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 30y
CMS +150.4%CNP +120.1%CMS compounded faster
0100200Start $100200120062011201620212026$250$220
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 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCMS(lower P/E)
GrowthCMS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCMS(higher dividend yield)
QualityCNP(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCMSCNP
P/E ratio20.1626.32
Forward P/E17.6320.61
P/S ratio2.513.00
P/B ratio2.342.47
PEG ratio3.4512.53
EV / EBITDA12.6713.66

Profitability

MetricCMSCNP
Gross margin64.61%41.30%
Operating margin19.53%22.51%
Net margin12.55%11.38%
ROE11.69%9.35%
ROIC3.67%3.96%

Dividends

MetricCMSCNP
Dividend yield3.02%2.10%
Payout ratio63.03%55.90%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMSCNP
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.

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.