CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) vs Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT)

CMS leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CMS Energy Corporation and Alliant Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CMS vs LNT

growth of $100 · last 30y
CMS +150.4%LNT +385.5%LNT compounded faster
0100200300400500Start $100200120062011201620212026$250$485
CMS LNT

CMS vs LNT: by the numbers

  • CMS is the larger company ($22.73B vs $18.88B market cap).
  • CMS trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.16 vs 22.92 P/E).
  • LNT converts more revenue to profit (18.58% vs 12.55% net margin).
  • CMS grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.66% vs 5.38% CAGR).
  • CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.02% vs 2.85%).

Which is better, CMS or LNT?

Metric tally: CMS 10 · LNT 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCMS(lower P/E)
GrowthCMS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCMS(higher dividend yield)
QualityLNT(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCMSLNT
P/E ratio20.1622.92
Forward P/E17.6319.85
P/S ratio2.514.28
P/B ratio2.342.55
PEG ratio3.451.21
EV / EBITDA12.6714.94

Profitability

MetricCMSLNT
Gross margin64.61%37.97%
Operating margin19.53%23.01%
Net margin12.55%18.58%
ROE11.69%11.06%
ROIC3.67%4.12%

Dividends

MetricCMSLNT
Dividend yield3.02%2.85%
Payout ratio63.03%66.19%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMSLNT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.66%5.38%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.90%4.98%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-16.59%15.57%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.18%7.95%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CMS or LNT?
It depends on your goal. value: CMS (lower P/E); growth: CMS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CMS (higher dividend yield); quality: LNT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CMS leads 10 to 6.
Is CMS or LNT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CMS is cheaper: CMS trades at a 20.16 P/E and LNT at 22.92.
Which has grown faster, CMS or LNT?
Over the past five years, CMS grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.66% CAGR versus LNT at 5.38%.
Does CMS or LNT pay a bigger dividend?
CMS yields 3.02% and LNT yields 2.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CMS or LNT more profitable?
LNT runs the higher net margin — CMS at 12.55% versus LNT at 18.58%.
Which has been the better investment, CMS or LNT?
Over the past 10-year, LNT delivered the higher annualized total return — CMS at 8.60% 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 13, 2026.