What's In Store For Alliant Energy (LNT) In Q4 Earnings?

Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE:LNT) is slated to report fourth-quarter 2017 results after the market closes on Feb 22. In the third quarter, the utility company delivered a negative earnings surprise of 14.77%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this earnings season.

Factors to Consider

Alliant Energy’s earnings are expected to gain from its robust capital expenditure plans and constructive regulatory decisions. The progress, already made by the company in its wind-generation expansion plans and electricity generation from natural gas plans, will aid in meeting its earnings growth objective of 6%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings per share is 38 cents, which reflects year-over-year growth of 35.7%. The new rate of electricity, which became effective from 2017, has helped the company increase earnings.

Earnings Whisper

Our proven model shows that Alliant Energy is unlikely to beat estimates because it does not have the right combination of the two key ingredients. For a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates and Alliant Energy lacks the right mix.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP is 0.00%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are both pegged at 38 cents.

Zacks Rank: Alliant Energy carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). We caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Stocks to Consider

You can consider stocks from the Zacks Utility Power industry that are expected to deliver a positive surprise this earnings season.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings on Feb 23. The company has an Earnings ESP of +12.2% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (NYSE:PEG) is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings on Feb 23. The company has an Earnings ESP of +1.92% and a Zacks Rank #3.

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings on Feb 23. The company has an Earnings ESP of +0.66% and a Zacks Rank #3.

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