CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) vs CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP)
CMS leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of CMS Energy Corporation and CenterPoint Energy, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — CMS vs CNP
growth of $100 · last 30yCMS +150.4%CNP +120.1%CMS compounded faster
CMS CNP
CMS vs CNP: by the numbers
- •CNP is the larger company ($28.06B vs $22.73B market cap).
- •CMS trades at the lower earnings multiple (20.16 vs 26.32 P/E).
- •CMS converts more revenue to profit (12.55% vs 11.38% net margin).
- •CMS grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.66% vs 3.83% CAGR).
- •CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.02% vs 2.10%).
Which is better, CMS or CNP?
Metric tally: CMS 12 · CNP 4It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueCMS(lower P/E)
GrowthCMS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCMS(higher dividend yield)
QualityCNP(higher ROIC)
Valuation
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.16● | 26.32 |
| Forward P/E | 17.63● | 20.61 |
| P/S ratio | 2.51● | 3.00 |
| P/B ratio | 2.34● | 2.47 |
| PEG ratio | 3.45● | 12.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | 12.67● | 13.66 |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.61%● | 41.30% |
| Operating margin | 19.53% | 22.51%● |
| Net margin | 12.55%● | 11.38% |
| ROE | 11.69%● | 9.35% |
| ROIC | 3.67% | 3.96%● |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.02%● | 2.10% |
| Payout ratio | 63.03% | 55.90% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.66%● | 3.83% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.90%● | 3.11% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -16.59% | -7.60%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 7.18% | 13.21%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, CMS or CNP?
- It depends on your goal. value: CMS (lower P/E); growth: CMS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CMS (higher dividend yield); quality: CNP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CMS leads 12 to 4.
- Is CMS or CNP cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, CMS is cheaper: CMS trades at a 20.16 P/E and CNP at 26.32.
- Which has grown faster, CMS or CNP?
- Over the past five years, CMS grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.66% CAGR versus CNP at 3.83%.
- Does CMS or CNP pay a bigger dividend?
- CMS yields 3.02% and CNP yields 2.10% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CMS or CNP more profitable?
- CMS runs the higher net margin — CMS at 12.55% versus CNP at 11.38%.
- Which has been the better investment, CMS or CNP?
- Over the past 10-year, CNP delivered the higher annualized total return — CMS at 8.60% versus CNP at 9.78%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CMS Energy P/E ratioCenterPoint Energy P/E ratioCMS Energy dividend yieldCenterPoint Energy dividend yieldCMS Energy ROECenterPoint Energy ROECMS Energy operating marginCenterPoint Energy operating marginCMS Energy revenue growthCenterPoint Energy revenue growthCMS Energy free cash flowCenterPoint Energy free cash flow
CMS Energy & CenterPoint 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 13, 2026.