Core Viewpoint - Alliant Energy (LNT) is expected to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 19, with a projected earnings per share (EPS) decline of 17.14% year-over-year and a revenue decrease of 3.91% year-over-year [1][2][8] Group 1: Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LNT's earnings is set at 58 cents per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 17.14% [2] - The revenue estimate for the quarter is $937.8 million, indicating a year-over-year decline of 3.91% [2] - Total electricity delivered is estimated at 8,181.71 megawatt-hours (MWh), which represents a slight increase of 0.81% year-over-year [2] Group 2: Factors Influencing Earnings - LNT's earnings are anticipated to benefit from a diversified and expanding customer base, along with robust economic development in its service territory, which is driving demand for utility services [3] - The successful integration of a new 100 MW battery energy storage system for a 200 MW solar project in Grant County, WI, is expected to positively impact quarterly performance [3] - Increased demand from data centers and effective cost control measures are also likely to support LNT's fourth-quarter earnings [4] Group 3: Earnings Prediction Model - The company's Earnings ESP (Earnings Surprise Prediction) is +0.58%, suggesting a potential earnings beat [5][8] - LNT currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a neutral outlook [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) has shown mixed performance in the market, with a slight underperformance compared to the broader S&P 500 Index and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund, primarily due to increased operational costs and a decline in adjusted EPS in Q3 2025 [2][3][6]. Financial Performance - LNT's market capitalization is valued at $17.2 billion, providing regulated electricity, natural gas, and water services [1]. - In Q3 2025, LNT reported an adjusted EPS of $1.12, which is a decrease of 2.6% year-over-year, while revenue increased by 11.9% to $1.2 billion [6]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts project LNT's EPS to grow by 5.6% to $3.21 on a diluted basis [7]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, LNT's stock has gained 12.5%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 15.6% increase, but has outperformed the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund, which gained 11.3% [2][3]. - Year-to-date, LNT stock is up 2.9%, compared to the S&P 500's 1.7% rise [2]. Analyst Ratings - Among 12 analysts covering LNT, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with seven "Strong Buy" ratings and five "Holds" [7]. - Barclays PLC upgraded LNT to an "Equal Weight" rating with a price target of $67, indicating a marginal upside potential [8]. - The mean price target of $72.60 suggests an 8.5% premium to current price levels, while the highest price target of $78 indicates a potential upside of 16.6% [8].

Core Thesis - Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) presents a bullish investment opportunity due to its stable utility operations, growth potential in renewables, and increasing demand from data centers [1][7]. Company Overview - Alliant Energy operates as a regulated utility in the Midwest, serving approximately 1.01 million electric customers and 430,000 gas customers, with earnings supported by predictable cash flows backed by regulators [3]. Transition to Renewables - Over the last two decades, Alliant has shifted from coal and gas to becoming a leader in renewables, developing one of the largest wind portfolios in the Midwest and expanding solar and storage capabilities [4]. Demand and Growth Strategy - The company has secured around 3 GW of long-term data-center contracts, which could lead to a 50% increase in peak load by 2030. To facilitate this growth, Alliant has a $13.4 billion capital expenditure plan through 2029, focusing on renewables and grid modernization [5]. Financial Performance and Shareholder Returns - Alliant Energy pays an annual dividend of $2.03, yielding approximately 3.04%, and has increased its dividend for 22 consecutive years. The payout ratio is around 64%, allowing for reinvestment while supporting dividend growth [6]. Recent quarterly results indicate rising revenues and operating income, driven by rate hikes and renewable energy additions [6].

Industry Overview - The Utility-Electric Power industry is focused on generating and delivering electricity to millions of customers in the U.S., with a strong shift towards cleaner fuel sources and reduced carbon emissions, supported by government initiatives [1] - The industry is investing in grid modernization and infrastructure improvements to enhance resilience against natural disasters like hurricanes, which helps in reducing outages and restoring power more quickly [1] Trends Impacting the Industry - Interest rates have decreased from a range of 5.25-5.50% to 3.75-4.00%, which is beneficial for utilities that rely on capital markets for financing infrastructure investments [4] - The share of U.S. electricity generation from renewables is projected to rise from 23% in 2025 to 28% in 2027, driven by growth in solar and wind capacity, aided by the Inflation Reduction Act [5] - Electricity consumption in the U.S. is expected to increase by 1% in 2026 and 3% in 2027, with prices for electricity also projected to rise across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors [6] Industry Performance - The Utility-Electric Power industry has outperformed the S&P 500 and its own sector over the past 12 months, gaining 24.2% compared to the sector's 21% and the S&P 500's 16.5% [10] - The industry's Zacks Rank is 87, placing it in the top 36% of over 244 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [8][9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 13.24X, compared to the S&P 500's 18.9X and the Utility sector's 12.48X, with historical trading ranges between 12.27X and 21.31X over the past five years [13] Investment Opportunities - NextEra Energy plans to invest over $74 billion through 2029 to modernize infrastructure and increase clean energy generation, with a long-term earnings growth forecast of 8.08% and a dividend yield of 2.67% [19][20] - Ameren Corporation expects to deploy over $26.3 billion in capital from 2025 to 2029, with a long-term earnings growth estimate of 8.52% and a dividend yield of 2.78% [23][24] - Alliant Energy anticipates long-term capital expenditures of $13.4 billion from 2026 to 2029, with a long-term earnings growth forecast of 7.15% and a dividend yield of 3.04% [27][28] - Pinnacle West Capital has a capital investment plan of $8 billion for 2026-2028, with a long-term earnings growth estimate of 3.56% and a dividend yield of 3.95% [31][32]

