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

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 July 31, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAWK vs LNT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 18y
AWK +933.8%LNT +641.9%AWK compounded faster
05001kStart $100201120142017202020232026$1,034$742
AWK LNT

AWK vs LNT: by the numbers

  • AWK is the larger company ($26.72B vs $18.31B market cap).
  • LNT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.22 vs 23.67 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AWK converts more revenue to profit (21.35% vs 18.58% net margin).
  • AWK grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.32% vs 5.38% CAGR).
  • LNT pays the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 2.47%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAWKLNT
P/E ratio23.6722.22
Forward P/E22.5120.73
P/S ratio5.074.15
P/B ratio2.302.47
PEG ratio3.981.21
EV / EBITDA14.8616.05

Profitability

MetricAWKLNT
Gross margin44.38%37.97%
Operating margin36.94%23.01%
Net margin21.35%18.58%
ROE9.67%11.06%
ROIC4.21%4.12%

Dividends

MetricAWKLNT
Dividend yield2.47%2.94%
Payout ratio59.25%66.19%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAWKLNT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.32%5.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.78%4.98%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.24%7.16%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AWK or LNT?
LNT has the lower trailing P/E: AWK trades at 23.67 and LNT at 22.22. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AWK or LNT?
Over the past five years, AWK grew revenue faster — AWK at a 6.32% CAGR versus LNT at 5.38%.
Does AWK or LNT pay a bigger dividend?
AWK yields 2.47% and LNT yields 2.94% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AWK or LNT more profitable?
AWK runs the higher net margin — AWK at 21.35% versus LNT at 18.58%.
How have AWK and LNT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AWK delivered 7.26% and LNT delivered 9.10% 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 July 31, 2026.