CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) vs CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP)
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 September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$67.15UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CNP
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
$39.11UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CMS vs CNP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCMS +112.7% (+7.8%/yr)CNP +125.8% (+8.5%/yr)CNP compounded faster over this window
CMS CNP
CMS vs CNP: by the numbers
- •CNP is the larger company ($25.76B vs $21.06B market cap).
- •CMS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.87 vs 23.01 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CMS grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.09% vs 3.85% CAGR).
- •CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.33% vs 2.35%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.87 | 23.01 |
| Forward P/E | 17.35 | 20.45 |
| P/S ratio | 2.39 | 2.68 |
| P/B ratio | 2.15 | 2.20 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.07 | 13.02 |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 60.91% | 28.71% |
| Operating margin | 18.95% | 23.24% |
| Net margin | 11.64% | 11.61% |
| ROE | 10.50% | 9.53% |
| ROIC | 3.41% | 4.14% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.33% | 2.35% |
| Payout ratio | 66.64% | 54.12% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.09% | 3.85% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.90% | 3.11% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -16.59% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.44% | 11.09% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CMS or CNP?
- CMS has the lower trailing P/E: CMS trades at 19.87 and CNP at 23.01. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CMS or CNP?
- Over the past five years, CMS grew revenue faster — CMS at a 5.09% CAGR versus CNP at 3.85%.
- Does CMS or CNP pay a bigger dividend?
- CMS yields 3.33% and CNP yields 2.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- How have CMS and CNP total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CMS delivered 8.22% and CNP delivered 8.97% annualized total return. 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 September 11, 2026.