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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$74.37UtilitiesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CNP
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
$44.10UtilitiesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CMS vs CNP
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCMS +513.7%CNP +881.8%CNP compounded faster
CMS CNP
CMS vs CNP: by the numbers
- •CNP is the larger company ($28.85B vs $22.97B market cap).
- •CMS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.35 vs 27.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CMS converts more revenue to profit (12.55% vs 11.61% net margin).
- •CMS grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.66% vs 3.85% CAGR).
- •CMS pays the higher dividend yield (3.00% vs 2.04%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.35 | 27.00 |
| Forward P/E | 19.18 | 23.04 |
| P/S ratio | 2.53 | 3.08 |
| P/B ratio | 2.36 | 2.53 |
| PEG ratio | 3.48 | 12.54 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.20 | 14.30 |
Profitability
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 64.61% | 28.71% |
| Operating margin | 19.53% | 23.24% |
| Net margin | 12.55% | 11.61% |
| ROE | 11.69% | 9.53% |
| ROIC | 3.67% | 3.96% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.00% | 2.04% |
| Payout ratio | 63.03% | 55.90% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMS | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.66% | 3.85% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.90% | 3.11% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -16.59% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.50% | 14.20% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CMS or CNP?
- CMS has the lower trailing P/E: CMS trades at 20.35 and CNP at 27.00. 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 5.66% CAGR versus CNP at 3.85%.
- Does CMS or CNP pay a bigger dividend?
- CMS yields 3.00% and CNP yields 2.04% 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 11.61%.
- How have CMS and CNP total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CMS delivered 8.37% and CNP delivered 9.71% 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 July 28, 2026.