Core Insights - Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) has a market capitalization of $17.6 billion and provides regulated electric and natural gas services in the Midwest through its subsidiaries [1] Financial Performance - Alliant Energy is expected to report fiscal Q3 2025 results on November 6, with an anticipated adjusted EPS of $1.14, slightly down from $1.15 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, analysts project an adjusted EPS of $3.22, representing a 5.9% increase from $3.04 in fiscal 2024, with further growth expected to $3.44 in fiscal 2026, a 6.8% year-over-year increase [3] Stock Performance - LNT stock has increased by 12.2% over the past 52 weeks, which is lower than the S&P 500 Index's gain of 15.1% and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's increase of 15.4% during the same period [4] Recent Developments - Following the Q2 2025 results released on August 7, LNT shares fell slightly as revenues of $961 million missed consensus estimates, alongside a 14.8% rise in interest expenses to $124 million and a 4.5% decline in total utility gas volumes [5] - Cash flow from operations decreased to $492 million from $562 million year-over-year [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus rating for LNT stock is "Moderate Buy," with 11 analysts providing coverage, including five "Strong Buys," five "Holds," and one "Strong Sell." The average price target is $69.44, indicating a potential upside of 1.3% from current levels [6]

Core Insights - Companies with a strong history of dividend payments and increases are attractive to income-focused investors, with CareTrust REIT, Virtus Investment, and Alliant Energy recently announcing dividend hikes and offering yields up to 5% [1] CareTrust REIT - CareTrust REIT Inc. has increased its dividends annually for the last 10 years, with the most recent hike on March 18 raising the quarterly payout from $0.29 to $0.335 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $1.34 per share [2] - The company maintained the same dividend payout in its September 15 announcement, with a current dividend yield of 3.91% [2] - As of June 30, CareTrust's annual revenue was $277.03 million, and it reported Q2 2025 revenues of $112.47 million and EPS of $0.43, both exceeding expectations [3] Virtus Investment Partners - Virtus Investment Partners has increased its dividends for seven consecutive years, with a 7% increase announced on August 14, raising the quarterly payout to $2.40 per share, equating to an annual figure of $9.60 per share [4] - The current dividend yield for Virtus is 5.05% [4] - The company's annual revenue as of June 30 was $884.72 million, with Q2 2025 revenues of $210.53 million and EPS of $6.25, both surpassing consensus estimates [4] Alliant Energy - Alliant Energy Corp. provides regulated electric and natural gas services in the U.S. [6]