Alliant Energy's Q2 Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect 8.9% YoY EPS Growth

Alliant Energy Corp is expected to announce Q2 results on Aug. 7, with analysts predicting a non-GAAP profit of $0.62 per share, up 8.9% from the year-ago quarter. The company has surpassed earnings expectations in three of the past four quarters. LNT stock has gained 17.7% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing the S&P 500 Index but lagging behind the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund. The consensus opinion on LNT stock is moderately bullish, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating.

Title: Analysts Optimistic on Alliant Energy's Q2 Earnings and Outlook

Alliant Energy Corp is set to announce its Q2 results on August 7, with analysts predicting a non-GAAP profit of $0.62 per share, an 8.9% increase from the year-ago quarter. This positive outlook comes on the heels of the company's strong financial performance, which has seen it surpass earnings expectations in three of the past four quarters. Over the past 52 weeks, LNT stock has gained 17.7%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index but lagging behind the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund. The consensus opinion on LNT stock remains moderately bullish, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating [1].

Analysts' ratings and price targets for Alliant Energy have shown a mix of optimism and caution. In the past three months, eight analysts have given the stock a "Moderate Buy" rating, with four analysts rating it as a "Buy," three holding a "Hold," and one giving a "Sell" rating. The average 12-month price target is $66.75, with a high forecast of $70.00 and a low forecast of $60.00. This represents a 4.09% upside from the current price of $64.13 [1].

The company's strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment are cited as key factors underpinning the stable outlook. Analysts like Nicholas Campanella of Barclays and Julien Dumoulin Smith of Jefferies have reiterated their "Buy" ratings, highlighting Alliant Energy's robust growth prospects and strategic capex plans. On the other hand, some analysts, such as Paul Fremont of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., have upgraded the stock to "Buy" from "Neutral," emphasizing the company's clarity in the renewable energy sector [1].

Despite the overall positive sentiment, analysts have noted moderate risks from leverage and potential legislative impacts. These factors could introduce some volatility into the stock's performance. However, the consensus remains that Alliant Energy's strong fundamentals and strategic positioning make it a compelling investment opportunity [1].

As investors await the Q2 earnings announcement, it is essential to keep an eye on the company's performance and any new insights from analysts. With a moderately bullish consensus and a promising outlook, Alliant Energy Corp appears poised to continue its upward trajectory in the utilities sector.

References:
[1] https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/lnt/forecast