Core Viewpoint - Alliant Energy Corporation is a significant player in the utility sector, providing regulated electric and natural gas services primarily in the Midwest, specifically Iowa and Wisconsin, and is currently experiencing positive market sentiment reflected in its stock upgrade [1][2]. Financial Performance - The fourth quarter and year-end 2025 earnings release is crucial for assessing Alliant Energy's financial health, including revenue and profit margins [2]. - The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.05, indicating favorable market valuation of its earnings, while the price-to-sales ratio is 4.03 and the enterprise value to sales ratio is 6.70, suggesting strong investor confidence in its revenue-generating capabilities [3]. Financial Concerns - The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.63, indicating significant financial leverage that may affect the company's debt management [4]. - A current ratio of 0.83 suggests potential liquidity issues, indicating challenges in meeting short-term obligations [4]. Strategic Outlook - The upcoming earnings release and conference call are expected to provide insights into financial metrics and strategic initiatives undertaken in 2025, aiding investors and stakeholders in making informed investment decisions [5].

Core Insights - Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) is valued at a market cap of $17.3 billion and provides regulated electric and natural gas services, with its fiscal Q4 earnings for 2025 expected to be announced soon [1] Financial Performance - Analysts anticipate LNT to report a profit of $0.57 per share for the upcoming quarter, reflecting an 18.6% decrease from $0.70 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For the current fiscal year ending in December, LNT is expected to report a profit of $3.21 per share, which is a 5.6% increase from $3.04 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth projected to $3.45 per share in fiscal 2026 [3] Recent Developments - LNT's Q3 results showed a total revenue increase of 11.9% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, driven by a 12.5% rise in electric utility revenues, although ongoing EPS declined by 2.6% to $1.12, missing analyst estimates by 4.3% [5] - Despite the earnings miss, LNT provided fiscal 2026 earnings guidance of $3.36 to $3.46 per share, maintaining a 10-year track record of 6% compound annual earnings growth [5] Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Over the past 52 weeks, LNT has gained 12.1%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.9% return but outperforming the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF's 10.2% increase [4] - Wall Street analysts have a "Moderate Buy" rating on LNT, with six out of eleven analysts recommending "Strong Buy," four suggesting "Hold," and one indicating "Strong Sell," with a mean price target of $72.33, suggesting a 7.4% potential upside [6]

Core Viewpoint - Alliant Energy Corporation has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5350 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] Dividend Information - The dividend is payable on February 17, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 30, 2026 [1] - Alliant Energy has maintained a record of paying dividends on common stock for 321 consecutive quarters since 1946 [1] - The company is recognized as a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, indicating a strong history of dividend growth [1]

Core Insights - UBS has released its list of highest conviction stocks for 2026, focusing on companies across various sectors that are expected to outperform the broader market [1][3] Company Summaries - **Acadia Pharmaceuticals (Ticker: ACAD)** - Expected return for 2025 is +46% - The company is viewed positively due to its management's execution on growth initiatives for new drugs, particularly the upcoming trial results for ACP-204 related to Alzheimer's disease psychosis, expected in mid-2026 [4] - **Alliant Energy Corp (Ticker: LNT)** - Expected return for 2025 is +11% - The company is considered undervalued and is likely to benefit from the ongoing data center boom in 2026, with expectations of 2-4GW of upside opportunities [5][6] - **Amazon (Ticker: AMZN)** - Expected return for 2025 is +0.3% - As the only stock from the Magnificent Seven on UBS' list, Amazon is anticipated to benefit from the AI boom and advancements in sports licensing and same-day delivery in its e-commerce operations [8]

Company Overview - Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) is a utility holding company based in Madison, Wisconsin, providing regulated electricity and natural gas services, with a market cap of $16.8 billion [1]. Market Position - LNT is classified as a large-cap stock, emphasizing its size and influence in the regulated electric utility industry, and its focus on clean energy investments positions it for future growth [2]. Stock Performance - LNT's stock has experienced a decline of 6.3% from its 52-week high of $69.75, reached on October 24, while showing marginal gains over the past three months, aligning with the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLU) performance [3][4]. - Over a six-month period, LNT shares rose by 6.2%, outperforming XLU's gains of 4.6%, but the stock only climbed 8% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming XLU's 10.4% returns [4]. Financial Results - For Q3, LNT reported an adjusted EPS of $1.12, a decrease of 2.6% year-over-year, with revenue of $1.2 billion, reflecting an increase of 11.9% year-over-year. The company anticipates a full-year adjusted EPS between $3.17 and $3.23 [5]. Competitive Landscape - LNT's competitor, Ameren Corporation (AEE), has shown marginal gains over six months but has outperformed LNT with an 8.3% increase over the past 52 weeks [6]. Analyst Sentiment - Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for LNT, with a consensus mean price target of $72.11, indicating a potential upside of 10.4% from current price levels [6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a well-diversified investment portfolio, recommending a foundation based on a high-quality low-cost S&P 500 fund [1] - It suggests an overweight position in the technology sector for investors who can handle short-term risks, indicating that this sector is in the early stages of a long-term bull market [1] - For dividend income, the article advises considering large oil and gas companies that offer strong dividend yields and growth, reflecting the author's background in the industry [1] Investment Strategy - The recommended investment strategy includes a top-down capital allocation approach tailored to individual investor circumstances such as age, risk tolerance, income, and financial goals [1] - Suggested investment categories include S&P 500, technology, dividend income, sector ETFs, growth, speculative growth, gold, and cash [1]