CMS Energy (CMS) vs Alliant Energy (LNT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Alliant Energy (LNT) has outperformed CMS Energy (CMS) over the past year, losing 4.2% versus a loss of 11.8%. Over five years, LNT leads with a +16.9% price change compared with +7.9% for CMS. CMS Energy is the larger company by market cap ($20.40 billion vs $16.91 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, CMS Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.7x vs 17.7x for Alliant Energy). CMS Energy offers the higher dividend yield (3.42% vs 3.20%). Alliant Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 18.6% versus 12.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CMS | LNT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $65.07 | $65.21 |
| Market cap | $20.40B | $16.91B |
| 1-day change | 0.00% | -0.43% |
| YTD return | -6.95% | +0.31% |
| 1-year return | -11.78% | -4.20% |
| 5-year return | +7.91% | +16.93% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.54 | 20.64 |
| Forward P/E | 15.66 | 17.69 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.33 | $3.16 |
| Dividend yield | 3.42% | 3.20% |
| Annual dividend | $2.23 | $2.09 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.54B | $4.36B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +13.63% | +9.57% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.07B | $810.00M |
| Gross margin | — | 85.67% |
| Operating margin | 20.22% | 23.50% |
| Net margin | 12.54% | 18.57% |
| 52-week high | $80.36 | $78.81 |
| 52-week low | $62.29 | $62.54 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.03% | -17.26% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.23% | +18.66% |
| Average volume | 3.70M | 2.54M |
| Shares outstanding | 313.58M | 259.28M |
| Employees | 8,350 | 2,948 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Power Generation | Power Generation |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Alliant Energy is more profitable, keeping 18.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 12.5 cents for CMS Energy.
About CMS Energy
CMS stock →CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and NorthStar Clean Energy.
Utilities · Power Generation · 8,350 employees
About Alliant Energy
LNT stock →Alliant Energy Corporation operates as a utility holding company that provides regulated electric and natural gas services in the United States. It operates through IPL and WPL segments.
Utilities · Power Generation · 2,948 employees
CMS vs LNT FAQ
Which is bigger, CMS Energy or Alliant Energy?
CMS Energy (CMS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $20.40B compared with $16.91B for Alliant Energy (LNT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CMS or LNT?
LNT returned -4.20% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.78% for CMS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CMS or LNT?
CMS has the lower trailing P/E at 19.5, versus 20.6 for LNT. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, CMS Energy or Alliant Energy?
CMS Energy has the higher yield at 3.42%, compared with 3.20% for Alliant Energy.
Are CMS Energy and Alliant Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.