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 30yLNT +389.4%XEL +243.5%LNT compounded faster
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 4It depends on what you're optimizing for:
GrowthLNT(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLNT(higher dividend yield)
QualityLNT(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | LNT | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 22.92 | 22.63 |
| Forward P/E | 19.85 | 17.45● |
| P/S ratio | 4.28 | 3.35● |
| P/B ratio | 2.55 | 2.08● |
| PEG ratio | 1.21● | 5.39 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.94 | 14.00● |
Profitability
| Metric | LNT | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 37.97%● | 18.91% |
| Operating margin | 23.01%● | 19.85% |
| Net margin | 18.58%● | 14.14% |
| ROE | 11.06%● | 8.78% |
| ROIC | 4.12%● | 3.77% |
Dividends
| Metric | LNT | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.85%● | 2.19% |
| Payout ratio | 66.19% | 50.36% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LNT | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Alliant Energy P/E ratioXcel Energy P/E ratioAlliant Energy dividend yieldXcel Energy dividend yieldAlliant Energy ROEXcel Energy ROEAlliant Energy operating marginXcel Energy operating marginAlliant Energy revenue growthXcel Energy revenue growthAlliant Energy free cash flowXcel Energy free cash flow
Alliant Energy & Xcel 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 June 14, 2026.