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IDA vs LNT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) vs. Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both IDA and LNT are regulated utilities, but IDA is a hydro-heavy electric utility in Idaho and Oregon, while LNT operates a diversified electric and natural gas business across Iowa and Wisconsin.
- LNT carries a larger, more visible growth catalyst in contracted data-center load (roughly 3.4 gigawatts), whereas IDA's growth is anchored in strong customer growth and large industrial demand in its service area.
- IDA offers a higher absolute earnings profile and recently raised its 2026 earnings guidance, while LNT reaffirmed guidance and targets 5–7% long-term earnings growth.
- On dividends, LNT currently offers a slightly higher yield, reflecting its lower share price, while IDA has a longer-running record of steady payout increases.
- Risk profiles differ: IDA is exposed to regional hydro conditions and wildfire mitigation costs, while LNT faces higher leverage and meaningful near-term equity issuance needs.
Introduction
Investors comparing regulated electric utilities often weigh predictable cash flows, dividend growth, and rate-base expansion against regional risk and financing needs. IDA (IDACORP, Inc.) and LNT (Alliant Energy Corporation) sit at the center of that trade-off. Both names have drawn attention for their exposure to accelerating electricity demand, yet their growth drivers and risk profiles differ meaningfully. This stock comparison examines recent relative performance, business models, catalysts, and market positioning to help traders and investors understand how these two utilities stack up in the current environment.
IDA Overview and Recent Performance
IDACORP, Inc. is a Boise, Idaho-based holding company whose principal subsidiary, Idaho Power, serves more than 660,000 customers across a 24,000-square-mile territory in Idaho and Oregon. Its generation mix is anchored by 17 low-cost hydropower projects, giving it a cost and clean-energy advantage, though also exposing results to hydrological conditions.
Recent market activity has reflected solid execution. In its second quarter 2026 report, IDACORP posted net income of $102.6 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, up from $95.8 million a year earlier, and raised the lower end of its full-year guidance to a range of $6.30 to $6.45 per share. Customer growth of roughly 2.3% and new large-contract demand have supported results, along with 250 megawatts of battery storage coming online. Analysts polled by S&P Global hold a consensus "Buy" rating with an average price target near $157, above recent trading levels around the low $130s. Key watchpoints include wildfire mitigation costs, hydro generation variability, and the pace of rate recovery for ongoing capital investment.
LNT Overview and Recent Performance
Alliant Energy Corporation is a Madison, Wisconsin-based utility serving electric and natural gas customers in Iowa and Wisconsin through its Interstate Power and Light (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL) subsidiaries. Its diversified fuel and geographic footprint provide balance, and its Iowa regulatory framework has kept base electric rates stable with no retail rate reviews planned through at least the end of the decade.
In recent weeks, LNT has been defined by its data-center growth story. Management has reported five executed data-center agreements representing roughly 3.4 gigawatts of contracted demand, with a potential pipeline of additional load. For the first quarter of 2026, operating earnings of $0.82 per share met consensus, and the company reaffirmed full-year guidance of $3.36 to $3.46 per share alongside a 5–7% long-term earnings growth target. The stock has traded in the low-to-mid $60s, with analysts noting a fair-value gap tied to execution of the data-center buildout. Higher leverage, a large multi-year capital plan, and approximately $1 billion of remaining equity needs through 2029 are central risk considerations.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between these two names is the shape of their growth. LNT is positioning around concentrated, contracted data-center demand that could materially expand its rate base, but it requires substantial capital and ongoing equity issuance to fund. IDA benefits from broad-based customer growth and large industrial loads — including semiconductor and data-center demand — with a smaller, more organic footprint.
On the income side, IDA's higher per-share earnings and recent guidance raise signal stronger near-term momentum, while LNT's lower absolute EPS and higher yield reflect a more value-oriented profile. Valuation also diverges: IDA trades at a premium multiple justified by its growth and clean hydro fleet, whereas LNT screens as relatively cheaper against analyst targets.
Risk exposure differs as well. IDA is concentrated in a single region with hydro sensitivity and wildfire-mitigation costs. LNT operates across two states and multiple fuel types, but carries more debt and faces execution risk around large-load customers and future financing. Sector exposure is similar — both are regulated utilities — yet the market sentiment currently rewards IDA's earnings visibility and LNT's optionality on data-center expansion.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward IDA in the current environment. Its trend consistency, recent guidance increase, consensus "Buy" rating, and cleaner near-term earnings trajectory present a more stable risk-reward profile. LNT offers a potentially larger long-term catalyst through data-center load growth, but its heavier financing needs and higher leverage introduce more uncertainty. The AI's preference would remain probabilistic rather than definitive, favoring the stock with stronger current momentum and lower execution risk while acknowledging LNT's upside optionality.
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 IDA is a Buy and LNT is a Buy.
IDA in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026
The 10-day moving average for IDA crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 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 56%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
IDA moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.17% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IDA advanced for three days, in 164 of 319 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 97 of 275 cases where IDA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 35%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IDA 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 44%.
IDA broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 50, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 35 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. IDA’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (2.246) is normal, around the industry mean (2.019). P/E Ratio (23.752) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.939). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.790) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.025) settles around the average of (0.054) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.127) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 73 (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.
Momentum Indicator for LNT turns positive, indicating new upward trend
LNT saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 99 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 54 of the 99 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 55%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
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.
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 6 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 33%.
Following a +4.10% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LNT advanced for three days, in 169 of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 99 of 285 cases where LNT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 35%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LNT moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 35 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 19 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 54%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 31 of 70 cases where LNT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
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 46%.
LNT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 30, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 50, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 33 (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 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 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 67 (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 (2.503) is normal, around the industry mean (2.019). P/E Ratio (22.924) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.939). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.946) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.029) settles around the average of (0.054) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.868) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
IDA | LNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 39 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 63 Fair valued | 67 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 14 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 66 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 31 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 33 | |
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.
IDA's Valuation (63) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (67). This means that IDA’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
IDA's Profit vs Risk Rating (14) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (21). This means that IDA’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 IDA (73). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to IDA’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's Price Growth Rating (31) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as IDA (45). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to IDA’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's P/E Growth Rating (33) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as IDA (35). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to IDA’s over the last 12 months.
| IDA | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 41% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 44% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | N/A | 7 days ago 55% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 49% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 42% | 2 days ago 44% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 10 days ago 52% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 44% | 6 days ago 46% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 37% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 35% | 2 days ago 35% |
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).
IDA’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while LNT’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- IDA’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- LNT’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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.
IDA’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LNT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IDA’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
- LNT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
IDA (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +2.80% price change this week, while LNT (@Electric Utilities) price change was +1.55% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +1.27%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.54%, and the average quarterly price growth was -3.40%.
Reported Earning Dates
IDA is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
LNT is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+1.27% 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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IDA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IDA has been closely correlated with LNT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IDA jumps, then LNT could also see price increases.
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