MetaCap

Alliant Energy (LNT) vs UNITIL (UTL)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

UNITIL (UTL) has outperformed Alliant Energy (LNT) over the past year, gaining 9.0% versus a loss of 3.5%. Over five years, UTL leads with a +19.3% price change compared with +17.4% for LNT. Alliant Energy is the larger company by market cap ($16.98 billion vs $955.2 million), about 17.8 times the size.

On valuation, UNITIL trades at a lower forward P/E (14.9x vs 17.8x for Alliant Energy). UNITIL offers the higher dividend yield (3.53% vs 3.18%).

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

LNT-3.49%UTL+9.03%
+18%+5%-8%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
LNT+17.05%UTL+20.69%
+44%+13%-18%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

LNT versus UTL key metrics
MetricLNTUTL
Share price$65.50$52.38
Market cap$16.98B$955.24M
1-day change+0.44%+1.18%
YTD return+0.75%+8.13%
1-year return-3.49%+9.03%
5-year return+17.45%+19.26%
P/E ratio (TTM)20.7316.52
Forward P/E17.7614.92
EPS (TTM)$3.16$3.17
Dividend yield3.18%3.53%
Annual dividend$2.09$1.85
Revenue (latest FY)$4.36B—
Revenue growth (YoY)+9.57%—
Net income (latest FY)$810.00M—
Gross margin85.67%—
Operating margin23.50%—
Net margin18.57%—
52-week high$78.81$57.26
52-week low$62.54$46.91
Distance from 52-week high-16.89%-8.52%
Analyst consensusbuyhold
Avg. price target upside+18.14%+3.09%
Average volume2.55M126.87K
Shares outstanding259.28M18.24M
Employees2,948614
SectorUtilitiesUtilities
IndustryPower GenerationPower 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 17.8 times larger than UNITIL by market value ($16.98B vs $955.24M).
  • UTL has outperformed LNT by 12.5 percentage points over the past year.
  • Alliant Energy trades at a higher earnings multiple (20.7x vs 16.5x trailing P/E).

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 UNITIL

UTL stock →

Unitil Corporation, a public utility holding company, engages in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. It operates through two segments, Utility Electric Operations and Utility Gas Operations.

Utilities · Power Generation · 614 employees

LNT vs UTL FAQ

Which is bigger, Alliant Energy or UNITIL?

Alliant Energy (LNT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $16.98B compared with $955.24M for UNITIL (UTL).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, LNT or UTL?

UTL returned +9.03% 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 UTL?

UTL has the lower trailing P/E at 16.5, versus 20.7 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, Alliant Energy or UNITIL?

UNITIL has the higher yield at 3.53%, compared with 3.18% for Alliant Energy.

Are Alliant Energy and UNITIL in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Power Generation industry within the Utilities sector.

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