CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) vs Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT)
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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$67.15UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
LNT
Alliant Energy Corporation
$67.26UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CMS vs LNT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCMS +112.6% (+7.8%/yr)LNT +139.2% (+9.1%/yr)LNT compounded faster over this window
CMS LNT
CMS vs LNT: by the numbers
- •CMS is the larger company ($21.06B vs $17.37B market cap).
- •CMS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.87 vs 21.28 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •LNT converts more revenue to profit (18.45% vs 11.64% net margin).
- •CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.33% vs 3.14%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CMS | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.87 | 21.28 |
| Forward P/E | 17.35 | 19.64 |
| P/S ratio | 2.39 | 3.92 |
| P/B ratio | 2.15 | 2.31 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.07 | 15.94 |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.91% | 42.04% |
| Operating margin | 18.95% | 22.10% |
| Net margin | 11.64% | 18.45% |
| ROE | 10.50% | 10.85% |
| ROIC | 3.41% | 4.04% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.33% | 3.14% |
| Payout ratio | 66.64% | 66.85% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.09% | 5.09% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.90% | 4.98% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -16.59% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.44% | 5.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CMS or LNT?
- CMS has the lower trailing P/E: CMS trades at 19.87 and LNT at 21.28. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Does CMS or LNT pay a bigger dividend?
- CMS yields 3.33% and LNT yields 3.14% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CMS or LNT more profitable?
- LNT runs the higher net margin — CMS at 11.64% versus LNT at 18.45%.
- How have CMS and LNT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CMS delivered 8.22% and LNT delivered 9.48% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CMS Energy P/E ratioAlliant Energy P/E ratioCMS Energy dividend yieldAlliant Energy dividend yieldCMS Energy ROEAlliant Energy ROECMS Energy operating marginAlliant Energy operating marginCMS Energy revenue growthAlliant Energy revenue growthCMS Energy free cash flowAlliant Energy free cash flow
CMS Energy & Alliant Energy appear in these rankings
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 11, 2026.