Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) vs NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG)

A side-by-side comparison of Alliant Energy Corporation and NRG Energy, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 9, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnLNT vs NRG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LNT +141.7% (+9.2%/yr)NRG +1127.9% (+28.5%/yr)NRG compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$242$1,228
LNT NRG

LNT vs NRG: by the numbers

  • NRG is the larger company ($24.55B vs $17.52B market cap).
  • LNT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.71 vs 31.40 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • LNT converts more revenue to profit (18.45% vs 2.31% net margin).
  • NRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.13% vs 5.09% CAGR).
  • LNT pays the higher dividend yield (3.08% vs 1.56%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLNTNRG
P/E ratio21.7131.40
Forward P/E20.0313.46
P/S ratio4.040.68
P/B ratio2.385.17
EV / EBITDA16.2311.56
FCF yieldN/A1.39%

Profitability

MetricLNTNRG
Gross margin42.04%16.42%
Operating margin22.10%5.38%
Net margin18.45%2.31%
ROE10.85%17.49%
ROIC4.04%5.38%

Dividends

MetricLNTNRG
Dividend yield3.08%1.56%
Payout ratio66.85%48.95%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLNTNRG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.09%15.13%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.98%14.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-22.77%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.72%24.65%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LNT or NRG?
LNT has the lower trailing P/E: LNT trades at 21.71 and NRG at 31.40. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LNT or NRG?
Over the past five years, NRG grew revenue faster — LNT at a 5.09% CAGR versus NRG at 15.13%.
Does LNT or NRG pay a bigger dividend?
LNT yields 3.08% and NRG yields 1.56% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LNT or NRG more profitable?
LNT runs the higher net margin — LNT at 18.45% versus NRG at 2.31%.
How have LNT and NRG total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LNT delivered 9.21% and NRG delivered 28.05% 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 September 9, 2026.