Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE:LNT) is slated to report first-quarter 2018 results after the market closes on May 2. In the last reported quarter, the utility company delivered a negative earnings surprise of 13.16%. 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 5-7%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings is 51 cents, which reflects year-over-year growth of 18.6%. The company expects to benefit from higher demand from the industrial customers, offset by lower consumption from residential customers due to energy efficiency efforts.
Alliant Energy Corporation Price and EPS Surprise
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. 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 51 cents.
Zacks Rank: Alliant Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Conversely, 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.
WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC) is expected to report first-quarter earnings on May1. The company has an Earnings ESP of +0.58% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA) is expected to report first-quarter earnings on May 3. The company has an Earnings ESP of +3.55% and a Zacks Rank #2.
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE) is expected to report first-quarter earnings on May 4. The company has an Earnings ESP of +0.91% and a Zacks Rank #2.
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WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HE): Free Stock Analysis Report
IDACORP, Inc. (IDA): Free Stock Analysis Report
Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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