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4 Reasons to Add Alliant Energy (LNT) to Your Portfolio Now

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Earnings estimates for Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT - Free Report) have been revised upward over the past 60 days, reflecting analysts’ optimism surrounding the stock. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has moved up 0.9% during the said period.

Alliant Energy, together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in regulated electric and natural gas services.
 
Let’s focus on the factors that make Alliant Energy a good investment option at the moment.

Price Movement

In the past 12 months, Alliant Energy’s shares have gained 19.2% compared with its industry’s rally of 14.8%.



Earnings & Revenue Estimate Revision

Alliant Energy’s earnings estimates for 2019 and 2020 indicate 3.23% and 8.11% increase on a year-over-year basis to $2.24 and $2.43 per share, respectively.

Revenue estimates for 2019 and 2020 indicate 3.47% and 5.30% increase on a year-over-year basis to $3.66 billion and $3.85 billion, respectively.

Return on Equity (ROE)

Alliant Energy’s ROE of 11.65% compared with the industry average of 9.18% indicates efficiency in utilizing its shareholders’ funds.

Long-Term Growth and Dividend Yield

The company’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth is pegged at 5.96%, courtesy of investment in regulated natural gas and renewable energy assets, and strong state economies in its service territories.

The current dividend yield of the company is 3.01% compared with its industry’s 2.91%.

Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks

Alliant Energy currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Other top-ranked stocks from the same industry include Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW - Free Report) , The Southern Company (SO - Free Report) and Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL - Free Report) , each holding a Zacks Rank of 2.

Pinnacle West Capital pulled off average positive earnings surprise of 13.3% in the last three quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has been revised 0.8% upward to $4.85 over the past 60 days.

Southern Company reported average positive earnings surprise of 7.85% in the trailing four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has moved 0.7% north to $3.03 per share over the past 60 days.

Xcel Energy surpassed estimates in three out of the trailing four quarters, resulting in average positive surprise of 5.09%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has moved 0.03% north to $2.62 over the past 60 days.

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