Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT) vs Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL)

LNT leads on 11 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Alliant Energy Corporation and Xcel Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — LNT vs XEL

growth of $100 · last 30y
LNT +389.4%XEL +243.5%LNT compounded faster
0100200300400500Start $100200120062011201620212026$489$344
LNT XEL

LNT vs XEL: by the numbers

  • XEL is the larger company ($49.45B vs $18.88B market cap).
  • XEL trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.63 vs 22.92 P/E).
  • LNT converts more revenue to profit (18.58% vs 14.14% net margin).
  • LNT grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.38% vs 3.82% CAGR).
  • LNT pays the higher dividend yield (2.85% vs 2.19%).

Which is better, LNT or XEL?

Metric tally: LNT 11 · XEL 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthLNT(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLNT(higher dividend yield)
QualityLNT(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricLNTXEL
P/E ratio22.9222.63
Forward P/E19.8517.45
P/S ratio4.283.35
P/B ratio2.552.08
PEG ratio1.215.39
EV / EBITDA14.9414.00

Profitability

MetricLNTXEL
Gross margin37.97%18.91%
Operating margin23.01%19.85%
Net margin18.58%14.14%
ROE11.06%8.78%
ROIC4.12%3.77%

Dividends

MetricLNTXEL
Dividend yield2.85%2.19%
Payout ratio66.19%50.36%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLNTXEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.38%3.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.98%4.20%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.57%-15.80%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.95%5.94%

Frequently asked

Which is better, LNT or XEL?
It depends on your goal. growth: LNT (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LNT (higher dividend yield); quality: LNT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, LNT leads 11 to 4.
Is LNT or XEL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, XEL is cheaper: LNT trades at a 22.92 P/E and XEL at 22.63.
Which has grown faster, LNT or XEL?
Over the past five years, LNT grew revenue faster — LNT at a 5.38% CAGR versus XEL at 3.82%.
Does LNT or XEL pay a bigger dividend?
LNT yields 2.85% and XEL yields 2.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LNT or XEL more profitable?
LNT runs the higher net margin — LNT at 18.58% versus XEL at 14.14%.
Which has been the better investment, LNT or XEL?
Over the past 10-year, LNT delivered the higher annualized total return — LNT at 9.86% versus XEL at 9.68%. 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 June 14, 2026.