Alliant Energy Corporation vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Alliant Energy Corporation trades at $73.98 (market cap $19.10B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $314.86 (market cap $93.03B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is far larger — about 4.9× Alliant Energy Corporation's market cap, and Alliant Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.89%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LNT | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $19.10B | $93.03B |
Sector | Utilities | Energy |
52-Week High | $78.03 | $313.31 |
52-Week Low | $63.62 | $131.77 |
Enterprise Value | $30.83B | $98.79B |
Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 1.53% |
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.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $314.81, up 1.67% on the day, with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.22 surpassing expectations of $3.16. Revenue declined to $122.69 billion in 2025, but net income margin held at 3.37%, supported by robust refining margins. Recent news highlights strong fuel demand and elevated crack spreads benefiting Valero's outlook.
The outlook remains positive given earnings beats, analyst buy ratings (55.55%), and refining margin tailwinds. However, declining revenue trends, high RSI levels suggesting overbought conditions, and exposure to volatile energy markets pose risks. The consensus price target of $276.22 implies potential downside from current levels, requiring careful monitoring of Q2 2026 earnings.
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 →Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →