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.

Compare

Total returnCNP vs LNT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CNP +145.5% (+9.4%/yr)LNT +152.9% (+9.7%/yr)LNT compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$246$253
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

MetricCNPLNT
P/E ratio23.7622.20
Forward P/E21.1320.51
P/S ratio2.804.13
P/B ratio2.302.43
EV / EBITDA13.3116.45

Profitability

MetricCNPLNT
Gross margin28.71%42.04%
Operating margin23.24%22.10%
Net margin11.61%18.45%
ROE9.53%10.85%
ROIC4.14%4.04%

Dividends

MetricCNPLNT
Dividend yield2.82%3.01%
Payout ratio70.81%67.06%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNPLNT
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.

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.