Are Utilities Stocks Lagging Ameren (AEE) This Year?

Group 1 - Ameren (AEE) has outperformed the Utilities sector with a year-to-date return of approximately 12.3%, compared to the sector average of 10.4% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEE's full-year earnings has increased by 0.4% in the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment [2] - Ameren holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a positive earnings outlook [1][2] Group 2 - Ameren is part of the Utility - Electric Power industry, which consists of 59 companies and currently ranks 93 in the Zacks Industry Rank [3] - The Utility - Electric Power industry has seen an average gain of 12.6% this year, indicating that Ameren is slightly underperforming its industry [3] - Another notable stock in the Utilities sector is Cemig (CIG), which has returned 21% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [2][3]