Should investors hold AEE for long-term growth?

**Ameren Corporation (AEE) appears to be a strong candidate for long-term investment**, and here's why:

1. **Consistent Dividend Growth**: Ameren has a history of increasing dividends, with an annualized rate of $2.84 per share, up 6% from the previous year. This demonstrates the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
2. **Stable Financial Performance**: The company's financials show a net income growth rate of 30.82% and a revenue growth rate of 19.96%. Additionally, the 5-year CAGR for net income is 7.86%, and for diluted EPS, it is 6.01%. These figures indicate a stable and growing financial performance.

|code|Ticker|Name|Date|Net Income YoY|Total Revenue YoY|Diluted EPS YoY|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q1|-1.1320754716981132|-11.930164888457808|-2.0000000000000018|169|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q2|8.786610878661087|-3.806818181818182|7.777777777777772|169|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q3|-7.489878542510121|5.485436893203883|-9.090909090909099|169|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q4|30.81761006289308|19.962917181705812|28.333333333333343|169|

3. **Strategic Investments**: Ameren has been investing in infrastructure and has a significant investment pipeline, with expectations of a 9.2% rate base CAGR and over $63 billion in investments through 2029. These strategic investments are likely to support long-term growth.
4. **Solid Dividend Yield**: With a dividend yield of 2.81% and a history of dividend growth, the stock offers an attractive yield for income investors.
5. **Positive Analyst Ratings**: The stock has received positive analyst ratings, with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and a consensus EPS guidance range midpoint that implies a dividend payout ratio within a reasonable range. This suggests that analysts have a positive outlook on the stock's future performance.
6. **Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow**: Although there is a negative free cash flow of -$473 million, the company's operating cash flow is strong at $817 million, which could be used to fund growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders.

|code|Ticker|Name|Date|Free Cash Flow|Investing Cash Flow|Operating Cash Flow|Financing Cash Flow|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q1|6.1385614E8|-9.06E8|4.92E8|4.97E8|169|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q2|-4.4476356E8|-1.026E9|5.57E8|4.15E8|169|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q3|-1.027555432E9|-1.174E9|8.97E8|3.0E8|169|
|AEE|AEE.N|Ameren|2024 Q4|-9.03329282E8|-1.35E9|8.17E8|5.37E8|169|

In conclusion, Ameren's consistent dividend growth, strategic investments, and stable financial performance make it a compelling choice for long-term investors. However, it's important to consider the company's debt levels and interest coverage ratios, as indicated by the financing cash flow and the recent bond offering. Investors should also monitor the company's execution of its investment plans and regulatory environment, as these factors could impact its growth prospects.