 |
| Q1 2024 | $1.8B | $262.0M | $0.98 |
| Q3 2023 | $2.1B | $453.0M | $1.74 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Ameren Corp. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
AEE SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Ameren Corp. (CIK: 0001002910)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about AEE
What is the AI rating for AEE?
Ameren Corp. (AEE) has a Combined AI Grade of B from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (B) with 60% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are AEE's key strengths?
Claude: Strong operating margin of 24.4% and net margin of 16.4% demonstrates operational efficiency typical of regulated utilities. Positive operating cash flow of $421.0M provides stable base for debt service and capex funding. ChatGPT: Strong core profitability with 23.0% operating margin and 16.5% net margin. Stable returns for a utility profile, including 10.9% ROE and resilient operating cash flow of $3.35B.
What are the risks of investing in AEE?
Claude: Negative free cash flow of -$1.2B indicates company spending significantly more on capex than generating, creating refinancing dependency and vulnerability to credit market disruptions. Critically weak liquidity position with current ratio of 0.62x, quick ratio of 0.44x, and only $13.0M cash reserves relative to $49.8B asset base. ChatGPT: Revenue was flat and net income declined slightly, pointing to limited underlying growth momentum. Free cash flow was negative at -$775M because capital expenditures exceeded operating cash generation.
What is AEE's revenue and growth?
Ameren Corp. reported revenue of $2.2B.
Does AEE pay dividends?
Ameren Corp. pays dividends, with $208.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find AEE SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Ameren Corp. (CIK: 0001002910) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is AEE's EPS?
Ameren Corp. has a diluted EPS of $1.28.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is AEE's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, Ameren Corp. has a B grade with 60% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.
Is AEE stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for AEE: ROE of 2.6% (sector avg: 10%), net margin of 16.4% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is AEE's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Ameren Corp. a combined B grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is AEE's free cash flow?
Ameren Corp.'s operating cash flow is $421.0M, with capital expenditures of $1.6B. FCF margin is -53.0%.
How does AEE compare to other Utilities stocks?
Vs Utilities sector averages: Net margin 16.4% (avg: 12%), ROE 2.6% (avg: 10%), current ratio 0.62 (avg: 0.8).