Alliant Energy (LNT) vs NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) has outperformed Alliant Energy (LNT) over the past year, gaining 26.5% versus a loss of 3.5%. Over five years, NWE leads with a +30.6% price change compared with +17.4% for LNT. Alliant Energy is the larger company by market cap ($16.98 billion vs $4.59 billion), about 3.7 times the size.
On valuation, Alliant Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (17.8x vs 18.8x for NorthWestern Energy Group). NorthWestern Energy Group offers the higher dividend yield (3.56% vs 3.18%). Alliant Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 18.6% versus 11.2%.
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 | LNT | NWE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $65.50 | $74.63 |
| Market cap | $16.98B | $4.59B |
| 1-day change | +0.44% | +0.89% |
| YTD return | +0.75% | +15.63% |
| 1-year return | -3.49% | +26.49% |
| 5-year return | +17.45% | +30.56% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.73 | 26.94 |
| Forward P/E | 17.76 | 18.85 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.16 | $2.77 |
| Dividend yield | 3.18% | 3.56% |
| Annual dividend | $2.09 | $2.66 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.36B | $1.61B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.57% | +6.38% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $810.00M | $181.09M |
| Gross margin | 85.67% | — |
| Operating margin | 23.50% | 20.23% |
| Net margin | 18.57% | 11.24% |
| 52-week high | $78.81 | $76.00 |
| 52-week low | $62.54 | $57.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.89% | -1.80% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.14% | -2.52% |
| Average volume | 2.55M | 441.94K |
| Shares outstanding | 259.28M | 61.52M |
| Employees | 2,948 | 1,667 |
| 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 about 3.7 times larger than NorthWestern Energy Group by market value ($16.98B vs $4.59B).
- NWE has outperformed LNT by 30.0 percentage points over the past year.
- NorthWestern Energy Group trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.9x vs 20.7x trailing P/E).
- Alliant Energy is more profitable, keeping 18.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 11.2 cents for NorthWestern Energy Group.
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
About NorthWestern Energy Group
NWE stock →NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and diversified industrial customers. It generates, purchases, transmits, and distributes electricity; and produces, purchases, stores, transmits, and distributes natural gas, as well as owns municipal franchises to provide natural gas service in the communities.
Utilities · Power Generation · 1,667 employees
LNT vs NWE FAQ
Which is bigger, Alliant Energy or NorthWestern Energy Group?
Alliant Energy (LNT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $16.98B compared with $4.59B for NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LNT or NWE?
NWE returned +26.49% over the past 12 months, compared with -3.49% for LNT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LNT or NWE?
LNT has the lower trailing P/E at 20.7, versus 26.9 for NWE. 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, Alliant Energy or NorthWestern Energy Group?
NorthWestern Energy Group has the higher yield at 3.56%, compared with 3.18% for Alliant Energy.
Are Alliant Energy and NorthWestern Energy Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.