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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 Hold and LNT is a Hold.
LNT in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on September 23, 2026
LNT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 24 of 39 cases where LNT's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where LNT's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 13 of 22 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
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 56 of 100 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
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 28 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Following a +1.69% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LNT advanced for three days, in 169 of 332 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 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 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%.
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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 40 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 46 (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 (2.177) is normal, around the industry mean (2.169). P/E Ratio (19.994) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.749). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.946) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.033) settles around the average of (0.037) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.868) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
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 58 (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 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably 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.
IDA | LNT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 27 | 22 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 53 Fair valued | 46 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 41 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 67 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 40 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 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 (46) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as IDA (53). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to IDA’s over the last 12 months.
IDA's Profit vs Risk Rating (23) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (41). This means that IDA’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 IDA (73). This means that LNT’s stock grew similarly to IDA’s over the last 12 months.
IDA's Price Growth Rating (57) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as LNT (58). This means that IDA’s stock grew similarly to LNT’s over the last 12 months.
LNT's P/E Growth Rating (40) 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.
| IDA | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 34% | 1 day ago 39% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 56% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 48% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 39% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 20 days ago 43% | 20 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 37% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 46% |
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 0 green FA rating(s).
- IDA’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
IDA’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LNT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IDA’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- LNT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
IDA (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +3.28% price change this week, while LNT (@Electric Utilities) price change was +2.24% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +0.32%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -11.56%.
Reported Earning Dates
IDA is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
LNT is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+0.32% 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 81% 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.