American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) vs CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)

A side-by-side comparison of American Water Works Company, Inc. and CMS Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAWK vs CMS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 18y
AWK +943.1%CMS +819.2%AWK compounded faster
05001kStart $100201120142017202020232026$1,043$919
AWK CMS

AWK vs CMS: by the numbers

  • AWK is the larger company ($26.97B vs $22.97B market cap).
  • CMS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.37 vs 24.43 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AWK converts more revenue to profit (21.17% vs 12.55% net margin).
  • AWK grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.38% vs 5.66% CAGR).
  • CMS pays the higher dividend yield (2.99% vs 2.45%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAWKCMS
P/E ratio24.4320.37
Forward P/E22.7119.20
P/S ratio5.172.53
P/B ratio2.442.36
PEG ratio3.983.48
EV / EBITDA15.1014.21

Profitability

MetricAWKCMS
Gross margin43.55%64.61%
Operating margin36.48%19.53%
Net margin21.17%12.55%
ROE9.98%11.69%
ROIC4.21%3.67%

Dividends

MetricAWKCMS
Dividend yield2.45%2.99%
Payout ratio59.25%63.03%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAWKCMS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.38%5.66%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.78%5.90%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-16.59%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.09%6.82%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AWK or CMS?
CMS has the lower trailing P/E: AWK trades at 24.43 and CMS at 20.37. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AWK or CMS?
Over the past five years, AWK grew revenue faster — AWK at a 6.38% CAGR versus CMS at 5.66%.
Does AWK or CMS pay a bigger dividend?
AWK yields 2.45% and CMS yields 2.99% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AWK or CMS more profitable?
AWK runs the higher net margin — AWK at 21.17% versus CMS at 12.55%.
How have AWK and CMS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AWK delivered 7.43% and CMS delivered 8.26% annualized total return. 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 July 29, 2026.