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AEP vs LNT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? American Electric Power (AEP) vs. Alliant Energy (LNT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- AEP is a much larger, multi-state utility with a roughly $72 billion five-year capital plan and a 7%–9% long-term earnings growth target.
- LNT is a smaller, Iowa- and Wisconsin-focused utility whose data-center load pipeline has redefined its growth narrative in recent quarters.
- Both companies beat consensus revenue and earnings per share (EPS) estimates in their most recent reported quarters, yet their growth profiles and risk exposures differ meaningfully.
- AEP delivered one of the sector's stronger total shareholder returns recently, while LNT has leaned on an accelerating rate-base (utility asset value) growth story.
- Analyst consensus is constructive on both names, with modest divergence in valuation and near-term momentum.
Introduction
Investors evaluating regulated electric utilities often weigh scale against growth. AEP and LNT offer a useful contrast: one is a sprawling, multi-state transmission and generation operator, while the other is a tightly focused regional utility riding a surge in data-center electricity demand. This stock comparison is relevant to income-oriented investors, defensive portfolio builders, and traders tracking relative performance and market positioning within the utilities sector. Both companies operate under regulated rate structures that support predictable cash flows, but their recent price behavior and sentiment have been shaped by different catalysts.
AEP Overview and Recent Performance
American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the largest electricity producers and distributors in the United States, serving millions of customers across multiple states with roughly 25,400 megawatts (MW) of owned generation capacity. The company has leaned heavily into transmission and distribution investment, announcing a five-year capital plan of about $72 billion alongside a long-term earnings growth target of 7%–9%.
In recent market activity, AEP has outperformed the broader utilities sector, reflecting strong regulated earnings growth and an above-average total shareholder return. The company reported full-year operating earnings that came in above the top end of its guidance range, and management raised its quarterly dividend. Analysts have been largely constructive, with several maintaining Buy ratings and raising price targets, though a minority have held more cautious views citing valuation and execution risk around large-load contracts. Sentiment has been supported by accelerating retail and commercial electricity demand, including growth from data-center-related loads.
LNT Overview and Recent Performance
Alliant Energy (LNT) is a Madison, Wisconsin-based utility holding company serving roughly one million electric and more than 430,000 natural-gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Its growth story has shifted decisively in recent quarters toward large-scale data-center demand, with several gigawatts of contracted load tied to major hyperscale customers and additional capacity under negotiation.
In recent market activity, LNT has moved in step with the utilities sector while posting solid full-year earnings growth. The company's most recent quarterly report beat revenue and EPS estimates, and management outlined a roughly $13.4 billion capital plan for the 2026–2029 period, projecting a double-digit rate-base (utility asset value) compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Analysts have responded with upgrades and higher price targets, though the stock has at times traded below its short-term moving averages. Higher operating, depreciation, and financing costs have weighed on near-term margins, even as the longer-term demand outlook has brightened.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Across key dimensions, the two companies present distinct trade-offs. In scale and diversification, AEP holds a clear advantage, operating across a broader geographic footprint with meaningful transmission assets that generate steady, regulated returns. LNT's franchise is more concentrated, which can amplify both regulatory risk and the impact of a single demand catalyst.
On growth drivers, AEP's expansion is broad-based, spanning transmission, generation, and rising industrial load, while LNT's outlook is more tightly tied to data-center construction and commissioning. This concentration has made LNT's relative performance more sensitive to developments in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure spending.
Regarding risk factors, AEP faces execution and regulatory hurdles across a large capital plan and questions about speculative data-center projects, while LNT must manage higher operating and financing costs plus an elevated equity-financing requirement. In market sentiment, both enjoy generally constructive analyst coverage, with AEP's larger analyst base and LNT's faster projected rate-base growth representing their respective sentiment anchors.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and catalyst strength, Tickeron's AI would likely view AEP as the more probabilistically favorable candidate at present. AEP combines a larger, more diversified regulated asset base, stronger recent total shareholder return, and a robust long-term earnings growth target with consistent demand trends. While LNT's data-center pipeline offers compelling optionality and a faster projected rate-base expansion, its heavier reliance on a single demand theme and higher near-term cost pressures introduce comparatively greater variability. These assessments are probabilistic rather than definitive and reflect current observable positioning rather than forward-looking guarantees.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is AEP is a Buy and LNT is a Buy.
AEP in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026
AEP moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 22 of 32 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on AEP as a result. In 56 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for AEP just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where AEP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
The 10-day moving average for AEP crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Following a +2.69% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AEP advanced for three days, in 198 of 342 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 50-day moving average for AEP moved below the 200-day moving average on September 23, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AEP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
AEP broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for AEP entered a downward trend on October 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. AEP’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 69 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.217) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (22.447) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.151) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.029) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.881) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
LNT in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026
The 10-day moving average for LNT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LNT as a result. In 53 of 100 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LNT just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where LNT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 45%.
LNT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.97% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LNT advanced for three days, in 169 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 12 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for LNT moved below the 200-day moving average on September 23, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LNT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
LNT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for LNT entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LNT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 69 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.421) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (22.177) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.946) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.030) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.868) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
AEP | LNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 32 | 37 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 76 Overvalued | 69 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 16 | 30 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 69 | 66 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 48 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 16 | 34 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
LNT's Valuation (69) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as AEP (76). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to AEP’s over the last 12 months.
AEP's Profit vs Risk Rating (16) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (30). This means that AEP’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's SMR Rating (66) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as AEP (69). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to AEP’s over the last 12 months.
AEP's Price Growth Rating (48) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (52). This means that AEP’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
AEP's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (34). This means that AEP’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
| AEP | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 39% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 39% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 53% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 45% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 48% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 45% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 29 days ago 49% | 29 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 37% | 1 day ago 48% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AEP’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while LNT’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- AEP’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- LNT’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
AEP’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LNT’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AEP’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
- LNT’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
AEP (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +1.00% price change this week, while LNT (@Electric Utilities) price change was +1.30% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +1.30%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.40%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.42%.
Reported Earning Dates
AEP is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
LNT is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+1.30% weekly)Electric utilities companies generate, transmit and distribute electricity to businesses/offices and residences. Companies may be owned by the government or investors or public shareholders, or a combination thereof. The industry also includes firms that buy and sell electricity. Companies in this industry typically require significant investments in infrastructure. Many firms in this industry pay substantial and regular dividends to shareholders. However, changes in interest rates (and their impact on debt burdens), natural disasters and changing commodity prices could be factors affecting energy utilities’ profit margins. NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Dominion Energy Inc. and Southern Company are among U.S. electric utilities companies with the largest market capitalizations.
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AEP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AEP has been closely correlated with LNT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 77% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if AEP jumps, then LNT could also see price increases.
LNT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LNT has been closely correlated with EVRG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LNT jumps, then EVRG could also see price increases.