The AES Corporation (AES) vs Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT)

A side-by-side comparison of The AES Corporation and Alliant Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAES vs LNT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AES +72.3% (+5.6%/yr)LNT +139.2% (+9.1%/yr)LNT compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$172$239
AES LNT

AES vs LNT: by the numbers

  • LNT is the larger company ($16.94B vs $10.58B market cap).
  • AES trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (5.64 vs 20.76 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LNT converts more revenue to profit (18.45% vs 14.62% net margin).
  • LNT grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.09% vs 4.57% CAGR).
  • AES pays the higher dividend yield (4.76% vs 3.14%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAESLNT
P/E ratio5.6420.76
Forward P/E6.4819.16
P/S ratio0.813.83
P/B ratio2.142.25
EV / EBITDA9.1515.71

Profitability

MetricAESLNT
Gross margin20.29%42.04%
Operating margin17.48%22.10%
Net margin14.62%18.45%
ROE38.61%10.85%
ROIC4.38%4.04%

Dividends

MetricAESLNT
Dividend yield4.76%3.14%
Payout ratio26.76%66.85%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAESLNT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.57%5.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)78.27%4.98%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.31%5.75%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AES or LNT?
AES has the lower trailing P/E: AES trades at 5.64 and LNT at 20.76. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AES or LNT?
Over the past five years, LNT grew revenue faster — AES at a 4.57% CAGR versus LNT at 5.09%.
Does AES or LNT pay a bigger dividend?
AES yields 4.76% and LNT yields 3.14% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AES or LNT more profitable?
LNT runs the higher net margin — AES at 14.62% versus LNT at 18.45%.
How have AES and LNT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AES delivered 5.77% and LNT delivered 9.48% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.