It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT - Free Report) . Shares have added about 4.4% in that time frame, outperforming the market.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to the stock's next earnings release, or is it due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Alliant Energy Q1 Earnings Miss, Revenues Grow Y/Y
Alliant Energy Corporation reported first-quarter 2017 operating earnings from continuing operations of $0.43 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.45 by 4.4%. Earnings remained flat year over year.
A warmer-than-expected winter in Alliant Energy’s service territories led to a $0.04 decline in quarterly earnings.
Total Revenue
Total revenue in the first quarter came in at $853.9 million, almost 1.2% higher year over year.
Operational Highlights
Total operating expenses were $711 million in the reported quarter, reflecting an increase of nearly 1.9% from $697.9 million in the year-ago period.
Operating income was $142.9 million, down 2% from $145.9 million in the year-ago quarter.
Interest expenses were $52.3 million, an increase of 8.9% from $48 million in the year-ago quarter.
Financial Update
Cash and cash equivalents were $8.4 million as of Mar 31, 2017, rising marginally from $8.2 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
Long-term debt (excluding current portion) was at $4,316.1 million as of Mar 31, 2017, higher than $4,315.6 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
Cash used in operating activities was $333.7 million, compared with $228.3 million used in the year-ago comparable period.
Guidance
Alliant Energy reiterated its 2017 consolidated earnings per share guidance in the range of $1.92–$2.06.
For Utilities, American Transmission Company LLC and Corporate Services, earnings are expected in the range of $1.90 to $2.02 per share. For Non-regulated and Parent, the company expects earnings in the range of $0.02– $0.04 per share.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
Analysts were quiet during the last one month period as none of them issued any earnings estimate revisions.
VGM Scores
At this time, Alliant Energy's stock has an average Growth Score of 'C', though it is lagging a bit on the momentum front with a 'D'. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated also a grade of 'D' on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of 'D'. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
The company's stock is suitable solely for growth based on our styles scores.
Outlook
The stock has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We are expecting an inline return from the stock in the next few months.
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It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT - Free Report) . Shares have added about 4.4% in that time frame, outperforming the market.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to the stock's next earnings release, or is it due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Alliant Energy Q1 Earnings Miss, Revenues Grow Y/Y
Alliant Energy Corporation reported first-quarter 2017 operating earnings from continuing operations of $0.43 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.45 by 4.4%. Earnings remained flat year over year.
A warmer-than-expected winter in Alliant Energy’s service territories led to a $0.04 decline in quarterly earnings.
Total Revenue
Total revenue in the first quarter came in at $853.9 million, almost 1.2% higher year over year.
Operational Highlights
Total operating expenses were $711 million in the reported quarter, reflecting an increase of nearly 1.9% from $697.9 million in the year-ago period.
Operating income was $142.9 million, down 2% from $145.9 million in the year-ago quarter.
Interest expenses were $52.3 million, an increase of 8.9% from $48 million in the year-ago quarter.
Financial Update
Cash and cash equivalents were $8.4 million as of Mar 31, 2017, rising marginally from $8.2 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
Long-term debt (excluding current portion) was at $4,316.1 million as of Mar 31, 2017, higher than $4,315.6 million as of Dec 31, 2016.
Cash used in operating activities was $333.7 million, compared with $228.3 million used in the year-ago comparable period.
Guidance
Alliant Energy reiterated its 2017 consolidated earnings per share guidance in the range of $1.92–$2.06.
For Utilities, American Transmission Company LLC and Corporate Services, earnings are expected in the range of $1.90 to $2.02 per share. For Non-regulated and Parent, the company expects earnings in the range of $0.02– $0.04 per share.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
Analysts were quiet during the last one month period as none of them issued any earnings estimate revisions.
VGM Scores
At this time, Alliant Energy's stock has an average Growth Score of 'C', though it is lagging a bit on the momentum front with a 'D'. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated also a grade of 'D' on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of 'D'. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
The company's stock is suitable solely for growth based on our styles scores.
Outlook
The stock has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We are expecting an inline return from the stock in the next few months.
Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>
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