Alliant Energy (LNT) Q1 Earnings In Line, Revenues Slip Y/Y

Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE:LNT) reported first-quarter 2016 operating earnings from continuing operations of 86 cents per share, which were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings were, however, lower than the year-ago figure by a penny.

A warmer-than-expected winter in Alliant Energy’s service territories led to a reduction of quarterly earnings by 5 cents in the reported quarter.

Total Revenue

Total revenue in the first quarter came in at $843.8 million, down nearly 6% year over year. Results were hurt by lower electric and gas sales due to mild weather.

Operational Highlights

Total operating expenses were $697.9 million in the reported quarter, down nearly 6.3% from $744.5 million in the year-ago period.

Operating income was $145.9 million, down 4.6% from $152.9 million in the year-ago quarter.

Interest expenses were almost flat at $48 million.

Financial Update

Cash and cash equivalents were $4.8 million as of Mar 31, 2016, down from $5.8 million as of Dec 31, 2015.

Long-term debt (excluding current portion) was flat at $3,522.7 million as of Mar 31, 2016.

Cash flow from operating activities was $228.3 million, down from $314.7 million in the year-ago comparable period.

Common Stock Split

The board of directors of Alliant Energy approved a 2-for-1 stock split of the company's common stock. Alliant Energy's authorized common shares, which presently stand at 240 million, will increase to 480 million after the completion of the split.

Each shareholder of record at the close of business on May 4, 2016 will receive one additional share for every outstanding common share held as of that date. The additional shares will be distributed by book-entry on May 19.

Guidance

Alliant Energy reiterated its 2016 consolidated earnings per share guidance (post-split) in the range of $1.80–$1.95.

For Utilities, American Transmission Company LLC and Corporate Services, earnings are expected in the range of $1.77 to $1.90 per share. For Non-regulated and Parent, the company expects earnings in the range of 3 cents to 5 cents per share.

Peer Releases

PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) reported adjusted earnings of 67 cents, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimates of 75 cents by 10.7%.

FirstEnergy Corporation (NYSE:FE) reported adjusted earnings of 80 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimates of 76 cents by 5.3%.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) reported first-quarter 2016 adjusted earnings of $1.55 per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.38 by 12.3%.

Zacks Rank

Alliant Energy currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).