American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) vs Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT)

AWK leads on 10 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of American Water Works Company, Inc. and Alliant Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — AWK vs LNT

growth of $100 · last 18y
AWK +513.2%LNT +284.8%AWK compounded faster
0200400600800Start $100201120142017202020232026$613$385
AWK LNT

AWK vs LNT: by the numbers

  • AWK is the larger company ($24.67B vs $18.88B market cap).
  • AWK trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.36 vs 22.92 P/E).
  • AWK converts more revenue to profit (21.17% vs 18.58% net margin).
  • AWK grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.38% vs 5.38% CAGR).
  • LNT pays the higher dividend yield (2.85% vs 2.67%).

Which is better, AWK or LNT?

Metric tally: AWK 10 · LNT 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAWK(lower P/E)
GrowthAWK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLNT(higher dividend yield)
QualityAWK(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAWKLNT
P/E ratio22.3622.92
Forward P/E19.2519.85
P/S ratio4.734.28
P/B ratio2.232.55
PEG ratio3.981.21
EV / EBITDA14.3414.94

Profitability

MetricAWKLNT
Gross margin43.55%37.97%
Operating margin36.48%23.01%
Net margin21.17%18.58%
ROE9.98%11.06%
ROIC4.21%4.12%

Dividends

MetricAWKLNT
Dividend yield2.67%2.85%
Payout ratio59.25%66.19%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAWKLNT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.38%5.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.78%4.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.57%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.64%7.95%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AWK or LNT?
It depends on your goal. value: AWK (lower P/E); growth: AWK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LNT (higher dividend yield); quality: AWK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AWK leads 10 to 5.
Is AWK or LNT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, AWK is cheaper: AWK trades at a 22.36 P/E and LNT at 22.92.
Which has grown faster, AWK or LNT?
Over the past five years, AWK grew revenue faster — AWK at a 6.38% CAGR versus LNT at 5.38%.
Does AWK or LNT pay a bigger dividend?
AWK yields 2.67% and LNT yields 2.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AWK or LNT more profitable?
AWK runs the higher net margin — AWK at 21.17% versus LNT at 18.58%.
Which has been the better investment, AWK or LNT?
Over the past 10-year, LNT delivered the higher annualized total return — AWK at 7.08% versus LNT at 9.86%. 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 June 15, 2026.