New Analyst Forecast: $LNT Given $71.0 Price Target

Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith initiated a price target of $71.0 for LNT, exceeding the median analyst target of $67.5 based on two recent ratings. Institutional investor activity in Q1 2025 shows a mixed sentiment, with 402 institutions increasing their positions while 317 decreased them; T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. significantly reduced its stake by 69.8%, while VAUGHAN NELSON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, L.P. increased theirs.

Analysis

Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) has received a new analyst price target from Jefferies' Julien Dumoulin-Smith, set at $71.0 on May 20, 2025. This target is notably above the median analyst target of $67.5, which is based on two price targets issued for LNT in the last six months, the other being $64.0 from BMO Capital on April 22, 2025. Institutional investor activity in LNT during Q1 2025 presents a mixed picture: while 402 institutions added LNT shares to their portfolios, 317 decreased their positions. Significant divestitures were observed from major players, including T. ROWE PRICE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC., which reduced its stake by 2,923,234 shares (-69.8%), CITADEL ADVISORS LLC, which cut its holdings by 1,235,886 shares (-99.9%), THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS, shedding 1,083,138 shares (-46.6%), BLACKROCK, INC., decreasing by 978,766 shares (-4.0%), MAGELLAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD, offloading 915,040 shares (-84.1%), and MAIRS & POWER INC, reducing by 869,329 shares (-22.2%). Conversely, VAUGHAN NELSON INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, L.P. initiated a substantial new position, adding 1,281,995 shares. The considerable selling pressure from multiple large institutions, despite a new higher price target from one analyst, suggests a divergence in institutional sentiment or significant portfolio rebalancing.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors should weigh the bullish $71.0 price target from Jefferies against the significant Q1 2025 selling activity from several large institutional holders like T. Rowe Price and Citadel.
• Monitor upcoming institutional ownership disclosures to see if the Q1 selling trend by major funds continues or if new buyers like Vaughan Nelson Investment Management signal a shift in sentiment.
• Consider the potential for increased volatility in LNT shares given the contrasting signals from analyst upgrades and substantial institutional divestitures, warranting a cautious approach until a clearer consensus emerges from large investors.