The AES Corporation
The AES Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a power generation and utility company. It operates through four segments: Renewables, Utilities, Energy Infrastructure, and New Energy Technologies. The company owns and/or operates power plants to generate and sell power to customers…
What to know about AES
The AES Corporation is a large Utilities company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on valuation and risk, but size is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider AES?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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The AES Corporation is a large-cap Utilities company with a mixed overall financial profile — it is in the lower half of its Utilities peers (23 of 31).
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Profit margins are thin compared to most S&P 500 peers — the company keeps less of each dollar it earns than the average. Watch for signs of margin improvement.
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Valuation looks attractive — the stock is priced reasonably relative to its earnings and sales compared to most peers. You're not overpaying for the business.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.05%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Utilities sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how AES compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 7.61 | Top 25% |
| Forward P/E | 6.14 | Top 25% |
| PEG Ratio | 0.81 | Top 25% |
| Price to Sales | 0.83 | Top 25% |
| Price to Book | 2.36 | Above avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 12.90 | Above avg |
| Earnings Yield | 13.13% | Top 25% |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 19.30% | Below avg |
| Operating Margin | 18.74% | Average |
| Net Profit Margin | 10.82% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 5.26% | Below avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 2.71% | Below avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 8.70% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | -1.02% | Below avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 951.10% | Top 25% |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -65.02% | Below avg |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.73 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 2.60 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 1.05 | Below avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 0.45 | Below avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 4.81% | Top 25% |
| Payout Ratio | 36.66% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -10.24% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | -14.19% | Below avg |
| OCF to Sales | 39.74% | Top 25% |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.95 | Average |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 4.81% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 3.09% | Above avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 3.00 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 2.60% | Below avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 10.43B | Below avg |
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