CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) vs Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT)
A side-by-side comparison of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. and Alliant Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CNP
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
$40.40UtilitiesAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
LNT
Alliant Energy Corporation
$70.15UtilitiesAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — CNP vs LNT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNP +145.5% (+9.4%/yr)LNT +152.9% (+9.7%/yr)LNT compounded faster over this window
CNP LNT
CNP vs LNT: by the numbers
- •CNP is the larger company ($26.61B vs $18.12B market cap).
- •LNT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.20 vs 23.76 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •LNT converts more revenue to profit (18.45% vs 11.61% net margin).
- •LNT grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.09% vs 3.85% CAGR).
- •LNT pays the higher dividend yield (3.01% vs 2.82%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CNP | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.76 | 22.20 |
| Forward P/E | 21.13 | 20.51 |
| P/S ratio | 2.80 | 4.13 |
| P/B ratio | 2.30 | 2.43 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.31 | 16.45 |
Profitability
| Metric | CNP | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 28.71% | 42.04% |
| Operating margin | 23.24% | 22.10% |
| Net margin | 11.61% | 18.45% |
| ROE | 9.53% | 10.85% |
| ROIC | 4.14% | 4.04% |
Dividends
| Metric | CNP | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.82% | 3.01% |
| Payout ratio | 70.81% | 67.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNP | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 3.85% | 5.09% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 3.11% | 4.98% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 11.93% | 6.05% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNP or LNT?
- LNT has the lower trailing P/E: CNP trades at 23.76 and LNT at 22.20. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CNP or LNT?
- Over the past five years, LNT grew revenue faster — CNP at a 3.85% CAGR versus LNT at 5.09%.
- Does CNP or LNT pay a bigger dividend?
- CNP yields 2.82% and LNT yields 3.01% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CNP or LNT more profitable?
- LNT runs the higher net margin — CNP at 11.61% versus LNT at 18.45%.
- How have CNP and LNT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CNP delivered 9.15% and LNT delivered 9.46% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CenterPoint Energy P/E ratioAlliant Energy P/E ratioCenterPoint Energy dividend yieldAlliant Energy dividend yieldCenterPoint Energy ROEAlliant Energy ROECenterPoint Energy operating marginAlliant Energy operating marginCenterPoint Energy revenue growthAlliant Energy revenue growthCenterPoint Energy free cash flowAlliant Energy free cash flow
CenterPoint 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 August 20, 2026.