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DUK vs LNT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) vs. Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- LNT has delivered stronger year-to-date (YTD) returns of 15.71% compared to DUK's 10.65%, reflecting better relative momentum in recent market activity.
- Both stocks offer reliable dividends for income-focused investors, with DUK yielding 3.31% and LNT at 2.81%.
- LNT recently reported Q1 2026 earnings per share (EPS) of $0.82, matching estimates amid 5% revenue growth to $1.18 billion.
- DUK boasts a significantly larger market capitalization of about $100 billion versus LNT's $19 billion, underscoring its scale.
- Rising demand from data centers and grid investments support sentiment for both utility stocks in recent weeks.
- Over the past year, LNT has outperformed with returns around 21-26% versus DUK's 6-12%.
Introduction
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) and Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) are prominent players in the regulated electric utilities sector, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast U.S. This stock comparison is particularly relevant for dividend-seeking investors and those positioning for defensive plays amid market volatility. Both companies benefit from stable cash flows and exposure to growing electricity demand from data centers and electrification trends. By examining recent performance, financial metrics, and market positioning, traders can assess relative strengths in the current environment.
DUK Overview and Recent Performance
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) is one of the largest U.S. energy providers, operating electric utilities and infrastructure in the Southeast and Midwest, alongside gas utilities. It generates power from a mix of nuclear, natural gas, renewables, and coal. In recent market activity, DUK shares have gained about 10.65% YTD, trading around $128-129 after reaching a 52-week high near $134. Sentiment has been influenced by investments in grid modernization and cleaner energy, including responses to data center load growth, which could strain capacity but spur long-term opportunities. Recent developments include projected savings for South Carolina customers from utility combinations and anticipation for Q1 earnings on May 5. The stock's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 20.38 with a beta of 0.40, highlighting its defensive stability.
LNT Overview and Recent Performance
Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) provides regulated electric and natural gas services through its IPL and WPL segments, focused on Iowa and Wisconsin markets. It emphasizes retail distribution and wholesale sales to cooperatives. Shares have shown robust momentum, up 15.71% YTD and trading near $74, close to the 52-week high of $75.76. Recent performance reflects positive Q1 2026 results, with ongoing EPS of $0.82 meeting estimates and revenues rising nearly 5% year-over-year to $1.18 billion, driven by higher demand despite mild weather. The company reaffirmed its outlook amid a $13.4 billion investment plan. With a P/E ratio of 23.29 and beta of 0.57, LNT balances growth and low volatility.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Both DUK and LNT operate regulated utility models with predictable revenues from electric and gas distribution, but DUK’s vast scale enables broader diversification across regions and fuel sources. Growth drivers differ: LNT benefits from recent retail demand and investment plans, while DUK leverages grid upgrades for data centers. Recent momentum favors LNT with superior YTD and 12-month returns, though DUK shows steadier trading volume. Risk profiles are similar, with high debt-to-equity ratios (DUK 172%, LNT 160%) typical for capital-intensive utilities, offset by low betas. Sector exposure ties both to rising power needs, but market sentiment tilts toward smaller, faster-growing peers like LNT amid rate cut expectations.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI analysis currently leans toward LNT over DUK, driven by stronger trend consistency, YTD outperformance, and positive earnings momentum from recent quarters. While DUK offers greater stability and scale, LNT’s relative positioning suggests higher probability of near-term upside in a utility-favorable environment.
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. Disclaimers and Limitations
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 DUK is a Buy and LNT is a Buy.
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 undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DUK’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileLNT’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DUK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- LNT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
DUK’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LNT’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DUK’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- LNT’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
DUK (@Electric Utilities) experienced а -1.40% price change this week, while LNT (@Electric Utilities) price change was -0.48% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +0.02%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.16%, and the average quarterly price growth was +9.60%.
Reported Earning Dates
DUK is expected to report earnings on Aug 11, 2026.
LNT is expected to report earnings on Jul 30, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+0.02% 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.
| DUK | LNT | DUK / LNT | |
| Capitalization | 97.5B | 19.3B | 505% |
| EBITDA | 17.6B | 2.03B | 869% |
| Gain YTD | 7.199 | 14.363 | 50% |
| P/E Ratio | 19.00 | 23.02 | 83% |
| Revenue | 33.2B | 4.42B | 751% |
| Total Cash | 2.14B | 115M | 1,861% |
| Total Debt | 91.2B | 11.8B | 773% |
DUK | LNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 20 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 43 Fair valued | 69 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 29 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 72 | 67 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 53 | 49 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 54 | 43 | |
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.
DUK's Valuation (43) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (69). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's Profit vs Risk Rating (29) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (29). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's SMR Rating (67) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (72). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's Price Growth Rating (49) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (53). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's P/E Growth Rating (43) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (54). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
| DUK | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 71% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 31% | 2 days ago 44% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 40% | 2 days ago 52% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 40% | 2 days ago 48% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 38% | 2 days ago 44% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 51% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 23 days ago 41% | 23 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 26% | 2 days ago 35% |
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DUK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DUK has been closely correlated with SO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if DUK jumps, then SO 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 AEE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LNT jumps, then AEE could also see price increases.