Alliant Energy Corporation vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Alliant Energy Corporation trades at $73.98 (market cap $19.33B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $115.19 (market cap $40.68B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× Alliant Energy Corporation's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.16%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LNT | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $19.33B | $40.68B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $78.03 | $147.99 |
52-Week Low | $63.62 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $31.05B | $44.16B |
Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 4.16% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
LNT trades at $73.96, down 1.16% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $78.50. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $0.82, beating expectations, and maintains a net income margin of 18.58%. Recent news highlights its $13.4 billion clean energy investment plan aimed at capitalizing on data center demand growth.
The outlook for LNT is positive, supported by steady earnings growth, a strong dividend yield, and strategic investments in renewable energy. Key risks include rising debt levels and exposure to regulatory changes in the utilities sector. Analyst sentiment is bullish with no sell ratings, indicating confidence in the company's long-term growth trajectory.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $115.15, up 0.66% today, with strong technical momentum indicated by bullish moving averages. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with consistent earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $1.32 beating expectations of $1.31, and maintains high profitability with a 27.03% net income margin. Recent developments include dividend declarations and positive small business job growth trends.
Outlook remains positive with steady revenue growth and AI expansion driving future performance, though valuation metrics appear elevated with P/E at 23.39. Key risks include macroeconomic sensitivity to small business hiring and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is mixed with 63.33% hold ratings and a $110 price target slightly below current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →