Why we prefer Alliant to Ameren

Article Excerpt

Income-seeking investors should look at other factors besides a stock’s dividend yield. That’s because high yield can sometimes be a danger sign rather than a bargain. For example, a stock’s yield could be high simply because its share price has dropped sharply (because you use share price to calculate yield). Ameren has a higher dividend yield than Alliant. However, Ameren’s short-term prospects are weaker. The company cut its dividend in 2009, and may have to cut it again if its earnings remain depressed. On the other hand, Alliant’s earnings are improving. That should let it keep raising its dividend, as it has each year since 2003. 2003…