CSX Corporation vs Alliant Energy Corporation — how do they compare? CSX Corporation trades at $49.93 (market cap $92.24B), while Alliant Energy Corporation trades at $76.6 (market cap $19.71B). The key difference: CSX Corporation is far larger — about 4.7× Alliant Energy Corporation's market cap, and Alliant Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CSX | LNT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $92.24B | $19.71B |
Sector | Industrials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $49.92 | $78.03 |
52-Week Low | $32.05 | $61.85 |
Enterprise Value | $110.47B | $31.43B |
Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 2.73% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
CSX trades at $49.64, up 0.47% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company reported mixed recent earnings, beating in Q1 2026 but missing in Q4 2025, with Q2 2026 results expected soon. Revenue has trended down from $14.9B in 2022 to $14.1B in 2025, though net margins remain above 20%. Strong cash flow from operations supports dividends, including a recent $0.14 payout.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic given analyst consensus favoring Buy ratings (56.52%) and a price target near $48.87. Risks include declining revenue, high debt levels, and valuation multiples above industry norms. Earnings growth and operational efficiency gains are key catalysts for upside, but macroeconomic pressures on freight demand pose headwinds.
Alliant Energy (LNT) trades at $76.63, up 0.3% today, near the consensus price target of $76.50. The stock shows a bullish technical trend with strong moving average signals. Recent earnings have mostly beaten estimates, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.82 exceeding expectations. The company's $13.4 billion clean energy investment plan aims to capitalize on data center demand and drive 5-7% annual earnings growth, supported by rising operating cash flow and a solid 18.58% net income margin.
LNT presents a balanced opportunity with steady utility earnings and growth initiatives, but faces risks from high capital expenditure and rising debt levels. Analyst sentiment is positive with a 52% buy rating, though the stock's valuation multiples like a P/E of 24.1 suggest limited near-term upside without significant earnings acceleration. Regulatory approvals and execution on its investment plan are critical for sustained performance.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Operating in the Eastern United States, Class I railroad CSX generated revenue near $12.5 billion in 2021. On its more than 21,000 miles of track, CSX hauls shipments of coal (13% of consolidated revenue), chemicals (22%), intermodal containers (16%), automotive cargo (9%), and a diverse mix of other bulk and industrial merchandise.
Read more on CSX →Alliant Energy is the parent of two regulated utilities, Interstate Power and Light and Wisconsin Power and Light, serving nearly 1 million electricity and natural gas customers and approximately 420,000 natural gas-only customers. Both subsidiaries engage in the generation and distribution of electricity and the distribution and transportation of natural gas. Alliant also owns a 16% interest in American Transmission Co.
Read more on LNT →