Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) vs Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG)
A side-by-side comparison of Alliant Energy Corporation and Essential Utilities, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
LNT
Alliant Energy Corporation
$64.33UtilitiesDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WTRG
Essential Utilities, Inc.
$39.38UtilitiesDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LNT vs WTRG
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLNT +136.1% (+9.0%/yr)WTRG +64.1% (+5.1%/yr)LNT compounded faster over this window
LNT WTRG
LNT vs WTRG: by the numbers
- •LNT is the larger company ($16.61B vs $11.17B market cap).
- •WTRG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.09 vs 20.36 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •WTRG converts more revenue to profit (21.60% vs 18.45% net margin).
- •WTRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.33% vs 5.09% CAGR).
- •WTRG pays the higher dividend yield (3.54% vs 3.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | LNT | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.36 | 20.09 |
| Forward P/E | 18.79 | 17.64 |
| PEG ratio | 4.14 | 1.39 |
| P/S ratio | 3.75 | 4.35 |
| P/B ratio | 2.21 | 1.59 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.53 | 14.70 |
Profitability
| Metric | LNT | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 42.04% | 40.96% |
| Operating margin | 22.10% | 35.06% |
| Net margin | 18.45% | 21.60% |
| ROE | 10.85% | 7.91% |
| ROIC | 4.04% | 4.40% |
Dividends
| Metric | LNT | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.32% | 3.54% |
| Payout ratio | 66.85% | 70.84% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LNT | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.09% | 7.33% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 4.98% | 14.05% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.07% | -0.47% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, LNT or WTRG?
- WTRG has the lower trailing P/E: LNT trades at 20.36 and WTRG at 20.09. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, LNT or WTRG?
- Over the past five years, WTRG grew revenue faster — LNT at a 5.09% CAGR versus WTRG at 7.33%.
- Does LNT or WTRG pay a bigger dividend?
- LNT yields 3.32% and WTRG yields 3.54% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is LNT or WTRG more profitable?
- WTRG runs the higher net margin — LNT at 18.45% versus WTRG at 21.60%.
- How have LNT and WTRG total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, LNT delivered 8.56% and WTRG delivered 5.22% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Alliant Energy P/E ratioEssential Utilities P/E ratioAlliant Energy dividend yieldEssential Utilities dividend yieldAlliant Energy ROEEssential Utilities ROEAlliant Energy operating marginEssential Utilities operating marginAlliant Energy revenue growthEssential Utilities revenue growthAlliant Energy free cash flowEssential Utilities free cash flow
Alliant Energy & Essential Utilities 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 October 2, 2026.