Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) Reports Mixed Q3 2025 Results, Misses Analyst Estimates

Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:LNT) reported third-quarter 2025 financial results that presented a mixed picture for investors, leading to modest downward pressure on its stock in after-hours trading. While the utility demonstrated solid operational performance and provided robust future guidance, its quarterly earnings fell short of analyst expectations.

Third Quarter 2025 Performance

The company's third-quarter results showed strength in several areas but ultimately missed key analyst targets. Alliant Energy reported ongoing earnings per share of $1.12 for the quarter, compared to $1.15 in the same period last year. This figure came in below the analyst consensus estimate of $1.20 per share. Revenue performance also trailed expectations, with the company reporting $1.21 billion in sales against analyst projections of $1.25 billion.

Key quarterly performance metrics include:

• Ongoing EPS of $1.12 versus $1.15 in Q3 2024
• Revenue of $1.21 billion compared to analyst estimates of $1.25 billion
• GAAP EPS of $1.09, down from $1.15 in the prior year period

The earnings shortfall was primarily driven by higher operational expenses, including increased generation costs from planned maintenance activities and development costs to support long-term growth initiatives. These factors were partially offset by revenue increases from authorized base rate adjustments.

Year-to-Date Results and Revised Guidance

Despite the quarterly miss, Alliant Energy's performance through the first nine months of 2025 shows significant improvement over the previous year. The company reported ongoing EPS of $2.62 for the first three quarters, representing a 12.4% increase from $2.33 during the same period in 2024. Based on this performance, management narrowed its full-year 2025 ongoing EPS guidance to $3.17-$3.23, trending toward the upper half of this range.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

A central theme of Alliant Energy's earnings release was the substantial growth opportunity presented by data center demand. The company announced that its utilities now have 3 gigawatts of contracted demand from data centers, including a recently executed agreement for 900 megawatts at the QTS Madison site. This expanding customer base is expected to drive peak energy demand growth of approximately 50% by 2030, which the company characterizes as "industry leading."

To support this anticipated load growth while maintaining reliable service, Alliant Energy has significantly increased its capital expenditure forecast:

• 2026-2029 capital expenditure plan increased to $13.4 billion
• Investments focused on renewables, energy storage, and gas projects
• Planned spending peaks in 2028 at $3.8 billion before moderating

2026 Outlook and Dividend Increase

Looking ahead to next year, Alliant Energy provided 2026 ongoing EPS guidance of $3.36-$3.46, representing 6.6% growth at the midpoint over the 2025 forecast. This continues the company's track record of approximately 6% compound annual earnings growth over the past decade. Additionally, the company announced an increase in its 2026 expected annual common stock dividend target to $2.14 per share, up from the current $2.03 per share.

CEO Lisa Barton emphasized the company's positioning for accelerated growth, stating, "With four data center agreements now secured, and an active pipeline of additional load growth opportunities, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth rate and foster meaningful economic development in the communities we serve."

Market Reaction and Analysis

The market's initial reaction to the earnings release was moderately negative, with the stock declining approximately 2% in after-hours trading. This response likely reflects investor focus on the quarterly earnings miss relative to estimates, despite the strong forward guidance and significant growth opportunities highlighted by management. The disconnect between the quarterly performance and the optimistic long-term outlook appears to have created uncertainty among investors.

For detailed earnings estimates and future projections, view the complete earnings analysis for LNT.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial analysis, or recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions.